NFL Coaching hiring/firing Thread

[miami_fan]

An NFL companion thread to dawgfan's college thread. We already have three head coaches gone in San Fran, Oakland and St. Louis. I am not sure that any of the interim coaches will get the permanent job. Holmgren is gone in Seattle, with Jim Mora Jr. taking over.

I think there is a consensus that there will be opening in Detroit and Cleveland. I keep hearing that Herm Edwards and Marvin Lewis is going to hang on to their jobs due to owners' patience.

Who are the hot coordinators in the league right now? I keep hearing about Jim Fassel coming back and maybe Martz getting a shot somewhere, but I don't hear anything about the next offensive/defensive "genius"

[Swaggs]

I think Bill Cowher will be a candidate for the Cleveland job if/when it opens.

I could also see him being lured to Dallas if Phillips goes.

[stevew]

I'm going to go out on a limb and call Russ Grimm to Cleveland. I doubt they will fire Savage, so that should mean no Cowher. Grimm seems dumber than Romeo, so he'd be a good fit.

[miami_fan]

I think Wade Phillips could be on the hot seat as well, and if they continue the way they have the last six weeks perhaps the wunderkind Garrett isn't a shoe-in for the job either.

I think because Garrett has not been that good, Wade might get a bit of a break.

[johneh]

I'm going to go out on a limb and call Russ Grimm to Cleveland. I doubt they will fire Savage, so that should mean no Cowher. Grimm seems dumber than Romeo, so he'd be a good fit.

There is also some talk that the Browns might be sold and that the new ownership group will clean house - Romeo & Savage will be gone.

[kcchief19]

I'm simply stunned Mangini is out in New York and Mike Tannenbaum still has a job. It wasn't Mangini who made the trade for Favre, and it was Favre who threw away the Jets season (literally) in the last month of the season. I don't necessarily think Mangini is a genius but I don't think the collapse was his fault, unless it was entirely his idea to unload Pennington and bring in Favre.

Job openings:
New York Jets
Cleveland
Detroit
Seattle (do they have a successor in place?)


Likely openings:
St. Louis
Oakland
Kansas City

On the hot seat:
Cincinnati
Buffalo
Dallas
Tampa Bay
Jacksonville

Given the short fuse owners have anymore, I almost put Zorn and Payton on the hot seat list. If the Chargers and Eagles flame out spectactularly Norv and Reid could go too. I'm assuming Shanahan is safe.

[Swaggs]

Saw a report on ESPN that Cowher may be interested in the Jets job.

I'm not a Cowboys' fan (not really too much feeling on them these days), but I'd like to see how he'd do in Dallas.

[dervack]

I thought that Jim Mora Jr was the likely head coach in Sea.

[Jas_lov]

Is the Bengals owner so cheap that he won't fire Marvin Lewis because he doesn't want to pay to buy him out? Lewis should have been gone long ago.

I was surprised the Jets got rid of Mangini. I thought Favre would be the one to go and he probably should anyway.

How is Gruden on the hot seat? They had a monumental collapse but I haven't heard anything about him being in trouble.

[miami_fan]

I thought that Jim Mora Jr was the likely head coach in Sea.

He was the head coach in waiting at the beginning of the season. I have not heard anything to the contrary since.

[gstelmack]

I'm simply stunned Mangini is out in New York and Mike Tannenbaum still has a job. It wasn't Mangini who made the trade for Favre, and it was Favre who threw away the Jets season (literally) in the last month of the season. I don't necessarily think Mangini is a genius but I don't think the collapse was his fault, unless it was entirely his idea to unload Pennington and bring in Favre.

Much has also been made of the collapse the Jets defense went through over the last several weeks.

[larrymcg421]

The idiot Dolphins coach has got to fucking go!

Oh wait, I don't have to do that anymore.

[kcchief19]

Much has also been made of the collapse the Jets defense went through over the last several weeks.
I hear that, but no defense is going to look good when their quarterback can't keep them off the field by completing 56% of his passes with 9 picks and a rating under 60 over the last five games. Blaming the defense and Mangini for the team's collapse and not blaming Favre and the guy who brought him there is why the Jets are the Jets.

[RedKingGold]

Old news, but the 49ers removed the "interim" tag off of Head Coach Mike Singletary.

I guess I like the news.....for now. I was critical of Singletary at first, when he bungled the Cardinals game and his famous "I want winners" and/or pants dropping speeches. However, San Francisco players did continue to play hard for him for the end of a lost season.

The best news is that Mike Martz is likely toast. I never liked that move and thought (correctly) that it would set back the progress of the offense. The biggest question is at quarterback. I guess Hill is Singletary's guy, but I kinda hope the 49er's do not give up on Smith.

Alex is still in his mid-twenties, and the 49er's have had seven different offensive coordinators since 2000. I was secretly hoping that Norv Turner would get fired from San Diego and could come back as the 49er's OC, but that's not a possibility now with the Chargers in the playoffs.

If the 49ers could get a stable offensive system in place, then it should be a good team. I guess the one thing San Francisco has going for it is that the NFC West is pretty poor. The Seahawks and Rams look to have rebuilding to do, and Arizona looks like no great dynasty.

[Chief Rum]

There's talk that Parcells is already ready to move on from Miami...and that he may not necessarily be inclined to go to another office job, if you know what I mean.

[miami_fan]

I don't mid Parcells leaving. I think the one thing he gave the team besides bring in the GM and the HC is he had their backs. No player was going behind the coach and/or GM to run to the team president to plead their case. I am not sure he deserved as much credit as he has received but he set the tone for the organization.

Back to the job openings, is Cowher really worth $8-$10 million and total control of an organization? Really?

[Galaxy]

There's talk that Parcells is already ready to move on from Miami...and that he may not necessarily be inclined to go to another office job, if you know what I mean.

Part of his contract allows him to opt out if he Miami has a new owner, correct? I didn't realize the Dolphins were on the market.

[QuikSand]

Back to the job openings, is Cowher really worth $8-$10 million and total control of an organization? Really?

Why on earth would the money really matter? I mean, if you don't think he's good enough, fine. But if you're lucky enough to be an NFL owner, and you have the complete protection of a serious salary cap that ensures your team's profitability... why not add another percent or two to the team's total expenses to try to bring aboard someone who could have a massive impact on the franchise's success (and revenue stream)?

Seriously, in a league where you really cannot outspend other teams on players as a way to make a difference... why on earth would you be horrified to pay a few million more to get a guy who may make more of an impact than just about any sign-able free agent player this year, when that money doesn't draw away from your ability to still spend money on players?

If you're not sold on Cowher, fine. Look at the turnaround with the Dolphins under Parcells and his track record. Say he's a free agent to come be your lord-and-master-of-football-operations this offseason. If you're a giant turd-sucking team like the Rams or the Chiefs, why would you even bat an eyelash at paying him $5 million, or $10 million, to take over?

[miami_fan]

Why on earth would the money really matter? I mean, if you don't think he's good enough, fine. But if you're lucky enough to be an NFL owner, and you have the complete protection of a serious salary cap that ensures your team's profitability... why not add another percent or two to the team's total expenses to try to bring aboard someone who could have a massive impact on the franchise's success (and revenue stream)?

Seriously, in a league where you really cannot outspend other teams on players as a way to make a difference... why on earth would you be horrified to pay a few million more to get a guy who may make more of an impact than just about any sign-able free agent player this year, when that money doesn't draw away from your ability to still spend money on players?

If you're not sold on Cowher, fine. Look at the turnaround with the Dolphins under Parcells and his track record. Say he's a free agent to come be your lord-and-master-of-football-operations this offseason. If you're a giant turd-sucking team like the Rams or the Chiefs, why would you even bat an eyelash at paying him $5 million, or $10 million, to take over?

Whoa! Are you Bill Cowher's agent? I don't care how much a team pays him. What has Bill Cowher done to prove that he is worth given total control of your entire football operations to? What has Bill Cowher done to be the highest paid coach in the league? Especially when you compare his track record with say a Bill Parcells and the track record of the coach/GM/ President types in NFL.

