NFL Coaching Changes Thread

[miami_fan]

With the season ending, I figured I would start a NFL thread.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3173002

The Detroit Lions are expected to fire offensive coordinator Mike Martz after Sunday's season finale against Green Bay, the Los Angeles Times reported on its Web site.

The newspaper, citing multiple sources familiar with the situation, said the Lions will replace the veteran coach with receivers coach Kippy Brown. ESPN NFL analyst Chris Mortensen confirmed the report Saturday night.

The little blotch on Martz's resume shouldn't be enough, however, to keep him unemployed for long, The Times said.

Martz will likely be pursued by the struggling San Francisco 49ers as a replacement for current offensive coordinator Jim Hostler. The 49ers are apparently turning to Martz because of his familiarity with the NFC West and successful pedigree as coach of the St. Louis Rams (2000-2005), the paper reported.

Martz led St. Louis to the playoffs in four of his five full seasons, including a Super Bowl after the 2001 season, and helped the franchise win the 2000 Super Bowl as offensive coordinator. The Rams went 51-29 in the regular season and 54-33 overall during his five full seasons as head coach.

St. Louis ranked among the NFL's top 10 teams in total offense in six of the past seven years, ranking first from 1999-2001. The Rams' passing offense hasn't ranked below fifth in the league since 1999, and was first from 1999-2001.

The Lions, 7-8 going into Sunday's road game, rank near the bottom in several key offensive statistical categories, including rushing and interceptions. They have lost six of their last seven games. The Lions have more interceptions (20) than passing touchdowns (18), a major reason they are in third place in the NFC North.

Martz, 56, has been with the Lions since early 2006, when then-new head coach Rod Marinelli brought him aboard as part of his first staff in Detroit.

[Cringer]

Yup, getting rid of Martz is the last piece of the puzzle for Detroit. :D

Just like the Bengals only need to get rid of Chad Johnson to get back to the playoffs.

[Passacaglia]

Fire Martz ftw1

[rjolley]

So, firing Martz and keeping Millen is the best for the Lions?

As a Bears fan, I'm not complaining about keeping Millen around, but still...

[Brownkeg8]

Funny how when they were 6-2 he was a genius!

[Abe Sargent]

Man, I wouldn't fire Martz after the Lions improved this yera. Even with the collapse they were a better offense post-Martz.

[QuikSand]

Fascinating. Keeping Martz calling plays and not making "decisions" just seems like the best of all possible worlds. It would be just so...well...so Detroit of them to do this, and see Martz walk off into another situation where he really elevates the offense and team.

[korme]

Marvin Lewis was quoted as wanting to blow the Bengals up, let me find the quotes:

Question: Was there a sense even before training camp that things weren't looking good?
Answer: It's been (that way) all the time. We've struggled with guys who are too much worried about what they make or what the next guy makes. That's hard to overcome, and we've had to deal with it for two years now. Until they get it figured out that that's not the way winning teams operate…
It's time for us to blow the whole thing up and start from scratch. We need to empty these shelves, empty these offices and start from scratch.
Q: When you say blow it up…

A: We've got to start from scratch. We have to blow it up and empty everything. Just like new people walking in this door and go from there. That's the only way we're going to shake away from the cobwebs. We've established a certain plateau or work ethic and we've got to move beyond that.


Hopefully ownership doesn't listen to his desperation and fires him. Despite all the underachieving, we still have tons of legitimate talent and scraping all that we've built in the past 3-4 years would be, for lack of a better word, refuckintarded.

[Cringer]

BTW, was anyone else expecting miami_fan to start this off by talking about a certain Dolphn coach?

[Cringer]

Marvin Lewis was quoted as wanting to blow the Bengals up, let me find the quotes:

Question: Was there a sense even before training camp that things weren't looking good?
Answer: It's been (that way) all the time. We've struggled with guys who are too much worried about what they make or what the next guy makes. That's hard to overcome, and we've had to deal with it for two years now. Until they get it figured out that that's not the way winning teams operate…
It's time for us to blow the whole thing up and start from scratch. We need to empty these shelves, empty these offices and start from scratch.
Q: When you say blow it up…

A: We've got to start from scratch. We have to blow it up and empty everything. Just like new people walking in this door and go from there. That's the only way we're going to shake away from the cobwebs. We've established a certain plateau or work ethic and we've got to move beyond that.


Hopefully ownership doesn't listen to his desperation and fires him. Despite all the underachieving, we still have tons of legitimate talent and scraping all that we've built in the past 3-4 years would be, for lack of a better word, refuckintarded.

So he builds it up a little, then the team starts to return to their losing ways under his continued watch, and it is everyone else's fault? Nice. Yeah fire the guy. Keep Chad Johnson.

[korme]

Marvin's been here for 5 years. We've got 3 8-8 seasons, 1 winning season and 1 losing. Just because we were the joke of the league before he arrived doesn't mean we should settle for mediocrity- not with the offense we have.

Chad is not a problem. Local media really has ripped into him this year, and people always were saying he was having quiet games, but with such a 'lackluster' year, with 1 game to play, he's got 89 catches (more than last year), and 1309 yards- he had 1369 last year and led the league.

The bottom line is he isn't replacable. The fans love him. Getting rid of him would be stupid.

[korme]

BTW Cringer, re-reading your post, now I'm not sure if you were being sarcastic (which was why I replied) or not.

[Chief Rum]

Marvin Lewis needs to go not because of issues on offense, which was just fine, but because A) his defense never improved (despite his resume with the Ravens), and B) management seems to have a serious issue recognizing players with character and attitude issues and staying away from them.

As for Martz, I can't stand the guy, but he's not the reason they fell apart. Kitna always has been an interception waiting to happen. Throw him into offense like the Rams ran, and what do you think is going to happen? One thing Martz is guilty of--he abandons the run way too easy, so it's his fault they did so poorly running the ball (although once again Millen fails here because he never bothered to acquire an actual horse back for simply running the ball; Tatum Bell and Kevin Jones are more quick backs, and Duckett wasn't ever good enough for the role).

[larrymcg421]

Wait wait wait. The Lions have fired Martz and replaced him with....

Kippy Brown!

Please allow me to begin a chorus of laughing that will surely continue as other Dolphins fans find this thread.

Bahahahahaha!

[stevew]

TJ Douche is way underpaid, and there's no way he should report to camp next year without a new contract. It's almost like Palmer hates him or something, with the rediculous throws that lead to TJ getting decapitated. I've seen the guy take some man sized shots on a regular basis. He's a top flight WR,

The bengals defense has been embarassing, way too many good picks invested into the squad for them to suck that bad. It's like so weird how Billick is some "offensive genius" who's teams suck at offense and are great at defense, and how Lewis is basically the polar opposite. I still think he should get 1-2 more years though, they could at least attempt to de-turdify the roster, and bring in a better front seven over the next 2 years. Hell, they only have 21 sacks all year, last year Smith and Gaethers combined for 19.

[Brownkeg8]

Wait wait wait. The Lions have fired Martz and replaced him with....

Kippy Brown!

Please allow me to begin a chorus of laughing that will surely continue as other Dolphins fans find this thread.

Bahahahahaha!

Where's Wayne Fontes when you need him?

[Jas_lov]

The following head coaches need to go: Marvin Lewis, Brian Billick, Herm Edwards, and Cam Cameron. Any more to add to the list? Also, the following coach should win nfl coach of the year: Mike McCarthy.

[Cringer]

BTW Cringer, re-reading your post, now I'm not sure if you were being sarcastic (which was why I replied) or not.

I was not being sarcastic about you and what you were saying. I was more sarcastic about Lewis and his view of things being dumb.

Marvin's been here for 5 years. We've got 3 8-8 seasons, 1 winning season and 1 losing. Just because we were the joke of the league before he arrived doesn't mean we should settle for mediocrity- not with the offense we have.

Chad is not a problem. Local media really has ripped into him this year, and people always were saying he was having quiet games, but with such a 'lackluster' year, with 1 game to play, he's got 89 catches (more than last year), and 1309 yards- he had 1369 last year and led the league.

The bottom line is he isn't replacable. The fans love him. Getting rid of him would be stupid.

Chad should stay, the local media should go. I know he hasn't talked to the local media all year correct? See, the main reason I know that is he goes onto The Afternoon Blitz on Sirius NFL Radio every Friday. Yesterday he was on for 30 minutes and it was frickin' great! Just him going on about how he clearly needs to be shipped out of town since he is the problem. The hosts would say "What about the defense though?" He would say "No, it's not them, it is me." He also sounded pretty bitter (though he said he wasn't) that no one (Marvin Lewis) has ever come out and said Chad Johnson was not the problem with the team. The last month or two of listening to him every Friday has made me like the guy.

