The N"If"L - A Look into the Future of an Alternate NFL

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Re: The N"If"L - A Look into the Future of an Alternate NFL

Year 7 21/22 - Divisional


The Worldwide Leader in Sport


Ed Shakespear, NFL Analyst

USADA and NFLPA Suspend 12 Players, Russell Wilson and Dante Fowler Jr. Involved

Shock waves were sent across the NFL this afternoon as the USADA and NFLPA released a joint statement on the players who had been found to be linked to a recent investigation into PED use. The stature of the players in the statement is ground breaking, integral members of their team. The list in full is as follows:

• QB Russell Wilson, Arizona Cardinals, 33, 11th year
• TE Travis Kelce, Kansas City Chiefs, 32, 10th year
• TE Zach Ertz, Philadelphia Eagles, 31, 10th Year
• CB Desmond Trufant, Mexico City Diablos, 31, 10th year
• DE Dante Fowler Jr Jacksonville Jaguars, 28, 8th year
• DE Sheldon Richardson, New York Jets, 31, 10th year
• DE Ezekiel Ansah, Detroit Lions, 33, 10th year
• DE Chandler Jones, New England Patriots, 32, 11th year
• QB Max Shaw, Oakland Raiders, 27, 6th year
• DE Robert Quinn, St Louis Rams, 32, 12th year
• QB Mike Stark, London Monarchs, 27, 7th year
• QB Teddy Bridgewater, Minnesota Vikings, 29, 9th year

"There is nowhere to hide in today’s NFL if you are a drug cheat," said a defiant NFLPA Director of External Affairs George Atallah. "From the top to the bottom of this game we are cleaning things up and the mighty will fall. Their pedestal was a fake one and we now wish to move on to an era within the game that celebrates true ability and dedication from these inspirational athletes."



Few players on the list are bigger than 2019/20 sack leader Dante Fowler Jr. A household name and a superstar across the league, Fowler is a cornerstone for his franchise. For a team that hasn’t been to the playoffs for 4 seasons and is now ready to pick #1 in the upcoming draft, this is yet another body blow to absorb.

A remorseful Fowler struggled to hold back tears when speaking at the Jaguars complex once the news broke, “I’m so sorry to my team mates, my family, and the organisation. I’ve let them down, and myself down. It was a slippery slope after the knee problems to begin my career. It never really left my mind and I felt I needed something to help me stay ahead of an injury that could have derailed my dream. Now this nightmare is my own doing and I’m sorry for anyone I’ve hurt.”

Whilst Fowler was willing to face the news head on, others have addressed the statement with different emotions. Russell Wilson refused to comment on the news except to say he would be issuing a response in due course. Sheldon Richardson spoke as he was leaving the Jets training facility and yelled “This is all BS man. You’ll see. Ya’ll ain’t got nothing on me.” Most others were unavailable for comment.



It is easy to speculate that due to the age of a number of the players listed, the need to battle father time and remain competitive may have led to what is now likely to be seen as a career defining decision. Tainted legacies rarely outweigh the gains involved, but with 8 of the 12 players named north of 30 years of age, perhaps they felt they had no choice. Other players remain a mystery. Oakland’s Max Shaw and London’s Mike Stark don’t fit into the demographic of players listed in the USADA report. Young and undoubtedly talented, many will question if this was a boost they really needed. Time will no doubt provide answers on that front, but that won’t make the news any more palatable for the teams involved.

It is not thought at this time that any team is under investigation as a result of today’s news but all players listed will be suspended immediately without pay until the end of the 22/23 season when they will be eligible for reinstatement. At that stage, all teams will face a very difficult decision. Cut loose a star of the game, or help them along the road to redemption from one of the most controversial days in NFL history.