[QuikSand]

My point isn't really about Cowher, it's about the ability to spend uncapped money on non-player areas and NFL teams' general reluctance to do so.

[cartman]

Nationalfootballpost.com reported that Shanahan was fired in Denver. However, the site has apparently been farked, and they were the only ones reporting this.

[cartman]

Dola,

NFL.com now is reporting it.

[JeeberD]

No shit? Wow...

[ISiddiqui]

It was on ESPN's ticker too. Wow.

[ISiddiqui]

Also Martz is officially fired (that isn't all that shocking though).

[cartman]

I wonder if both sides have signed Singletary's contract in San Fran?

[Galaxy]

Alright, the Bills are keeping the moron Dick Jauron for at least another season.

I hate being a Bills fan. I kind of wish Ralph Wilson would just sell the team already (and let the new owner move them). At least allow an owner to care about spending money to win (if it's LA, Toronto, ect.).

[miami_fan]

Nationalfootballpost.com reported that Shanahan was fired in Denver. However, the site has apparently been farked, and they were the only ones reporting this.

I wonder if they were going to strip him of his executive powers and he told them to fire him.

[RedKingGold]

I would have loved to seen Shanahan come back to San Francisco.

Damn.

[Logan]

We do need an OC...

[Raiders Army]

We do need an OC...

I don't think he would be an OC. He'll probably land a HC job somewhere.

[SFL Cat]

I don't see Parcels going anywhere, unless he just doesn't like the new owner of the Dolphins, especially not for a coaching job.

[Logan]

I don't think he would be an OC. He'll probably land a HC job somewhere.

I know, that was just very, very wishful thinking.

Shanahan being available probably costs Cowher some money.

[Kodos]

Shanahan should go to KC, so he can beat up on the Raiders and the Broncos each year. Sounds good.

[Crapshoot]

My point isn't really about Cowher, it's about the ability to spend uncapped money on non-player areas and NFL teams' general reluctance to do so.

Yup. In my mind, this is an area where the Dallas/NY/big market teams out to take every advantage possible - Dan Snyder is wrong about a lot of things, but he's right about this.

[Buccaneer]

I wonder if they were going to strip him of his executive powers and he told them to fire him.

That's the word on the streets here locally.

[Logan]

I'd say the same thing if I had three more contracted years coming to me.

[miami_fan]

My point isn't really about Cowher, it's about the ability to spend uncapped money on non-player areas and NFL teams' general reluctance to do so.

Yup. In my mind, this is an area where the Dallas/NY/big market teams out to take every advantage possible - Dan Snyder is wrong about a lot of things, but he's right about this.

Wasn't this an issue for the league a few years ago? Concern about the rising salaries of assistant coaches around the league? I remember there being some concern teams signing assistants to head coaching type salaries.

It seems to go against the basic philosophy that NFL types talk so proudly about. Everything in the league is about everyone having the same resources to work with when it come to the on the field product with very few extremes. So it is all about who plays harder, coaches better, scouts better etc. Buying the best coaches because of outside resources would go against that IMO. Of course the league is a copycat league so if a owner decided to spend $20 million on his staff and won a Super Bowl, other teams would follow suit. However at this point, having the highest paid coaching staff has not led to Super Bowl success, has it?

[larrymcg421]

I'm calling it now:

The Broncos will hire Brett Favre to be Head Coach and QB. Meanwhile, Jay Cutler will get traded to the Lions and lead them to a division title.

[flere-imsaho]

The Drunk Guy thread is that way, larry ---->

[stevew]

I'm somewhat worried about cowher raiding the steelers front office. Those guys are too notch.
Shanahan to the Browns would be a great fit for both parties. Thru have some good pieces and an owner willing to spend.

[Noop]

I hope Urban Meyer goes to the NFL.

[Galaxy]

I hope Urban Meyer goes to the NFL.

Why?

[M GO BLUE!!!]

I hope Rich Rodriguez goes to the NFL.

[ISiddiqui]

Why?

Are you seriously asking why a Florida State fan would want Urban Meyer to leave Florida?

[Noop]

Why?

I have a vested interest in his leaving.

[Noop]

Are you seriously asking why a Florida State fan would want Urban Meyer to leave Florida?

:+1:

What he said.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

:+1:

What he said.

I always thought you were a fan of the U.

[Noop]

I always thought you were a fan of the U.

Would be my second favorite team. I had to be the black sheep of the family where everyone is a cane fan.

[Galaxy]

Are you seriously asking why a Florida State fan would want Urban Meyer to leave Florida?

I knew he liked Florida State, but I always thought he liked the other Florida teams as well.

[ISiddiqui]

Wha?

Since when do you know people who like their greatest rivals?

[Jas_lov]

I'm so glad to see that Brett Favre is somebody else's problem now. A year from now Favre was on top of the world and now word is out that nobody in the Jets locker room likes him. Thomas Jones wanted Favre benched for Kellen Clemens. Another Jets player called Favre "distant" which is what they called him in Green Bay too.

And now the Jets are going to lose out on Bill Cowher because Cowher doesn't want Favre on his team, and who can blame him? When Jets players support Mangini over Favre, Brett should probably just get the point and go away. Nobody wants this guy anymore.

While the Jets hoped to woo Cowher with a boatload of money, the marriage appeared to be unlikely from the outset. Sources close to Cowher said he did not want to have Favre as his quarterback

A source familiar with Cowher's thinking said before last night's decision came down that the former Steeler boss would have to receive assurances from the Jets that the 39-year-old Favre no longer was in the picture before agreeing to take control.

"There's no way he's taking Brett Favre as his quarterback," said one person close to Cowher.

BILL TELLS JETS LOOK ELSEWHERE; FAVRE TO BLAME? - New York Post (http://www.nypost.com/seven/12312008/sports/jets/bill_tells_jets_look_elsewhere__favre_to_146662.htm)

[Kodos]

Cowher always hated There's Something About Mary.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

So if the Raiders end up with Gilbride as coach, think there is any chance Davis keeps Ryan in charge of the defense... and we all wait for a left hook to flatten Gilbride at some point? (Like father, like son!)

[Swaggs]

The Boston College message boards are going nuts because apparently Chris Mortenson reported that Coach Jagodzinski would be fired if he interviews for the Jets job, which he is scheduled to do tomorrow.

Pretty crazy move from the BC brass, if true. Should be pretty hard to get a coach, with any kind of ambition whatsoever, if he is punished for interviewing for an NFL job.

[CU Tiger]

ooops wrong thread...

[Thomkal]

One name I've not heard mentioned for any of the openings this season is Brian Billick. A bit surprising given his success in Baltimore over the years. I thought he'd be a fit for the Raiders actually. Didn't like him much as a coach, but kinda liked him as a play-by-play guy on Fox this season. Really explained things from a coaches point of view.

[Bigsmooth]

Oh chit. Marinelli is in Seattle as we speak interviewing for the Hawks D Coordinator position. Not sure how I feel about this, although he'd most likely be an upgrade over John Marshall. I'd rather he became the DLine coach...

[Thomkal]

Good news Packers fans-they have fired their defensive coordinator and 5 other coaches, 4 on the defensive side.

Bad news Vikings fans-the owners are not firing Childress or his staff. :)

[Thomkal]

Oh chit. Marinelli is in Seattle as we speak interviewing for the Hawks D Coordinator position. Not sure how I feel about this, although he'd most likely be an upgrade over John Marshall. I'd rather he became the DLine coach...

he also interviewed with the Bears so maybe Seattle will be spared

[Cringer]

The Packers also fired Rock Gullickson, a guy voted the NFL's 2007 strength and conditioning coach of the year, and a guy McCarthy brought in just to have his guy in that spot. Someone had to be the fall guy for the injuries I guess.

[DeToxRox]

Oh chit. Marinelli is in Seattle as we speak interviewing for the Hawks D Coordinator position. Not sure how I feel about this, although he'd most likely be an upgrade over John Marshall. I'd rather he became the DLine coach...

Marinelli has never been a DC and is married to the Tampa 2. He is a great DL coach, but as a DC, I question how good he'll be.