[DeToxRox]

The following head coaches need to go: Marvin Lewis, Brian Billick, Herm Edwards, and Cam Cameron. Any more to add to the list? Also, the following coach should win nfl coach of the year: Mike McCarthy.

Did he go 16-0? Because if he didn't then no, he shouldn't.

[Cringer]

Did he go 16-0? Because if he didn't then no, he shouldn't.

He is going to get a lot of votes. And was going to win it. Now? Ehhhh, not so much.

[Abe Sargent]

Did he go 16-0? Because if he didn't then no, he shouldn't.

Coach of the Yera has to be about more than record, and it is. Let me ask you this; which is the harder job?

Taking a team with 8 pro bowlers this year including a future hall of fame QB who has already won three super bowl to 16-0 in the regular season despite a rollover divison; or

Taking a team with no one elected to the pro bowl, and one guy made it in because someone ahead of him was several injured and taking that team to 11-4 in a crowed AFC and one of the hardest divisions in football.

I don;t think you or I could say that Jack Del Rio of the Jaguars was a better coach then Bellichick of the Patriots, but you can;t say with that coaches like Del Rio and McCarthy shouldn't be in the argument, especially since Del Rio and McCarthy didn't cost their organization a first round pick. How do you weigh that, because it is a part of the coach's actions this year?

[DeToxRox]

Martz leaving Detroit isn't a big loss. The problem is Marinelli can't obviously control him judging by the fact he let him have three games where Detroit ran the ball under three times so it's better to just let him go and see if Marinelli can do anything with an OC he's on the same page as.

And TBH, next year the Lions are a 6 win team. Kitna is a year older, Shaun Rogers is on his way out and the team has shown a complete inability to draft and sign FA's.

Hell, I predict right now Jon Kitna will not be the Lions QB next year.

[Jas_lov]

I do think McCarthy deserves it. He took the youngest team in the league and led them to a 12-3 record pending tomorrow's result. Bellichick has that whole spy gate thing hanging over his head so I think they'll go with the guy who did it the right way, Mike McCarthy. I don't even care that much about the spy gate scandal, but don't you think that will cost him some votes?

[DeToxRox]

Coach of the Yera has to be about more than record, and it is. Let me ask you this; which is the harder job?

Taking a team with 8 pro bowlers this year including a future hall of fame QB who has already won three super bowl to 16-0 in the regular season despite a rollover divison; or

Taking a team with no one elected to the pro bowl, and one guy made it in because someone ahead of him was several injured and taking that team to 11-4 in a crowed AFC and one of the hardest divisions in football.

I don;t think you or I could say that Jack Del Rio of the Jaguars was a better coach then Bellichick of the Patriots, but you can;t say with that coaches like Del Rio and McCarthy shouldn't be in the argument, especially since Del Rio and McCarthy didn't cost their organization a first round pick. How do you weigh that, because it is a part of the coach's actions this year?

Belicheck always did the impossible. He made Randy Moss buy into a team atmosphere. He controlled a ton of egos and outside pressures and did something no other coach has done. He took a team that many predicted would be 12-4 or 11-5 and made them 16-0.

You can talk about other coaches merits, that is fine, but ultimately he has done so far something no one else can claim: not lost a game. In the end it's about wins and losses, and he has 16 wins and 0 losses.

[Cringer]

I do think McCarthy deserves it. He took the youngest team in the league and led them to a 12-3 record pending tomorrow's result. Bellichick has that whole spy gate thing hanging over his head so I think they'll go with the guy who did it the right way, Mike McCarthy. I don't even care that much about the spy gate scandal, but don't you think that will cost him some votes?

Good point, media guys are assholes about stuff sometimes. McCarthy wins it then, it's settled. Or maybe Del Rio I guess. I go with McCarthy.

I know he isn't getting fired at least.

[DeToxRox]

I do think McCarthy deserves it. He took the youngest team in the league and led them to a 12-3 record pending tomorrow's result. Bellichick has that whole spy gate thing hanging over his head so I think they'll go with the guy who did it the right way, Mike McCarthy. I don't even care that much about the spy gate scandal, but don't you think that will cost him some votes?

Again, he went undefeated. 16-0. I just cannot fathom how anyone else deserves it more when the guy didn't lose.

[Cringer]

Again, he went undefeated. 16-0. I just cannot fathom how anyone else deserves it more when the guy didn't lose.

You don't hold all the votes though. I can buy into the "voters won't vote for him because of SpyGate" crap, and can see it happening. Or voters actually saying, Coach Mike/Jack did a lot with a ton less talent, blah blah blah.

Anyways, none are getting fired. We can agree on that right? :D

[Chief Rum]

Ocho Cinco is one of my favorite players. It started because he was on my fantasy team, and it carried forward because I realized he just makes me laugh with his antics without being anti-team the way TO was (who was also funny at times). He just seems to be a good reason to watch football (I liken him to Gilbert Arenas in the NBA; I think Agent Zero is good for the NBA in much the same way).

He wasn't the problem in Cincy this year.

[DeToxRox]

You don't hold all the votes though. I can buy into the "voters won't vote for him because of SpyGate" crap, and can see it happening. Or voters actually saying, Coach Mike/Jack did a lot with a ton less talent, blah blah blah.

Anyways, none are getting fired. We can agree on that right? :D

Ha of course. As a Lions fan, this is my chance to defend a good coach, just give me my moment damnit.

[DeToxRox]

Ocho Cinco is one of my favorite players. It started because he was on my fantasy team, and it carried forward because I realized he just makes me laugh with his antics without being anti-team the way TO was (who was also funny at times). He just seems to be a good reason to watch football (I liken him to Gilbert Arenas in the NBA; I think Agent Zero is good for the NBA in much the same way).

He wasn't the problem in Cincy this year.

The problem with Cinncy is two fold.

One, Carson Palmer is extremely overrated. He's a better version of Eli Manning. Has monster games, but has inexplicable atrocious games. Very inconsistent and that's what sets off WR's.

Two, Marvin Lewis is not that good of a coach. His bread and butter is defense, and the Bengals D has never been above average during his tenure. So when Palmer plays bad, and the offense isn't moving, the Bengals are sunk.

[Cringer]

Defend away. I am not going to get upset if Belichick wins the award. Brady is already taking what could have been another MVP Award away from Favre. It's just how things are this year.....

[larrymcg421]

You can't end the discussion just by saying 16-0.

Who is more deserving?

Coach that takes a team with 14-2 talent to 16-0 or a coach that takes a team with 4-12 talent to 13-3.

Now I'm sure people will disagree about the talent levels and coaching performances of the people involved, but that's better than just saying "16-0!" and covering your ears because nothing else is acceptable.

[DeToxRox]

Defend away. I am not going to get upset if Belichick wins the award. Brady is already taking what could have been another MVP Award away from Favre. It's just how things are this year.....

Just beat the Cowboys for the love of God. That's all I ask. I love Favre. It's impossible to hate the guy. Romo on the other hand, is incredibly easy to hate.

[Abe Sargent]

Again, he went undefeated. 16-0. I just cannot fathom how anyone else deserves it more when the guy didn't lose.

He did something else unprecedented - he cost his team a first round draft pick. That's how you can "fathom" it, by considering more than record at the end of the year. Coach of the Year has to be about more than record, or else we shouldn't even have a vote - just award it automatically.

[Cringer]

Just beat the Cowboys for the love of God. That's all I ask. I love Favre. It's impossible to hate the guy. Romo on the other hand, is incredibly easy to hate.

HA! Try living in Texas with this crap. Idiots all of the sudden driving around with Go Cowboys! and Tony Romo #1 written on their cars when last year they were fans of other teams or not watching football at all (down in south Texas where I live anyways).

[DeToxRox]

You can't end the discussion just by saying 16-0.

Who is more deserving?

Coach that takes a team with 14-2 talent to 16-0 or a coach that takes a team with 4-12 talent to 13-3.

Now I'm sure people will disagree about the talent levels and coaching performances of the people involved, but that's better than just saying "16-0!" and covering your ears because nothing else is acceptable.

With 16-0 comes so much media scrutiny you need a leader to keep the ship going on. BB had that team going full tilt and avoiding all distraction.

In the coaching profession you are solely judged on wins and losses. The COTY award should be as such. To do something no one else has done, that is deserving of COTY. Others have had improvements of 6, 7 wins, but no one else has gone 16-0.

[DeToxRox]

He did something else unprecedented - he cost his team a first round draft pick. That's how you can "fathom" it, by considering more than record at the end of the year. Coach of the Year has to be about more than record, or else we shouldn't even have a vote - just award it automatically.

