2006 NFL Head Coach Firing and Hiring Season [Archive]

kcchief19

01-03-2006, 05:15 PM

Since 1 in 4 threads I think are dedicated to the firing of a select NFL coach, I thought it might be helpful to get a consolidated discussion going about all the news, rumors and tips. The weekly NFL threads and continuing discussions on hockey and other topics are always a great souce of info and insight from other people around the country.

Of greater interest is other people may have access to different sources of information or "rumblings" in their cities that may impact another city. For example, Herm Edwards is rumored to be a candidate for the Kansas City head coaching job. What's being said in New York about Edwards leaving? Conversely, Chiefs OC Al Saunders will be a candidate for a number of jobs, and our local media will be covering the story closely from his side of it.

Fire away.

kcchief19

01-03-2006, 05:24 PM

There are a lot of names being mentioned in conjunction with the Chiefs head coaching job. Al Saunders was interviewed Monday, but there are indications in the local media that he and Carl Peterson have had a falling out and he is no longer the slam dunk he was perceived to be. For what it's worth, Vermeil is lobbying hard for Saunders, going so far as to make the rounds on local talk shows today and yesterday to say Saunders is his choice without a doubt. That lobbying suggests to me there is something to the rumors of Peterson and Saunders not being on the same page.

Saunders has a busy week ahead of him. He was supposed to be in Minnesota today and Houston on Thursday for interviews. The Lions have also asked permission to intervew him.

As for the Chiefs job, Butch Davis is rumored to have been in town yesterday or today for an interview. The Chiefs have denied rumors that Bob Stoops was at Arrowhead meeting with the Chiefs on Sunday during the game. Peterson has refused to deny that he wants to talk to Herm Edwards. I'm sure part of that is if he decides Edwards is his guy, he wants to low-ball the Jets on compensation. The Chiefs have also apparently sought permission to interview Gregg Williams (please god no) and Gary Kubiak. Kubiak would be an interesting if not bizarre head coach choice for Kansas City.

The other big-name rumor is Jeff Fischer. The story here in town is that he and ownership aren't getting along and they might fire him or decided to let him look for a new job. I love the guy, but I think he'd be No. 2 on my wish list behind Edwards.

GrantDawg

01-03-2006, 05:27 PM

Does anyone think Butch Davis belongs in a NFL HC job? No? Didn't think so.

Swaggs

01-03-2006, 05:30 PM

Len Pasquerelli (sp?), in his chat today, said that he thinks there is a better chance of Herm Edwards ending up in KC than there is of Bill Parcells retiring, for what that is worth. He also said he thought it would take some time for the Edwards deal to get done, because KC will probably have to send some compensation to the Jets.

Buzzbee

01-03-2006, 05:43 PM

GrantDawg

01-03-2006, 05:51 PM

$0.02

Atlanta talk radio has been commenting on the Falcons coaching staff. Not that Mora will get fired, but will he consider firing one, or both, of his coordinators. Considering they've been here two years, and made it to the NFC championship game in their first year, I think it'd be too quick to pull the trigger. However, that was the hot topic for the past couple of days after a disappointing 8-8 season, a 2-6 skid to finish out the year, and a blowout by Carolina in the Georgia Dome to end the season.

Knowing Arthur Blank's expectations of performance, I don't think he would press for anyone to be fired...yet, but I do think he will send a little message that next year needs to be better, or else.
I think a shot across the bow is about all that will happen. Maybe a position coach is replaced. I really don't feel to bad for where the Falcons are at right now. I don't think anyone significant is gone (player wise), and hopefully their in a postion to add a couple of veterans in key positions. My guess is they'll pick up a quality saftey in the draft, and maybe sign 1-2 defensive linemen. A O-line or two would be good as well, but Alex Gibbs is a arrogant prick and refuses to see you actually need some talent on the line. You can get rushing yards cutting, but need some agility to stop players coming completely free on just about every pass play.

Cringer

01-03-2006, 06:04 PM

That would be funny, naaa, just kind of a bad joke if Donatell was fired when people have been ripping on Sherman for firing him so fast.

Coffee Warlord

01-03-2006, 06:06 PM

I find it thoroughly amusing that the entire NFC North except for the Bears will have a new coach next season.

Maybe we could fill it with ex-Bears greats? Jauron can go to Minnesota, Wanny can go to Detroit, and for the Packers, something extra special...Shoop.

Subby

01-03-2006, 06:09 PM

The Redskins gave Gregg Williams a 3 yr/8mm deal which effectively keeps him on staff for at least one more season (he is free to interview in '07).

I am extremely happy, but this also shortens candidate lists for a few teams....

Cringer

01-03-2006, 06:11 PM

Coffee Warlord

01-03-2006, 06:11 PM

The Packers are supposed to interview your D-coordinator this week.

No way in hell Ron Rivera will coach the Packers.

Cringer

01-03-2006, 06:28 PM

No way in hell Ron Rivera will coach the Packers.

