The 2013-2014 NFL Offseason/Coaching/Free Agency (non-draft) Thread

[miami_fan]

Houston seems to be looking at Bill O'Brien for their opening. It looks like Rex Ryan might save his job. Maybe there is hope for Schiano and Shanahan as well.

[Apathetic Lurker]

Shanahan cant coexist with Danny boy...

[QuikSand]

I think Shanahan is a really interesting case. Seems very unlikely that he stays in Washington, given the intense friction, so he's likely gone somehow. But a quick firing doesn't seem that likely either, for both cash and spite reasons.

However... I think Shanahan wants to coach in the NFL, and I think he would actually be an intriguing candidate. Kyle (son who has been OC) is also pretty intriguing, and likely gets work either way... but I'd think that someone might at least kick Shanahan's tires a bit.

[BillJasper]

Speculation swirls about Chudzinski in Cleveland | ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/12/29/speculation-swirls-about-chudzinski-in-cleveland/)

Oh, Cleveland.

[BillJasper]

I want the Dolphins to fire Ireland and Philbin and every other coach and scout and secretary the team currently employs. :mad:

[Dutch]

I think Shanahan is a really interesting case. Seems very unlikely that he stays in Washington, given the intense friction, so he's likely gone somehow. But a quick firing doesn't seem that likely either, for both cash and spite reasons.

However... I think Shanahan wants to coach in the NFL, and I think he would actually be an intriguing candidate. Kyle (son who has been OC) is also pretty intriguing, and likely gets work either way... but I'd think that someone might at least kick Shanahan's tires a bit.

The Bucs, after a failed college coach attempt with Schiano will probably be on the lookout for a "veteran" NFL coach...fwiw.

And the ownership in Tampa is so much "hands-off" that you think their is a restraining order against them for participating in any league functions whatsoever (outside of cutting checks)...with the talent on the Bucs, it's probably a very close approximation to what would make Shanahan successful again, plus there are great retirement benefits here if he decides he's had enough.

[Thomkal]

Speculation swirls about Chudzinski in Cleveland | ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/12/29/speculation-swirls-about-chudzinski-in-cleveland/)

Oh, Cleveland.

That would be pretty stupid. So Cleveland likely will do it.

[Bobble]

I must have dozed off for a quick second there 'cause I had a nightmare that someone was reporting that the Lions were leaning on KEEPING Schwartz! Ha, isn't that hilarious? Oh, man, for a second there, I was scared crapless but then I realized that it must have been just a nightmare.

[Dutch]

I must have dozed off for a quick second there 'cause I had a nightmare that someone was reporting that the Lions were leaning on KEEPING Schwartz! Ha, isn't that hilarious? Oh, man, for a second there, I was scared crapless but then I realized that it must have been just a nightmare.

The Tampa Times is reporting that the Bucs are intent on keeping Schiano if he can't find a College Coaching gig (Penn St. please!) because they aren't interested in paying him and a new coach.

Not this crap again...we just went through this crap with Gruden/Raheem...we are a cursed organization, it seems.

[BillJasper]

Report: Browns will fire Rob Chudzinski | ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/12/29/report-browns-will-fire-rob-chudzinski/)

Wouldn't be surprised to see Chudzinski end up as the offensive coordinator in DC. Plus, if Schiano leaves, I wouldn't be surprised to see Wannstadt elevated to head coach as a cost saving move.

[NobodyHere]

I must have dozed off for a quick second there 'cause I had a nightmare that someone was reporting that the Lions were leaning on KEEPING Schwartz! Ha, isn't that hilarious? Oh, man, for a second there, I was scared crapless but then I realized that it must have been just a nightmare.

There there now. Pretty soon the Lions will fire Scwhartz and hire someone who sounds like they will be good but will prove to be equally incompetent.

[QuikSand]

Wow, I know it sounds tough to say this about a 4-12 team, but I really feel like the Browns would be really wise to stay the course for another year or two with this leadership. No insider knowledge at all, but that looks like a team that has the potential to put a lot of pieces together in a hurry.

[OldGiants]

It will be interesting to see which sanctimonious, sententious, washed-up old fool Danny Boy hires in DC. The only coach with a winning record during his ownership is Norv, and Danny Boy inherited him, as he did his money.

[BillJasper]

Sounds like the Browns really want to get rid of Chudzinski!

Browns considering a Sunday night meeting with Chudzinski | ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/12/29/browns-considering-a-sunday-night-meeting-with-chudzinski/)

[Desnudo]

Sounds like the Browns really want to get rid of Chudzinski!

Browns considering a Sunday night meeting with Chudzinski | ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2013/12/29/browns-considering-a-sunday-night-meeting-with-chudzinski/)

What exactly were they expecting from him with their current QB situation?

[BillJasper]

What exactly were they expecting from him with their current QB situation?

I'm not sure exactly? But it sounds like it was more they didn't like the way he was running the team than anything to do with wins and losses.

[miami_fan]

Maybe they told him to keep starting Weeden. You know to make sure that they ...uh... get enough tape to fairly evaluate him in the offseason.;)

[Draft Dodger]

Weedon is almost old enough to coach - why not just have him be a player coach?

[miami_fan]

The Jets owner has confirmed that Rex Ryan will return as head coach. I gotta give the man credit. I did not think he had any shot of staying.

[jbergey22]

The Jets owner has confirmed that Rex Ryan will return as head coach. I gotta give the man credit. I did not think he had any shot of staying.

LOL! The guy can sell. Apparently, ownership is buying.

[BillJasper]

Chudzinski fired.

[Solecismic]

According to the research I did on historic head coach firing, Oakland and Minnesota will be making changes as a near certainty. Cleveland was a bit of a surprise, as first-year firings are rare. Washington and Tampa Bay are considered somewhat likely.

[Matthean]

Chudzinski fired.

Good luck to the next guy.

[BillJasper]

Praying the Black Monday clouds roll into Miami tomorrow. :lol:

[Atocep]

I would think Cleveland has someone in mind already if they're letting Chudzinski go after 1 season.

[Draft Dodger]

just for the entertainment factor, there is part of me that would like to see Snyder fire Shanahan and then refuse to pay him

[mrtourette]

I'm not sure exactly? But it sounds like it was more they didn't like the way he was running the team than anything to do with wins and losses.

Yeah looking into it sounds like they were annoyed by that being used as an excuse and Chud's inability to communicate an effective way of dealing with it or planning for the future.

[bhlloy]

Is there a more effective way than "we need to get a better quarterback" when you aren't the GM of the team? What's he supposed to do, splice the four shitty QB's he was given together to make a semi-competent one?

[miami_fan]

I would think Cleveland has someone in mind already if they're letting Chudzinski go after 1 season.

Well, one of the options is...

Cleveland Browns head coach Rob Chudzinski fired, team announces | cleveland.com (http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2013/12/cleveland_browns_head_coach_ro_1.html)

In addition to McDaniels and O'Brien, Jason LaCanfora of CBS Sports reported that Lions coach Jim Schwartz will be a possible candidate if he gets fired. Lombardi was instrumental in bringing Schwartz to Cleveland during the Bill Belichick years, and the two have remained close.

[HomerSimpson98]

Isnt the Cleveland owner Haslam, or something like that, the Flying J gas chain mogul who got clipped with some unethical tidings regarding rebates or something? I figured the dude would want to lay low to let that blow over, but apparently he likes headlines.

[Butter]

After the first half of the season, I just don't know how you fire the Browns coaching staff considering they were forced to play with Campbell and Weeden at QB. They are both terrible. The Browns defense was in the top 10 all season, despite being hamstrung by an offense who couldn't move the ball.

[Coffee Warlord]

Frazier's gone at Minnesota.

[BillJasper]

Frazier's gone at Minnesota.

Doesn't seem fair to fire Frazier and keep Spielman.

Plus, didn't the Vikings say Frazier was safe for 2014 a few weeks ago?

[jbergey22]

Doesn't seem fair to fire Frazier and keep Spielman.

Plus, didn't the Vikings say Frazier was safe for 2014 a few weeks ago?

Agree. Spielman should be gone as well.

I dont remember them saying that but if they did it was just propaganda as I dont think anyone around here expected him back after the 3rd week of the season. He was in trouble midway through last season.

[BillJasper]

Being a Dolphins fan, I'm envious of Vikings and Browns fans this morning. :lol:

[PurdueBrad]

Shanahan is gone according to ESPN and NFL Network.

[PurdueBrad]

Link: Washington Redskins fire Mike Shanahan - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000306955/article/washington-redskins-fire-mike-shanahan)

[BillJasper]

Shanahan is gone according to ESPN and NFL Network.

I think Chudzinski will end up as the QB coach or offensive coordinator there based on his work with Cam Newton. Who ends up as the head coach is anyone's guess?

[Warhammer]

My issue with the Browns firing is how do you let a guy go after one season with the roster issues they had?