And he also got a top 10 pick in the off season. And Randy Moss for a fourth round pick. And got Adalius Thomas. And got Wes Welker for a 2nd round pick. He facilitated all these deals, you can damn well bet that.

[Abe Sargent]

You can't end the discussion just by saying 16-0.

Who is more deserving?

Coach that takes a team with 14-2 talent to 16-0 or a coach that takes a team with 4-12 talent to 13-3.

Now I'm sure people will disagree about the talent levels and coaching performances of the people involved, but that's better than just saying "16-0!" and covering your ears because nothing else is acceptable.

Agreed, and although I personally think Del Rio deserves it as a homer, I'd love to see McCarthy get the award. The Pack was dead in the water and now look. I;d be fine with that. If the voters ultimately weigh the spy gate affair against the 16-0 season and decide to give it to him, I wouldn't like it, because i think the guy is a dick, but alright. But to suggest he should win by default, and guys like Del Rio and McCarthy aren't even in the conversation I have difficultly with.

Now, if Dungy had gone 16-0. we'd be talking. No spygate, tough division, etc. Losing your team a first rounder even if it ends up being no 32, is simply unheard of and has to factor in.

[Abe Sargent]

And he also got a top 10 pick in the off season. And Randy Moss for a fourth round pick. And got Adalius Thomas. And got Wes Welker for a 2nd round pick. He facilitated all these deals, you can damn well bet that.

That concerns talent-area of the position, not coach, ergo not pertinent. Just as if he has negotiated great contracts for the signage rights to the stadium, that would not be pertinent to the award. On the other hand, he lost the first rounder as a result of a coaching decision. That is pertinent.

[DeToxRox]

Jack Del Rio? Yes this year he was good but last year he totally underperformed and because of that his team looked much better this year. So the fact last year he cost his team games lowered expectations for this year makes him a COTY candidate? I don't buy it.

[DeToxRox]

That concerns talent-area of the position, not coach, ergo not pertinent. Just as if he has negotiated great contracts for the signage rights to the stadium, that would not be pertinent to the award. On the other hand, he lost the first rounder as a result of a coaching decision. That is pertinent.

He made the call on these guys. He said, "I can coach Randy Moss and keep him in line" and guess what, he did. That sounds like coaching to me.

[larrymcg421]

With 16-0 comes so much media scrutiny you need a leader to keep the ship going on. BB had that team going full tilt and avoiding all distraction.

In the coaching profession you are solely judged on wins and losses. The COTY award should be as such. To do something no one else has done, that is deserving of COTY. Others have had improvements of 6, 7 wins, but no one else has gone 16-0.

You should be solely judged on wins and losses. Then why do they even do the voting? Just hand the award to the coach with the highest winning percentage every year.

[Cringer]

Agreed, and although I personally think Del Rio deserves it as a homer, I'd love to see McCarthy get the award. The Pack was dead in the water and now look. I;d be fine with that. If the voters ultimately weigh the spy gate affair against the 16-0 season and decide to give it to him, I wouldn't like it, because i think the guy is a dick, but alright. But to suggest he should win by default, and guys like Del Rio and McCarthy aren't even in the conversation I have difficultly with.

Now, if Dungy had gone 16-0. we'd be talking. No spygate, tough division, etc. Losing your team a first rounder even if it ends up being no 32, is simply unheard of and has to factor in.

To argue against (just for the hell of it) the coach of my favorite team, I think the media (which leads the publlic to their opinion) way under estimated the Packers, as did I. Favre said last year before the season it was a talented team. At the end of the year they really showed it by getting hot. This year he said this team had more talent then the Packer Superbowl teams ten years ago. Everyone laughed at him. Looks like he was right about the talent on the team and the media was wrong. Should a guy get an award because people didn't realize how good a team actually was before the season?

[DeToxRox]

You should be solely judged on wins and losses. Then why do they even do the voting? Just hand the award to the coach with the highest winning percentage every year.

It'd be fine with me, TBH. It's dumb that the best coach doesn't win it every year because he's penalized for consistently winning, whether it be Belichek or Dungy.

[larrymcg421]

It'd be fine with me, TBH. It's dumb that the best coach doesn't win it every year because he's penalized for consistently winning, whether it be Belichek or Dungy.

I think it should be the coach that did the best coaching job throughout the season, and I don't think it's always the coach with the best record. I certainly don't think Barry Switzer did the 2nd best coaching job in 1995, for example.

[Chief Rum]

The problem with Cinncy is two fold.

One, Carson Palmer is extremely overrated. He's a better version of Eli Manning. Has monster games, but has inexplicable atrocious games. Very inconsistent and that's what sets off WR's.

Two, Marvin Lewis is not that good of a coach. His bread and butter is defense, and the Bengals D has never been above average during his tenure. So when Palmer plays bad, and the offense isn't moving, the Bengals are sunk.

I agree, although I wouldn't say Palmer is overrated so much as he hasn't yet learned to be as consistent as he should be. If he never learns, then you're right, he is overrated. I remind myself that he is actually still a fairly young QB (and I don't know that he has gotten terrific coaching in his NFL tenure either).

[Cringer]

The Bengals o-line pretty much blows too doesn't it?

[DeToxRox]

I agree, although I wouldn't say Palmer is overrated so much as he hasn't yet learned to be as consistent as he should be. If he never learns, then you're right, he is overrated. I remind myself that he is actually still a fairly young QB (and I don't know that he has gotten terrific coaching in his NFL tenure either).

Yeah, you're probably right. He had an amazing year last year, but he regressed this year which is disheartning. At 27, he is entering his prime soon, but I just think there is so much going on there with that coaching staff and basically having little respect from the players that unless Marvin goes, that team is probably out the door on the staff.

[Radii]

If I had a vote for coach of the year I think I'd give it to McCarthy, but at the same time, this seems like one of those years where one team could sweep every award out there and it'd be hard to knock it.


As far as my team, John Fox got the dreaded "Vote of Confidence" a few weeks ago, and the team is a complete wreck. There is a lot more wrong than just Delhomme's injury and the QB situation. The defense was just miserable. The 'feared' front 4 was last in the league in sacks. Rucker is probably retiring, Jenkins is unhappy and Peppers was completely non-existant this year. There were games where, regardless of QB, they just didn't seem to try to get Steve Smith involved in the offense. Games where they seemed to give up, countless runs on 3rd and long just handing the ball back to the defense. It seems like the only bright spot on the entire team is that Jon Beason seems to have replaced Dan 'concussion' Morgan at MLB very well.

I don't know if Fox is, or should be, gone during this offseason. But I would wager that he starts next year on a very, very short leash if he is still around.

[DeToxRox]

If I had a vote for coach of the year I think I'd give it to McCarthy, but at the same time, this seems like one of those years where one team could sweep every award out there and it'd be hard to knock it.


As far as my team, John Fox got the dreaded "Vote of Confidence" a few weeks ago, and the team is a complete wreck. There is a lot more wrong than just Delhomme's injury and the QB situation. The defense was just miserable. The 'feared' front 4 was last in the league in sacks. Rucker is probably retiring, Jenkins is unhappy and Peppers was completely non-existant this year. There were games where, regardless of QB, they just didn't seem to try to get Steve Smith involved in the offense. Games where they seemed to give up, countless runs on 3rd and long just handing the ball back to the defense. It seems like the only bright spot on the entire team is that Jon Beason seems to have replaced Dan 'concussion' Morgan at MLB very well.

I don't know if Fox is, or should be, gone during this offseason. But I would wager that he starts next year on a very, very short leash if he is still around.

I think he'll stay around one more year until Cowher is ready to return. You're a Panthers fan, is that the consensus?

[Radii]

I think he'll stay around one more year until Cowher is ready to return. You're a Panthers fan, is that the consensus?


I honestly have no idea. I'd heard tons of rumors about Cowher for other jobs, so I'm not sure. Down in Atlanta I was getting overwhelmed by Vick coverage and am not sure what the local buzz is on Cowher.

[Chief Rum]

And he also got a top 10 pick in the off season. And Randy Moss for a fourth round pick. And got Adalius Thomas. And got Wes Welker for a 2nd round pick. He facilitated all these deals, you can damn well bet that.

Not saying I disagree with your general point, but this statement is ridiculous. Sure, I am sure Belichek was asked about these moves before they were done, and that he was part of the planning. But these deals were done by the front office staff. I forget the player personnel guy's name, but I know he is generally regarded as brilliant. And you act like Belichek should get all the credit?

COTY is given to coaches, not player personnel guys. You should be judged with what you do on the field. Spygate was "on the field" and cost his team a first round pick, so, yes, that matters. Those player moves were done off the field, and Belichek was at best likely an advisor on those moves.