If he accepts the interview it must mean he is willing to coach them. Anyways, not my top choice. Nothing against him, I really don't have a top choice at all. I don't see anyone who really excites me at all.

Mustang

01-03-2006, 06:36 PM

News has reported that Russ Grimm and Maurice Carthon are interviewing this week w/the Packers. Tim Lewis and Childress have also been brought up as candidates... Although, everyone seems to think the guy Thompson really wants is Kirk Ferentz...

cthomer5000

01-03-2006, 06:40 PM

What candidates are out there to fill all these vacancies? I cannot recall a year with so many openings and zero compelling candidates.

kcchief19

01-04-2006, 09:11 AM

We really need a scorecard for this. This could be the biggest bloodletting of NFL coaches ever. There are eight current vacancies, and there could be more according to Chris Mortenson, who was on a local radio station this morning.

* There is a "dance" going on between the Chiefs and the Jets on Herm Edwards. If the Chiefs pry Herm out of New York, there's another one.

* Jeff Fischer is apparently fed up with management/ownership in Tennessee and wants out. St. Louis is apparently very interested.

* Marty Schottenheimer and GM AJ Smith are apparently feuding seriously.

* The Bill Parcells retirement watch.

If all of those came about, that would up the vacancies to 12. That said, I think Schottenheimer is the the least likely to happen. If Parcells is going to retire, I see him waiting a while. The man likes the spotlight.

scooper

01-04-2006, 09:18 AM

Is there any smoke around NO about Bob Bratkowski? We're hearing around here that he may be a candidate. He's bound to be somewhere sooner or later.

kcchief19

01-04-2006, 09:20 AM

What candidates are out there to fill all these vacancies? I cannot recall a year with so many openings and zero compelling candidates.I don't know. True that there isn't a "hot" coordinator that everyone is talking about, but there are a ton of people interviewing for jobs, some obvious and not so obvious.

Bob Stoops is now apparently schedule to be in Kansas City later this week for an interview. Interesting to see what happens there. He has a lot of fans here from his past at Kansas State and now at Oklahoma. There is some connection there -- Carl Peterson went out of his way to invite Jason White to minicamps last year insisting that a Heisman Trophy winner deserves a chance.

It looks like early on the "hot" name is going to be Kirk Ferentz, the head coach at Iowa. True, you're going to see guys like Saunders, Kubiak, Carthon, Cameron, Rivera, et al interviewing for multiple jobs, but I'm seeing and hearing Ferentz mentioned everywhere.

I think that may be part of the "Saban Effect" -- college head coach with NFL experience with ties to Bill Belichick. It looks like the Belichick coaching tree is starting to take root in the NFL.

albionmoonlight

01-04-2006, 09:33 AM

One of the twists about the New Orleans opening is that no one really knows the extent to which the NFL is pulling the strings down there. Some "sources" say that the NFL wants to know in the next 3 years or so whether it makes sense to have a team down there or not. As a result, they are really de factorunning the team--to a greater extent than the public realizes. They want to make sure that they put a good product on the field that is marketed well to really give the region a fair chance to provide support.

If the NFL really is running the Saints, then I can see them making a pretty good hire. If Benson is really running the Saints, then I can see them really screwing it up.

WSUCougar

01-04-2006, 09:35 AM

ESPN.com has Jim Haslett and Mike Singletary interviewing for the Lions job.

albionmoonlight

01-04-2006, 09:37 AM

A guy on the Saints message board has compiled a list of confirmed targets and speculation/rumor targets:

Official: (requested permission contacted)
Donnie Henderson, Jets DC (http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/9141614) (plans to interview the weekend of 01/07-08/2005) (http://www.nola.com/sports/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-21/113635854681440.xml)
Tim Lewis, Giants DC (http://xrl.us/jfpv)
Brad Childress, Eagles OC (http://www.nola.com/sports/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-21/113635854681440.xml)
Sean Payton, Cowboys OC (http://www.nola.com/sports/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-21/113635854681440.xml)

Potential:
Jim Fassell (per statement by Kenny Wilkerson via WWL radio) (http://saintsreport.com/forums/showthread.php?s=&threadid=189600)
Art Shell (General Speculation, Times-Pic (http://www.nola.com/sports/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-21/113635854681440.xml))
Gary Kubiak, Broncos OC (General Speculation, Times-Pic (http://www.nola.com/sports/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-21/113635854681440.xml))
Mike Martz, former Rams HC (General Speculation, Times-Pic (http://www.nola.com/sports/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-21/113635854681440.xml))
Mike Sherman, former Packers HC (General Speculation, Times-Pic (http://www.nola.com/sports/t-p/index.ssf?/base/sports-21/113635854681440.xml))
Dennis Erickson, former Seahawks, 49ers HC (Speculation by Jaws, John Clayton on SportsCenter 01/03/06)
Jerry Gray, Bills DC (Speculation by Len Pasquarelli) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2278138)
Ron Rivera, Bears DC (Speculation by Len Pasquarelli) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2278138)
Cam Cameron, Chargers OC (Speculation by Len Pasquarelli) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2278138)
Russ Grimm, Steelers O-Line Coach (Speculation by Len Pasquarelli) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2278138)
Kent Whisenhunt, Steelers OC (Speculation by Len Pasquarelli) (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/columns/story?columnist=pasquarelli_len&id=2278138)
Jim Schwartz, Titans OC (Speculation by the Times-Pic)
Maurice Carthon, Browns OC (Speculation by the Times-Pic, PackersNews.com)
Vic Fangio, Texans DC (Speculation by the Times-Pic)
Jim Bates, Assitant w/ Green Bay, former Miami DC (Speculation by the Times-Pic)