[QuikSand]

It sounds like the issues in CLE were more complicated/personal than just "not a good coach" stuff. Palace intrigue FTL.

[BillJasper]

It sounds like the issues in CLE were more complicated/personal than just "not a good coach" stuff. Palace intrigue FTL.

NFL Network reporting that some Browns players are calling the organization a joke. :lol:

[JPhillips]

Mike Zimmer is rumored to be on the radar for the Redskins job. I'd hate to lose him as DC, but I'd love to see the fights between he and Snyder.

[Butter]

There's no way that would end well.

[BillJasper]

Mike Zimmer is rumored to be on the radar for the Redskins job. I'd hate to lose him as DC, but I'd love to see the fights between he and Snyder.

I think Jay Gruden will be on some teams radar as well.

[QuikSand]

NFL Network reporting that some Browns players are calling the organization a joke. :lol:

Only some of them? That might count as progress.

[cougarfreak]

Mike Zimmer is rumored to be on the radar for the Redskins job. I'd hate to lose him as DC, but I'd love to see the fights between he and Snyder.

Zimmer will end up kicking Snyder's ass in the owner's box by the end of the preseason if those two get together.

[rowech]

I think Jay Gruden will be on some teams radar as well.

He won't make a good head coach.

[Butter]

I agree on Jay Gruden, rowech. However I think Zimmer would be a good head coach, but would be horrible at dealing with the front office and the media. Which would probably make him not an ideal candidate.

[Matthean]

I agree on Jay Gruden, rowech. However I think Zimmer would be a good head coach, but would be horrible at dealing with the front office and the media. Which would probably make him not an ideal candidate.

So have him go to a smaller market team where the front office will leave him be more.

[rowech]

I agree on Jay Gruden, rowech. However I think Zimmer would be a good head coach, but would be horrible at dealing with the front office and the media. Which would probably make him not an ideal candidate.

I agree on Zimmer. Actually, I wish he was the Bengals coach instead of Marvin.

[cartman]

Josh McDaniels is on the radar of the Browns. Tebow might get another shot!

[BillJasper]

Josh McDaniels is on the radar of the Browns. Tebow might get another shot!

What exactly is Cleveland thinking? Do they know that McDaniels isn't bringing Tom Brady with him?

[Logan]

Schiano fired.

[BillJasper]

Schiano fired.

Surprising considering how cheap the Glazers' are.

[BillJasper]

Bucs GM Mark Dominik fired as well.

[Logan]

Surprising considering how cheap the Glazers' are.

Does NFL to college offset language exist? If so, and if he's in line for the Penn State job, it might not be costing them much.

[Draft Dodger]

any chance to get John Gruden a job (and get his annoying schtick out of the broadcast booth?)

[Thomkal]

Schiano fired.

hmm thought he might survive for another year.

[Thomkal]

any chance to get John Gruden a job (and get his annoying schtick out of the broadcast booth?)

Amen brother! Tirico can go with him too.

[Logan]

Now Jim Schwartz fired.

[WVUFAN]

ESPN reporting Jim Schwartz gone.

[Thomkal]

Now Jim Schwartz fired.

Couldn't believe some of the "experts" were saying there was a chance he was going to stay.

[Logan]

Couldn't believe some of the "experts" were saying there was a chance he was going to stay.

I couldn't either.

[Matthean]

Couldn't believe some of the "experts" were saying there was a chance he was going to stay.

To be fair, we are talking the Lions.

[Thomkal]

To be fair, we are talking the Lions.

yes true true, he should have not been fired given its the Lions. :D

[jbergey22]

Sounds like Jason Garrett is staying. Interesting.

[Butter]

I thought Schwartz had at least 6-7 more seasons to really get his guys and his scheme up and going, given their track record with Millen.

That said, Detroit also needs a new QB. I think Stafford has proven well enough that he isn't it.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Schwartz is gone. It was time, but the real issue for the Lions is Stafford. Maybe they can hire a staff that can calm him down and get the most out of him.

[Honolulu_Blue]

I thought Schwartz had at least 6-7 more seasons to really get his guys and his scheme up and going, given their track record with Millen.

That said, Detroit also needs a new QB. I think Stafford has proven well enough that he isn't it.

The problem with getting "a new QB" is that Stafford signed an extension just before the season. For better or worse, at this point it seems "for worse", the Lions are heavily committed to Stafford financially for the next few seasons at the very least. Their wagon is firmly hitched to his star at the moment.

[Butter]

I don't think they can outright cut him, but they could certainly take a chance on a couple of guys in the draft and/or free agency and see where that gets them.

I suppose much of that depends on the new coaching regime that will be coming in.

[mckerney]

Doesn't seem fair to fire Frazier and keep Spielman.

Plus, didn't the Vikings say Frazier was safe for 2014 a few weeks ago?

Spielman should have been the first one out the door, but from reports in the local media ownership is in love with him. Can't believe a team with a desperate need for an answer at QB is going to let Spielman pick their next one with his track record when it comes to quarterbacks. Hell, taking Ponder at 12 should be a fireable offense on its own.

[RomaGoth]

I thought Schwartz had at least 6-7 more seasons to really get his guys and his scheme up and going, given their track record with Millen.

That said, Detroit also needs a new QB. I think Stafford has proven well enough that he isn't it.

Schwartz is gone. It was time, but the real issue for the Lions is Stafford. Maybe they can hire a staff that can calm him down and get the most out of him.

I disagree regarding Schwartz, he was the problem in Detroit as proven by his 29-51 record in 5 seasons.

The problem with getting "a new QB" is that Stafford signed an extension just before the season. For better or worse, at this point it seems "for worse", the Lions are heavily committed to Stafford financially for the next few seasons at the very least. Their wagon is firmly hitched to his star at the moment.

I have gone rather sour on Stafford over the past couple of years but still believe that Schwartz was the real problem. Reports were that he had lost the team (as evidenced by the plethora of penalties and off-field issues). Stafford makes terrible decisions with the ball and that contract is an albatross around the Lions' neck, but there may be hope for him. He is still young enough that some good coaching can fix his issues (enough of the sidearm crap). Worse case scenario, he may even be tradeable because of his youth and arm strength although I wouldn't hold my breath.

Curious to see who the next schmuck will be in Detroit. At this point, does it really matter? The Ford's have proven they can't hire a competent head coach.

[TroyF]

I know the Texans started this early. Here is what we have so far:

Texans - Kubiak
Browns - Chud
Lions - dumb ass
Bucs - even dumber ass
Skins - Shanny
Vikings - Frazier


Still awaiting official word on Raiders, Dolphins. Has to be one more shocker than Cleveland being stupid, right? I mean, that's just normal, it isn't really a shocker anymore. Coughlin?

[Matthean]

Coughlin is a coin flip for me. If he stays, whatever leash he had is gone.

[rowech]

The coaching record in their first season and when they had their first winning record for all multiple Super Bowl winning coaches:

Noll 1-13, 4th
Belichick 6-10, 4th
Gibbs 8-8, 2nd
Walsh 2-14, 3rd
Coughlin 4-12, 2nd
Flores 9-7, 1st
Johnson 1-15, 3rd
Landry 0-11-1, 7th
Lombardi 7-5, 1st
Parcells 3-12-1, 2nd
Seifert 14-2, 1st
Shannahan 7-9, 4th
Shula 8-6, 1st

[molson]

Tom Landry would have never gotten to year 7 if he came around today.

[Matthean]

Ken Whisenhunt's name was batted around by the guys on ESPN as a possible coach for Detroit. He has a tie to Mayhew as well.

[TroyF]

I know it's a different sport, but John Wooden didn't win a national title until his 16th season at UCLA. He did have success, but in years 9-13 he didn't even win a conference title.

I understand pulling the plug quick when a guy has clearly lost the locker room. Or if you are trying to win now and your coach is playing kids and sitting vets while losing, you aren't following orders and deserve to lose your job. Or that last one. . . you don't get along with the franchise player. I know, it isn't fair, but if Peyton Manning were to come out after the season and say "I can no longer work with coach Fox. Good guy, but he's dumber than a board and I think we'd be better off without him" I'm sorry, but Fox is gone. Not many players have that type of pull, but if they do, I don't have a problem making a move if I'm an organization.

The Chud thing in Cleveland? Just strikes me as a very stupid, very short sighted move. I mean, it isn't like they were getting drilled. Bad QB and all they easily could have beat the Patirots and the Chiefs on the road.


This is just dumb. The sad thing is, with the talent and draft picks they have, they could still win relatively soon with the right coach. Get a decent QB and this team could be next years Chiefs.

[Logan]

Bill O'Brien makes a lot of sense in Detroit, if they can get him. You'd think he could be the one to fine tune Stafford into what he could potentially be.

[ISiddiqui]

Schiano fired.