[Chief Rum]

Jack Del Rio? Yes this year he was good but last year he totally underperformed and because of that his team looked much better this year. So the fact last year he cost his team games lowered expectations for this year makes him a COTY candidate? I don't buy it.

The 'Y' stands for year. Just sayin', ya know.

[DeToxRox]

The 'Y' stands for year. Just sayin', ya know.

Yes, but people bring up McCarthy leading a team from 8-8 to 13-3 or whatever. Well, the only reason Jacksonville was able to improve this year win wise was because last year they underperformed.

If he coaches them up last year to their potential they're probably 10-6 or 11-5 and that whole improvement thing is null and void.

[Chief Rum]

Yes, but people bring up McCarthy leading a team from 8-8 to 13-3 or whatever. Well, the only reason Jacksonville was able to improve this year win wise was because last year they underperformed.

If he coaches them up last year to their potential they're probably 10-6 or 11-5 and that whole improvement thing is null and void.

Not relevant. That happened in 2006. This isn't the 2006 COTY discussion, but the 2007 award.

[14ers]

I wonder if Neuheisel taking the UCLA job is an early indication the Billick is out in Baltimore.



LOL How about Bill Cowher becoming the next head coach of the Ravens?

[Vince]

I honestly can't decide whether or not I want Nolan back for the 49ers. I think he's got the potential to be a good coach...but there have been some absolutely ridiculous things that have gone on this year.

-The injury to Alex Smith's shoulder, the team's handling of it, and the interaction between Smith and Nolan in the media. Again, slightly out of his hands in that Smith took it to the media himself...but not being on the same page as the franchise QB isn't a good sign.

-The seeming obsession with going for it on 4th down, even in situations that clearly dictate you SHOULD NOT go for it (eg late in the 4th quarter in a game in which you have the lead, like last week).

-The atrocious play calling for the majority of the season. I know there's an offensive coordinator, and I know it's his job to call the plays -- but it took Nolan nearly 14 weeks to change something about the way things were done with offensive playcalling, and they're STILL not that great.


I'm sure there are other things, but I'm tired and can't think of any now.

[korme]

TJ Douche is way underpaid, and there's no way he should report to camp next year without a new contract. It's almost like Palmer hates him or something, with the rediculous throws that lead to TJ getting decapitated. I've seen the guy take some man sized shots on a regular basis. He's a top flight WR,

The bengals defense has been embarassing, way too many good picks invested into the squad for them to suck that bad. It's like so weird how Billick is some "offensive genius" who's teams suck at offense and are great at defense, and how Lewis is basically the polar opposite. I still think he should get 1-2 more years though, they could at least attempt to de-turdify the roster, and bring in a better front seven over the next 2 years. Hell, they only have 21 sacks all year, last year Smith and Gaethers combined for 19.

I do like this new side of pro-Bengals stevew! Don't deny it, you love the Bengals! I would never give Hines Ward such praise!

[Vinatieri for Prez]

My take on COY as a Pats fan. It's either McCarthy or Belichick. Frankly, I don't think Del Rio is in the discussion much at all.

I think you do have to factor in the fine/draft pick loss in the analysis because it resulted from coaching activities. It's not a disqualifier but something to consider with all the rest of the stuff. On the other hand, handling some egos and keeping the team performing under the intense pressure of a 16-0 is a pretty good achievement. You also cannot include talent acquisition into it. This is a coaching award, not a GM award.

As for McCarthy, he's done a great job. I do think GB was ready to take of last year, but I don't hold that against him, since he was responsible for that too. So, I am not going to penalize him for that in the voting this year.

I think Belichick will eke out a win over McCarthy, but I think it will be close.

[korme]

As for the coach of the year talk, I would agree that records aren't so cut-and-dry in who gets the award, but these are special circumstances- no one goes 16-0. Well, the Pats just did and there is no way Belichick isn't winning CoY.

[korme]

The Bengals o-line pretty much blows too doesn't it?

Actually quite the contrary. Unless we allow 3 or more sacks tomorrow, we will break our team record of sacks allowed in a season. Palmer has been sacked only 17 times through 15 games.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

TJ Douche is way underpaid, and there's no way he should report to camp next year without a new contract. It's almost like Palmer hates him or something, with the rediculous throws that lead to TJ getting decapitated. I've seen the guy take some man sized shots on a regular basis. He's a top flight WR,


I haven't watched Cincy play this year, so I ask this question. Do you think CJ's presence on the other side has helped TJH? I mean it has to right? Do you think TJH could be a number one WR on a mainly passing team? I don't know the answer, so that's why I am asking. This will probably be throw into TJH's face in any kind of contract renegotiation, no?

[larrymcg421]

As for the coach of the year talk, I would agree that records aren't so cut-and-dry in who gets the award, but these are special circumstances- no one goes 16-0. Well, the Pats just did and there is no way Belichick isn't winning CoY.

It's an amazing achievement, but would you vote for a coach that took over an extremely talented team and went 16-0 despite making several bonehead decisions? This is obviously not a description of Belichick, but that's where the discussion comes into play. The arguments about how he managed the egos, Randy Moss, kept the team focused, etc. All of those are good arguments. 16-0 is certainly a good argument. I just don't think it can be the only argument.

[Abe Sargent]

Yes, but people bring up McCarthy leading a team from 8-8 to 13-3 or whatever. Well, the only reason Jacksonville was able to improve this year win wise was because last year they underperformed.

If he coaches them up last year to their potential they're probably 10-6 or 11-5 and that whole improvement thing is null and void.

When the Jags went 12-4 two years ago, they were soft, and everyone knew it. The Patriots pulled a massive choe job to get the jags in teh playoffs and then soundly thumped them.

Last year, Byron Leftwich quit on the team. He literally quit. He said things like "I can still play" (which is continues to claim he could have done through his most recent interviews) but then opted himself for season ending surgery. Then Del Rio, after seeing no major improvements from Leftwich in camp and the preseason camps,m decides to cut the tether with his own player that he drafted, and turns to Garrard. That's balls. And it worked wonderously with Garrard the third best QB rating in the NFL. When someone exhibits that kind of daring and it works, you have to give credit where its due.

Again, I'd like to see him win, but I;d understand if others that are equally worthy also got it.

[Abe Sargent]

One more thing in Del Rio's favor is that man calls a ballsy game and it works No one calls more 4th downs and has a better conversion percentage (the last time i checked the stats, which was a few weeks ago). Just thought I'd throw that out ther,e that he is a gutsy coach on the field but he knows his stats.

[Abe Sargent]

And to be fair, we are all missing a part of the puzzle - the playoffs. If the Redskins win tomorrow, then run the tabe in the NFC all the way to the Super Bowl. we'll be talking Joe Gibbs.

I just hope that should the Chargers win the Super Bowl would you all please have the sense to remember not to vote Norv Turner for CoTY. Thank you.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

And to be fair, we are all missing a part of the puzzle - the playoffs. If the Redskins win tomorrow, then run the tabe in the NFC all the way to the Super Bowl. we'll be talking Joe Gibbs.

I just hope that should the Chargers win the Super Bowl would you all please have the sense to remember not to vote Norv Turner for CoTY. Thank you.

No we won't, because COY is an honor bestowed for regular season performance. I believe the vote is on this monday/tuesday.

[Cringer]

Back to coaching news, kind of...........

Sirius NFL Radio just reported that Gil Brandt (who works for NFL Radio) offered Atlanta's Authur Blank to help him in a search for a GM and head coach. Blank turned him down.

[JPhillips]

A few things on the Bengals.

1) The big problem is the lack of first day draft picks playing for Cincy this year. For various reasons, injury, suspension, FAs, lack of talent, only 7 of 17 of the Bengals' first day picks over the last five years played even half the year. You can't succeed without first day picks playing well.

2) The defense felt the brunt of this with Pollack, Thurman, Ratliff, Rucker, and Brooks all playing little or not at all. The linebackers in particular were terrible largely because the draft picks aren't playing.

3) The running game is awful. Rudi can't even manage three yards a carry. Teams were able to settle into a two deep zone confident that the Bengals couldn't run them out of it.

4) Most of the season there wasn't a reliable third option in the passing game. That's why TJ was able to ring up so many catches. Until Henry came back there wasn't a third WR or TE or RB that was a receiving threat.

5) Bratkowski either doesn't have someone who can catch in the short middle or refuses to utilize that area or Palmer is too tied to his WRs. In the games I've seen I don't think there were more than a handful of throws underneath the two deep zone.

6) The line has been better than advertised, but Ghiacuc has little ability to hold the middle. He's simply not strong enough to take on many DTs and that's part of the reason a between the tackle guy like Rudi can't get going.