WSUCougar

01-04-2006, 09:40 AM

Dennis Erickson? Dear god.

duckman

01-04-2006, 09:42 AM

Bob Stoops is now apparently schedule to be in Kansas City later this week for an interview. Interesting to see what happens there. He has a lot of fans here from his past at Kansas State and now at Oklahoma. There is some connection there -- Carl Peterson went out of his way to invite Jason White to minicamps last year insisting that a Heisman Trophy winner deserves a chance.
Speculation swirls around Stoops

By Dean Blevins
News 9

While speculation swirls about Bob Stoops NFL coaching searches continues.
We do know that Kansas City has interviewed OC Al Saunders and is planning to speak with Herm Edwards of the Jets.

Gregg Williams is no longer a candidate.

And we definitely know that media types are in a frenzy trying to tie Bob Stoops to the job.

KC media sources tie Stoops to an interview but other sources say he definitely has no interest in replacing the retired Dick Vermeil or coaching any team right now in the pros.

As the media chases its tail, Stoops says he's taking a couple of days off before recruiting.

In Dallas, NFL sources say that Bill Parcells is leaning toward not returning to the Cowboys and they have tied Stoops to that possibility.

But the last thing Stoops has said is that "this kind of thing comes up every year and that he's just not going to comment on it."

A different article (I can't seem to find it) says that people close to university say Stoops has no interest in a NFL job anytime soon. He's enjoying the control over the program and has reservations because good buddy Steve Spurrier had a poor experience.

scooper

01-04-2006, 09:44 AM

edit: argh, you went back and fixed it, ruining my joke.

RendeR

01-04-2006, 10:54 AM

I think 2006 may well see the biggest influx of College coaches into the NFL in 30 years.

scooper

01-04-2006, 11:00 AM

With the short leash nfl coaches are getting these days, if I were a succesful coach of a major college program, I'd never leave.

JeeberD

01-04-2006, 11:22 AM

If Sean Payton gets hired away I wouldn't mind seeing Norv come back as our OC..

Kodos

01-04-2006, 11:41 AM

CAM CAMERON?!?!?!?

GrantDawg

01-04-2006, 11:47 AM

The Bills have fired their GM. Marv Levy is coming back to become "President of Football Operations" at 80 years young.

ISiddiqui

01-04-2006, 12:19 PM

The Chiefs job is by far the most attractive at this moment and should attract the best potential coaching talent, but the other jobs aren't much to speak about (except perhaps the Rams job) and I wonder if college coaches in stable situations (such as Ferentz) will really even seriously give thought to most of the jobs that are available.

Daimyo

01-04-2006, 12:35 PM

Is KC really that attractive? Sure they finished the season really strong, but I'd say their window is pretty much closed due to age.

Swaggs

01-04-2006, 01:50 PM

I think, if Edwards leaves, the Jets would be a pretty attractive job. I see Jim Fassell and Matt Leinart there.

Fonzie

01-04-2006, 02:41 PM

Is KC really that attractive? Sure they finished the season really strong, but I'd say their window is pretty much closed due to age.
That's what I was thinking too. I'd see the Packers as a more attractive job, as they have amazing support from the fans, a great new stadium, the #5 overall pick in the draft, an improving defense, some important skill position players coming back from injury, and either a) Brett Favre or b) a young QB in Aaron Rodgers + $10 million in cap space savings from Favre's departure, which could be used to bolster the OL.

That looks like a pretty good situation to me.

ISiddiqui

01-04-2006, 02:44 PM

Is KC really that attractive? Sure they finished the season really strong, but I'd say their window is pretty much closed due to age.
Green and Holmes are old, yes, but Johnson is a very good RB and that offensive line is, perhaps, the best in the league. The defense has improved its personnel as well, and they have a good organization. I think that job will make a coach look pretty good.

General Mike

01-04-2006, 03:46 PM

WFAN is reporting Herm Edwards is done in NY.

KC is gonna give up draft picks for Herm Edwards? What are they smoking, and can I have some?

sterlingice

01-04-2006, 04:39 PM

If Jeff Fisher was done in Tennessee, as has been rumored above. I'd badly be trying to get my team on that.