Am shocked that a college coach known more for his recruiting than game day management couldn't hack it in the NFL ;).

[Lathum]

There is no way the giants fire coughlin. .

[RomaGoth]

There is no way the giants fire coughlin. .

After all, he did beat the Lions this year.

[Matthean]

Am shocked that a college coach known more for his recruiting than game day management couldn't hack it in the NFL ;).

This was essentially my take when he got hired. I'm not surprised at all he didn't work out.

[JAG]

Tom Landry would have never gotten to year 7 if he came around today.

He got a 10 year contract extension after going 13-38-3 his first four seasons. The reaction to that type of move happening in this day and age would be priceless.

[sabotai]

Coughlin definitely deserves to stay, but I would like to see Gilbride gone. The Giants have gotten better production out of similarly talented offenses in the past. I think one of the big issues with the Giants this year is that after 7-8 years of having him be the offensive coordinator, their offense has just gotten far too predictable. There have been too many games in recent years where the offense looks lifeless for 3+ quarters and suddenly comes alive in the 4th with Eli running a no huddle. They need a new system/play caller IMO.

[Izulde]

I'd love to see Ireland and Philbin fired myself but don't see it happening

[miami_fan]

Josh McDaniels is on the radar of the Browns. Tebow might get another shot!

Tim Tebow joins ESPN as analyst for SEC Network - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/10216946/tim-tebow-joins-espn-analyst-sec-network)

Former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow has agreed to a multiyear deal to join ESPN as an analyst for the SEC Network, it was announced Monday.

[Scarecrow]

There is no way the giants fire coughlin. .

NFL Radio was saying earlier that John Mara has told Coughlin it was his decision - he [Mara] wasn't going to fire him, and would be happy if he stayed, but would understand if he quit.

[BillJasper]

I'd love to see Ireland and Philbin fired myself but don't see it happening

It would be the only way I'd feel good heading into the off-season.

[Atocep]

Lovie supposedly has Jeff Tedford lined up to be his offensive coordinator if he lands a job somewhere.

[albionmoonlight]

Lions have a lot of exciting talent. Hope they get a good coach.

[Landshark44]

It would be the only way I'd feel good heading into the off-season.

Who do you want, though....?


I'm a Dolphin fan, and while I wouldn't cry if they got the axe... There aren't any Harbaughs' currently unemployed.. Cowher has said "not interested"..


Who's out there that you'd love to see us hire?

[miami_fan]

I'd love to see Ireland and Philbin fired myself but don't see it happening

Miami Dolphins Have to Fire Joe Philbin and Clean House | Bleacher Report (http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1905231-miami-dolphins-have-to-fire-joe-philbin-and-clean-house)

This article spells out reasons why Philbin should be fired. These sentences best describe where I stand on him.

The coordinators need to go, and the general manager does too. But Philbin's still the man in the center of that, and he needs to be held accountable as well.

When it comes down to it, what does Philbin really bring to the table?

The only thing that I could point to is that Tannehill has improved a bit. But again, I don't know if Philbin deserves credit for that or not. On the other hand, I don't know how much he was hamstrung by the GM and the coordinators.

[miami_fan]

Who do you want, though....?


I'm a Dolphin fan, and while I wouldn't cry if they got the axe... There aren't any Harbaughs' currently unemployed.. Cowher has said "not interested"..


Who's out there that you'd love to see us hire?

Given the choice, I would love to see Mike Zimmer hired as HC and to run the defense and then go after someone like a Norv Turner to the OC to really work with Tannehill. The more important hire to me is the GM.

[BillJasper]

Who do you want, though....?


I'm a Dolphin fan, and while I wouldn't cry if they got the axe... There aren't any Harbaughs' currently unemployed.. Cowher has said "not interested"..


Who's out there that you'd love to see us hire?

I hate to say this but, someone else... anyone else at this point. This team has no fire or emotion. They came into the last two weeks controlling their own fate and played totally flat. It isn't that they lost those two games, it's how they lost them. The entire team seemed totally disinterested when it counted most.

I pin that directly on Philbin.

[BillJasper]

Given the choice, I would love to see Mike Zimmer hired as HC and to run the defense and then go after someone like a Norv Turner to the OC to really work with Tannehill. The more important hire to me is the GM.

I could definitely go with a Zimmer/Turner pairing.

[JonInMiddleGA]

The entire team seemed totally disinterested when it counted most.I pin that directly on Philbin.

At some point doesn't that sort of thing rest on the players? I mean, these aren't kids, these are grown men.

[BillJasper]

At some point doesn't that sort of thing rest on the players? I mean, these aren't kids, these are grown men.

The coach sets the tone and honestly, Philbin looked pretty disinterested himself during those two games.

Sparano sucked, but at least he was interested in what was going on. The man would get fired up over a great tackle or even a field goal.

It really says something when I'm missing Sparano.

[miami_fan]

At some point doesn't that sort of thing rest on the players? I mean, these aren't kids, these are grown men.

Jon, one thing we learned the 2013 NFL season has proven is that the Dolphin locker room is not filled with grown men.

[Landshark44]

I just can't get excited about Zimmer/Turner....


Didn't we already have Turner as an OC?

[Desnudo]

Josh McDaniels is on the radar of the Browns. Tebow might get another shot!

That's a match made in heaven. Enjoy the 80/20 pass/run ratio.

[miami_fan]

I just can't get excited about Zimmer/Turner....


Didn't we already have Turner as an OC?

Yes in 2002. It does not have to be specifically Turner. I chose him as he is widely respected as a quality OC when he is exclusively an OC. If you told me that Joe Philbin, left to his own devices would improve the offense and brought an aggressive DC that would be fine too. Ultimately, I want to see a clear philosophy on both sides of the ball that puts pressure on the opposing team and that to me start with a new GM. I don't know what the current philosophy is.

[BillJasper]

After looking like stooges firing Chudzinski, can the Browns afford to bring in a guy (McDaniels) whose already failed once as an NFL head coach?

[Buccaneer]

After looking like stooges firing Chudzinski, can the Browns afford to bring in a guy (McDaniels) whose already failed once as an NFL head coach?

Really stupid but predicted move by the Browns. Problem is that it's not a plum position and will likely have to settle for a leftover, probably a coordinator that failed at three interviews elsewhere.

[Kodos]

Would love to see Gruden go to Miami.

[DaddyTorgo]

Really stupid but predicted move by the Browns. Problem is that it's not a plum position and will likely have to settle for a leftover, probably a coordinator that failed at three interviews elsewhere.

And as long as they continue to demonstrate failing organizational behavior by running through coaches faster than rolls of toilet paper it'll never be a plum position.

[rowech]

Really stupid but predicted move by the Browns. Problem is that it's not a plum position and will likely have to settle for a leftover, probably a coordinator that failed at three interviews elsewhere.

While I feel the same way about them firing him, they do have 10 picks and two first rounders.

[Matthean]

While I feel the same way about them firing him, they do have 10 picks and two first rounders.

Now lets talk about what they have done recently with said first rounders.

[rowech]

Now lets talk about what they have done recently with said first rounders.

Their team isn't that far from being good. Their D was very good, Gordon and Cameron are good options. Tons of cap room with the picks. They can definitely get good if they make some good decisions.

[BishopMVP]

Now lets talk about what they have done recently with said first rounders.Joe Thomas, Alex Mack, Joe Haden, Phil Taylor and Barkevious Mingo? The Richardson/Weeden draft in 2012 is laughable, but at least they recouped a 1st round pick for Richardson, and they do have a new management team in place.

[Buccaneer]

It's not a bad place to be but comparatively, I would think some of the other vacancies would be more high profile and lucrative, esp. if Dallas and Miami open up as well.

[Matthean]

Joe Thomas, Alex Mack, Joe Haden, Phil Taylor and Barkevious Mingo? The Richardson/Weeden draft in 2012 is laughable, but at least they recouped a 1st round pick for Richardson, and they do have a new management team in place.

And Quinn.

[bhlloy]

And who wouldn't want to work for the owner who is a notorious douche, is being investigated by the IRS and the FBI and probably won't have any money left afterwards and just fired a coach after one season when they knew it would be a rebuilding year? Obviously a plum of a job.

[mrtourette]

The Dolphins probably didn't deserve to be in the playoffs but the manner in which they set themselves up after wins over Pit and New England and then calamitously threw it away with those two terrible performances against the Bills and Jets (of all the teams to throw it away against) does raise some serious questions.

In a away if they'd have lost the first two and then won out against the Bills and Jets to finish 8-8 I probably wouldn't be so obviously concerned ('average team finishes 8-8 by beating worse teams and losing to better teams' isn't much to get upset about), but needing one win against either the Bills or Jets to make the playoffs and putting in such lame performances in both games really does make you wonder what the hell was going on for those final two weeks.