I hope they ditch Bratkowski and bring in a FA DT andTE. I'm okay keeping Bresnehan as the D seems to be finally coming together over the last month or so. I'm very leery of wholesale changes as that almost always means a lost year or two. They can be a playoff team next year with some changes, but right now they simply don't have the talent to be championship material.

[Raiders Army]

Romeo Crennel and Jack Del Rio are among the contenders, but I think ultimately Belichick will win it. He deserves it for keeping his team competitive for 16 games.

[miami_fan]

BTW, was anyone else expecting miami_fan to start this off by talking about a certain Dolphn coach?

I didn't think I needed to embarrass him more than he has already done.;)

[miami_fan]

Wait wait wait. The Lions have fired Martz and replaced him with....

Kippy Brown!

Please allow me to begin a chorus of laughing that will surely continue as other Dolphins fans find this thread.

Bahahahahaha!

SHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

Will the Lions bring back Karim Abdul Jabbar too?:D

[larrymcg421]

SHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!

Will the Lions bring back Karim Abdul Jabbar too?:D

Isn't it time for Cecil Collins to get out of jail?

I'm sure JJ Johnson and John Avery are looking for work, too.

Shit that backfield was bad.

[stevew]

I haven't watched Cincy play this year, so I ask this question. Do you think CJ's presence on the other side has helped TJH? I mean it has to right? Do you think TJH could be a number one WR on a mainly passing team? I don't know the answer, so that's why I am asking. This will probably be throw into TJH's face in any kind of contract renegotiation, no?

Hard to say if he could be a legit #1 on every team, but he would be a #1 on most teams. He should at least be paid top flight TE type money in his next deal. Something like 5/30ish at the worst.

[Vince]

As a 49er fan, I would LOVE to see TJ on my team.

[RendeR]

Hard to say if he could be a legit #1 on every team, but he would be a #1 on most teams. He should at least be paid top flight TE type money in his next deal. Something like 5/30ish at the worst.

TJ is a #1 WR on all but perhaps 5-6 teams, he deserves top 10 WR cash, will he get it? I don't know, will he force the issue? Not if he's the type of player I believe he is.

2 major problems on Offense, We need a Pro-Bowl Center and we need a top line TE, both of which pretty much destroyed our running game and over the middle passing games this season, not to mention lead to TJ nearly getting killed in a few games.

Bratkowski has 1 major flaw, and its killing Cincy: He gets into patterns of play caling FAR too easily. Other teams pick up on that and they played us all year like they knew what was coming and in many cases knew EXACTLY what was coming.

The defense I can't realy bitch about. If the Patriots lose every starting LB and all but 1 backup to injury for 6 games they lose 5 of those 6 games too. Until i see Chuck's defense playing healthy for a whole season I can't say He is the problem.

[Cringer]

NFL Radio is saying Jay Glazer has reported the Ravens have fired Brian Billick.

[stevew]

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/ddisciullo/Billick/BrianBillick2.jpg

I'm sure he'll find a new job soon. Strongly doubt the Ravens will find someone nearly as good as him

[Cringer]

Dola-

Sources: Ravens fire Billick after disappointing year
by Jay Glazer
Jay Glazer is a Senior NFL Writer for FOXSports.com on MSN and also appears every week on FOX NFL Sunday as the network's NFL Insider. Despite his insistence that his job was safe, the Brian Billick era in Baltimore is over.

The team fired their head coach Monday, FOXSports.com has learned, capping an extremely disappointing season.

This comes one day after FOX Sports reported that the players and other employees informed team owner Steve Biscotti that Billick had completely lost the locker room and could not win them back.

Billick was hired as an offensive guru but during his tenure it was his defenses that won for the Ravens, especially their Super Bowl title. Over time Billick was unable to get his QBs to star and his offenses stalled year in and year out.

Earlier this year he proclaimed that he had been given the vote of confidence from Biscottit but that was never confirmed and was obviously not true.

[DeToxRox]

They'd be smart to make Rex Ryan their new HC.

[Chief Rum]

http://mywebpages.comcast.net/ddisciullo/Billick/BrianBillick2.jpg

I'm sure he'll find a new job soon. Strongly doubt the Ravens will find someone nearly as good as him

Then the Ravens seriously need to upgrade their search.

[Chief Rum]

Hard to say if he could be a legit #1 on every team, but he would be a #1 on most teams. He should at least be paid top flight TE type money in his next deal. Something like 5/30ish at the worst.

Now, it's gonna look like I am picking on you. top flight TE?

[stevew]

I just meant the range of money that the top guys have gotten paid most recently, not the actual position.

[Cringer]

<object width="425" height="355"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/KVbDQF8m1-4&rel=1"></param><param name="wmode" value="transparent"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/KVbDQF8m1-4&rel=1" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" wmode="transparent" width="425" height="355"></embed></object>

[DeToxRox]

Housh will get Reggie Wayne money.

[Cringer]

Jay Glazer is now on NFL Radio saying....

-49ers owners/front office are about to have a meeting in 15 minutes to talk about Mike Nolan.

-Rex Ryan should be top candidate in Baltimore.

-Scott Linehan is probably safe but will need to make staff changes.

-Cowboys gave permission today for Parcells to talk to Jeff Ireland. (for GM spot)

-No idea who would be the Dolphins coach.

-Atlanta will ask to talk to Rex Ryan and Jason Garrett today for coaching job. John Schnieder and Reggie McKenzie from GB for GM job. (Schnieder was talked about as a potential CEO for the Packers I think not too long ago, damn trucking family bastards)

[stevew]

We really need Denny Green back in the league.

[mckerney]

Jay Glazer is now on NFL Radio saying....

-49ers owners/front office are about to have a meeting in 15 minutes to talk about Mike Nolan.

-Rex Ryan should be top candidate in Baltimore.

-Scott Linehan is probably safe but will need to make staff changes.

-Cowboys gave permission today for Parcells to talk to Jeff Ireland. (for GM spot)

-No idea who would be the Dolphins coach.

-Atlanta will ask to talk to Rex Ryan and Jason Garrett today for coaching job. John Schnieder and Reggie McKenzie from GB for GM job. (Schnieder was talked about as a potential CEO for the Packers I think not too long ago, damn trucking family bastards)

Nothing about Brad Childress? Damn.

[Cringer]

As I see a couple more little things on the net saying Blank will ask the Cowboys today to speak with Jason Garrett, I find it somewhat ironic. Jones' alma mater hired away Petrino, some say Jones was in on it I guess. Jones has been "grooming" Garrett as the next Cowboys coach, what a great way for Blank to strike back at Jones. ;)

I have time to waste, don't take my theory too serious.

[Cringer]

Nothing about Brad Childress? Damn.

Noe, he didn't mention the VIkes from what I heard.

[Kodos]

Ping: Bill Parcells

Do NOT hire Brian Billick.

End message.

[Cringer]

Ping: Bill Parcells

Do NOT hire Brian Billick.

End message.

Is Billick a "Parcells guy?"

[Cringer]

I have to post about this somewhere.

Is anyone else able to hear the Baltimore press conference right now? The owner (?) is talking and it seems someone is trying to attack him with a dentist's drill. This loud noise, that sounds like a drill, keeps going off. Fairly loud too. I am laughing my ass off at it.

[Kodos]

I hope not.

I just couldn't take the Dolphins hiring another guy I hated.

But firing Mueller was a nice first step. Clean house, Bill. Clean house!

[flere-imsaho]

Is anyone else able to hear the Baltimore press conference right now? The owner (?) is talking and it seems someone is trying to attack him with a dentist's drill. This loud noise, that sounds like a drill, keeps going off. Fairly loud too. I am laughing my ass off at it.

Cellphone on vibrate right near the microphone?

[Cringer]

Cellphone on vibrate right near the microphone?

I have no idea. It has happened atleast a dozen times now. It's a great press conference overall too. A reporter just started asking a question and 15 seconds into talking he says he forgot his thought and they moved onto the next guy.

[JonInMiddleGA]

http://www.ajc.com/falcons/content/sports/falcons/stories/2007/12/31/sparano_1231.html
The Falcons have received permission to interview Dallas offensive line coach Tony Sparano, according to the Dallas Morning News. The newspaper cited unnamed sources. The interview is scheduled to take place Wednesday. Sparano, 46, is the Cowboys assistant head coach and has also been linked as a head-coaching candidate with Miami.

Sparano is in charge of Dallas's offensive line and is the running game coordinator. He called plays in 2006 under then-coach Bill Parcells, but those duties were turned over to offensive coordinator Jason Garrett this season, when Wade Phillips took over for Parcells.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

Just as follow up to the COY discussion, here's a quote from Peter King. Some don't like him, but he is an AP voter for COY (as well as MVP and All-Pro honors). So it gives some insight on what voters are thinking.