Ed Shakespear
ESPN

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Re: The N"If"L - A Look into the Future of an Alternate NFL

Year 7 21/22 - Divisional

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Re: The N"If"L - A Look into the Future of an Alternate NFL

Cory pulled up in the parking lot of Denver’s practice facility and exited his expensive sports car. The feeling of extravagance from owning such a vehicle was only just beginning to wear off, used to a life of modest means and worrying finances. The lot was nearly completely empty, a sign of the time of year and the familiar absence of playoff football for the Broncos. There was a distinctive chill in the air that the young QB still wasn’t acclimatised to after an upbringing in Carolina and a college career in Florida. Colorado was a different beast and even an unusually mild January afternoon was still enough to make Cory reach for a scarf and zip his coat all the way up. Braced the elements, Knox strode across the tarmac, head down, attempting to make the walk as fast as possible.

The receptionist greeted CK with a usual warm smile. He’d seen her most days throughout his 1st season with the Broncos but still hadn’t taken the opportunity to find out her name. More seen than heard, she was clearly took care of herself. Manicured nails, a level of makeup verging between modest and excessive and an expensive looking haircut that involved highlights and a significant amount of styling. Most people entering the facility were involved in their own business or knew where they were going so paid a similar level of attention to her as Cory. Heading to a seminar room, to their office, to the locker room then off to the conditioning suite or practice fields. Today, Cory was here for something different and the moment took him to smile at the women as he continued to wander on. The lady in her mid-40s smiled back and added a waved in return, no doubt almost programmed to do so. Still, CK took it as a compliment that she recognised him and felt the need to reciprocate so he waved before he disappeared from the foyer and down the corridor. Before long he had reached his destination and pushed at the door.

“Good afternoon, CK, take a seat,” said Coach, the only person in the room. It was a plush setting, with a solid oak table in the centre. Comfortable chairs surrounded the room as well as the wooden centrepiece, an unnecessary amount of seating for just a couple of people. The walls were painted a dark blue, Broncos’ standard, with a few windows to the far side. Coach was already at the table so Cory pulled out a chair and took off his coat. A large stack of files and a laptop sat on the oak surface, clearly intended for use during the meeting. This was the off-season chat that Knox had been both excited for and dreading in equal measure. It hasn’t been a good campaign for player or team and this was the first time he had been involved in a meeting of this kind. As Cory settled himself down and arranged his coat on the back of an adjacent chair, Coach began to speak. “Normally we’d have a few more guys in here than this but I wanted to do this one to one to get a few things out there and have a conversation we both knew was on the level. It’s been a tough season, for all of us, but we need to make sure next season is an improvement.” It was tough to disagree with the assessment. Cory had struggled with form, a lack of talent around him and most critically with injury. Missing the best part of 9 games had seriously hampered not only his development as a young player but also his ability to settle in new surroundings.



Cory felt it was probably time for him to speak up and that Coach’s opening gambit wasn’t going to be an extended one. “It’s been difficult. I’ve learnt a lot. About myself and those around me. I’m still excited to be here and hopefully we can all improve going forward.” Coach nodded as his young passer spoke, before drawing a shallow breath to respond. “I agree, and we will, don’t worry about that.” He picked up a pen and pulled a piece of paper from the pile. “What I wanted to speak to you about was our offence for this season, your take on it and what you’d like to see going forward. As you know, our front office situation is somewhat in flux right now. I can’t promise that anything you suggest will happen and I have my own take on all of this, of course. But it’s always good to get your opinion. Your wagon is hitched to mine right now and next season is going to be critical.” Coach looked up and smiled, hoping to defuse some of the tension that Cory would no doubt be feeling. He continued, “I said when you came here that I’d be as open and honest as I could throughout. That isn’t going to change now, so let’s get down to it.”