[DeToxRox]

Lions are in a bind .. They would be a great job with a new GM, but the fact is this is not nearly ideal now with Mayhew and co in, so now the question is do you make a run at Vikes DC Leslie Frazier now, and not wait for the Titans to lose before seeing if you can get Schwartz, or do you risk getting Frazier (or Mularky or Bowels, as they seem to be the 3 big names besides Frazier) by waiting for Schwartz.

I'd rather have Schwartz, but I like Frazier, but if we wait, we may nto get either.

[Cringer]

As for the Packers DC spot, I guess it could be a worse time to need one...

Among the defensive coordinators available are former San Francisco coach Mike Nolan, former New York Jets coach Eric Mangini, former Cleveland Browns coach Romeo Crennel and former Jacksonville defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, plus probably Jim Haslett, who likely won’t be retained as coach by the St. Louis Rams.

They may not have been great head coaches, but were some pretty good DCs.

[DeToxRox]

As for the Packers DC spot, I guess it could be a worse time to need one...

Among the defensive coordinators available are former San Francisco coach Mike Nolan, former New York Jets coach Eric Mangini, former Cleveland Browns coach Romeo Crennel and former Jacksonville defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, plus probably Jim Haslett, who likely won’t be retained as coach by the St. Louis Rams.

They may not have been great head coaches, but were some pretty good DCs.

I assumed Moss would get the gig unless he gets the Rams job?

[Cringer]

I assumed Moss would get the gig unless he gets the Rams job?

Eh, who knows right now I guess. He seems to do fine with the LBs. I just wonder if McCarthy rests half of his fate with a guy who has never been a DC since the Packer DC pretty much gets full control of that side of the ball. Hopefully Moss gets the Rams job before he gets tarnished by being the DC in GB. :lol:

[Travis]

Marinelli being named DC in Seattle wouldn't be the end of the world. Sounds like Mora will either call plays or be heavily involved in that aspect of things. Either way, it'll be an upgrade over their last couple of DC's (can't get any worse anyway). I just really hope they go out and get a quality WR coach this offseason to work with all the young guys they have there. A couple of those guys have really high ceilings but nobody to show them how to get there.

[DeToxRox]

Marinelli being named DC in Seattle wouldn't be the end of the world. Sounds like Mora will either call plays or be heavily involved in that aspect of things. Either way, it'll be an upgrade over their last couple of DC's (can't get any worse anyway). I just really hope they go out and get a quality WR coach this offseason to work with all the young guys they have there. A couple of those guys have really high ceilings but nobody to show them how to get there.

I think Marinelli can be a good DC if he's put on a leash. He is a great teacher and his players love him, I just am not sure how he'd call a game.

As far as WR coach, the one coach who currently is being retained by the Lions I hope we keep is Shawn Jefferson. He has worked wonders with Calvin.

[Travis]

For good or ill I'm expecting Marinelli to Seattle given his front office ties. From what I've read it sounds like a good situation given that Mora will essentially be the true DC so Marinelli will be around more as a teacher and have input as to the game planning. With the talent Seattle has on D, they should be a top 15 D, top 10 if the offense is performing at a top 15 level to help keep them off the field. I still have some hope that Tubbs makes a comeback this year and gives them some more depth at DT (that'd give them 3 bonafide big body run stuffing DT's types) which should help counter act how quickly they wear down and keep linemen off of the line backers. They just really need somebody to come in and really coach up their young DE's (Tapp and Jackson) so that if Kerney goes down again they'll still have an outside pass rush. Sounds like that could be right up Marinelli's alley.

[DeToxRox]

For good or ill I'm expecting Marinelli to Seattle given his front office ties. From what I've read it sounds like a good situation given that Mora will essentially be the true DC so Marinelli will be around more as a teacher and have input as to the game planning. With the talent Seattle has on D, they should be a top 15 D, top 10 if the offense is performing at a top 15 level to help keep them off the field. I still have some hope that Tubbs makes a comeback this year and gives them some more depth at DT (that'd give them 3 bonafide big body run stuffing DT's types) which should help counter act how quickly they wear down and keep linemen off of the line backers. They just really need somebody to come in and really coach up their young DE's (Tapp and Jackson) so that if Kerney goes down again they'll still have an outside pass rush. Sounds like that could be right up Marinelli's alley.

I agree there. He did wonders with Cliff Avril this year, who became a monster once he got in the lineup.

He just needs Mora to facilitate what he wants because Marinelli's biggest flaw is as a HC he was too set in his ways. He is a great guy though and is hard not to respect.

[Mustang]

I assumed Moss would get the gig unless he gets the Rams job?

From what I've read, sounds like Nolan is probably going to be the pick. I don't think Moss was fired because it would not look good to be fired while interviewing.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

As far as WR coach, the one coach who currently is being retained by the Lions I hope we keep is Shawn Jefferson. He has worked wonders with Calvin.

Nothing against Jefferson, but I think that Chuck Hughes could probably coach Calvin & he would be a Pro Bowl caliber WR.

[Thomkal]

ESPN is reporting Eric Mangini has signed a four year contract with the Browns.

[Travis]

Seahawks hire Greg Knapp as OC. Funny part is on the Seahawk forums I frequent, the move seems to be receiving mostly negative reviews. The reason I say funny is because these are the same forums that were calling for first Holmgren, then whoever the new regime would be to institute a more smashmouth style offense that relies on the running game, one that most voices on those forums feel would be better suited to win in bad weather, on the road, etc.

So now they get an OC who consistantly has a top 10 running game and when he also working with a good QB (Garcia) had his overall offense in the top 10. With Atlanta (Vick) and Oakland (Russell) he maintained the rushing rank but the passing rank was pretty brutal and pulled the overall ranking down as well.

I see this as a pretty positive move given how involved with the D Mora will be, keeping things very similar to their time in Atlanta and San Fran. If Hasselbeck can be healthy by the start of next season I think he is at least on par and likely better than Garcia was when Knapp was in SF assuming they retain the WCO which seems to be Knapp's preference.

Now they just need a new DC, WR and ST coach. The more I think about it the more I hope they ink Marinelli as DC/DL Coach. With all the youth they have along the dline it'd be really nice to get somebody who can give them quality instruction.

[ISiddiqui]

ESPN is reporting Eric Mangini has signed a four year contract with the Browns.

Good for him, and I think a good deal for both sides.

[JonInMiddleGA]

As far as WR coach, the one coach who currently is being retained by the Lions I hope we keep is Shawn Jefferson. He has worked wonders with Calvin.

That the same Shawn Jefferson that played with the Chargers, I dunno, 10-20 years ago?

[DeToxRox]

That the same Shawn Jefferson that played with the Chargers, I dunno, 10-20 years ago?

Yeah. The ex player of the 90's.

[DeToxRox]

Per ESPN

Josh McDaniels has been hired as the Broncos Head Coach

[DeToxRox]

Not sure what happens with the other openings now but my guess:

Raiders - Cable

He wants to stay there. Not sure many want to go there.

Jets - Ryan

It's him or Spags it looks like. It just seems like Ryan is gaining steam, but the fact he's still in the playoffs and Spags is out could hurt his best chance ever as a candidate.

Lions - Schwartz

Meeting with Ford tomorrow for his second interview. It's him or Spags. Spags may get his second interview this week, but there could be other interest.

Rams - Frazier

I think he's emerging as the man there. Really become a hot candidate the last few weeks.

Chiefs - Ferentz

I think Pioli does end up getting the gig and hires the guy most rumored to be tied to him.

[DeToxRox]

Dola

McDaniels is bringing Mike Nolan in as the DC. Great hire.

[JeeberD]

I was hoping this was bumped to say that Wade was gone...

[DaddyTorgo]

Wow. McDaniels is like 5 years old. That's surprising. I hope for the sake of Broncos fans that he isn't overrated (tons of success with a very talented QB and skill position players the past few years). I'd assume he isn't actually, just raising the possibility.

Like the guy though. Best of luck to him.

[Noop]

Tony Dungy is done?