"Coach: Bill Belichick, New England. The toughest call I had to make, and I empathize with those who say they can't vote a man coach of the year who was sanctioned more harshly than any coach in NFL history. I gave long and hard consideration to Mike McCarthy of Green Bay, because the Pack vastly overachieved with his steady and smart leadership. But it came down to this: Did the Patriots gain an advantage this year because of Belichick's apparent history of authorizing the taping of defensive signals by the other team's coaches? I think the advantage, at best, was infinitesimal. Whereas the edge gained by Shawne Merriman for using illegal performance-enhancing substances can lead to a tangible advantage for a team, I don't think the taping of defensive signals for a few minutes in the opening game of the season compares. And the accomplishment of this team, and its head coach, are too overwhelming to overlook."

[Noop]

Miami should go ahead and hire Jason Garrett.

[Cringer]

Garrett is Jones' guy, not Parcel's guy. He likes "his guys."

[Buccaneer]

My vote for COTY would be the teams that had the lowest expectations and far exceeded them: either Jon Gruden or Romeo. GB was a playoffs contender, TB and Cleveland were definitely not.

[Cringer]

My vote for COTY would be the teams that had the lowest expectations and far exceeded them: either Jon Gruden or Romeo. GB was a playoffs contender, TB and Cleveland were definitely not.

Green Bay was not a playoff contender in most places I read/heard giving predictions. You are just anti-Favre/Packers and that is why you say that.

[cthomer5000]

re: Billick


Can anyone tell me the least time a super bowl winning coach was fired rather than leaving of his own free will? I'm drawing a blank at the moment.

[Jas_lov]

Green Bay was not a playoff contender in most places I read/heard giving predictions. You are just anti-Favre/Packers and that is why you say that.

I agree 100%. A lot of people did not even expect Green Bay to have a winning record this year. Nobody predicted that they'd win the NFC North this year. Nobody predicted that they'd have a 1st round bye this year. Packers fans wanted Ted Thompson's head on a stake! Non Packers fans said Brett Favre was washed up and should have retired years ago! Now, McCarthy has helped Favre return to the glory years, individually and team. McCarthy has taken the youngest team in the league and led them to a 13-3 record, a 1st round bye in the playoffs, and has turned them into a Super Bowl Contender once again. Peter King is a hack. Vote Mike McCarthy for Coach of the Year! He's not a cheater, he didn't lose to Cincinatti costing his team a playoff berth, and he never injured one of his kickers with a silly metaphor.

[General Mike]

re: Billick


Can anyone tell me the least time a super bowl winning coach was fired rather than leaving of his own free will? I'm drawing a blank at the moment.

Tom Landry, I think.

[Buccaneer]

You Packers fans are weird. I said "playoffs contender", not champions. SI had them 2nd in the division, ESPN had them battling Caroline and 49ers for the sixth seed and Sportsline had them right behind Eagles and Lions as contenders. They weren't predicted to be more than 8-8 but that would have them good enough to contend in the weak NFC.

[Swaggs]

Ditka was fired by the Bears in the early '90s.

It kind of takes an interesting sort of head coach to "accept" a firing under those circumstances. I think most owners would prefer a former SB winning QB would resign/retire or accept a FO position, but guys with huge egos like Billick and Ditka have a tough time with that. Barry Switzer, on the other hand, likely could have been fired but agreed to resign.

[Jas_lov]

You Packers fans are weird. I said "playoffs contender", not champions. SI had them 2nd in the division, ESPN had them battling Caroline and 49ers for the sixth seed and Sportsline had them right behind Eagles and Lions as contenders. They weren't predicted to be more than 8-8 but that would have them good enough to contend in the weak NFC.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/nfl/specials/preview/2007/scouting.report/index.html

SI had them TIED for 2nd in the division WITH A 6-10 RECORD! Way to spin it in your favor! These idiots couldn't pick anything right anyway! Look who SI had in the playoffs! They were completely wrong about everything. Eagles and Lions contenders? WTF? Carolina? 49ers? IDIOTS! The point is that the Packers exceeded expectations by leaps and bounds! Nobody had them above 8-8! The Packers are a SUPER BOWL CONTENDER! Are the Bucs? No! Are the Browns? They aren't even in the playoffs! COTY is down to 3 people- McCarthy, Bellichick, Del Rio. And I explained why the right choice is McCarthy above.

[CU Tiger]

I think he'll stay around one more year until Cowher is ready to return. You're a Panthers fan, is that the consensus?

Thats pretty much what Im hearing locally on Charlotte radio and such.

The Richardsons were ready to apparently fire Marty Hurney (GM) but Hurney and Fox are very close friends (they came to the organization together) and supposedly Fox approached Mark with the offer, "Give us 1 more year together if you dont think we're on the right path I'll resign you dont have to fire me" which will save the Panthers the $3.5 million early term buy-out. Soudns sketchy but knowing how notoriously thrifty Jerry is, I can believe it.

BTW does anyone think the Cowboys playcalling was better LAST year????
Going after Tony Sprano is a bit comical to me. I also don't think Blank will get Garrett away from Jones, at least I hope not. Phillips will only be this good for another year or so.

[ISiddiqui]

Pushing up Gruden for saying he exceeded expectations and not McCarthey is really freaking ridiculous, IMO.

[Buccaneer]

That's probably true since they both exceeded expectations by 5-6 wins (as well as Romeo). The thing is that Gruden was not being mentioned but McCarthy was being considered a slam dunk.

[korme]

I don't like the fact at all that the Baltimore Ravens are getting their shit together

[stevew]

re: Billick


Can anyone tell me the least time a super bowl winning coach was fired rather than leaving of his own free will? I'm drawing a blank at the moment.

Switzer?

I know that was kind of joke title though, he pretty much started with one of the greatest teams of our time.

*edit* I suppose it looks like he "resigned"

[Jas_lov]

Mike Nolan to remain the 49ers head coach, but he relinquishes control over personnel decisions.

[jbergey22]

McCarthy did a superior job to that of Gruden. I wouldnt take anything away from Gruden however but this packer team has 8-8 talent.

[miami_fan]

Looks like Rob Ryan is out as the DC for the Raiders. Sounds like he will be heading to the Jets. The Chiefs have fired their OC and three other offensive assistants

[Honolulu_Blue]

In a move that surprised no one (around here at least), the Lions fired offensive coordinator Mike Martz. They promoted offensive line coach, Jim Colleto, and wide receivers coach, Kippy Brown, as co-offensive coordinators to retain some contunuity to the offense.

The wheels on the bus go round and round, round and round, round and round...

[rkmsuf]

Getting rid of Martz should turn this thing around!


:rolleyes: :rolleyes:

[Maple Leafs]

Getting fired by Matt Millen must be a bizarre experience. Do you think he gives a little speech about how the organization has high expectations and demands excellence?

[ISiddiqui]

Good news for the Jets. They get a good DC because the Raiders don't realize that coaching alone won't make you have a good team... you need talent too.

[SFL Cat]

Garrett is Jones' guy, not Parcel's guy. He likes "his guys."

Besides, with the Cowboys O sputtering for the past month, Garrett isn't looking like quite the genius he was being hailed as earlier in the season.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Information on search for the new offensive coordinator in Kansas City:

http://kan.scout.com/2/716329.html

Chiefs Begin Search for New OC
By Nick Athan
Warpaint Illustrated Publisher
Posted Jan 2, 2008


One day after the Chiefs fired offensive coordinator Mike Solari and three other members of the offensive coaching staff, the process begins to find replacements. Names are already beginning to surface.

As we first reported yesterday, the Chiefs have begun preparing a preliminary list of offensive coordinator candidates. Warpaint Illustrated has learned those names include: UTEP offensive coordinator Eric Price, Jacksonville Jaguars quarterbacks coach Mike Shula, former Nebraska head coach Bill Callahan and now Denver Broncos assistant Jeremy Bates.

The Kansas City Star mentioned the name of former Chiefs offensive coordinator Paul Hackett as a potential candidate, but according to our source, he isn't likely to be considered. Nor will the Chiefs give consideration to ex-coordinator Jimmy Raye in the same capacity.

The Chiefs will search both the college and professional ranks in order to find the best man to rebuild KC’s offense. It appears that Herm Edwards is committed to rebuilding the program, and a fresh offensive take might be the best choice going forward.

It appears there isn’t a clear cut front-runner at the moment, but the Chiefs are high on Price, who worked with incumbent starter Brodie Croyle at Alabama and has history with Herm Edwards in New York, where he tutored Chad Pennington.

The latest name to surface, Bates, served as the quarterbacks/wide receivers coach in Denver this year, but is currently in the midst of a storm. Monday Broncos wide receiver Javon Walker told the local media he wants out of Denver. He didn’t blame Bates, instead throwing his ire at head coach Mike Shanahan, but if Bates can’t control a player like Walker, how can he run an entire offense in Kansas City?