Nussmeier picked up his pen and began to write on the paper. Cory peered over to see what the scribbling was leading towards only to discover rather obviously it was a basic offensive depth chart. “I’ll not write too many names down here, we just need to concern ourselves with the main players as further down the list we’re getting into special teams territory,” Coach explained, gesturing with his hand as the pen sat between his fingers. “Let’s start up front with the big boys.” He drew a circle around the O-line positions before reading out their names. “So there’s Tarpley at left tackle, then Glowinski, Bakhtiari at centre, Bobby Vardaro at right guard and Josh McNeil.” Coach looked over towards Cory, waiting expectantly for his response. The QB took a deep breath and shifted in his chair. He paused to speak, then put a finger to his temple instead. Sensing the difficulty, Coach intervened. “Don’t worry,” he said, holding up his hands. “I don’t expect you to give me names as replacements, or what the plan is going forward. Nobody knows what the free agent pools will look like at these positions yet, but I do want to know from you what you think we should do if someone is there that we like. Tell me what you think of these guys after spending a season around them.” Cory seemed to visibly relax, his complexion changed, safe in the knowledge that the task wasn’t as difficult as he first believed it to be. “Well, I think there’s stuff we can work with. I like McNeil, he looks really good. His footwork is great and I think he’ll be able to slide over to LT given the opportunity.” The more he spoke, the more Knox began to ease into the conversation. “I like Bakhtiari to. He helped us once he took over from Scott Dixon. He used to anchor the line for Aaron Rodgers, so I think he’s more than qualified to do it for me!” With every point made, Coach nodded, and the lack of challenge and general agreement from across the table allowed Cory to build his confidence further and further. “Tarpley, I know he was taken high, but I just don’t see it. He hasn’t pushed on. Glowinski and Bobby are both decent guys, but we could probably upgrade. They’re just journeyman types, good for depth but not to rely on. But we’re starting them. I mean, look at our rushing numbers.” Coach exhaled deeply and grimaced before interjecting. “No, please don’t mention those.”

Coach finished his scribbling onto the depth chart, making notes, a few names crossed through, a few ticks, a question mark next to Tarpley. He placed down his pen and interlinked his fingers before looking up. “Tight end?” Cory smiled, this was a much easier position for him to discuss. “Crockett has been great this year. Really easy to get on with and awesome on the field.” He leant back in his chair, opening his shoulders before continuing. It was at this moment that Cory noticed a small crack down the wall to his left, an innocuous thing that really isn’t worth time or attention until its seen. At which point you can do nothing but focus on it so completely that you don’t know what else to do. After a lengthy pause that seemed to make Coach wonder what was happening, CK snapped back into the room. “He blocks well for a receiver, and he’s caught a lot of balls for me this year. He’s easily my number 2 look on most plays, and very dependable. Could we upgrade? Maybe, but it’d have to be someone really elite. A new TE is way down the wish list Coach, I’ll not lie” As Cory finished speaking, that was the cue for more scribbling from the man across the table. It was a favourable write up for the big tight end from Texas, but that wasn’t a surprise.



Coach cracked a smile as he placed the pen back down on the wooden table once again, the heavy body of the ball point making a noticeable thunk as he did so. [i]“I’m guessing you’re ok for Barks to stick around, right?” The change in tone was welcomed by CK who replied in kind. Lamarcus Barksdale has been a revelation in his rookie year, looking set to star in the league for a long time to come. “Absolutely! That kid looks good. Like, real good. It’s still crazy he didn’t get rookie of the year, but he’s only going to get better.” Nussmeier nodded, before scanning down the names on the receiver depth chart. “Now for the tougher questions. Dre Hill? Huff? Jordan? Parker? Don’t worry about Willie Snead, he’s already decided he’s moving on.” Cory took the news in his stride, understanding the nature of the business. He paused for a moment, then began with his explanations. “Dre I’m not sure on. We don’t really click. He’s not the quickest and I just find him a little off the pace on the uptake as well. Josh Huff I’d love to keep around. He’s explosive, those hips are incredible.” Coach smiled. He knew exactly what his young quarterback means, but remaining silent as to allowing CK to continue. The pen was working overtime as more opinion poured from the young man across the table. “Jords and Park, I can’t say it’s working out. I’m fine with them in practice, but I don’t have the faith in them during games. If we brought in a couple of new guys, I think that would probably be a good idea.” It was a bold statement from Knox, abdicating that some of his team mates be moved on. There was an awkward moment of silence where only the whir of the heating unit on the wall could be heard. After what seemed like an eternity, Coach looked up from his pad. “It’s hard to disagree. Their numbers hardly jumped off the page this season. I’d say wide out is a pretty fluid position going forward. Barks excluded of course. We’ll see what we can do about Josh.”