[gstelmack]

Wow. McDaniels is like 5 years old. That's surprising. I hope for the sake of Broncos fans that he isn't overrated (tons of success with a very talented QB and skill position players the past few years). I'd assume he isn't actually, just raising the possibility.

Like the guy though. Best of luck to him.

What will be interesting is that none of Bill's proteges has done all that well since leaving. Will be interesting to see if Notre Dame picks up as Weiss hits the groove, and if Mangini can turn around Cleveland, but so far most of his assistants should have just stayed put...

Pioli is the one I'll REALLY miss if he goes to Kansas City.

[DeToxRox]

Sounds like Rex Ryans interview with the Jets has made him being HC a formality. The Jets will wait for him, even if it's after the SB.

It's very possible that the main target for many going into this year, Spags, is going to wind up back as the Giants DC.

Talk about luck for the Giants if true.

[miami_fan]

Sounds like Rex Ryans interview with the Jets has made him being HC a formality. The Jets will wait for him, even if it's after the SB.



Well deserved opportunity for Rex Ryan

[Travis]

Seahawks sign a new DC and the name is a bit of a surprise. It's 42 year old Casey Bradley who was the LB coach with Tampa. Apparently Kiffin called Mora and lobbied for the guy who came in and had an absolutely fantastic interview. Seems like quite the youth movement on the coaching front as we now have Mora (47) at HC, Greg Knapp (45) as OC with Mike Solari (53) working with the offensive line (rest of the offensive coaching positions are still up in the air as far as I know). On D there is Bradley (42) as DC, Dan Quinn (38) as the defensive line coach/assistant head coach and Joe Barry (38) who'll coach the linebackers.

It is a bit unfortunate that they weren't able to lure Rathman in to be the RB coach but so far so good.

[Cringer]

Dola

McDaniels is bringing Mike Nolan in as the DC. Great hire.

I missed this hire yesterday and just saw it checking Packer news. Packer top DC choice gone, very surprising, I guess Nolan and McCarthy aren't best buddies after all.

Now the Packer's #2 choice seems to be waiting to see if the Titans DC job opens up so he can go back to be their DC, that would be Gregg Williams.

The Packers haven't even interviewed anyone else yet besides those two guys according to reports. Moss isn't really a candidate, more like a guy who was kept around because he was being interviewed for HC jobs. I guess he could get a shot now though, even though reports say McCarthy wants someone with DC experience.

I hope this ends well, I am sure there are some good possible DCs out there. Hope McCarthy finds one though, his first pick didn't work out so well.

[Atocep]

Scott Pioli to KC and Herm Edwards is fired.

[Kodos]

Awesome. Glad to see Pioli leave the Patriots.

[gstelmack]

New England will miss Scott Pioli...

[Cringer]

So what is his title, I guess it has to be a promotion in some way right? Or is it just going to be a bunch of $$ and a new challenge without B.B. that makes it a must make move from New England?

[Travis]

Interesting as the Seahawks tried to throw a big pile of money at him to lure him away from NE a couple years ago. I'm guessing he's looking to really try and put his stamp on a rebuilding process that'll have him remembered separately from the NE championship runs.

[DataKing]

Marinelli to the Bears as DL coach. :)

[rkmsuf]

let's see this pioli guy operate without all the assistance

[Kodos]

Yikes! RKSmurf sighting!

[rkmsuf]

Yikes! RKSmurf sighting!

enjoying the dolphin playoff loss motivated me to resurface

[Kodos]

Enjoying the Dolphins winning the AFC East instead of the Patriots motivated me to stay.

[rkmsuf]

Enjoying the Dolphins winning the AFC East instead of the Patriots motivated me to stay.

AND NOW THE TABLES HAVE TURNED


AHAHAHHAAHAHAAHHAHAAHA

[Kodos]

I'm still on a bit of a high from the Pat's Super Bowl choke.

[rkmsuf]

I'm still on a bit of a high from the Pat's Super Bowl choke.

true. that was the mother of all meth hits for dolphin fans.

[cuervo72]

let's see this pioli guy operate without all the assistance

Chris Landry was talking about this on The First Team this morning. Pioli apparently isn't a personnel guy, but more of an administrative type. The opinion was that whoever is brought in as coach would need to assist with the evaluation of talent (and that job was still mainly Belichick's in NE).

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

So we've had rksmurf return, as well as appearances by The Afoci and DataKing so far in the past few days? Is it FOFC reunion week? And who's next?

[DeToxRox]

Jim Schwartz is going to be named the Detroit Lions coach.

Sweet Jesus, thank you.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Jim Schwartz is going to be named the Detroit Lions coach.

Sweet Jesus, thank you.

Cue all the "Schwartz" soundbites from Spaceballs. :D

[Honolulu_Blue]

Jim Schwartz is going to be named the Detroit Lions coach.

Sweet Jesus, thank you.

And there was much rejoicing...

[MylesKnight]

Cue all the "Schwartz" soundbites from Spaceballs. :D

First thought that came to mind when hearing the name. :D

Remember Pizza the Hut?

http://www.ladyofthecake.com/mel/space/images/pizzahut.jpg

[RendeR]

Who is Jim Schwartz and how much better will he be than the last 3-5 lackeys?

[Ronnie Dobbs2]

Titans DC since 2000. Real bright guy.

[RendeR]

Ahh thanks. He's got a tall task ahead then, that detroit defense was nonexistant.

[Thomkal]

Jim Schwartz is going to be named the Detroit Lions coach.

Sweet Jesus, thank you.

May God have mercy on your soul Jim Schwartz. :)

[dervack]

I might be wrong, but is it the same Jim Schwartz that was a special teams player for the Bears also?

[Bad-example]

Titans DC since 2000. Real bright guy.

Not bright enough to stay the hell outta Detroit. :lol:

[Cringer]

No kidding there, although between them and the Raiders I would take the Lions.

So I guess this means Greg Williams will end up the Titans DC, unless the Saints lock him up first somehow.

[henry296]

Saints already signed Williams.

[Matthean]

Jim Schwartz is going to be named the Detroit Lions coach.

Sweet Jesus, thank you.

About as good as the Lions could hope for. Read an article on him and came away feeling fairly good about him if he got hired. Avid chess player since he gets into tactics so much. If the Lions just pull off a B rated draft with all of those picks, it will help a lot in turning things around.

[DeToxRox]

Adam Schefter is reporting Jason Garrett is on his way to STL and all signs point to him as the favorite for the Rams job.

Sorry Rams fans.

[Cringer]

Adam Schefter is reporting Jason Garrett is on his way to STL and all signs point to him as the favorite for the Rams job.

Sorry Rams fans.


The same Shefter just broke the story (they said on NFL Network anyways) that Jon Gruden has been fired.

[DeToxRox]

Bruce Allen gone too ... wow

[Cringer]

dola- Bruce Allen fired as well.

ESPN is slow on this one, they must not have been watching NFL Network. NFL Network already has guys on the phone talking about it.

[RedKingGold]

Jon Gruden has been fired.

Wow.

[RedKingGold]

My thought is that the Bucs already Cowher or Shanahan lined up, that can be the only explanation for firing both.

[stevew]

I'm smelling a big Rooney rule violation in Tampa. Hopefully no minorities want to interview. It almost has to be shanahan or cowher.

[RedKingGold]

Triple dola.

There will be a freaking rush to get Gruden for any team with an HC job still open.

[Atocep]

Dump Lovie.

Hire Gruden.

Thanks.

[QuikSand]

There will be a freaking rush to get Gruden for any team with an HC job still open.

I'd think so.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Wow. Gruden? Really?

[sabotai]

Teams that lost to the Oakland Raiders in 2008

NY Jets - fired HC
Denver - fired HC
TB Bucs - fired HC and GM
Houston - fired Def. Coordinator and 2 other defensive coaches
KC Chiefs - Fired GM and everyone is still waiting for the axe fall on Edwards

[Kodos]

Crazy. My two favorite coaches, Gruden and Shanahan, both fired after barely missing division titles. My pipe dream, which has no basis in reality, is that Gruden becomes the coach at Indiana University. But that would never happen in a billion years.

[DeToxRox]

Schefter is reporting Raheem Morris is the favorite to take over the Bucs job.