[Dutch]

I don't care if he's the most hated coach in the world--in the NFL--if you can get your players to respond like this when you say, "Despite our record, we are retaining Coach Ryan" you want that coach.

http://nesncom.files.wordpress.com/2013/12/rex-ryan1.gif?w=640&h=360

[Matthean]

He did go 8-8 with a rookie QB and was a game out from maybe being in the playoffs. While Smith played terrible, if he can develop into at least a decent QB, I'm guessing they are back into the playoffs.

[CleBrownsfan]

Their team isn't that far from being good. Their D was very good, Gordon and Cameron are good options. Tons of cap room with the picks. They can definitely get good if they make some good decisions.

The Browns have not had a steady QB since Bernie freaken Kosar. I mean look at this list -this is why they can not win:

2013 Jason Campbell (8) / Brandon Weeden (5) / Brian Hoyer (3)
2012 Brandon Weeden (15) / Thad Lewis (1)
2011 Colt McCoy (13) / Seneca Wallace (3)
2010 Colt McCoy (8) / Jake Delhomme (4) / Seneca Wallace (4)
2009 Brady Quinn (9) / Derek Anderson (7)
2008 Derek Anderson (9) / Brady Quinn (3) / Ken Dorsey (3) / Bruce Gradkowski (1)
2007 Derek Anderson (15) / Charlie Frye (1)
2006 Charlie Frye (13) / Derek Anderson (3)
2005 Trent Dilfer (11) / Charlie Frye (5)
2004 Jeff Garcia (10) / Kelly Holcomb (2) / Luke McCown (4)
2003 Kelly Holcomb (8) / Tim Couch (8)
2002 Tim Couch (14) / Kelly Holcomb (2)
2001 Tim Couch (16)
2000 Doug Pederson (8) / Tim Couch (7) / Spergon Wynn (1)
1999 Tim Couch (14) / Ty Detmer (2)
1996-1998 Vacant
1995 Vinny Testaverde (12) / Eric Zeier (4)
1994 Vinny Testaverde (13) / Mark Rypien (3)

[JPhillips]

I thought this was easily Ryan's best year. The Jets offense is as devoid of talent as the Jags. The d-line is great and the LBs are good, but the secondary is average at best. Getting that team to 8-8 is almost a miracle.

That being said, I still question whether Ryan can win it all, but he deserves another year at least.

[Butter]

Didn't Derek Anderson have a Pro Bowl year in there somewhere?

[BillJasper]

I thought this was easily Ryan's best year. The Jets offense is as devoid of talent as the Jags. The d-line is great and the LBs are good, but the secondary is average at best. Getting that team to 8-8 is almost a miracle.

That being said, I still question whether Ryan can win it all, but he deserves another year at least.

As much as I think Rex Ryan is a pompous ass, I do think he is a good coach and the Jets made the right decision to bring him back for another season.

Didn't Derek Anderson have a Pro Bowl year in there somewhere?

Yep. Turned it into some big money from the Browns. :lol:

[Buccaneer]

He did go 8-8 with a rookie QB and was a game out from maybe being in the playoffs. While Smith played terrible, if he can develop into at least a decent QB, I'm guessing they are back into the playoffs.

To be a decent QB, you first got to be coachable, mature, able and wanting to learn from others and play with some sense of intelligence on the field. That's asking a lot of Smith.

Breaks my heart that Ryan is coming back. I look forward to the day that he is out of the NFL.

[BillJasper]

To be a decent QB, you first got to be coachable, mature, able and wanting to learn from others and play with some sense of intelligence on the field. That's asking a lot of Smith.



I'm not sure what I think of Geno Smith yet? Statistically, he got better towards the end of the year.

Smith and Ryan's futures with the Jets are definitely tied together now. If the Jets don't make the playoffs next year, both maybe looking for new jobs.

[Desnudo]

I'm not sure what I think of Geno Smith yet? Statistically, he got better towards the end of the year.

Smith and Ryan's futures with the Jets are definitely tied together now. If the Jets don't make the playoffs next year, both maybe looking for new jobs.

Based on coaching track record, I think you can count on Smith not developing. Ryan is great at defense and would be the top DC in the league, but the Jets offense has been putrid for a long time. Some of that's down or personnel decisions, but you have to look at the head coach too.

Which is why I'm glad Ryan is sticking around since he's a DC in a HC role.

[BillJasper]

Based on coaching track record, I think you can count on Smith not developing. Ryan is great at defense and would be the top DC in the league, but the Jets offense has been putrid for a long time. Some of that's down or personnel decisions, but you have to look at the head coach too.



Thing is, the Jets are very good at running the ball (6th in the league according to NFL.com), so Smith doesn't have to make a giant leap to make the Jets appreciatively better.

[Matthean]

Number wise Smith was at least decent in their wins but was flat out awful in their losses.

[JonInMiddleGA]

I'm not sure what I think of Geno Smith yet? Statistically, he got better towards the end of the year.

This struck me as an interesting statement, so I decided to look at his splits.
Geno Smith Stats, Splits - New York Jets - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/player/splits/_/id/15864/geno-smith)

What jumps at me from his monthly splits is that he ran about twice as often in December as he did any other month (32 Dec attempts vs 16/14/10 in Sep/Oct/Nov). His YPA/YPC both went down in December as well, which at least suggests a change in what they asked him to do.

[BillJasper]

Number wise Smith was at least decent in their wins but was flat out awful in their losses.

Well, he was a rookie QB with a receiving corp that wasn't exactly stacked with pro bowlers. I think sometimes we're too quick wanting to move on from players and coaches. I'm ready to dump Philbin after an 8-8 year two based on how the Dolphins played the last two weeks.

As far as Geno Smith goes, I think it's 50/50 that he's better than Ryan Tannehill by this time next year.

[BillJasper]

What jumps at me from his monthly splits is that he ran about twice as often in December as he did any other month (32 Dec attempts vs 16/14/10 in Sep/Oct/Nov). His YPA/YPC both went down in December as well, which at least suggests a change in what they asked him to do.

They likely told him to quit forcing passes and to run with the ball if the opportunity presented itself.

[HomerSimpson98]

As far as Geno Smith goes, I think it's 50/50 that he's better than Ryan Tannehill by this time next year.

Really? Granted I am sure you watched more games of Tanny than I did, but from what I saw, I think he has a bright future.

[Matthean]

Well, he was a rookie QB with a receiving corp that wasn't exactly stacked with pro bowlers.

Leading WR for the Jets is a 5th round pick who had 523 yards and 3 TDs. The only other WR that wasn't drafted in the 7th round was Hill. Last TE they drafted was in 2008. Gee, I can't imagine why QBs don't succeed there. :D

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Norv Turner questioned Cleveland Browns after firing of Rob Chudzinski - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10223278/norv-turner-questioned-cleveland-browns-firing-rob-chudzinski)

Good for Norv.

Jimmy Haslam and CEO Joe Banner talked to the coaching staff Monday about the firing of coach Rob Chudzinski. Turner clearly asked why the staff was told the plan was for a long-term rebuild when the commitment from the front office didn't last a year. Turner also detailed his concern that the coaching staff worked with handicaps given the personnel on the field, the sources said.

Among his points were that the staff was told repeatedly the team was building for 2014, that the running back situation was never solved after the trade of Trent Richardson, the roster was constantly juggled, and the team fired a coach after he had to start three different quarterbacks.

[miami_fan]

Really? Granted I am sure you watched more games of Tanny than I did, but from what I saw, I think he has a bright future.

I think Tannehill has a bright future but there are legitimate questions to be asked. Given that when he was drafted, everyone included the Dolphins acknowledged that he was a project with less than two years of QB experience at Texas A&M. As I said before, I think he has improved but a claim can be made that he should have made more of an improvement with better coaching and/or better talent around him. This is another reason to ask questions of Ireland and Philbin

[Atocep]

Looks like Obrien to the Texans is done.

[HomerSimpson98]

I think Tannehill has a bright future but there are legitimate questions to be asked. Given that when he was drafted, everyone included the Dolphins acknowledged that he was a project with less than two years of QB experience at Texas A&M. As I said before, I think he has improved but a claim can be made that he should have made more of an improvement with better coaching and/or better talent around him. This is another reason to ask questions of Ireland and Philbin

Great post. As an Aggie, I was shocked he was drafted as high as he was and figured Sherman had a lot to do with that. But I figured he'd sit on the bench for a year or 2 and learn the game from the sidelines while Moore played. That was the logical thing to do considering he was so green coming into the league. Wrong. Like idiots, they threw him out there and I figured we had another QB flame-out on our hands. But from what I've seen he's made dramatic improvements from last year to this, despite Sherman calling the same lame ass plays he did in C.S. Tanny is turning me into a believer, and I can honestly say I was not in this camp earlier.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Based on some early reports the Lions are looking at Jim Caldwell and Tom Cable at the moment. I would have a hard time imagining a more underwhelming couple of potential hires.