Although the conversation was frank and open, it was still a leap of faith for Cory to be that way in return. He was still many years younger than the man across from him. He also had a pretty settled future, tied to the team by the size of his contract. His preferences were just that, what he’d prefer going forward. For Coach Nussmeier, they were the difference between having a job after next season and not. “Shall we talk about running back?” said Coach. Cory rolled his eyes, then made a face like he’d just smelled something particularly unpleasant. “No. If you needed my take on that one, you probably didn’t watch us a lot last season.” Coach smiled once more. It was clear he had an affinity for Cory, which is probably the reason he brought him to Denver in the first place. They had been involved in many meetings in their time, spanning back to the years in Florida, but never with Cory in this position, and never when discussing personnel. They were very much in agreement at running back though.

“That leaves us with quarterback. How is your relationship with Ryan?” Once again, Cory paused before answering, wanting to choose the best possible response. He scratched the back of his hand, possibly a nervous sign. “Strained,” he said. Nussmeier looked down at the pad and chuckled, before drawing a line through Nassib’s name. “That’s an understatement! Not to worry though. He wants out and he’s a free agent anyway. We met back in week 12 when you came back to face the Giants and he’d just won against Houston. He told me he wanted to go and I understood.” This news was a much bigger shock to Cory. He wasn’t aware of the contract situation and assumed Ryan would be around for a while longer, either as a mentor or as competition. “So we’ll be looking at a new buddy or two for you in the QB meeting room.”



Coach began packing the paper to one side and closed the lid on the laptop. “Finally, how about yourself?” This one threw CK off guard. “How do you mean?” he replied, shifting uneasily in his chair. “It’s a simple question, CK, what should we do with you? How do you rate your season?” Cory could sense that the tone of the meeting was beginning to shift. Alarms were going off everywhere in his head. How do you answer a question like that? He stammered the first few words out before trying to get his train of thought together. “I…..er, I think I did ok this season, all things considered. It’s a steep learning curve and with missing time and the roster we had, it was tough.” He tried not to let the self-doubt that was in his head creep out. The loss to New England had been a massive body blow and finishing the season with a defeat to Oakland hadn’t helped.

Coach finally stopped fiddling with his papers and squared up across the table, looking straight at Cory. “You know what I think,” he began, making sure he had the QBs full attention. “I think you need to work harder. I don’t think there’s a single thing you can’t improve right now. You’re young, and this transition was always going to be tough but you look like you’ve taken your foot off the gas.” Cory was stunned. This was a completely different side to Doug Nussmeier that he’d not experienced in the past. Usually so supportive, this was blunt. Critical. He was literally speechless. No matter to the conversation though as Coach continued anyway. “You need to go away this summer and decide if this is what you really want. Is this for you? If it is, I’ll see you back here for OTAs twice the man you are now. If not, I’ll know why. Call a few guys, there’s always pockets of football going on. Here’s the number of George Whitfield, he runs a QB specific programme over in San Diego. He’s worked with a bunch of guys, Andrew Luck, Jameis Winston, Cam Newton. Give him a call.” Muscle memory forced Cory to reach across the table and take the piece of paper but nothing consciously was making him do it. His mind was swirling. The bombshell had well and truly been dropped, and Coach wasn’t about to stick around for the aftermath. He stood up and offered his hand. Once again, Cory operated his arms as intended but couldn’t say he was really involved in the action. “Thanks for your time CK, you’re a good kid. I’ve got a meeting upstairs to find out what’s happening with the GM position, but I’ll see you soon.” And with that, Nussmeier was gone.