Makes no sense.

[Buccaneer]

I just saw that. Wow. Gruden always have been one of my favorites.

[stevew]

Nope. Morris makes no sense.

[Young Drachma]

Schefter is reporting Raheem Morris is the favorite to take over the Bucs job.

Makes no sense.

His name got hot almost immediately. He's got the same pedigree as Mike Tomlin and Tomlin worked down there when Dungy was still around, it's where he got his start.

I think that the Bucs are trying to strike gold by giving him a shot, too soon and make sure that he won't end up leaving them and going to someone in a year or two and pulling a Tomlin. Worse case, they fire him after a year or two.

I don't think it had anything to do with why they fired Chucky, I think that had more to do with Shanahan getting fired. I mean, if the Broncos can fire him, than who can't get canned?

I almost thought immediately when I heard it, that this is what they were gonna do.

[Deattribution]

I'd like to see Gruden return to the Raiders just to see what he could do with that group of underachievers. He's always been pretty good with getting the most out of his talent.

[miami_fan]

I don't think it had anything to do with why they fired Chucky, I think that had more to do with Shanahan getting fired. I mean, if the Broncos can fire him, than who can't get canned?


This was my first thought.

[RendeR]

I dunno, I like chucky and all but he's always seemed like an opportunist to me. he landed a raiders team loaded with talent and got them one step from a super bowl. He then inherited a tampa team that should have won 3-4 super bowls and won one.

Not sure on chucy's overall skills yet. Lets see him turn around the Lions or browns or 49ers.

[Deattribution]

I dunno, I like chucky and all but he's always seemed like an opportunist to me. he landed a raiders team loaded with talent and got them one step from a super bowl. He then inherited a tampa team that should have won 3-4 super bowls and won one.

Not sure on chucy's overall skills yet. Lets see him turn around the Lions or browns or 49ers.

I don't think they were set to win 3 or 4, they never had the offense to do it.
He inherited a inept offense in Tampa and a great defense that was aging.

Besides, I think it's not really fair saying anyone should of won X amount of Super Bowls with a team, Dungy only won one with the Colts, he couldn't win a playoff game with Tampa, and yet he still is a great coach. Take away the Pats, maybe the Colts win 2 or 3 but how do you say he could of won X amount when the competition is always getting better too.

[cuervo72]

Is the Jets situation 100% set in stone with Rex Ryan? Don't Gruden and Favre get along pretty well?

[Kodos]

Is the Jets situation 100% set in stone with Rex Ryan? Don't Gruden and Favre get along pretty well?


They were saying something along those lines on NFL Network.

I somewhat wonder if he'd be better off pulling a Pete Carroll and going to coach college. He's an authoritarian coach, and in college, you have a lot more power over your players than you do in the NFL.

[cuervo72]

I thought of that, but what college jobs are open? I thought most of that shuffling already happened.

[stevew]

Mark dominick (sp?) as GM. Morris as coach. According to Steve Deumig of WDAE

[flere-imsaho]

Gruden's teams have always seemed, to me, to underachieve and lack direction (the first year notwithstanding). I'm sure he'll be a hot commodity, but I don't think he deserves to be so.

[stevew]

I also think there's a very good chance the Bucs pick 1st overall in 2010. They aren't very talented and their better players are old. They have a ton of space but they need almost a complete overhaul. Knock chucky for the collapse but they really weren't much more than a 6 win team on paper

[miami_fan]

The more I think about it, the more I think this firing should not be suprising at all. Jon Gruden's tenure after his Super Bowl win is almost exactly the same as Brian Billick's tenure with the Ravens after his Super Bowl.

[Anthony]

Nope. Morris makes no sense.

copycat league. success of rookie coaches in Atlanta and Baltimore has everyone jumping in the rookie coach bandwagon. i wouldn't dump Gruden for a rookie coach. the guy won a SB in this decade. what have you done for me lately has never proven to be an effective way to run a team. Tampa Bay is setting back a playoff contending team numerous years.

[Anthony]

Gruden's teams have always seemed, to me, to underachieve and lack direction (the first year notwithstanding). I'm sure he'll be a hot commodity, but I don't think he deserves to be so.

any coach that has won a SB within the previous 10 years should be a hot commodity.

[cuervo72]

any coach that has won a SB within the previous 10 years should be a hot commodity.

Only ones holding jobs right now are Belichick and Coughlin, yes?

[miami_fan]

I thought of that, but what college jobs are open? I thought most of that shuffling already happened.

Did Lane Kiffin sign his contract yet?;)

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Did Lane Kiffin sign his contract yet?;)

Too bad Rich Rodriguez signed his the other day...

[kcchief19]

His name got hot almost immediately. He's got the same pedigree as Mike Tomlin and Tomlin worked down there when Dungy was still around, it's where he got his start.
Tomlin had five years as a position coach and a year at DC before getting the Steelers job. Morris was with the Bucs the first time four four seasons, one as quality control coach (really?), one as a defensive assistant (no, not assistant coach or even an assistant position coach, just an assistant) and two years as assistant DB coach (I didn't even realize the NFL had assistant position coaches). He has a total of two years of NFL experience as a position coach.

I hear the argument that rookie coaches are hot (Mike Smith is 49, however). Mike Tomlin is young but is much more experienced than Morris is. Lane Kiffen had slightly more experience than Morris and we saw how well that went down. Josh McDaniels is young too but has vast more experience that Morris. While young rookie coaches are a bit of a trend, it's usually teams looking outside the organization for a fresh take.

Tampa just seemed to randomly promote whoever happened to be standing there when they fired the GM and coach.

[Crim]

Teams that lost to the Oakland Raiders in 2008

NY Jets - fired HC
Denver - fired HC
TB Bucs - fired HC and GM
Houston - fired Def. Coordinator and 2 other defensive coaches
KC Chiefs - Fired GM and everyone is still waiting for the axe fall on Edwards

LOL Awesome, sab!

[JeeberD]

Cowboys fired (or are going to fire) DC Brian Stewart. If Garrett goes to the Rams and Stewart is gone, I'm hoping that Wade takes a step down and becomes our DC and Shanahan or Cowher becomes our HC...

Never gonna happen, but at least I can dream.

[stevew]

Yeah. I guess when Jerry says "the coaches are in place" it doesn't mean what I think that means. Jerry should just fire wade now and get it over with. Bring in Martyball or Dan Reeves or Billick as those guys are much more realistic than Cowher.

And when Cowher comes back eventually, I will be shocked if he's as successful as people think he will be. I appreciate the one win he got us, but I can't help but think he easily had the teams to win 2 to 3 more. He's a great motivator but I think he's average at best at making in game decisions and adjustments.

[Izulde]

copycat league. success of rookie coaches in Atlanta and Baltimore and Miami has everyone jumping in the rookie coach bandwagon. i wouldn't dump Gruden for a rookie coach. the guy won a SB in this decade. what have you done for me lately has never proven to be an effective way to run a team. Tampa Bay is setting back a playoff contending team numerous years.

Fixed.

[Lathum]

Anyone else think Gruden goes the the Broncos so he can stick it to the Raiders twice a year.

[stevew]

Anyone else think Gruden goes the the Broncos so he can stick it to the Raiders twice a year.

Josh McDaniels might have something to say about that.

[dervack]

Gruden to Notre Dame after next season. If Gruden doesn't land a HC job this offseason.

[cartman]

So the word now out of St. Louis is now that Spagnuolo will be named head coach, not Jason Garrett.

[Matthean]

Gruden to Notre Dame after next season. If Gruden doesn't land a HC job this offseason.

I wouldn't be surprised if he sits out a year and waits for the head coaching jobs to be reshuffled again and he gets a better chance at picking where he wants to go.

[Young Drachma]

Tomlin had five years as a position coach and a year at DC before getting the Steelers job. Morris was with the Bucs the first time four four seasons, one as quality control coach (really?), one as a defensive assistant (no, not assistant coach or even an assistant position coach, just an assistant) and two years as assistant DB coach (I didn't even realize the NFL had assistant position coaches). He has a total of two years of NFL experience as a position coach.

