Every year I look forward to this at the end of the regular football season. I don't know why. I'm not enjoying something at the expense of anyone else, but I know football is a killer business for anyone who's not remotely successful. It was just 2 or 3 years ago there was a record number of coaching changes with around 11, if I recall correctly.
This year the first to fall is coach Brian Billick of the Baltimore Ravens. He's been with the Ravens for 9 years, and in 4 of those years he took the team to the playoffs, even winning the Superbowl in 2001. But things have started to slide lately, this year the team went 5-11, 9 of those losses in a row. So Billick's gone now. I'm sorry to see him go. He seemed like a decent guy.
Who's next?
By the way, Happy New Year to all football fans everywhere. Especially to newly unemployed coaches. We wish you the best in the new year.
1 comment:
I think Cam Cameron has to at LEAST be on the block. I mean, 1-15?? PUH-LEEZE. Injuries and such made it harder (Zach Thomas missed a lot of the year), not having a sound quarterback to rely on, etc. ... but man, c'MON.
Still, maybe Parcells will give him another chance. With similar results and with the players and staff not liking him for his "religious" aspect, maybe he's better off somewhere else anyway. Clearly he's no Tony Dungy.
I would think Mangina is safe, even though I think it'll come clear that that was Herm Edwards' team not his that made it to the playoffs last year.
Let's see ... maybe Andy Reid? He probably isn't all that safe what with all the distractions this past year. I'm sure there's some question about Herm in KC. I would think that the guys in AZ are okay, they just got there, but Mike Nolan in SF? Pro'ly not so much. The guy in Oakland just got there, but then Davis fired Art Shell after only one (bad) year. Maybe he's not patient enough to give him a fair shake. Never know.
Shanahan in Denver? I dunno. The man's won 2 SBs there, but ... what have you done for me lately, ya know? Mike Martz up in Detroit? They did better, but didn't win the 10 games that Jon Kitna promised. Poor guy -- nice man, bad prognosticator. Krennell in Cleveland probably saved his job for at least another year by getting so close to the playoffs this year, but ... not a good run since leaving the Pats overall. And Marvin Lewis down in Cincy is probably in trouble too.
Then we have to think about things like Buffalo, where they haven't been a good team in a long time. Dick Jauron may be in hot water there, but then, they're a small market and may not have the capital to throw at a really high-caliber guy. Not that one's available, but there's Cowher ... he's probably getting antsy, and like him or not, he's a good coach. Kept the Steelers competitive for a long time.
Tennessee? I don't know. I think Fischer's okay there. He's a good coach, had some lean years, but he could rebuild. Gotta figure out a way to beat Indy consistently though (and when Indy CARES about the game). Obviously the playoff coaches will all be fine, and if this doesn't secure the future of Belichick in NE for as long as he wants to stay then there is no God.
Dungy will likely retire with Indy. Too good for too long and for the foreseeable future too.
Minnesota just needs a sound QB and a couple of receivers. Shoring up their pass defense will be a good idea too, but that's going to take time. Building around Peterson? Could be worse.
I think the Bears will come around to seeing a problem soon. Not yet.
LTY!
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