As the door closed, the slam brought Cory quickly back into the moment. How could Coach abandon him like that? That wasn’t fair! He didn’t deserve it, there was nothing around him. The offence stunk! Completely depressed and questioning everything he knew, Cory just sat there staring at the wall. After an impossible to determine amount of time had passed and with no resolutions striking him as to what he should do next, the young man from Carolina rose from his chair, put on his coat and scarf, dragged himself towards the door and began to slowly leave the building. He had a lot to think about, but right now he was angry and didn’t know what to do with his career seeming in tatters

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Re: The N"If"L - A Look into the Future of an Alternate NFL

New Orleans Saints at Indianapolis Colts
Feb 6, 2022	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
New Orleans Saints (12-4)	14	10	7	6	37
Indianapolis Colts (14-2)	0	14	3	0	17

Team Stats Comparison
	NOR	IND
Total Offense	453	404
Rushing Yards	146	123
Passing Yards	307	281
First Downs	16	21
Punt Return Yards	16	1
Kick Return Yards	22	176
Total Yards	491	581
Turnovers	0	2
3rd Down Conversion	7	11
4th Down Conversion	0/0	0/0
2-Point Conversion	0/0	0/0
Red Zone Touchdowns/Field Goals	0/3	1/1
Penalties	5-73	8-97
Posession Time	34:29	25:31

New Orleans Saints PASSING C/A YDS TD INT R.Swanson 22/31 307 3 0 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD M.Ingram 22 79 3.6 0 J.Collins 8 59 7.4 1 R.Swanson 1 4 4.0 0 D.Williams 1 4 4.0 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD B.Cooks 7 78 15.6 2 D.Zachary 4 33 8.3 1 D.Sims 4 58 14.5 0 M.Ingram 2 14 7.0 0 J.Collins 3 96 32.0 0 R.Jackson 1 20 20.0 0 M.Buchanan 1 8 8.0 0 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD L.Ryan 11 0 0 0 T.Tarpley 10 1 1 0 E.Garner 10 0 0 0 E.Curtis 8 0 0 0 D.Scott 7 0 0 0 J.McKinney 5 2 0 0 C.Munnerlyn 5 0 0 0 A.Blake 5 0 0 0 M.Ewing 4 0 0 0 J.Byrd 3 0 0 0 C.Jordan 2 1 0 0 D.Bass 1 0 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG B.McManus 3/3 4/4 13 35 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 M.Bosher 2 89 44.5 0 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD R.Jackson 1 22 22.0 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD R.Jackson 2 16 8.0 0

Indianapolis Colts PASSING C/A YDS TD INT R.Pickett 23/37 281 2 1 RUSHING ATT YDS AVG TD K.Patton 15 62 4.1 0 J.McKinnon 13 48 3.7 0 D.Williams 2 8 4.0 0 R.Pickett 2 5 2.5 0 RECEIVING REC YDS AVG TD T.Hilton 7 109 15.6 2 J.simon 5 67 13.4 0 D.Allen 4 34 8.5 0 K.White 3 40 13.3 0 D.Moncrief 2 31 15.5 0 K.Patton 1 0 0.0 0 T.Varga 1 0 0.0 0 DEFENSE TACK SACK INT TD S.Barrington 12 0 0 0 D.Searcy 11 0 0 0 S.Moore 10 0 0 0 C.Blalock 8 0 0 0 J.Hunter 6 0 0 0 A.Miles 5 0 0 0 C.Owens 4 0 0 0 R.Aiken 4 0 0 0 J.Blake 3 0 0 0 M.Claiborne 2 0 0 0 D.Caldwell 1 0 0 0 T.Griffin 1 0 0 0 KICKING FG XP PTS LONG C.Parkey 1/1 2/2 5 29 PUNTING NO YDS AVG IN20 S.Powell 2 83 41.5 0 KICK RETURN RET YDS AVG TD J.Simon 1 39 39.0 0 J.Mckinnon 6 137 22.8 0 PUNT RETURN RET YDS AVG TD J.Mckinnon 1 1 1.0 0

Post Season Review

Wildcard
NFC
New York Giants 24 @ 31 Dallas Cowboys
Chicago Bears 29 @ 31 St Louis Rams
AFC
Pittsburgh Steelers 35 @ 32 Buffalo Bills
Houston Texans 43 @ 24 Kansas City Chiefs

Divisional
NFC
St Louis Rams 21 @ 42 Green Bay Packers
Dallas Cowboys 24 @ 34 New Orleans Saints
AFC
Pittsburgh Steelers 21 @ 35 Indianapolis Colts
Houston Texans 31 @ 49 Baltimore Ravens

