Possible Coaching Changes

John Clayton had a good column about possible coaching changes that may be coming in the offseason. Here is my two cents' worth.

Miami and Cleveland are already making changes. Cleveland is dragging their feet, so it looks like more of the same from them. Miami has already picked up Nick Saban, whom Denver fans might recognize as the son (I believe) of Coach 'half-a-loaf'. Saban is taking over a team that I believe will be ready to compete for a division title next year. The defense is good and an improved o-line would really take them to the next level.

Herman Edwards is safe in New York, but should look into a new offensive coordinator. He should also rethink his two-point conversion strategory, as it could have cost him. You think the Saints' fans are a bit miffed about that decision?

What's going on in Jacksonville? Jack Del Rio proved he is a good coach and deserves more time with the Jags, but he seems intent on messing things up. Hopefully for Jags fans it will be the same staff next year.

Denver - I touched on this in an earlier post. I believe Pat Bowlen and Mike Shanahan have a long-term plan that includes Shanahan in a front office position and Gary Kubiak as head coach. What else could explain the lack of interest in Gary Kubiak as a head coach, and Kubiak's lack of interest in other jobs? The real question is when will it happen?

Oakland - Speculation is running rampant here. Al Davis is just stupid enough to fire a proven winner after only a year, so it wouldn't surprise anyone if he did let Norv Turner go. If he does, it almost guarantees continued Raider mediocrity for the next few years. Fine with me. I love watching the Broncos (and every other team) stomp on the Raiders (the MNF snow game is blocked from memory).

Tom Coughlin had the Giants in the playoff race and decided it was time to start Eli. Goodbye playoffs! Is this another case of sacrificing winning to bring along a high-contract QB? If it was strictly the coach's decision, he should be fired. His job is to win and get to the playoffs. If it was the owners' decision, their free agents will think twice about playing there for another year. Either way, it was a bad decision. Warner will move on and they will have a lousy backup QB next year. And another losing season.

Minnesota Vikings - If you have been reading this blog for a while you know how I feel about the ownership and coaching staff of the Vikings. The owners are cheapskates, the coaches are inexperienced and unwilling (or unable) to adapt. Tice's contract option has been picked up for next year and all appears gloomy. But after the Vikings performance in Washington and Tice's horrible decision to punt the ball away late in the 4th quarter when down by two scores, you have to wonder if he is truly safe. A bad showing in Green Bay could be the last straw. Red McCombs needs to find a real football guy and let him run the team.

Detroit - Mooch is safe. He is building a good team that will be able to compete in the NFC very soon. He is not building a purely "dome-team". He has a power runner and is trying to build up the defense. I think, in a couple of years, he might have a great team that can win outdoors as well as in.

New Orleans - Haslett saved his job with a 4-game winning streak that very nearly put him in the playoffs. But you have to ask; where was that fire in the first 13 weeks? He can't afford another year like this one.

Seattle - Division champs don't usually make changes. But a third loss to the Rams might force the issue. The Seahawks did NOT look good outside of the Metrodome (they beat the Vikes) in November and December. I still believe Favre made Holmgren look like a better coach than he is.

St Louis - All NFL teams have a "get back" coach. Someone who constantly tells the players to get back off the field after big plays. The Rams need a "think-about-this-Mike" coach. This guy would just follow Martz around the sidelines and, whenever Martz starts to do something stupid, this guy could just say "Think about this Mike". That would be Martz' clue to stop, think, and then do the right thing. Martz is safe in St Louis, but their patience is wearing thin. He needs to improve his gametime coaching and decision-making.

San Francisco - If Dennis Erickson leaves, it will be a favor to him. The 49ers screwed him over and are now trying to blame him for the debacle. The new owners have no financial commitment to winning, so replacing Erickson with a quality coach will be difficult. Who wants to take over a team that refuses to even approach the salary cap and instead loads up with second rate talent? What free agents will stay?