SI

Fonzie

01-04-2006, 04:44 PM

If Jeff Fisher was done in Tennessee, as has been rumored above. I'd badly be trying to get my team on that.

SI
I agree.

MacroGuru

01-04-2006, 04:50 PM

If Jeff Fisher was done in Tennessee, as has been rumored above. I'd badly be trying to get my team on that.

SI
I would love to see Fisher in Detroit :D

Now that bodes, who becomes the new head coach in Tennessee if this happens, Chow?

kcchief19

01-04-2006, 10:38 PM

Is KC really that attractive? Sure they finished the season really strong, but I'd say their window is pretty much closed due to age.I think it was Chris Mortenson who pointed out that coaches rarely get to take over a 10-6 team that missed the playoff by a whisker and have one of the best offenses in the league. Usually you're taking over a 4-12 team with no hope in the near future.

I'm a bit worried about how much longer the Chiefs window is, but aside from Green, Roaf and Shields, the Chiefs are in pretty good shape at the other skill positions and on defense from an age perspective. Add a young QB and a bit more talent on the defense and you may have something. And I'll bet Edwards would be able squeeze a bit more out of the defense than Vermeil could.

kcchief19

01-04-2006, 10:42 PM

All of the news about Edwards seems to be leaking out of New York. The local paper here has nothing, and all of the local sources are citing New York reports. If it gets done, that's where the news will come from.

I'm still not seeing anything on what compensation would be other than both sides are "close" and it doesn't appear to include a first rounder. We gave up a two and a four to get Vermeil out of St. Louis. I wouldn't be suprised to see something similar for Edwards, maybe a two and a five or a three and a five. I think anything better than a two and a four and Peterson will let have let his emotions get the best of him.

Mo.Raider

01-05-2006, 12:19 AM

Like I said in the other coaching vacancy thread, I think Norv Turner would be a great fit in KC :p .

In Oakland I believe early front runners would have to be Pat Hill of Fresno State and Jim Fassel. I wouldn't usually put a college coach in the running because Al doesn't like to hire from the college ranks, but Lombardi is Al's point man in setting up interviews this time around and him and Pat Hill go way back.

WSUCougar

01-05-2006, 06:30 AM

I heard Ron Jaworski (who is a really cool guy, by the way) on STL sportsradio yesterday, and he felt that Al Saunders was the best coaching candidate out there for the Rams if the Chiefs hired Edwards.

He also said that as soon as the Raiders job opened up he immediately said "Martz" to himself. :D

TazFTW

01-05-2006, 07:02 AM

Heard on Mike and Mike that Kirk Ferentz will be interviewing for the Texans job. So it looks like he is considering making the jump this time or he is using this to get more cash out of Iowa.

Mo.Raider

01-05-2006, 10:41 AM

He also said that as soon as the Raiders job opened up he immediately said "Martz" to himself.

Al has been quoted as saying he doesn't think he would consider Martz as a head coach because of his health issues, but would consider him as a OC.

ice4277

01-05-2006, 12:06 PM

Mike Singletary is getting a lot talk around Detroit, and he will be in for an interview soon. My concern with that is his relative lack of coaching experience. Jim Haslett is also coming in for an interview; ick.

Passacaglia

01-05-2006, 01:03 PM

CAM CAMERON?!?!?!?

A friend of mine called me to tell me about this one. I couldn't believe it.

Neuqua

01-05-2006, 05:27 PM

How crazy would it be to see Rivera coaching the Packers and Singletary coaching the Lions?

Who's next? I'm waiting to hear the press release of the Vikings hiring Dick Butkus.

kcchief19

01-05-2006, 06:04 PM

Like I said in the other coaching vacancy thread, I think Norv Turner would be a great fit in KC :p . I'll take him ... as an offensive coordinator. :)
In Oakland I believe early front runners would have to be Pat Hill of Fresno State and Jim Fassel. I wouldn't usually put a college coach in the running because Al doesn't like to hire from the college ranks, but Lombardi is Al's point man in setting up interviews this time around and him and Pat Hill go way back.I think Fassel would be a great coach for Oakland, but Pat Hill seems more like an Al Davis man -- flashy record, no real accomplishment, team known for playing dirty. :)

ESPN on their Web site keeps running blurbs about Art Shell being in the mix for the Oakland job. Is this for real or somebody's hallucination?

yabanci

01-05-2006, 06:28 PM

This is what the SF Chron reported after the Al Davis news conference.

In the running

Here are some candidates the Raiders may interview:

Pat Hill, Fresno State head coach: Six bowl appearances in nine seasons in Fresno. Worked with Raiders senior assistant Michael Lombardi in Cleveland as the Browns' tight end/offensive line coach (1992-95). Offensive assistant for Baltimore Ravens in 1996.

Mike Singletary, 49ers defensive assistant: May not be ready for the head-coaching ranks, but his passion and motivational skills impress Al Davis.