Conference
NFC
New Orleans Saints 34 @ 32 Green Bay Packers
AFC
Baltimore Ravens 33 @ 49 Indianapolis Colts

Superbowl
New Orleans Saints 37 vs 17 Indianapolis Colts

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Re: The N"If"L - A Look into the Future of an Alternate NFL

Year 7 21/22 - End of Season

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Re: The N"If"L - A Look into the Future of an Alternate NFL

NFL Draft Year 7 21/22 - Round 1 Recap
Pick	Team	Player	Pos
1	Jacksonville Jaguars	Deontae Stewart	WR
2	Detroit Lions	JJ Reid	DE
3	New York Jets	Will Levington	WR
4	San Diego Chargers	Connor Charles	LB
5	Minnesota Vikings	Marvin Scorn	T
6	Denver Broncos	Riley Patrick	LB
7	New England Patriots	Jose Armstrong	LB
8	Seattle Seahawks	Darrion Austin	WR
9	London Monarchs	Asaad Jackson	DT
10	Tennessee Titans	Nathan Johns	LB
11	Cleveland Browns	Everette Miller	LB
12	Miami Dolphins	Jason Graves	S
13	Oakland Raiders	Dawson Woodson	LB
14	Carolina Panthers	Margarito Hardy	CB
15	Mexico City Diablos	Kyle McCain	WR
16	Tampa Bay Bucanneers	Ben Brock	LB
17	Cincinnati Bengals	Victor Taylor	DT
18	Philadelphia Eagles	Jarman Parks	DE
19	Arizona Cardinals	Andrew Mosely	DE
20	San Francisco 49ers	Lamarcus Schofield	RB
21	Kansas City Chiefs	Donte Bryan	DT
22	Buffalo Bills	Jamal Scott	CB
23	New York Giants	Nate Albert	DT
24	Chicago Bears	Nick McGhee	LB
25	Pittsburgh Steelers	Eric Wilson	LB
26	St Louis Rams	Noah Stephenson	T
27	Houston Texans	Andrew Motes	QB
28	Dallas Cowboys	Russell Bryan	WR
29	Baltimore Ravens	Will Savoie	T
30	Green Bay Packers	Cejay Patrick	RB
31	Indianapolis Colts	Lucas Gilbert	TE
32	New Orleans Saints	Mavin Scott	WR

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Re: The N"If"L - A Look into the Future of an Alternate NFL

Year 8 22/23 - Preseason Week 4

Journal Pages 1 & 2

Spoiler

Journal Pages 3 & 4

Spoiler

Journal Pages 5 & 6

Spoiler

Journal Pages 7 & 8

Spoiler

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Re: The N"If"L - A Look into the Future of an Alternate NFL

Year 8 22/23 - Preseason


Your One Stop Shop For Everything Pro Football!


Craig Costello, Editor in Chief

New Coaching Appointments


New York Jets - Last Season 4-12
Outgoing Coach - Lane Kiffin
New Coach - Mike McCoy
Reason - Fired

Analysis
After a 6 win campaign in Kiffin’s 1st season and a 7-8-1 record last year, it was always likely that the QB specialist was going to be walking a tight rope. A 4-12 output last term was too much for the Jets to take and they decided to pull the plug. As a QB guru, much was expected from Jack Riley with the appointment of Kiffin but that never transpired. Regressing more than developing, New York’s most important player was trending in the wrong direction. When adding those 2 factors together, it was always going to be curtains.

Cue Mike McCoy, who was fired as the Head Coach of the Ravens a couple of years ago before rebuilding his career as the QB coach back in San Diego. Developing rookie Jared Todd grabbed the attention of front offices across the league and the Jets will hope he can do a similar job for them. The player to develop may well be 2nd round pick Brian Burch though, not Jack Riley. Moving into his 7th year, Riley’s window may now be closing, if it isn’t shut already.