I hear the argument that rookie coaches are hot (Mike Smith is 49, however). Mike Tomlin is young but is much more experienced than Morris is. Lane Kiffen had slightly more experience than Morris and we saw how well that went down. Josh McDaniels is young too but has vast more experience that Morris. While young rookie coaches are a bit of a trend, it's usually teams looking outside the organization for a fresh take.

Tampa just seemed to randomly promote whoever happened to be standing there when they fired the GM and coach.


Morris was the defensive coordinator at Kansas State for a year and just has more experience in college than he does in the NFL.

Josh McDaniels is just as young and inexperienced, but he got promoted. That's all.

I don't think it's a trend. They figured it was cheaper and easier to go with a guy that probably would've gotten the keys to someone else's organization sooner rather than later, especially if the team is sputtering anyway and needs to go in a new direction.

I don't see it necessarily as a bad move. I think McDaniels to Denver is a lot more worrysome, because that team is accustomed to win and already has a strong foundation in place, so if the young guy doesn't assert himself early, he'll lose that locker room before it starts.

More to the point, I think the Dungy line of head coaches has wiped the Belichick line off the map. While not a safe bet that he'll be better, they surely could've done worse and cost themselves a lot more money long-term.

Seems like a low risk move.

[sabotai]

So the word now out of St. Louis is now that Spagnuolo will be named head coach, not Jason Garrett.

Spagnuolo tabbed to become the next Rams head coach (http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80e2e0a9&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true)

I had to go through years of crappy defensive play calling from the Giants previous DC and now that they finally got a good one, he gets taken away after 2 years.

Oh well. I'm happy for him, but I don't know what the Giants do now. I also wonder how many people from both the Giants and Eagles he'll be taking with him.

[MizzouRah]

Spagnuolo tabbed to become the next Rams head coach (http://www.nfl.com/news/story?id=09000d5d80e2e0a9&template=with-video-with-comments&confirm=true)

I had to go through years of crappy defensive play calling from the Giants previous DC and now that they finally got a good one, he gets taken away after 2 years.

Oh well. I'm happy for him, but I don't know what the Giants do now. I also wonder how many people from both the Giants and Eagles he'll be taking with him.

Wow.. I'm a little surprised.. but sounds like a good hire.

[Warhammer]

Thank goodness they actually made a good move. Now if they would move back to LA I would be in heaven.

[Sweed]

Wow.. I'm a little surprised.. but sounds like a good hire.

I'm happy with Spags. Tired of them bringing in the offensive geniuses. Let's get back to being a defensive club like the old Rams of the 70's and early 80's.

[MizzouRah]

I'm happy with Spags. Tired of them bringing in the offensive geniuses. Let's get back to being a defensive club like the old Rams of the 70's and early 80's.

Agreed.. I just thought Leslie Frazier was going to be the hire.

Time will tell, but I'm happy with the hiring... especially since we have drafted defensive players early in the draft over the past few years.

[Logan]

Spags is really loved here in NY, and if it makes the STL fans feel better, my Giant fan friends are pretty devastated. They knew they were lucky to keep him past last season, and once it started looking like he might not get a job this time around, they got their hopes up.

[MizzouRah]

Spags is really loved here in NY, and if it makes the STL fans feel better, my Giant fan friends are pretty devastated. They knew they were lucky to keep him past last season, and once it started looking like he might not get a job this time around, they got their hopes up.

I've heard this from alot of NYG fans!

I'm just sooooo happy it wasn't Garrett of the Cowboys. :D

[Senator]

sigh

[miami_fan]

Rex Ryan is heading to the Jets. Something just feels right about the Raiders having the last coaching vacancy.

[Barkeep49]

Rex Ryan is heading to the Jets. Something just feels right about the Raiders having the last coaching vacancy.
Until we know Herm is safe, I'm not sure you can take too much pride.

[miami_fan]

Until we know Herm is safe, I'm not sure you can take too much pride.

I thought it was reported yesterday that Herm would get one more year.

[Barkeep49]

I thought it was reported yesterday that Herm would get one more year.
I missed that then.

[Cringer]

Dom Capers is the Packers new DC. I guess we really start the move to a 3-4, which all the DC's that were talked about would have done. Slowly I am sure, can't switch overnight they say. ;)

Dom Capers came out of nowhere to me though. I guess the Giants were going to try to get him, rumor has it.

[flere-imsaho]

I have to say I'm enjoying this (almost yearly) game of seeing who the sucker is going to be who takes the Raiders' job.

[Danny]

I have to say I'm enjoying this (almost yearly) game of seeing who the sucker is going to be who takes the Raiders' job.

Seems smart to me. Take the job, get fired and then get a better job. It's working out alright for Norv and Lane.

[duckman]

Al Davis going to luck out and get a HC that will get him to a Super Bowl, and then fire him because he won't throw the long ball.

[Cringer]

Watching the McCarthy press conference right now. I love the press trying to get McCarthy to say "I screwed up my coaching hires three years ago." He brushed it off well enough, but still funny.

McCarthy says he prefers the 3-4 Defense, always has. The personnel changes on defense will be interesting. McCarthy has said several times he thinks the players we have can fit well in the 3-4. Sounds like Kampman is someone they are already thinking of moving around in this. Jenkins, if healthy, I agree could do well at DE in a 3-4. He also mention Pickett as NT.

I guess the good thing is we won't need as many DT's. :D

They make it sound like this will NOT be a slow change to the 3-4. They will still run some 4-3 stuff, but it sounds like it's full steam ahead.

[miami_fan]

I missed that then.

I definitely could be wrong on this. However if they do fire him, would it surprise you if the Chiefs hire a coach before the Raiders?

[Suburban Rhythm]

So I can't be the only one, but everytime I hear something about the Raiders and Don Martindale, I picture this-

http://www.angelfire.com/wrestling3/jay_anton/tictacpages/index/Logo.jpg

http://www.geocities.com/TelevisionCity/4439/dragon.jpg

[Scarecrow]

I definitely could be wrong on this. However if they do fire him, would it surprise you if the Chiefs hire a coach before the Raiders?

Collinsworth: Haley will be Chiefs' new coach | Red Zone (http://chiefsblog.kansascity.com/?q=node/638)

you might want to see what Collinsworth thinks about the situation in KC (not that I trust what he says further than I can throw him).

[kcchief19]

Collinsworth's analysis appears to be pure speculation, not entirely different from the speculation by Boomer Essiason that Pioli wants to wait for Bill Cowher.

Considering that the Chiefs haven't made a move yet, it's reasonable to speculate that Pioli is either waiting for someone to make up their mind or waiting for someone to become available. I really don't believe Cowher or anyone in that group of coaches will work for a GM with total control, so it certainly seems reasonable to conclude that Kansas City wants a coordinator who is still working.

Plus, Pioli and Haley have a history together and Haley is from the Parcells coaching tree who was with him with the Jets and the Cowboys.

[Thomkal]

No, I don't want Haley to leave the Cards! Actually I kinda thought the Raiders might have been interested since they've had a long time to get a new coach. But I think Haley's days are probably numbered in Arizona given what the Cards offense has done this season and especially in the playoffs.

Pioli's had enough time to talk with Herm Edwards like he said he wanted to and decide on his future with the team. He didn't send Edwards to scout the Senior Bowl, which apparantly most NFL head coaches go to.

[RedKingGold]

49ERS LOOK TO THE PAST IN OFFENSIVE COORDINATOR SEARCH (http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/01/23/49ers-look-to-the-past-in-offensive-coordinator-search/)

Posted by Josh Alper on January 23, 2009, 2:30 p.m. EST

A surprising name has surfaced in the 49ers’ search for a new offensive coordinator. Former Broncos, Giants and Falcons (http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/01/23/49ers-look-to-the-past-in-offensive-coordinator-search/#) head coach Dan Reeves will interview for the job, according to both Adam Schefter and FOX’s Jay Glazer.