[BillJasper]

Based on some early reports the Lions are looking at Jim Caldwell and Tom Cable at the moment. I would have a hard time imagining a more underwhelming couple of potential hires.

:eek:

They just planning on not going to the playoffs for the next decade?

[CU Tiger]

Based on some early reports the Lions are looking at Jim Caldwell and Tom Cable at the moment. I would have a hard time imagining a more underwhelming couple of potential hires.

Wow...thats uhhh not good.

I actually like Lovie there and think he'd be special.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

I'm hoping the whoever the Lions hire knows there is a position on the field called "Fullback."

[miami_fan]

Miami Dolphins owner Stephen Ross mulling changes - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10226184/miami-dolphins-owner-stephen-ross-mulling-changes)

I just hope if a new GM comes in, he is not forced to keep the HC against his will.

[BillJasper]

If you fire Ireland, you have to fire Philbin. Unless you're promoting someone from within the organization to GM.

[bulletsponge]

:eek:

They just planning on not going to the playoffs for the next decade?

this is the Lions were talking about, theyre doing long term planning; no playoffs the next 3 decades!

[fantom1979]

Has Tony Dungy completely ruled himself out of any job considerations?

He is only 58. Went 54-42 with a historically bad Tampa franchise, then went 85-27 with a Colts team that was a year removed from the famous Jim Mora "playoffs" rant.

If I was the Lions, I would pay a visit to him with a blank check.


EDIT: Just saw that Dungy has put on twitter that he is done coaching. I would still drop off the blank check though.

[Dutch]

I wouldn't be surprised if he follows Lovie Smith (to Tampa?) as a GM or President if he wanted back in. I think ultimately though he likes the analyst position...he's well respected, well paid, and he's never wrong now. :)

[Logan]

Glazer saying Lovie and the Bucs are finalizing a deal tonight.

[Dutch]

Sweet. Good call, Bucs.

Lovie Smith, Tampa Bay Buccaneers reach agreement - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10229285/lovie-smith-tampa-bay-buccaneers-reach-agreement)

[Dutch]

A little bit interested to see how this works. You hire a HC first then a GM...that's somewhat unusual, but I think Lovie is in good standing and has good relationships with a number of solid GM candidates.

[Patriots12]

Bucs with a steal of a hire. We'll done glazer family.

[BillJasper]

I wonder if anyone actually wants the Detroit job?

[Coffee Warlord]

Tee hee. Enjoy Lovie, Bucs fans.

And don't mind the snickering from Chicagoland.

[hoopsguy]

Tee hee. Enjoy Lovie, Bucs fans.

And don't mind the snickering from Chicagoland.

I won't snicker as much about Lovie as I did about either the Jauron or Wannestadt hires following their stints with the Bears.

[Izulde]

I actually quite like the Lovie hire for the Bucs.

[BillJasper]

I actually quite like the Lovie hire for the Bucs.

Same here.

Browns reportedly interested in Gus Malzahn; will name Jim Schwartz defensive*coordinator | SI Wire (http://tracking.si.com/2014/01/01/gus-malzahn-james-franklin-jim-schwartz-browns-coach-nfl/)

Apparently the Browns plan on hiring Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator before they've even picked a head coach? I smell a recipe for success, Cleveland! :lol:

[Abe Sargent]

A little bit interested to see how this works. You hire a HC first then a GM...that's somewhat unusual, but I think Lovie is in good standing and has good relationships with a number of solid GM candidates.

True, plus there are several pluses to hiring Lovie first - he has a say in who you want to be your new GM, and you get your Top choice off the market now before he ends up somewhere else.

[molson]

Lovie Smith's reputation sure seems to have improved by being out of the game for a year. Or maybe it's just Bears fans who think every coach they've had since Ditka is terrible.

[Atocep]

Lovie Smith's reputation sure seems to have improved by being out of the game for a year. Or maybe it's just Bears fans who think every coach they've had since Ditka is terrible.

Lovie's not terrible. You're pretty much guaranteed to have a really good defense with Lovie. His main problems are he knows absolutely nothing about the offensive side of the ball and he has a tendency to hire from his pool of friends. His friends don't really know anything about the offensive side of the ball either. He's also a guy you don't want too involved in personnel.

He was more or less a 7-9 win coach with the bears who benefited greatly from the NFC north being god awful in '05 and '06 (no other NFC north team outscored their opponents those two years).

IMO he's a good coach to hire for a rebuilding effort but he's unlikely to be the coach that gets a team over the hump.

[Dutch]

Buccaneers to hire Jeff Tedford as offensive coordinator under Lovie Smith, per report - SBNation.com (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/1/1/5264972/buccaneers-jeff-tedford-lovie-smith)

Good reputation, good QB coach.

[weegeebored]

I won't snicker as much about Lovie as I did about either the Jauron or Wannestadt hires following their stints with the Bears.Smith ranks down there with both of them, so what's the difference? How can a coach get any respect when you hire four OCs during your tenure? TB's defense isn't their problem; they were 31st in offense. And so he doesn't get upstaged, Lovie hired Jeff Tedford as his OC. Rumors also floating around that Jerry Angelo might be the new GM. It's the Bears Southeast! Good luck to the fans in Tampa.

[hoopsguy]

If you have two tiers - Super Bowl winners and non - then I suppose Lovie ranks down there with them. But if you accept that there are degrees of good/bad, then I would argue that there is some separation between Lovie and the other two coaches I referenced. I think Atocep did a pretty good job of highlighting Smith's limitations, but he has strengths that were lacking in Jauron/Wannie.

Angelo getting that GM job probably isn't moving Tampa closer to a Super Bowl, however.

[cuervo72]

Was trying to think of someone in terms of success that equaled Lovie (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/SmitLo0.htm)...thought of Chuck Knox (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/KnoxCh0.htm). I'm...pretty ok with my assessment on that one, especially if you look at the SEA years.

ETA: or if you look at the 46-54 age range for both, really. Now, if Lovie performs about the same as Knox from 56 on? I think you get a coach who won't be embarrassing, but isn't going to wow anybody either.

[Dutch]

Was trying to think of someone in terms of success that equaled Lovie (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/SmitLo0.htm)...thought of Chuck Knox (http://www.pro-football-reference.com/coaches/KnoxCh0.htm). I'm...pretty ok with my assessment on that one, especially if you look at the SEA years.

ETA: or if you look at the 46-54 age range for both, really. Now, if Lovie performs about the same as Knox from 56 on? I think you get a coach who won't be embarrassing, but isn't going to wow anybody either.

It all depends on the offense. Can he find and develop a QB? I have a sneaky suspicion that the defense is going to be pretty good.

[CU Tiger]

I think Lovie was the ideal fit for Detroit, think he would have corralled Suh, or at least commanded his attention.

As good of a fit as I think that is, I think its an equally terrible fit for him at TB. When you have a decidedly one sided coach, I am ok with little talent deficit on "his side" of the field, but I want enough talent to make mistakes on his weak side. I think Detroit offered that, Stafford and MegaTron are enough talent to keep the Offense decent even without coaching, they've proven that for a few years now.

In TB Lovie is looking over the island of misfit toys on O..and well..not much better on D. All in a conference where NO and Car seem to be on the rise for the foreseeable future compared to the NFC North which I see as much more winable.

[Coffee Warlord]

"Mike Glennon is our quarterback."

"We're gonna get off the bus runnin'."

"We're happy with our team."

"Our team did some good things out there."

[BillJasper]

I think Lovie was the ideal fit for Detroit, think he would have corralled Suh, or at least commanded his attention.

As good of a fit as I think that is, I think its an equally terrible fit for him at TB. When you have a decidedly one sided coach, I am ok with little talent deficit on "his side" of the field, but I want enough talent to make mistakes on his weak side. I think Detroit offered that, Stafford and MegaTron are enough talent to keep the Offense decent even without coaching, they've proven that for a few years now.

In TB Lovie is looking over the island of misfit toys on O..and well..not much better on D. All in a conference where NO and Car seem to be on the rise for the foreseeable future compared to the NFC North which I see as much more winable.

I think Tampa has some nice pieces on offense (Martin, Jackson) but it will come down to whether or not Glennon is a real NFL QB. I like that Tedford will be the offensive coordinator.

But then I think Carolina is on the rise, but New Orleans will begin an inevitable decline as Brees' gets older.

[RedKingGold]

Buccaneers to hire Jeff Tedford as offensive coordinator under Lovie Smith, per report - SBNation.com (http://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2014/1/1/5264972/buccaneers-jeff-tedford-lovie-smith)

Good reputation, good QB coach.

Kyle. Boller. :D

[Coffee Warlord]

Along with Akili Smith and David Carr.

[Butter]

God damn Akili Smith sucked. But I'm not sure if he was better or worse than David Klingler.