Ron Rivera, Chicago Bears defensive coordinator: Teams are scrambling for permission to interview him during the Bears' bye week. In contention for the Rams' and Vikings' openings.

Scott Linehan, Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator: Great motivator who got Ricky Williams focused on football again.

Not in the running

Here are some candidates the Raiders won't interview:

Rick Neuheisel, former University of Washington coach: Tied to too much scandal and not highly regarded as a leader.

Art Shell, former Raiders head coach: Currently working in the NFL front office; Davis respects him greatly but wants to move in a new direction.

Mike Martz, former St. Louis Rams head coach: Davis has concerns about Martz' health -- he underwent heart surgery during the '05 season and had his duties stripped. Davis also considers Martz a coordinator, not a head coach.

Jim Fassel, Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator: Raiders view the former N.Y. Giants head coach as not forceful or dynamic enough for the job.

Rob Ryan, Jimmy Raye, etc: Davis ruled out any current Raiders assistants for the head-coaching position.

TazFTW

01-05-2006, 07:58 PM

Looks like the Vikings are going to hire Brad Childress as their new Head Coach.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2281820

Vikes set to name Eagles O-coordinator Childress coach

<HR width="100%" noShade SIZE=1>By Len Pasquarelli

ESPN.com

Barring any unexpected snags in contract negotiations, Philadelphia Eagles (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=phi) offensive coordinator Brad Childress will be hired by the Minnesota Vikings (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/clubhouse?team=min) as their new head coach, with an official introduction possibly coming as early as Friday morning.

The two sides reached agreement in principle Thursday on some contract elements, but there remained considerable work to be completed in other areas. It is anticipated, however, that a deal will be consummated.

One Eagles official conceded Thursday night that Childress was poised to leave the only NFL franchise for which he has worked. Childress would succeed Mike Tice, who was fired on Sunday evening after the Vikings' regular-season finale. Sources confirmed that Childress on Thursday began contacting potential assistant coach candidates.

A popular candidate right out of the gate, Childress was sought by no fewer than four teams seeking to fill vacancies. Childress arrived in Minneapolis on Monday evening, after the Vikings were granted permission Sunday night to speak with him. He met on Tuesday and Wednesday with Vikings owner Zygi Wilf and other club officials.

Childress was scheduled to meet with Packers officials this week but did not make the trip to Green Bay, fueling speculation the Vikings were pursuing him hard. He was to have huddled with Texans officials on Friday, but when the Vikings opened contract discussions, they did so with the intent of closing a deal.

The Vikings interviewed three other candidates -- incumbent defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell, Kansas City offensive coordinator Al Saunders and Indianapolis assistant head coach Jim Caldwell - for the position. But league and team sources said that Wilf and other key Minnesota officials were so impressed with Childress that he immediately skyrocketed to the top of the Vikings' wish list.

Childress, 49, has been with the Eagles since 1999 and has served as offensive coordinator the last four seasons.

About the only criticism of Childress from some quarters is that he did not call the plays in Philadelphia, a role that was typically handled by coach Andy Reid. But Reid pointed out on several occasions that he did not call the plays in Green Bay before moving into the Eagles' head coaching position.

Most league observers felt that Childress was not only deserving of strong consideration for a head coach post but that he was also overdue. Twice in recent years, the Eagles signed him to contract extensions and his current deal ran through the 2008 season.

Wilf was seeking a head coach who would be able to work well with the committee approach that he envisions for his team. Wilf reached agreement over the weekend to retain vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski, a rising young star in league circles, and is interviewing candidates for the Vikings' top personnel job.

Childress coached 21 seasons in the college ranks, including a stint as the offensive coordinator at Wisconsin, before joining Reid's staff. It is believed the Eagles will not replace Childress but will simply move assistant head coach Marty Mornhinweg into the offensive coordinator's spot.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com.

Deattribution

01-05-2006, 08:24 PM

It is believed the Eagles will not replace Childress but will simply move assistant head coach Marty Mornhinweg into the offensive coordinator's spot.

This is hilarious.. I'd rather have Norv Turner as my head coach, and Dave Wannstedt as my offensive coordinator then have Marty 'Clueless' Mornhinweg anywhere near my offensive coordinator position.

kcchief19

01-05-2006, 08:41 PM

The Chiefs/Herm Edwards dance has had a serious of turns today:

* The Jets postponed their season-ending press conference

* Rumors circulated that the Jets-Chiefs were close to a deal for a fourth and fifth round pick for Edwards. Talks apparently break off, with rumors circulating that Peterson thinks the Jets will fire Edwards if they don't work out a deal and he can swoop in and pick up Edwards with no compensation.

* NFL Network reports that Edwards has told Jets players he is leaving to take the Kansas City job.

* ESPN reports that the Jets are peeved over the whole debacle and are threatening to claim that Edwards asked out of his contract. This would seem to be laying the ground for "firing" Edwards while still getting compensation, whether willingly or through arbitration ala the Parcells/Belichick fiasco.