The other issue is Denver’s history with the Chiefs stemming from the Alex Gibbs fiasco in the 90s. The Broncos won’t likely grant Kansas City permission to talk with Bates until they decide if he’ll be retained for 2008 or not. In other words, just because the Chiefs want him, doesn’t mean they’ll get him.

Regardless, the Chiefs hope to have their new offensive coordinator in place before the Senior Bowl later this month.

[Atocep]

Nobody predicted that they'd win the NFC North this year.

Football Outsiders picked Green Bay to win the North.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Co-coordinators always seem to work out, as does hiring someone who has no front office experience to run your front office.

GO LIONS!

[JPhillips]

ESPN is reporting that Bengals DC Chuck Bresnehan has been fired along with LB coach Ricky Hunley.

I hope that Bratkowski is also on the way out.

[Buccaneer]

Football Outsiders picked Green Bay to win the North.

Pfft. What do they know?

[rowech]

ESPN is reporting that Bengals DC Chuck Bresnehan has been fired along with LB coach Ricky Hunley.

I hope that Bratkowski is also on the way out.

Praise Jesus!

[Abe Sargent]

Cam Cameron is gone.

[rkmsuf]

Why would a team seriously have Herm Edwards as their coach?

[Atocep]

Why would a team seriously have Herm Edwards as their coach?

Quality sound bytes?

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Why would a team seriously have Herm Edwards as their coach?

Because Carl Peterson has been good friends with him going back to their Philadelphia Eagles days. Same reason KC brought in Vermeil before Edwards (think that friendship may have even gone back to UCLA days).

[stevew]

Bill B won coach of the year.

[rkmsuf]

Because Carl Peterson has been good friends with him going back to their Philadelphia Eagles days. Same reason KC brought in Vermeil before Edwards (think that friendship may have even gone back to UCLA days).

must be nice to have your fans put up with shit like that

I'll give him a pass for vermeil. at least he was a real coach. edwards is like the guy baseball managers hire to be bench coach and go out drinking with them on road trips.

[Jas_lov]

Bill B won coach of the year.

This is a travesty.

I agree that Herm Edwards should have been fired. Marvin Lewis should have been fired. I applaud the Ravens and Dolphins for firing Brian Billick and Cam Cameron. They both deserved to go. I read a rumor today that Mike Holmgren might retire soon.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

must be nice to have your fans put up with shit like that

I'll give him a pass for vermeil. at least he was a real coach. edwards is like the guy baseball managers hire to be bench coach and go out drinking with them on road trips.

Peterson is on the ropes at this point. He's the longest tenured GM in the league (just finished his 19th year) and still has not put a Chiefs team in the Super Bowl. His team also has not won a playoff game since 1997 if I remember correctly. The season ticket sales that were a sellout for 14 years straight are likely to end next year and result in a few home blackouts. If he doesn't put together a good draft and squad this year, he's likely out the door. Most fans wish he was gone already.

[rkmsuf]

Funny thing is I bet Edwards would get another head job. Why, I have no idea.

Maybe because the players love him and that makes it easy on the gm and owners in some respects.

I found it hilarious that I think it was Bart Scott was quoted as saying something like "a dictator for coach won't work in Baltimore." Translation, nobody has any desire to listen to the coach.

[Abe Sargent]

Marty makes GMs who fire him look like idiots, not because he goes around the schoolyard and taunts them, but because the team never goes back to teh Schot years.

[Crapshoot]

This is a travesty.

I agree that Herm Edwards should have been fired. Marvin Lewis should have been fired. I applaud the Ravens and Dolphins for firing Brian Billick and Cam Cameron. They both deserved to go. I read a rumor today that Mike Holmgren might retire soon.

Do you actually think before posting, or are your opinions straight from GB talk radio?

The idea that the only coach to ever go 16-0 is a "travesty" as the award winner is ridiculous - you may debate it, but its not as if McCarthy was a slam dunk.

[Butter]

ESPN is reporting that Bengals DC Chuck Bresnehan has been fired along with LB coach Ricky Hunley.

I hope that Bratkowski is also on the way out.

That would almost be too good to be true.

[Wolfpack]

Why would a team seriously have Herm Edwards as their coach?

Because they play to win the game?

[Jas_lov]

Do you actually think before posting, or are your opinions straight from GB talk radio?

The idea that the only coach to ever go 16-0 is a "travesty" as the award winner is ridiculous - you may debate it, but its not as if McCarthy was a slam dunk.

I do think before I post and that's why I called the AP's decision a travesty. McCarthy was robbed.

[Atocep]

Looks like Rob Ryan is out as the DC for the Raiders. Sounds like he will be heading to the Jets. The Chiefs have fired their OC and three other offensive assistants

They're now saying Al Davis overuled Lane Kiffin on firing Rob Ryan and he'll be back with the Raiders next year.

[DaddyTorgo]

I do think before I post and that's why I called the AP's decision a travesty. McCarthy was robbed.

I don't think it's whether he thinks or not that we should question. It's whether he takes the "GB-centric" blinders off that we should be worried about

[miami_fan]

Mike Martz to the 49ers as an OC.

[miami_fan]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3199065

Dallas Cowboys assistant head coach Tony Sparano is the new Miami Dolphins head coach.

The two sides on Wednesday morning completed work on what ESPN.com has confirmed is a four-year contract worth about $2.5 million to $2.7 million per year.

Sparano arrived at the team complex Wednesday wearing a suit and accompanied by new Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland. Owner Wayne Huizenga soon joined them, then left about an hour later.

Not counting the interim tenure of Jim Bates in 2004, Sparano becomes the seventh head coach in franchise history, and replaces Cam Cameron, who lasted just one season in the job before being fired. In his first NFL head coaching job, Sparano inherits a team that won just one game in 2007; has obvious holes on the offensive side, including uncertainty at quarterback; and an aging defense.

On the positive side, the Dolphins own the top overall selection in the 2008 draft, and can either exercise it to choose a top-shelf prospect, or perhaps trade the choice for additional picks in the lottery. Sparano also will be surrounded by a strong support group of front-office executives he knows well.

Ireland, who most recently worked in the Dallas personnel department as vice president of college and pro scouting, is familiar with Sparano and his coaching style. And Dolphins vice president of football operations Bill Parcells hired Sparano as an assistant when Parcells was the Dallas head coach.

Sparano, 46, also interviewed for the head coach openings in Atlanta and Baltimore.


Although he has worked in the league only nine seasons, Sparano is widely respected for his offensive acumen and his demeanor with the players. Before joining the Dallas staff in 2003, Sparano was on the staffs of Cleveland (1999-2000), Washington (2001), and Jacksonville (2002).

Before landing his first NFL position, Sparano worked 15 years in the college ranks and was head coach at New Haven from 1994 to 1998.

He worked primarily with the Cowboys' offensive line this season. But when Parcells was the coach, Sparano had much broader responsibilities. Although he didn't hold the title of coordinator, Sparano called the team's plays in 2006. Parcells is known to hold Sparano in high regard.

Sparano is expected to pursue several current Dallas assistant coaches, some of whose contracts with the Cowboys have expired, for key positions on his staff.

The Dolphins are coming off the worst season in team history. They lost their first 13 games and missed the playoffs for the sixth consecutive year, extending a franchise record.

The coach's office became a revolving door since 2004, when Dave Wannstedt quit after nine games and was replaced by Bates. Nick Saban became the coach in 2005, but lasted only two years before leaving for Alabama. Cameron, the former offensive coordinator for the San Diego Chargers, came on board, but after a 1-15 season, was dismissed by Parcells on Jan. 3.

Len Pasquarelli is a senior NFL writer for ESPN.com. Information from the Associated Press was used in this report.

[Butter]

Will Jason Garrett go to Baltimore, or will Jerry Jones pull the trigger on Wade Phillips in Dallas and elevate Garrett to HC?

[MacroGuru]

If Jerry Jones pulls the trigger, it will be to match the Ravens offer in order to keep Garrett with a HC in waiting status.

[stevew]

Tony Dungy supposedly retired and will be replaced by Jim Caldwell.

[miami_fan]

If Jerry Jones pulls the trigger, it will be to match the Ravens offer in order to keep Garrett with a HC in waiting status.

I will be very curious to see how this HC in waiting thing works if this is what Jerry decides to do. Is Phillips supposed to be training Garrett? What is the threshhold for Wade to maintain his job?

[dervack]

Tony Dungy supposedly retired and will be replaced by Jim Caldwell.
And has been denied by Dungy. Said his mind isn't made up yet.

[Izulde]

Hrm, be interesting to see how this new Dolphins head coach hire works out.