[MrBug708]

Why not a look at Herm Edwards? I mean, he's coaching in the UA game and just iced a 17 year old kicker so he obviously still has it

[Chief Rum]

Why not a look at Herm Edwards? I mean, he's coaching in the UA game and just iced a 17 year old kicker so he obviously still has it

He plays to win the game.

[MrBug708]

Kyle. Boller. :D

Along with Akili Smith and David Carr.

Aaron Rodgers too

[sabotai]

And it looks like I'm getting my wish. Kevin Gilbride is going to retire.

Kevin Gilbride retires as New York Giants coordinator - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000308369/article/kevin-gilbride-will-retire-as-ny-giants-coordinator)

[Chief Rum]

And it looks like I'm getting my wish. Kevin Gilbride is going to retire.

Kevin Gilbride retires as New York Giants coordinator - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap2000000308369/article/kevin-gilbride-will-retire-as-ny-giants-coordinator)

Report: Coughlin reaches out to Mike Martz


















J/K sabotai

[Abe Sargent]

I think Gilbride retired to keep Coughlin from having to draw a line in the sand about keeping him on staff vs an owner who doesn't.

[Abe Sargent]

If I were a new HC, I might consider waiting a week or two, and see if I can "entice" Gilbride out of retirement. he's not bad, but he clearly needed a change of scenery, and he's been a real asset to Coughlin over teh years with the G-men and Jags before that.

[miked]

I think Lovie was the ideal fit for Detroit, think he would have corralled Suh, or at least commanded his attention.

As good of a fit as I think that is, I think its an equally terrible fit for him at TB. When you have a decidedly one sided coach, I am ok with little talent deficit on "his side" of the field, but I want enough talent to make mistakes on his weak side. I think Detroit offered that, Stafford and MegaTron are enough talent to keep the Offense decent even without coaching, they've proven that for a few years now.

In TB Lovie is looking over the island of misfit toys on O..and well..not much better on D. All in a conference where NO and Car seem to be on the rise for the foreseeable future compared to the NFC North which I see as much more winable.

There are a few soon-to-be-unemployed Rutgers players there. It's like the Island of Misfit Rutgers Toys.

[sabotai]

Report: Coughlin reaches out to Mike Martz


J/K sabotai

You're lucky I don't know where you live. ;)

[Dutch]

Kyle. Boller. :D

Along with Akili Smith and David Carr.

Jeff Tedford's did have some shitty quarterbacks apparently, but not while he was coaching them up...apparently he made them all over-achievers. I'm down with that. :)

[Dutch]

I think Lovie was the ideal fit for Detroit, think he would have corralled Suh, or at least commanded his attention.

Sounds like Greg Schiano would be great fit for Detroit based on that. :)

As good of a fit as I think that is, I think its an equally terrible fit for him at TB. When you have a decidedly one sided coach, I am ok with little talent deficit on "his side" of the field, but I want enough talent to make mistakes on his weak side. I think Detroit offered that, Stafford and MegaTron are enough talent to keep the Offense decent even without coaching, they've proven that for a few years now.

For today and today only, I agree with this. But for 5 years? That matters very little...unless you walk into Indianapolis when Peyton Manning is in year 7...Stafford is no Manning.

In TB Lovie is looking over the island of misfit toys on O..and well..not much better on D.

And why are the Bucs in that scenario? We are asking Lovie Smith to rebuild this team in many ways, and the only thing the Bucs ownership really knows about rebuilding is what Tony Dungy did. Lovie Smith being a Tony Dungy guy is not something terrible. I'm going all in with the retread NFL coach at this point because Tony Dungy was a retread and found success....Jon Gruden was a retread and found success...if we think Lovie Smith isn't going to use his past experience to enhance his strengths and strengthen his weaknesses, you're missing the potential completely.

All in a conference where NO and Car seem to be on the rise for the foreseeable future compared to the NFC North which I see as much more winable.

To be fair, Green Bay and Chicago are no joke either.

I will be positively biased with any new coach (or at least I have been so far with Sam Wyche, Tony Dungy, Jon Gruden, Raheem Morris, and Greg Schiano...so I'm biased, but seriously, Lovie Smith is more than just a name or a defensive minded coach. He's part of the Tony Dungy tree, he's got a history here, he's got good people all over this league, he's tough, he's a player's coach and this town is energized right now and they need something after 5 seasons of abysmal football. Lovie Smith is the absolute right guy at the right time for Tampa Bay Football.

[Abe Sargent]

Sounds like Greg Schiano would be great fit for Detroit based on that. :)



For today and today only, I agree with this. But for 5 years? That matters very little...unless you walk into Indianapolis when Peyton Manning is in year 7...Stafford is no Manning.



And why are the Bucs in that scenario? We are asking Lovie Smith to rebuild this team in many ways, and the only thing the Bucs ownership really knows about rebuilding is what Tony Dungy did. Lovie Smith being a Tony Dungy guy is not something terrible. I'm going all in with the retread NFL coach at this point because Tony Dungy was a retread and found success....Jon Gruden was a retread and found success...if we think Lovie Smith isn't going to use his past experience to enhance his strengths and strengthen his weaknesses, you're missing the potential completely.



To be fair, Green Bay and Chicago are no joke either.

I will be positively biased with any new coach (or at least I have been so far with Sam Wyche, Tony Dungy, Jon Gruden, Raheem Morris, and Greg Schiano...so I'm biased, but seriously, Lovie Smith is more than just a name or a defensive minded coach. He's part of the Tony Dungy tree, he's got a history here, he's got good people all over this league, he's tough, he's a player's coach and this town is energized right now and they need something after 5 seasons of abysmal football. Lovie Smith is the absolute right guy at the right time for Tampa Bay Football.


Agreed completely. Tough division though if the Falcons are back in it next year, but I agree.

[Dutch]

Agreed, this division is no joke if the Falcons are the worst competition we'll have. They are built to go from worst to first as well.

[fantom1979]

Same here.

Browns reportedly interested in Gus Malzahn; will name Jim Schwartz defensive*coordinator | SI Wire (http://tracking.si.com/2014/01/01/gus-malzahn-james-franklin-jim-schwartz-browns-coach-nfl/)

Apparently the Browns plan on hiring Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator before they've even picked a head coach? I smell a recipe for success, Cleveland! :lol:

This worked very well for the Redskins and Jim Zorn

[Matthean]

I do think somebody is going to legitimately go after Malzahn at some point, and he'll end up in the pros.

[Patriots12]

I saw that Tennessee fired Munchak, cant say I'm surprised because Tennessee has been mediocre for the three years he has been there.

[CU Tiger]

Sounds like Greg Schiano would be great fit for Detroit based on that. :)



For today and today only, I agree with this. But for 5 years? That matters very little...unless you walk into Indianapolis when Peyton Manning is in year 7...Stafford is no Manning.



And why are the Bucs in that scenario? We are asking Lovie Smith to rebuild this team in many ways, and the only thing the Bucs ownership really knows about rebuilding is what Tony Dungy did. Lovie Smith being a Tony Dungy guy is not something terrible. I'm going all in with the retread NFL coach at this point because Tony Dungy was a retread and found success....Jon Gruden was a retread and found success...if we think Lovie Smith isn't going to use his past experience to enhance his strengths and strengthen his weaknesses, you're missing the potential completely.



To be fair, Green Bay and Chicago are no joke either.

I will be positively biased with any new coach (or at least I have been so far with Sam Wyche, Tony Dungy, Jon Gruden, Raheem Morris, and Greg Schiano...so I'm biased, but seriously, Lovie Smith is more than just a name or a defensive minded coach. He's part of the Tony Dungy tree, he's got a history here, he's got good people all over this league, he's tough, he's a player's coach and this town is energized right now and they need something after 5 seasons of abysmal football. Lovie Smith is the absolute right guy at the right time for Tampa Bay Football.

I like Lovie and have always been an fairly apathetic, semi closet Bucs fan. Especially during the Gruden and Dungy era. This combo is really good for me. That said I think personnel evaluations is a weak spot in Smtih's game and I think the Bucs need to re-load. For that reason and the aforementioned offensive fit I think they would have been better served by a different hire.

Hope I'm wrong BTW.


Also...5 years is a good run for an NFL HC...if you can promise me 5 good years I'll take it right now.

[Abe Sargent]

Oh oh. Lovie with final say on the roster?


Lovie Smith has final say on Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10246329/lovie-smith-final-say-tampa-bay-buccaneers-roster)

[BillJasper]

Oh oh. Lovie with final say on the roster?


Lovie Smith has final say on Tampa Bay Buccaneers roster - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10246329/lovie-smith-final-say-tampa-bay-buccaneers-roster)

I didn't expect any less.

[Logan]

Recipe for disaster.

[BillJasper]

Recipe for disaster.

Depends on how good the people around him are at evaluating talent.

[Dutch]

I'm okay with it under the mantra of "It can't get any worse".