Meanwhile, the latest article at CBS Sportsline on the topic dated yesterday claims the Chiefs are not negotiating with the Jets and that Herm Edwards isn't even on the team's radar. FYI -- Clark Judge is apparently a world-class moron.
http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/9144117

kcchief19

01-05-2006, 08:52 PM

This is hilarious.. I'd rather have Norv Turner as my head coach, and Dave Wannstedt as my offensive coordinator then have Marty 'Clueless' Mornhinweg anywhere near my offensive coordinator position.I don't know ... I think Mornhinweg is a fine coordinator -- that seems to be the only thing he does well. The 49ers in the late '90s were a pretty strong offensive unit. He just has no business being a head coach.

Godzilla Blitz

01-06-2006, 01:34 AM

Minneapolis Star Tribune (http://www.startribune.com/510/story/166073.html) is also reporting that a deal is close between the Vikings and Brad Childress.

mckerney

01-06-2006, 01:48 AM

Minneapolis Star Tribune (http://www.startribune.com/510/story/166073.html) is also reporting that a deal is close between the Vikings and Brad Childress.

Not sure how I feel about the Childress hiring, would have rather seen a defensive coordinator hired than an offensive one. I am encouraged that Bud Grant was involved in making the selection though.

Godzilla Blitz

01-06-2006, 02:02 AM

Not sure how I feel about the Childress hiring, would have rather seen a defensive coordinator hired than an offensive one. I am encouraged that Bud Grant was involved in making the selection though.Yeah, I don't know what to think about the guy, either.

I don't know much about him. His buzz is deafening, though. Everyone seems tremendously impressed.

We'll see, though. We'll see.

Godzilla Blitz

01-06-2006, 02:30 AM

Dola...

Spent a bit of time reading about the guy. I do like the fact that he appears to be a solid quarterbacks' coach. Culpepper needs strong guidance, and with Childress it appears he'll get it.

Hard to tell what kind of a head coach he'll be. There are so many skills that don't get tested until you actually become a head coach. Will he be able to lead and organize a team? Will he place equal emphasis on defense and offense? Can he inspire players? Be interesting to see. Got to believe he's a step up from Tice, though.

kcchief19

01-06-2006, 12:34 PM

kcchief19

01-06-2006, 12:38 PM

The Edwards-to-the-Chiefs thing is going to be ugly. There will be a lot of hard feelings after this. Terry Bradway and Carl Peterson were still pretty friendly until now, and I think that's over with.

I know the Jets are supposedly going to look at both their coordinators, but I have to wonder if Al Saunders won't get a peek now. On the one hand it would give the Jets pleasure to tweak the Chiefs, and on the other hand Saunders and his offensive system would be ideal for the parts the Jets have. A healthy Pennington would be a good QB for what Saunders does, and I think the Jets have decent parts at RB, WR and OL to fit what Saunders would try to do.

Kodos

01-06-2006, 01:11 PM

CAM CAMERON?!?!?

ice4277

01-06-2006, 02:37 PM

Supposedly, Jim Haslett is the favorite for the Lions' job, but interviews are continuing through this week. Millen is interviewing Kubiak in Denver tomorrow.

albionmoonlight

01-06-2006, 02:41 PM

Supposedly, Jim Haslett is the favorite for the Lions' job, but interviews are continuing through this week. Millen is interviewing Kubiak in Denver tomorrow.
I guess Millen wants to pick a coach that is used to working for a franchise run worse than your typical Burger King.

Swaggs

01-06-2006, 02:53 PM

CAM CAMERON?!?!?

It's not going to happen. It'll be okay.

Ragone

01-06-2006, 03:07 PM

ESPN.com has Jim Haslett and Mike Singletary interviewing for the Lions job.

i'm wondering if that singletary interview is just a "Token minority interview"

Young Drachma

01-06-2006, 03:12 PM

Edwards is apparently free to go to KC, with the Jets getting a 4th round pick and some cookies in the deal.

I wonder if a coach like Coughlin (you know, tough on players) would be better for that team, since the player's coach thing didn't work out as well for them in terms of getting over the hump. Though I think Herm did a good job in NY.

WSUCougar

01-06-2006, 03:15 PM

I actually think that Haslett might do well in Detroit. Well...if anyone can, know what I mean?

Godzilla Blitz

01-06-2006, 04:55 PM

I'm a bit surprised by the Childress hiring as well. This seemed like a team that needed a fire-and-brimstone defensive coach. The only thing that worries me about the hire is that Ziggy Wilf made reference to hiring a coach that will be part of a collaborative approach -- which I read as a coach who is willing to take direction from the front office. That might not be a good thing. He's got a good pedigree, and it's amazing what he accomplished in Philadelphia with Just McNabb, Westbrook and some spare parts -- prior to TO.
I got a chance to listen to most of his press conference today. He was a much more impressive speaker than I thought he would be from looking at his appearance. Good, authoritative voice. Speaks clearly and communicates well. I think good coaches can simplify complicated situations, and he strikes me as the kind of coach that will have a few clearly understood rules that are strictly enforced: effective discipline. What also impressed me was that he had clearly been working before his press conference, getting in touch with players, moving things forward. Overall, he seemed an effective leader and a highly organized person.