Miami Dolphins - Last Season 7-9
Outgoing Coach - Ken Whisenhunt
New Coach - Marty Mornhinweg
Reason - Fired

Analysis
Somewhat of a journeyman at this stage of his career, Ken Whisenhunt seems to be making a name for himself as a guy who gets moved on after not particularly making waves. A couple of 8-8 seasons and a 7-9 record last time out were steady but unspectacular. With the appointment of Mornhinweg, the Dolphins are clearly sending out the statement that they’re looking for more of an explosive output from their offence. Previously the OC in Baltimore, Mornhinweg was able to put together a scheme that got the best from Zach Nelson. With more to work with at WR than he had with the Ravens, it remains to be seen how a downgrade in QB quality will affect those plans.


London Monarchs - Last Season 6-9-1
Outgoing Coach - Mike Shanahan
New Coach - Tony Allen
Reason - Retired

Analysis

After helping the team transition to London (albeit with unspectacular results), Mike Shanahan has finally accepted his retirement at 70 years of age. Kept on in an advisory capacity, he will oversee the personal development of new coach Tony Allen. The veteran British coach has won absolutely all there is to win with the London Warriors and is now taking the intimidating step up to the NFL. After holding multiple positions within the game, including NFL Europe’s Director of International Development, Allen knows the game and knows the league. If he will be able to apply that to coaching at the highest level remains to be seen, but if the Monarchs were ever going to embrace their new home, they needed to do it by putting down roots in the area. Allen certainly ticks that box.


Carolina Panthers - Last Season 8-8
Outgoing Coach - Mike Zimmer
New Coach - Dan Quinn
Reason - Retired

Analysis

After winning a Super Bowl in 2016, Ron Rivera was relieved of his duties and Mike Zimmer stepped in to fill the void. A tough, defensive mind, Zimmer fit in perfectly with the Panthers ethos and took them back to the Super Bowl (losing to Tennessee) 2 years ago. Since that loss, the Panthers have gone 8-8 for back to back seasons. It appears that Zimmer might have jumped before he was pushed, embracing retirement. Carolina’s front office clearly feels this is a roster that can compete and .500 football to miss the post season wasn’t getting it done.

Dan Quinn once again fits the Panthers mould. A defence first 4-3 coach, with knowledge of the NFC South from his time with Atlanta/Mexico City. Likely to embrace the Panthers defensive strengths, his first job may be to find a replacement for Josh Norman who retired after last season. That man could be rookie Margarito Hardy. It will be interesting to see how Quinn can shape the early career of the 14th overall pick.

Current Coaching Roster (plus year in post)

Dallas Cowboys – Jason Garrett (8th year)
Buffalo Bills – Rex Ryan (8th year)

Cleveland Browns – Gus Bradley (5th year)
Arizona Cardinals - Sean McDermott (5th year)
Kansas City Chiefs – Ron Rivera (5th year)
Philadelphia Eagles – Andy Reid (5th year)
Detroit Lions – Mike Shula (5th year)
Tennessee Titans – Chip Kelly (5th year)
Minnesota Vikings – Brian Billick (5th year)

Indianapolis Colts – Chuck Pagano (4th year)
New York Giants – Eli Manning (4th year)
Green Bay Packers – Sean Payton (4th year)
Oakland Raiders – Jon Gruden (4th year)
New Orleans Saints – Mike McCarthy (4th year)

Chicago Bears – Adam Gase (3rd year)
Cincinnati Bengals – Lovie Smith (3rd year)
Denver Broncos – Doug Nussmeier (3rd year)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Bill O’Brien (3rd year)
San Diego Chargers – Marvin Lewis (3rd year)
Mexico City Diablos – Scott Linehan (3rd year)
San Francisco 49ers – Ryan Mack (3rd year)
Jacksonville Jaguars – Monte Kiffin (3rd year)
New England Patriots – Matt Patricia (3rd year)
St Louis Rams – Mike Tomlin (3rd year)
Baltimore Ravens – Todd Bowles (3rd year)
Seattle Seahawks – Mike Holmgren (3rd year)
Pittsburgh Steelers – Joey Porter (3rd year)
Houston Texans – Jack Del Rio (3rd year)

Miami Dolphins – Marty Mornhinweg (1st year)
New York Jets – Mike McCoy (1st year)
London Monarchs – Tony Allen (1st year)
Carolina Panthers – Dan Quinn (1st year)