[Matthean]

Ken Whisenhunt, San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator, is top candidate for Detroit Lions' head coaching position - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10246337/ken-whisenhunt-san-diego-chargers-offensive-coordinator-top-candidate-detroit-lions-head-coaching-position)

[BillJasper]

Ken Whisenhunt, San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator, is top candidate for Detroit Lions' head coaching position - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10246337/ken-whisenhunt-san-diego-chargers-offensive-coordinator-top-candidate-detroit-lions-head-coaching-position)

Poor Detroit.

Only time Whisenhunt was successful in Arizona was when he had a veteran, all-pro QB. I'm not sure he can "fix" Stafford?

[NobodyHere]

Out of curiosity, does anyone know what Jim Tressel has been up to lately?

I'm a bit surprised his name hasn't been circulating around more, especially for the Cleveland job.

[cartman]

Out of curiosity, does anyone know what Jim Tressel has been up to lately?

I'm a bit surprised his name has been circulating around more, especially for the Cleveland job.

He's been teaching and is Vice President of Student Success at THE University of Akron.

[Logan]

Out of curiosity, does anyone know what Jim Tressel has been up to lately?

I'm a bit surprised his name hasn't been circulating around more, especially for the Cleveland job.

Well there was this...

Report that Cleveland Browns will interview Jim Tressel is false, source tells cleveland.com | cleveland.com (http://www.cleveland.com/browns/index.ssf/2014/01/cleveland_browns_jim_tressel.html)

[Matthean]

Poor Detroit.

Only time Whisenhunt was successful in Arizona was when he had a veteran, all-pro QB. I'm not sure he can "fix" Stafford?

He seems to be doing well with Rivers, who earned his own rep as a talented but flawed QB. Detroit isn't that flawed on offense, or even defense really. The biggest issue is discipline.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Poor Detroit.

Only time Whisenhunt was successful in Arizona was when he had a veteran, all-pro QB. I'm not sure he can "fix" Stafford?

Considering the names floating around are Tom Cable and Jim Caldwell, Wisenhunt doesn't sound too bad.

[Kodos]

I'd cry if any of those names were associated with my team.

[Matthean]

All-Pro QB or not, he took Arizona to the Super Bowl.

[BillJasper]

He seems to be doing well with Rivers, who earned his own rep as a talented but flawed QB. Detroit isn't that flawed on offense, or even defense really. The biggest issue is discipline.

But did he really fix Rivers or was the issue due more to how Norv Turner was running the offense the last couple of years?

Considering the names floating around are Tom Cable and Jim Caldwell, Wisenhunt doesn't sound too bad.

Yeah. I can see where Whisenhunt would be considered a step up from those two. I just thought the Detroit GM was telling everyone how attractive the job was a few days ago, yet every name mentioned in connection with it is really underwhelming.

I think there's a lot of talent in Detroit but I also think they've been allowed to be undisciplined for so long that any coach that goes there is in for a fight when trying to regain control of the situation.

[BillJasper]

All-Pro QB or not, he took Arizona to the Super Bowl.

Super Bowl or not, he had a 45-51 record in Arizona. Once Warner retired, they went from 10-6 to 5-11.

[Matthean]

Super Bowl or not, he had a 45-51 record in Arizona. Once Warner retired, they went from 10-6 to 5-11.

I don't know many coaches who would win with what was given to him at QB post Warner. The fact that the offense improved from Turner to him pretty much supports the idea that he can coach.

[BillJasper]

I don't know many coaches who would win with what was given to him at QB post Warner. The fact that the offense improved from Turner to him pretty much supports the idea that he can coach.

I'm not so sure. He was only 27-22 with Warner and 18-29 without. Not to mention he had to have known that Warner was a short-term solution at QB and he utterly failed to develop even a mediocre QB to replace him when he retired.

[Matthean]

Or maybe the blame goes to the GM for not giving them a QB to follow Warner? It's not like Leinart struck gold elsewhere.

[flere-imsaho]

I saw that Tennessee fired Munchak, cant say I'm surprised because Tennessee has been mediocre for the three years he has been there.

Saw that, and couldn't believe it had been 3 years already.

[flere-imsaho]

Lovie Smith & Rex Ryan illustrate, to me, the somewhat obvious point that if you're going to have a HC who only really wants to pay attention to one side of the ball, you're going to have a mainly .500 team, with swings in either direction based mainly on fortuituous (or not fortuituous) circumstances.

The thing GMs/NFL Presidents/Owners need to realize is that the HC is more of a CEO job, not an Xs-and-Os job. Find good people. Get them on the same page, strategy-wise. Delegate. Take everything seriously and expect results.

[BillJasper]

Lovie Smith & Rex Ryan illustrate, to me, the somewhat obvious point that if you're going to have a HC who only really wants to pay attention to one side of the ball, you're going to have a mainly .500 team, with swings in either direction based mainly on fortuituous (or not fortuituous) circumstances.



Lovie Smith is 81-63 (.563) and went to the Super Bowl with Rex Grossman at QB. What exactly should his winning percentage have been?

Mike McCarthy is 82-45 (.645) but has had Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers at QB and is primarily an offensive guy.

[Thomkal]

I'm not so sure. He was only 27-22 with Warner and 18-29 without. Not to mention he had to have known that Warner was a short-term solution at QB and he utterly failed to develop even a mediocre QB to replace him when he retired.

This. Cardinals had some pretty awful QB's at the helm during the last couple years of his time as head coach-his ability to develop QB's is questionable at best. He ignored what was probably the best solution at the time in Matt Leinart because he didn't like him and his off field antics. None of his solutions for the offensive line worked. Maybe he does better working with veteran QB's and can get Stafford on track, but I certainly wouldn't be jumping for joy if I were Detroit fans.

(yes this is a biased opinion ;) )

[BillJasper]

Dolphins fire Mike Sherman.

Miami Dolphins & NFL | MiamiHerald.com (http://www.miamiherald.com/sports/football/)

Wish they would've dumped Ireland as well.

[Izulde]

Maybe Ireland will still get canned?

[Izulde]

PRESS RELEASE: Miami Dolphins And Jeff Ireland Mutually Agree To Part Ways (http://www.miamidolphins.com/news/article-1/PRESS-RELEASE-Miami-Dolphins-And-Jeff-Ireland-Mutually-Agree-To-Part-Ways/1d1180e5-89f2-4e36-a033-751e792d54c9)

YES!!!!!!! HAPPY DAYS!!!!

[BillJasper]

PRESS RELEASE: Miami Dolphins And Jeff Ireland Mutually Agree To Part Ways (http://www.miamidolphins.com/news/article-1/PRESS-RELEASE-Miami-Dolphins-And-Jeff-Ireland-Mutually-Agree-To-Part-Ways/1d1180e5-89f2-4e36-a033-751e792d54c9)

YES!!!!!!! HAPPY DAYS!!!!

The article has been deleted. Still hope it's true... :eek:

[Izulde]

It was also posted on the Dolphins' Facebook page.

[claphamsa]

espn too
Miami Dolphins, GM Jeff Ireland part ways - ESPN (http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10259808/miami-dolphins-gm-jeff-ireland-part-ways)

[cartman]

Now only if Jerry would fire his GM.

[Logan]

The usual names reporting that Washington has hired Jay Gruden.

[Julio Riddols]

The usual names reporting that Washington has hired Jay Gruden.

I'm hoping this puts Hue Jackson in his place. I like Hue.

[korme]

It will. I'm happy for Jay, though. Would love to keep Zimmer but he deserves a HC job more than Jay does.

[Butter]

I'm more worried about losing Zimmer than Gruden.

[claphamsa]

Wonderful news, addition by subtraction.

[korme]

Don't discount how well Gruden developed Dalton from year one to three. Basically had a young offense and did a damn fine job with them.

[Julio Riddols]

Yeah, Gruden did well, he can get production out of his guys. I just think Hue connects better with his players. He was working miracles in Oakland and they canned him for some dumb ass reason, so Cinci is very lucky to have him. Will probably only have him for a year or two though before he gets another HC shot.. I'd be totally fine with he or Zimmer being the HC in Cinci too.

[CU Tiger]

Now only if Jerry would fire his GM.


oh please please please please please.....DAMN!!!

[Danny]

Yeah, Gruden did well, he can get production out of his guys. I just think Hue connects better with his players. He was working miracles in Oakland and they canned him for some dumb ass reason, so Cinci is very lucky to have him. Will probably only have him for a year or two though before he gets another HC shot.. I'd be totally fine with he or Zimmer being the HC in Cinci too.