Overall, I can see why the buzz on this guy is good. I think the Vikings have made a good choice. Whether he turns out to be a good head coach is another thing, but I can see why they chose him.

One last thing that impressed me was the way the Wilfs (the owners) handled the situation. Personally, I like people who get to things right away. When they contacted Childress on Monday early afternoon, he offered to come out on Wednesday. They replied that they were hoping to meet him that evening, and were able to work things out so that he was in Minneapolis, meeting with them over dinner on Monday. While some may say this is moving too quickly, I was impressed: the jump they got on the guy was clearly one factor in why they got him, and if he turns out to be a successful coach with the Vikings, they deserve a lot of credit for moving so forcefully.

TazFTW

01-06-2006, 06:07 PM

Not a hiring or firing but the Cowboys signed Parcells to a 1 year extension for the 2007 season.

Yay.

JeeberD

01-06-2006, 11:26 PM

Huzzah for the Tuna!

TazFTW

01-08-2006, 06:52 PM

Chiefs hire Herm Edwards to a 4 year, $12 million deal.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2284680

Wolfpack

01-08-2006, 10:45 PM

To which I'm sure the rest of the AFC West is going, "Eh, okay...it's your funeral."

Raiders Army

01-12-2006, 06:28 PM

Whoa. Mike Mularkey is out. I guess he left over family reasons.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2289987

I didn't think he did that badly in the two years he was there, especially considering he was using Losman.

Deattribution

01-12-2006, 07:01 PM

General Mike

01-12-2006, 07:14 PM

The Bills made a mistake in getting rid of Bledsoe and moving to Losman , they had a nice thing going late last year. Mike Mularkey really got a bad deal cause he seems like he could be a pretty good coach if given the right opportunity.

He might have gotten a bad deal, but he didn't get fired, he quit. The Bills wanted him to stay. I have no respect for quitters.

Deattribution

01-12-2006, 07:23 PM

He might have gotten a bad deal, but he didn't get fired, he quit. The Bills wanted him to stay. I have no respect for quitters.

Yeah but it's hard to say what really happened - from the sounds of things his resignation might be a little justified if staying meant he had to completely start from scratch again (after only two years) and had no chance of immediate success.

TazFTW

01-13-2006, 07:02 PM

Houston Chronicle is reporting that the Texans will hire Gary Kubiak as their next head coach. This can't be confirmed until Denver is out of the playoffs.

Cringer

01-13-2006, 07:07 PM

Yesterday on NFL Radio they said Kubiak is pretty much going to be the next coach for Houston, to back what Taz said.

And last night on All-Night on ESPN UH coach June Jones said that from what he has heard, you can basically count on the Bills hiring Jim Haslett, because Ralph Wilson loves the guy.

Raiders Army

01-13-2006, 07:15 PM

So where is Al Saunders going to end up? He interviewed with the Raiders.

Cringer

01-13-2006, 07:21 PM

With Jim Bates somewhere? May the 'screwed over guys' unite and create a dynasty somewhere. :D

Schmidty

01-13-2006, 07:26 PM

Sounds like Russ Grimm will be heading to Detroit as soon as Pittsburgh is done in the playoffs.

I don't know anything about the guy, so I'll have to reserve judement for now.

Cringer

01-13-2006, 07:31 PM

Sounds like Russ Grimm will be heading to Detroit as soon as Pittsburgh is done in the playoffs.

I don't know anything about the guy, so I'll have to reserve judement for now.

Yeah, the guys on NFL Radio have been saying that sounds like it will go that way for a couple weeks now. I guess Millen is buddy-buddy with Grimm.:rolleyes:

They say he is a good coach, and a legitimate candidate, but going straight from O-line coach to head coach comes wit a big learning curve....like Mike Tice had.

WSUCougar

01-14-2006, 02:06 PM

From ESPN.com:
Sources: Dolphins' Linehan emerges as Rams leaderESPN.com news services

Miami Dolphins offensive coordinator Scott Linehan has emerged as the favorite to land the head coaching job for the St. Louis Rams, league and team sources have told ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

Linehan is not a lock for the job, Mortensen reported Saturday, but he had an impressive interview this week and the Rams are doing more research on the 42-year-old assistant who served previously as the Minnesota Vikings offensive coordinator.

The Rams initially expected to hire a coach with a defensive background but were disappointed when Gregg Williams signed a lucrative extension to remain with the Washington Redskins. Bears defensive coordinator Ron Rivera remains in the hunt after the Rams tried unsuccessfully to interview Tampa Bay Buccaneers veteran defensive coordinator Monte Kiffin, who opted to remain in Tampa.