Schefter says the interview will take place on Friday afternoon while Glazer places it sometime in the next 24 hours. Schefter says that Mike <NOBR id=itxt_nobr_1_0 style="FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 100%">Singletaryhttp://images.intellitxt.com/ast/adTypes/mag-glass_10x10.gif</NOBR> (http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/01/23/49ers-look-to-the-past-in-offensive-coordinator-search/#) has had a hard time finding someone he trusts to call plays for the 49ers, and Reeves’ experience would seem to be enough to clear that stumbling block.

Reeves has been out of coaching since 2003 when the Falcons fired him.

He currently works as a color commentator for Westwood One’s national radio broadcasts on Sunday afternoons. Reeves coached the Broncos to three Super Bowls in the 80’s and took the Falcons to their only Super Bowl (http://www.profootballtalk.com/2009/01/23/49ers-look-to-the-past-in-offensive-coordinator-search/#) in 1998.

According to Schefter, if all goes well in the interview Reeves could be hired at some point this weekend.

Not sure what to think of this.

[DataKing]

Interesting about Reeves, though with guys who have been removed from coaching for that long, you have to wonder if they've kept up with the times, or if the game appears to have passed them by (see Art Shell, circa 2006).

[Barkeep49]

I think this would be a positive move overall, even if Reeves isn't the strongest. I think Singletary could benefit from Reeve's experience.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

I like Linehan as Lions O-Coordinator.

Think Culpepper to C.J. had anything to do with his hiring?

[Honolulu_Blue]

I like Linehan as Lions O-Coordinator.

Think Culpepper to C.J. had anything to do with his hiring?

Could be a decent hire. Some guys just aren't cut out to be head coaches, but make great coordinators (Morningweg) or position coaches (Marinelli).

I really hope that this doesn't mean the Lions decide to keep Culpepper though. He was bad. Really, really bad.

[RedKingGold]

ESPN is reporting that the Chiefs have fired Herm Edwards and are close to a contract with Mike Shanahan to take over.

EDIT: Hello Rooney Rule violation!

[M GO BLUE!!!]

ESPN is reporting that the Chiefs have fired Herm Edwards and are close to a contract with Mike Shanahan to take over.

EDIT: Hello Rooney Rule violation!

Unless they talked to Herm about his job!

[sabotai]

Teams that lost to the Oakland Raiders in 2008

NY Jets - fired HC
Denver - fired HC
TB Bucs - fired HC and GM
Houston - fired Def. Coordinator and 2 other defensive coaches
KC Chiefs - Fired GM and everyone is still waiting for the axe fall on Edwards

Update: KC Chiefs - Fired GM and HC

[RedKingGold]

Heh, I know that's in jest. Actually though, the Chiefs could not have satisfied the Rooney Rule by interviewing Herm because interviewing the incumbent minority does not satisfy the Rule's obligation:

NFL.com Blogs » Blog Archive Rooney Rule still in play for Chiefs « (http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/01/15/rooney-rule-still-in-play-for-chiefs/)

[stevew]

Adam Schaefter from NFLN just said there was zero validity to the Shanahan stuff

[stevew]

And he said that The Chiefs will supposedly make a play for Cowher but will likely have an open search

[Scarecrow]

So far this week, Adam Schaefter has said the following:

1. Todd Haley would be the next Chiefs coach
2. Todd Haley would NOT be the next Chiefs coach
3. Mike Shanahan would be the next Chiefs coach
4. Mike Shanahan would NOT be the next Chiefs coach
5. Bill Cower would be the next Chiefs coach

Wonder if Schaefter is having problems getting information out of the Pioli camp, a la his days at New England (btw, Schaefter also said that Pioli would NOT be the next Chiefs GM).

[JonInMiddleGA]

Interesting about Reeves, since his playcalling had as much to do with his firing in Atlanta as anything. Hell, as I recall that was pretty much the main thing that got him fired.

[kcchief19]

"I speak to Mike regularly, there has been nothing in his tone or in his message that has given me any indication that he will be the coach of the Kansas City Chiefs. I know for a fact they've not had contact to this point. The Chiefs may in fact reach out to him in the coming days and even then I firmly believe it will not change anything," Schefter said.
Based on these statements and what I saw on NFL.com, Schefter has pretty much pushed his career chips all-in on Shanahan not going to Kansas City. If Shanahan does end up with the Chiefs, Schefter's reputation is gone forever. He's attached to the hip with Shanahan -- he was the beat writer for the Broncos forever and he's writing a book with him.

However, the thing that strikes me about his statements is that he gives the impression he hasn't talked to Shanahan about it -- do you really think Shanahan would tell the guy he's writing a book with that the story is garbage but don't quote on me on it? Plus, he then says he thinks the Chiefs will go after Cowher now. Don't you think if the Chiefs were going after Cowher they would have done it BEFORE they fired Herm? Something doesn't smell right.

Two different media outlets are reporting it based on their sources. The NBC affiliate here reported it first, then Chris Mortenson said that Wednesday it appeared there wasn't anything going on but on Thursday sources said it was close to happening. Also of note is that no one with the Chiefs have denied it -- in fact, the Chiefs are stonewalling the media and not commenting. Don't you think somebody by now would talk to Shanahan? He's apparently not talking -- and it sounds like he's not talking to Schefter either.

I don't think Pioli would finally fire Herm if he didn't have his guy lined up. It might not be Shanahan. To me, it seems a possibile improbability but the noise definitely suggests something is going on.

The only other thing that strikes me about Schefter is that you wonder about his objectivity. The interview with the NBC affiliate in Denver sure seemed geared toward calming down Denver fans. Maybe he's more worried about his reputation in Colorado and doesn't want to be considered the PR flack for Shanahan. If Shanahan goes to KC, Broncos fans will turn on him and anyone associated with him.

[Scarecrow]

My guess about the timing of Herm's firing has more to do about the NFL's 'rule' about no transactions during Super Bowl week than it does Pioli has found someone.

[adubroff]

Interesting about Reeves, since his playcalling had as much to do with his firing in Atlanta as anything. Hell, as I recall that was pretty much the main thing that got him fired.

Wasn't he last offensive coordinator on a team that featured Tony Dorsett? I assume Singletary wants to run a conservative system and Reeves might be a good resource to help him as a first time head coach, but I can't see this working.

[stevew]

Interesting about Reeves, since his playcalling had as much to do with his firing in Atlanta as anything. Hell, as I recall that was pretty much the main thing that got him fired.

Jamal Anderson getting hurt didn't help either. I'd take Reeves as the Steelers OC vs our current guy.

[Thomkal]

Based on these statements and what I saw on NFL.com, Schefter has pretty much pushed his career chips all-in on Shanahan not going to Kansas City. If Shanahan does end up with the Chiefs, Schefter's reputation is gone forever. He's attached to the hip with Shanahan -- he was the beat writer for the Broncos forever and he's writing a book with him.

However, the thing that strikes me about his statements is that he gives the impression he hasn't talked to Shanahan about it -- do you really think Shanahan would tell the guy he's writing a book with that the story is garbage but don't quote on me on it? Plus, he then says he thinks the Chiefs will go after Cowher now. Don't you think if the Chiefs were going after Cowher they would have done it BEFORE they fired Herm? Something doesn't smell right.

Two different media outlets are reporting it based on their sources. The NBC affiliate here reported it first, then Chris Mortenson said that Wednesday it appeared there wasn't anything going on but on Thursday sources said it was close to happening. Also of note is that no one with the Chiefs have denied it -- in fact, the Chiefs are stonewalling the media and not commenting. Don't you think somebody by now would talk to Shanahan? He's apparently not talking -- and it sounds like he's not talking to Schefter either.

I don't think Pioli would finally fire Herm if he didn't have his guy lined up. It might not be Shanahan. To me, it seems a possibile improbability but the noise definitely suggests something is going on.

The only other thing that strikes me about Schefter is that you wonder about his objectivity. The interview with the NBC affiliate in Denver sure seemed geared toward calming down Denver fans. Maybe he's more worried about his reputation in Colorado and doesn't want to be considered the PR flack for Shanahan. If Shanahan goes to KC, Broncos fans will turn on him and anyone associated with him.