Can't be worse than Cameron at any rate.

[miami_fan]

Does Tom Moore not want to be a head coach?

[ColtCrazy]

I think Tom Moore knows he's an OC and that's where he'll leave it. He's almost 70....is becoming a HC really what he wants at this stage.

If I post what I'll say on the Colts boards, the homers would feed me to ravenous dogs, but Dungy leaving may be a good thing. I love Dungy, appreciate what he's done...but this year the Colts seemed to lack fire at times...and a kick in the pants type might have helped in the 2nd half. I have no idea of Caldwell is that type of guy, but a slight attitude change would be a good thing.

[miami_fan]

I think Tom Moore knows he's an OC and that's where he'll leave it. He's almost 70....is becoming a HC really what he wants at this stage.

If I post what I'll say on the Colts boards, the homers would feed me to ravenous dogs, but Dungy leaving may be a good thing. I love Dungy, appreciate what he's done...but this year the Colts seemed to lack fire at times...and a kick in the pants type might have helped in the 2nd half. I have no idea of Caldwell is that type of guy, but a slight attitude change would be a good thing.

Couldn't you say the same thing about the Colts last year when they were getting run all over at the end of the season? I don't think Dungy threw any chairs or kicked over any tables. In fact, he was lauded for his quiet demeanor that held the team together during that rough patch and on to the Super Bowl.

[ColtCrazy]

Couldn't you say the same thing about the Colts last year when they were getting run all over at the end of the season? I don't think Dungy threw any chairs or kicked over any tables. In fact, he was lauded for his quiet demeanor that held the team together during that rough patch and on to the Super Bowl.

True. He kept the same system in tact, and last year it ended up working out. Again, I'm not knocking him...he brought the city a Super Bowl trophy and for that I'll forever be thankful, but the MO of this team has been more about failing in the playoffs after byes (they didn't have it last year) as opposed to perfoming in the playoffs like they do in the regular season.

[Vinatieri for Prez]

I think you're right. Dungy won his SB, so we'll give him the props for that. But for the QB and other talent on that team, their playoff record has been horrible in terms of getting to the SB. As one Indy sportswriter has said, the Colts have become the NFL version of the Atlanta Braves.

[rkmsuf]

Thank goodness the Colts are going with some in house clown to replace Dungy. Scary how good they might be with a good coach.

[ISiddiqui]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3200822

Seems as if Garrett is staying put as Dallas's OC, with the promise that he'll be the head coach when Phillips hangs 'em up.

[JeeberD]

Thank goodness...

[korme]

Garrett makes a call I don't know if everybody would make, good for Dallas.

[rkmsuf]

When did Garrett become such a genius and hot commodity? Parcells wansn't playin dat. Went right for the Sopranos guy.

[Butter]

This whole promising people jobs to stay put thing has become a lot more popular of late as well, moreso in college than the pros. Waiting for it to blow up in somebody's face...

[MrBug708]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3200822

Seems as if Garrett is staying put as Dallas's OC, with the promise that he'll be the head coach when Phillips hangs 'em up.

If I were Phillips I'd leave if this were the case.

[rkmsuf]

If I were Phillips I'd leave if this were the case.

they should just get rid of that baboon and make Garrett the head coach

[miami_fan]

I can remember announcers talking about Garrett being HC material before he retired.

[miami_fan]

This whole promising people jobs to stay put thing has become a lot more popular of late as well, moreso in college than the pros. Waiting for it to blow up in somebody's face...

I understand it better in the college game but only in specific situations.

[Kodos]

I hope Dungy stays and Belichex retires.

[ColtCrazy]

I hope Dungy stays and Belichex retires.

We can dream can't we? :)

Although, on a Dungy side note, Gary Brackett, defensive captain said after a conversation with Dungy he's convinced Dungy has one more year in him.

[stevew]

Ravens have alledgedly hired John Harbaugh(brother of Jim) as their new head coach. Weird how a defensive backs coach can get that kind of promotion.

[Abe Sargent]

Ravens have alledgedly hired John Harbaugh(brother of Jim) as their new head coach. Weird how a defensive backs coach can get that kind of promotion.

He was a special teams coordinator for years, so he has a lot of coordinator experience.

[CU Tiger]

Jones almost made Garret HC last year.
Its hard to imagine him not doing what it takes to keep him. Being the highest paid Coordinator in NFL history should do it....

[Abe Sargent]

If I were Phillips I'd leave if this were the case.

Especially since Phillips has rehabilitated his image in many ways.

[dervack]

And Dungy is staying for at least one more year.

http://www6.comcast.net/sports/articles/general/2008/01/18/FBN.Colts.Dungy/

[rkmsuf]

Love how Dungy wants the world to know what a great family man he is by almost retiring every year to be with them.

[wade moore]

And Dungy is staying for at least one more year.

http://www6.comcast.net/sports/articles/general/2008/01/18/FBN.Colts.Dungy/

Love how Dungy wants the world to know what a great family man he is by almost retiring every year to be with them.

Don't hate the player...

[molson]

Love how Dungy wants the world to know what a great family man he is by almost retiring every year to be with them.

What are you talking about, Dungy is clearly the only head coach who loves his kids. I heard Bellichick beats his with an old shoe.

[Kodos]

When he plays cards with his kids, Belichuck stations a camera behind them so he can see their cards.

[rkmsuf]

Oh yeah, I bet Dungy stiffs the collection plate at church.

[Cringer]

What are you talking about, Dungy is clearly the only head coach who loves his kids. I heard Bellichick beats his with an old shoe.

When he plays cards with his kids, Belichuck stations a camera behind them so he can see their cards.

You guys are showing your ignorance. Belichick couldn't possibly reproduce, he has no time for that. He doesn't even remember what women and children are at this point.

[RomaGoth]

What are you talking about, Dungy is clearly the only head coach who loves his kids. I heard Bellichick beats his with an old shoe.

Belichick has kids? Really?? WTF is wrong with this world?????

Aaaaaaaaaaarrrrrrrrggggggggghhhhhhhh................................

[RomaGoth]

When he plays cards with his kids, Belichuck stations a camera behind them so he can see their cards.

He also has his dog steal their signals from underneath the table.....

[Travis]

Holmgren just announced that he is returning for one last season with the Seahawks. Defensive coaches remain as they were, so Mora doesn't get bumped up to DC the way a lot of the fans had hoped, but is the likely successor to take over next season.

[miami_fan]

So is it better to be the HC of the Seahawks or the HC of the Huskies?

[MikeVic]

That's odd.

[Kodos]

"I must ask you to turn your key!"

[tucker rocky]

On a side note to this thread, Falcons have a new coach, Mike Smith, former DC of the Jaguars. Mike Mularkey is the new OC.

[stevew]

Seahawks looking good in next season.....

Mora reached a five-year agreement Tuesday that will allow him to transition into the head coaching job with the Seattle Seahawks once Mike Holmgren retires after the season, a source close to Mora told ESPN.com.

Mora will serve the 2008 season as the assistant head coach in charge of the secondary. Once the season is over, Mora, former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, will become the head coach for the next four seasons, according to the contract that was agreed to in principle Tuesday evening.

The Seahawks late Tuesday confirmed a news conference set for noon Wednesday but refused to discuss the topic.

The move wasn't a surprise. General manager Tim Ruskell was looking for a defensive coach to lead the franchise after Holmgren decided he would no longer coach the team. Mora, who played at the University of Washington, wanted to return to the Seattle area to coach. He first suggested the University of Washington, his alma mater. Then the Seahawks came calling with a chance for him to coach the secondary.

Mora's influence in improving the secondary along with improving each of the cornerbacks and safeties was one of the big reasons the Seahawks defense made a dramatic improvement in 2007. He interviewed for the head coaching job with the Washington Redskins but pulled his name out, hoping the Seahawks would make him a "head coach in waiting."

Jim Caldwell worked out a similar deal with the Indianapolis Colts once Tony Dungy decides to retire. Even though the NFL strictly enforces the Rooney Rule that requires teams to interview minority candidates, teams are allowed to promote coaches currently on staff for the future without fear of penalty for not interviewing others.

Now, the Seahawks have a plan in place. Holmgren will coach in 2008. Mora will get the next four years.

I guess every retread gets his day.

[Warhammer]

Man, I wish I could flame out like that. Here, sure you sucked in Atlanta, but when I retire, you get the gig...

[rkmsuf]

Cross Seattle off after this year.

[flere-imsaho]

NFL Head Coaches are like CEOs: even when they fail (and fail spectacularly), they never really fail personally.

[Subby]

Just ask Rich Kotite!

[Shkspr]

Just ask Rich Kotite!

I hear he's got an interview with Dan Snyder on Friday.