The NFL is a “what-have-you-done-for-me-lately” league where there is turnover in the coaching ranks every year and this past off season was no exception. Let’s take a look at these new head coaches and handicap their chances of succeeding….
The Second Timers…..
Jim Mora Jr., Seattle – Hopefully he learned from his mistakes in Atlanta, but he brings an energy that has been missing to this franchise as I thought Holmgren had gotten stale and lost his fastball awhile ago. Mora inherits a pretty good roster and one that was bit by the injury bug last year. They play in a weak division so I look for them to contend for their division. Chance of success: Good.
Eric Mangini, Cleveland – AKA: Mangenius, Mangina, Fredo… What are they thinking in Cleveland? What has this guy done to deserve another job? His tenure in NY was mediocre, he threw his mentor under the bus igniting the biggest scandal/witchunt in league history, and the stench from the hideous collapse down the stretch last year still lingers in the air in the greater New York area. Cleveland fans, you’re screwed. Chance of success: Poor
Long Time Coordinators
Jim Schwartz, Detroit – Former defensive coordinator with Tennessee, he is a smart guy with a degree from Georgetown and learned under two of the best in Jeff Fisher and Bill Belichick. His roster is weak and his ownership and front office are very suspect, but when you inherit an 0-16 squad, there is no place to go but up. Chance of success: Good
Steve Spagnuolo, St. Louis – Another strong coordinator whose stock rose dramatically after the Giants upset of the Patriots in the superbowl 2 years ago. He worked under 2 excellent coaches in Andy Reid and Tom Coughlin and he brings in an aggressive physical style played in the NFC East. They have some talent, but their ownership situation is up in the air and that could be his biggest obstacle to overcome. Chance of success: Fair
Rex Ryan, NY Jets – Former Baltimore defensive coordinator who comes in full of himself and has put the division and whole NFL on notice that nobody will want to play the Jets… I guess it’s a Ryan family trait to brag their asses off… Ask yourself this, if he’s the next coaching genius, why did the Ravens pass him over? He should improve the defense in time but their offense should be, well, offensive. He’d better hope Sanchez isn’t a bust…. Chance of success: Fair
Todd Haley, KC – The only reason most of us even know this guy is from the sideline altercations he’s had. The guy is a hothead and it remains to be seen if this proves to be his achilles heel. But then again, coming in after Herm-the-Worm Edwards would make most coaches look like Knute Rockne. Chance of success: Good
Who is this Guy?
Jim Caldwell, Indianapolis – Who is this guy? He wasn’t a coordinator so he didn’t get much camera time until Dungy stepped down. He inherits an excellent team and personnel dept. and his job will be to stay out of the way and not screw it up.. Who knows, maybe they’ll be better as I thought Tony Dungy was overrated and underachieved for most of his time with Indy and Tampa. Chance of success: Good
Baby-Faced Kids
Josh McDaniels, Denver – This guy has the biggest spotlight and most pressure of all the new hires. He hasn’t coached a game and already the fan base is calling for his head. He’s replacing an iconic coach in Shanahan, got into a public pissing match with his starting QB, and is now battling with his star receiver… Good lord… I don’t blame him for standing up to Cutler and he showed some balls by doing so. My guess (and hope) is Cutler will fall on his face in Chicago. McDaniels does, however, seem to have the backing of the owner. Chance of success: Fair
Raheem Morris, Tampa Bay – Who? He looks like a rookie defensive back, lol. Looks like the Glazer family is trying to hit on the next Mike Tomlin. It would help if he had Pittsburgh’s roster and front office… Looks like cost-cutting and re-building time in Tampa. Chance of success: Poor