It now seems more likely the Rams will hire a coach from the offensive side of the football, the sources said, but that there is no imminent hiring on the docket.

The Rams have interviewed defensive coordinators Rivera, Tim Lewis (New York Giants) and Mike Zimmer (Dallas).

Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Jim Fassel interviewed Thursday with St. Louis officials, as the Rams continue to seek the successor to Mike Martz.

San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Cam Cameron is one of the finalists, too, Mortensen reports.

General Mike

01-14-2006, 02:51 PM

No one has mentioned it, but the Jets top choice is Eric Mangini, the Patriots DC. If he turns them down, the 2nd choice is Mike Tice.

WSUCougar

01-14-2006, 02:52 PM

If he turns them down, the 2nd choice is Mike Tice.
...and the Vikings' fans all snicker wildly.

TazFTW

01-18-2006, 12:23 PM

According to Pasquarelli, it looks like the top 2 candidates for the Rams job are Cam Cameron and Scott Linehan. Ron Rivera has a outside shot.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2296470

panerd

01-18-2006, 05:32 PM

miami_fan

01-18-2006, 06:49 PM

The most interesting things for me about this year's coaching changes are the new head coaches, the staffs they will put together, and how we much "knew" about them before. For example, Brad Childress goes to Minnesota. Does he believe in the “a short pass is the same as a run” or was he just being a good soldier and with Minnesota he is going to run the ball 35 times a game? By hiring a Tampa Bay assistant as defensive coordinator, is this going to be another Cover Two D or will Childress want him to put in more of a Philly D? Now take Sean Payton and Eric Mangini. I am going to guess that the Saints are going to run an offense similar to the Cowboys and the Jets are going to run a similar style defense to the Pats. What kind of defense does Payton want his team to run? How about Mangini’s offense outlook? I can’t really see either just turning over a side of the ball to an coordinator on their first job.

twothree

01-18-2006, 10:11 PM

I just read an article about the new Saints coach, John Payton, and it mentions that he was a replacement player during the '89 strike. Has this never been an issue with the players? I would think something like that might get you black-listed even as an assistant coach. Am I way off base here?
It is a non-issue since most (all?) current players were not in the NFL during the strike of '87. The strike only lasted four weeks during the season. Week 3 was canceled and replacement players were used for weeks 4, 5, and 6.

Maybe a few individuals running the players union might still hold a personal grudge, but that would probably be it.

RPI-Fan

01-18-2006, 10:26 PM

It is a non-issue since most (all?) current players were not in the NFL during the strike of '87. The strike only lasted four weeks during the season. Week 3 was canceled and replacement players were used for weeks 4, 5, and 6.

Maybe a few individuals running the players union might still hold a personal grudge, but that would probably be it.

I could see it being an issue if he were anti-union, but taking a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to play professional football isn't something that I think anyone would frown upon, union or not.

BTW, it's Sean Peyton, not John.

TazFTW

01-19-2006, 05:14 AM

The Rams will hire Scott Linehan as their new head coach.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2297806

TazFTW

01-19-2006, 01:41 PM

So where is Al Saunders going to end up? He interviewed with the Raiders.
Al Saunders is now the Redskins' offensive coordinator.

Deattribution

01-19-2006, 05:10 PM

Al Saunders is now the Redskins' offensive coordinator.

Somebody want to tell me why the Skins even have Gibbs? I mean - with Al Saunders running the O, and Greg Williams running the D, what exactly is Gibbs doing so efficiently?

His offense was awful this year, it squeeked them into the playoffs, but they'd of been competing for Bush if it hadn't been for the D...

miami_fan

01-19-2006, 07:05 PM

Somebody want to tell me why the Skins even have Gibbs? I mean - with Al Saunders running the O, and Greg Williams running the D, what exactly is Gibbs doing so efficiently?

His offense was awful this year, it squeeked them into the playoffs, but they'd of been competing for Bush if it hadn't been for the D...

CEO and motivational speaker and I am only half kidding.

Shkspr

01-20-2006, 01:56 AM

{Gibbs') offense was awful this year, it squeeked them into the playoffs, but they'd of been competing for Bush if it hadn't been for the D...

Their lack of a #2 receiver just killed them in the playoffs, but Washington was easily in the second quartile of offenses, in both yards and points, and featured about five legitimate offensive Pro Bowl candidates (Moss, Cooley, Portis, Thomas, and pick between Samuels or Jansen). The only awful thing about this team offensively is that its #2,3, and 4 wideouts combined for 500 yards receiving.

Just as Gibbs used the liberal IR rules in his first go-around to outmaneuver other teams, this go-around he is capitalizing on the lack of a salary cap on coaching staffs to pull in as much talent as he can on both sides of the ball...and he and Saunders go back about 25 years. Hell, if Jeff Fisher or Bill Belicheck came on the market, I wouldn't put it past Washington to offer them $15 million a year to be coaching consultants just to keep them around as HC options when Gibbs retires again.