Hue Jackson is a terrible head coach. His ego got waaaay too big. However he is a great offensive coordinator and the Bengals should be happy with him over Gruden. They'll be better offensively

[Julio Riddols]

Hue Jackson is a terrible head coach. His ego got waaaay too big. However he is a great offensive coordinator and the Bengals should be happy with him over Gruden. They'll be better offensively

I thought they would have been well served keeping Cable around and letting Hue continue running the offense, but I feel like the only major misstep was that big trade they pulled when Campbell went down. They were playing real good ball that year, but then Palmer was rusty and working with brand new extremely young receivers in a new offense, so it didn't pan out too well.. But I think if Campbell stayed healthy, they had a shot to compete that year.

[BishopMVP]

I thought they would have been well served keeping Cable around and letting Hue continue running the offense, but I feel like the only major misstep was that big trade they pulled when Campbell went down. They were playing real good ball that year, but then Palmer was rusty and working with brand new extremely young receivers in a new offense, so it didn't pan out too well.. But I think if Campbell stayed healthy, they had a shot to compete that year.Jason Campbell is somehow simultaneously the most underrated and overrated QB in the NFL.

[Desnudo]

Redskins never bothered canceling interviews after Gruden deal | ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/12/redskins-never-bothered-canceling-interviews-after-gruden-deal/)

[Chief Rum]

Redskins never bothered canceling interviews after Gruden deal | ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/12/redskins-never-bothered-canceling-interviews-after-gruden-deal/)

Not sure when the followup stuff was posted, but better follow that link again. It appears that the report is bogus or possibly from a disgruntled Skins employee.

[jbergey22]

Snyder must have fired his secretary/personal assistant/office manager person.

[BillJasper]

Redskins never bothered canceling interviews after Gruden deal | ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/01/12/redskins-never-bothered-canceling-interviews-after-gruden-deal/)

Maybe Dan Snyder just wanted to have options in case the team doesn't look good in training camp or starts the pre-season 0-2? :lol:

[BillJasper]

Damn. What does that say about the Lions job when you get turned down by Ken Whisenhunt?

[Julio Riddols]

I wonder if Stafford may be unwilling to work on his game, so people see it as a lose/lose scenario?

[Matthean]

I respect Dungy as a coach, but it seems like he is the go to guy to find out if coach is worth hiring or not. Caldwell does nothing for me.

[RomaGoth]

Damn. What does that say about the Lions job when you get turned down by Ken Whisenhunt?

The Lions are fucking up yet another coaching search. Probably will end up with another OC/DC who is unproven and will get run out of town in 3-5 years. I am not sure Whisenhunt is the absolute answer, but he was probably the best option out there and now he is in Tennessee.

Hard being a Lions fan these days.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Yeah... so the Lions are the most attractive gig. Well, they should be. They'll probably end up hiring Caldwell, who might be a great coach, but we don't have Manning. He did a good job with the Ravens... until he had a full season.

There I was yesterday watching the Chargers offense & thinking "The Lions could look like this."

Can't they at least talk to Roman & Pep? Oh, that's right. Their ideal is a guy who was a head coach before... even if he failed at the assignment.

Whatever. Same old Lions.

[Desnudo]

Lions would be a great gig except for the owners

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Lions would be a great gig except for the owners

I don't see how the Fords are such a problem. There are certified douchebags out there (Cleveland, bough, cough) and the Fords are not one of them. They may be too loyal and occasionally a bit cheap, but right now I don't see William Clay Ford as a problem.

It can only be speculated why Whiz went to Tennessee instead of Detroit, but I bet it has a lot more to do with flexibility to put his stamp on the team than who owns the damn thing. In Tennessee he gets to start basically from scratch, and if he doesn't have immediate success it's because he has to redo a great deal. He can remake the defense and offense into his vision. In Detroit he would just have to fix what doesn't work, and with everything we have heard about the QB who looks more like a guy in the stands on his 8th beer than a professional QB, that might be more than he wants.

I guess he wasn't that impressed with the interview Stafford gave him.

[BillJasper]

Jim Caldwell is the Lions top choice according to rumors? Damn. You take away that 14-2 first season in Indy and he was 12-20 and the Colts were a flat disaster when Manning wasn't able to play.

I'd go with someone like Jim Tomsula before handing the keys of my franchise to Caldwell. He simply looks lost on the sidelines.

[Honolulu_Blue]

Lions would be a great gig except for the owners

I am not sure what's wrong with the Ford family as owners from the perspective of a prospective coach or any new hire. Yes, the Ford family has had zero success and have made some poor choices, but they pay very well, they want to win, are willing to spend to do so, and are very loyal to a fault. From a fan's perspective, I can see why people are frustrated with the ownership, but not so sure from a coach.


Jim Caldwell is the Lions top choice according to rumors? Damn. You take away that 14-2 first season in Indy and he was 12-20 and the Colts were a flat disaster when Manning wasn't able to play.

I'd go with someone like Jim Tomsula before handing the keys of my franchise to Caldwell. He simply looks lost on the sidelines.

I agree. I think Caldwell would be a terrible hire. Peyton Manning has been successful wherever he's been: Tennessee, Indy and Denver. I don't think Jim Caldwell had much of anything to do with his success. Baltimore's offense was pretty awful this year. They couldn't even score a touchdown against the Lions, though they did kick 37 field goals that game.

That said, none of the candidates currently being discussed: Caldwell, Kubiak, Munchak really do anything for me. If any of those three are hired it will be met with a large "meh" from the Lions fan base. There will be no buzz or excitement. All expectations will be 3-5 more years of poor to mediocre football - wasting Calving Johnson's career - until a new GM and head coach are hired.

Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

[mrtourette]

The Lions are fucking up yet another coaching search. Probably will end up with another OC/DC who is unproven and will get run out of town in 3-5 years. I am not sure Whisenhunt is the absolute answer, but he was probably the best option out there and now he is in Tennessee.

Hard being a Lions fan these days.

These days? Looks like it's been a tough gig for decades.

[BillJasper]

I really don't understand the sudden love for Adam Gase? The guy has served one year as an offensive coordinator and had Peyton Manning as his QB. I'd like to see him as an OC for a couple more seasons with a different QB before making him a Head Coach.

Whoever hires him, Peyton Manning isn't coming with him. :lol:

[BillJasper]

That said, none of the candidates currently being discussed: Caldwell, Kubiak, Munchak really do anything for me. If any of those three are hired it will be met with a large "meh" from the Lions fan base. There will be no buzz or excitement. All expectations will be 3-5 more years of poor to mediocre football - wasting Calving Johnson's career - until a new GM and head coach are hired.

Lather. Rinse. Repeat.

If it were me, I'd be rooting for Kubiak as I think he's the best of the retreads. Especially if your goal is to get the most out of Matt Stafford and that offense. Kubiak played QB, was a good offensive coordinator and did have quite a bit of success with Matt Schaub before the wheels came off last season.

[Logan]

Caldwell to the Lions is done.

I think that's just an awful, awful move.

[M GO BLUE!!!]

Hope Caldwell proves everybody wrong, convinces Stafford that drinking beer is not the best method of curing turnovers and... whatever.

Too early to speculate on the 2017 Lions coach?

[flere-imsaho]

Too early to speculate on the 2017 Lions coach?

Definitely. You need to first speculate on the 2015 Lions coach before you do that.

[Logan]

Before we move on let's reflect upon the new coach a bit more.

Jim Caldwell’s timeout explanation doesn’t make sense | ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2011/01/09/jim-caldwells-timeout-explanation-doesnt-make-sense/)

That was a good one.

[Arles]

I don't get why the Lions always struggle with coaches. Then again, if an interview with Jim Schwartz sold you on him - I guess I can see how you could get fooled into hiring Caldwell :D

[BillJasper]

I really can't believe that the Lions hired Caldwell. I can't think of a more uninspiring hire in a long, long time.

I hope I'm wrong but I thought Lions fans deserved a better hire than this.

A team that plays lackadaisical and undisciplined and you hire a guy that isn't exactly known as a motivator or a disciplinarian?

[NobodyHere]

I really can't believe that the Lions hired Caldwell. I can't think of a more uninspiring hire in a long, long time.

I hope I'm wrong but I thought Lions fans deserved a better hire than this.

A team that plays lackadaisical and undisciplined and you hire a guy that isn't exactly known as a motivator or a disciplinarian?

Well think about it this way. People thought that coaches like Schwartz and Mooch were great hires and they turned out to be less than hoped for. So maybe an uninspiring coach hire will be a smash success!

Right? I mean the Lions haven't had a winning coach since the 70s, so they're due right?

*cries*

[M GO BLUE!!!]

At least they got him before Baltimore fired him.

[BillJasper]

Well think about it this way. People thought that coaches like Schwartz and Mooch were great hires and they turned out to be less than hoped for. So maybe an uninspiring coach hire will be a smash success!

Right? I mean the Lions haven't had a winning coach since the 70s, so they're due right?

*cries*

At least you're not getting another year of Joe Philbin like us Dolphins fans! :lol:

[Matthean]

This has to be like Christmas day for Bill Simmons.