Actually its Chris Mortenson who's likely to lose his job over this, being the first (and only?) to "report" that the Chiefs were already talking terms with Shanahan-this just hours after they had fired Edwards and not interviewed any HC candidates let alone the required minority candidate. ESPN ran with it in their ticker only to change it later to "targetting Shanahan, but unlikely to sign him." I think I will trust the word of Schefter here who works for NFL.com and likely has better connections than Mort, and apparantly is a friend of Shanahan as well.

Right now, Chiefs fans seem to think the new coach will either be Todd Haley from the Cards (NO!) or promoting Chan Gailey to HC after the job he did with the offense when my man Tyler Thigpen took over. Seems there is some interest in Cowher, but I don't see Cowher backing down on his word that he was returning to TV next season.

[kcchief19]

Actually its Chris Mortenson who's likely to lose his job over this, being the first (and only?) to "report" that the Chiefs were already talking terms with Shanahan-this just hours after they had fired Edwards and not interviewed any HC candidates let alone the required minority candidate.
Actually it was the NBC affiliate here in KC that reported it Wednesday night. In his segment on ESPN yesterday, Mortenson said Thursday his sources didn't think it was likely but by Friday were saying a deal was imminent.

I draw a distinction between what Mortenson said -- which was that he said he had two sources who said Shanahan was goint to KC -- and what Schefter said -- which was a guarantee that there was no way Shanahan was going to KC and that there had been no contact. Schefter was reporting based on sources -- he portrayed himself as the source. Mortenson didn't say Shanahan was 100% going to KC but Schefter did say Shanahan was 100% not going to KC.

ESPN is definitely backtracking. The word in KC circles is that the Chiefs are trying to get Winston Moss in for an interview to satisfy the Rooney Rule. Supposedly the Chiefs asked for a ruling from the NFL on whether "interviewing" Herm Edwards in regard to keeping his job satisfied the rule and were told no. So apprently we will wait until Moss or another minority candidate comes in for an interview before we get the next coach.

The three rumored names I keep seeing and hearing are Shanahan, Haley and Parcells. No one here thinks Gailey is getting the job, except for Bob Gretz who is surgically attached to Carl Peterson. The Parcells rumors are simply related to his relationship with Pioli.

[molson]

ESPN is definitely backtracking. The word in KC circles is that the Chiefs are trying to get Winston Moss in for an interview to satisfy the Rooney Rule. Supposedly the Chiefs asked for a ruling from the NFL on whether "interviewing" Herm Edwards in regard to keeping his job satisfied the rule and were told no. So apprently we will wait until Moss or another minority candidate comes in for an interview before we get the next coach.



Geez, what a well-intentioned buy incredibly demeaning and counter-productive policy.

There will always be this label for guys like Winston Moss that will do nothing but hurt his career in the long run - he's a "Rooney Rule interviewee".

The sad thing is that the rule will get credit for the increased number of minority coaches in the league. But I'm not convinced the rule has more of a posltitive effect in that regard than mere time.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

So... how many coaches still have jobs from this last season?

[Barkeep49]

Geez, what a well-intentioned buy incredibly demeaning and counter-productive policy.

There will always be this label for guys like Winston Moss that will do nothing but hurt his career in the long run - he's a "Rooney Rule interviewee".

The sad thing is that the rule will get credit for the increased number of minority coaches in the league. But I'm not convinced the rule has more of a posltitive effect in that regard than mere time.
I will disagree. Because Mike Tomlin is often thought to have gotten his job because of the Rooney Rule, not too surprising considering Rooney owns the Steelers, but still. And then you have college football with no Rooney Rule and a paucity of minority coaches.

[Taur]

Right now, Chiefs fans seem to think the new coach will either be Todd Haley from the Cards (NO!)
Even if Haley brings Warner with him? They, then pick up Crabtree in the draft and all of a sudden the Chiefs are scoring 30+ per game.

Another Crazy turn around.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

This may or may not lad to some changes in Philly, but I'm gonna say a prayer for a damn good coach.

PHILADELPHIA -- Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson has had a recurrence of cancer, this time in his spine, team officials said Thursday.

Eagles trainer Rick Burkholder told The Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News that Johnson on Monday was diagnosed with melanoma skin cancer that has formed a tumor in his back. Johnson has begun radiation treatments at Bryn Mawr Hospital, the trainer said.

The tumor is in the same area where Johnson's skin cancer was diagnosed in 2001, Burkholder told the newspapers. Johnson also has cancer in other areas of his body, Burkholder said, but he declined to elaborate. The team did not offer a prognosis.

"Who knows where it tracked to from there, but his symptoms came from the spine," Burkholder told The Inquirer. "Now there are some other areas in his body [that have cancer], but I'm not going to get into where else some other stuff is. They will all be treated together. "

No surgery is scheduled and Johnson, who has been defensive coordinator for 10 years under coach Andy Reid, intends to continue coaching, Burkholder told the newspapers.

[Eaglesfan27]

I'll be praying for him as well. Great coach and seems to be a great guy from everything I've ever heard.

[Eaglesfan27]

Anyone hear the Simone Rice rant against Chucky last night? I don't recall a coach ever getting slammed so badly by a former player or so many players being so vocal in their criticism of a coach after he left.

[DataKing]

Jimmy Raye as the 49ers new Offensive Coordinator. Underwhelming.

[Cringer]

Anyone here mention the Packers hired Kevin Greene to coach OLBs last week? I hope he shows Hawk and the others how to do a proper body slam and how to clothesline a guy from the top rope.

[Young Drachma]

Geez, what a well-intentioned buy incredibly demeaning and counter-productive policy.

There will always be this label for guys like Winston Moss that will do nothing but hurt his career in the long run - he's a "Rooney Rule interviewee".

The sad thing is that the rule will get credit for the increased number of minority coaches in the league. But I'm not convinced the rule has more of a posltitive effect in that regard than mere time.

Mike Tomlin got a token interview by the Steelers and ended up passing on two in-house guys to hire him and I think that worked out well. Broncos gave Raheem Morris a token interview and the Bucs ended up hiring him as coach a few weeks later, after thinking they might have a young guy of their own who could get it done.

I don't think the rule hurts anybody and I think if teams know who they want from the start, is the only time that it could be a "waste of someone's time" but in the end, if the issue to provide exposure to people who historically get overlooked for jobs, I say, the process is worthwhile in a situation where there are a limited number of jobs anyway.

[Raiders Army]

Tom Cable is the head coach of the Raiders. Kansas City is the only team now without a head coach.

[Young Drachma]

Apparently Jim Fassel is going to be the head coach of the UFL team in Las Vegas. (http://www.lvrj.com/news/breaking_news/38887749.html)

Here's their site: http://www.ufl-football.com/home

[Thomkal]

Tom Cable is the head coach of the Raiders. Kansas City is the only team now without a head coach.

Gee it took them how long to go with the guy they already knew everything about? :D

[Raiders Army]

Gee it took Al Davis how long to go with the guy he already knew everything about? :D
fixed.

[Samdari]

Gee it took them how long to go with the guy they already knew everything about? :D

They took so long desperately trying to get anyone else to take the job. Obviously nobody did.

[kcchief19]

Fox Sports says Haley has taken the Chiefs head coaching job. Interesting journey to get here but it pretty much looked like it was heading this way for the last week and a half.

[Thomkal]

*sigh* knew the Cards were going to lose Haley so was prepared for it, but was hoping against hope he'd not get an offer. Good move by the Chiefs matching a young owner with a young GM and a young coach. Should pay off for them.

[Mizzou B-ball fan]

Looks like Mike Shanahan plans on moving. His mansion is up for sale. Pimped out pad to say the least. Asking $17 million for it. I want a golf simulator in my house........

http://www.pruittmarketingresources.com/SWG2/20CH.html

[Galaxy]

Looks like Mike Shanahan plans on moving. His mansion is up for sale. Pimped out pad to say the least. Asking $17 million for it. I want a golf simulator in my house........

http://www.pruittmarketingresources.com/SWG2/20CH.html

He's moving into his new mansion, isn't he?

Parker: Ex-judge hangs out shingle - The Denver Post (http://www.denverpost.com/business/ci_12160522)