steeler47
08-16-2006, 05:09 AM
Coaches on the Hot Seat
The 2005 season was one which saw only three new faces in the group of National Football League head coaches - Romeo Crennel (Cleveland Browns), Mike Nolan (San Francisco 49ers) and Nick Saban (Miami Dolphins). It was indeed an off-year for the coaching carousel. Between 1992 and 2004, the National Football League averaged seven head coaching changes a year.
The 2006 offseason was similar to years past, with eight head coaching changes made during the offseason. One-fourth of the teams in the NFL now have a different head coach than they did in 2005. So, will the 2007 offseason bring more of the same? Judging by the past 15 years (excluding the aforementioned rare lack of activity in 2005) it very well might. For some coaches improving upon last season's record, making the playoffs or going deeper into the playoffs will be necessary if they want to avoid clearing out their offices come February.
On the Hot Seat
Brian Billick, Baltimore Ravens (2005 record: 6-10)
It has been over five years since the Ravens posted their best record in team history (12-4) and pounded the New York Giants 34-7 in Super Bowl XXXV. Since, the team has gone in the wrong direction, going 1-2 in the playoffs and having two losing seasons, in 2002 and 2005. The team's 2006 record of 6-10 was actually their worst since 1996.
The acquisition of quarterback Steve McNair is a huge upgrade, but with it comes much greater expectations for the team and one less excuse for Brian Billick. The Cincinnati Bengals are not the Bengals of old, the Cleveland Browns are on the way up and the Pittsburgh Steelers seem to be "fairly decent" as well. This team has the talent to compete even in the AFC North, but it's up to Billick to lead them. If not, we may find out the identity of the third head coach in Ravens history next offseason.
Marty Schottenheimer, San Diego Chargers (2005 record: 9-7)
The AFC West is undoubtedly a tough division for San Diego to play in, with the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs routinely in playoff contention. Schottenheimer went from a 4-12 season in 2003 to a 12-4 season and playoff berth in 2004. The team took a step back last season, finishing third in the division at 9-7 and failing to make the playoffs. That should not happen to a team that features exceptional players like running back LaDainian Tomlinson, tight end Antonio Gates and linebacker Shawne Merriman.
It does not bode well for Schottenheimer that he and Chargers general manager A.J. Smith really cannot stand one another. The departed Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints) was Schottenheimer's quarterback of choice, while 2004 first-round pick Philip Rivers is Smith's boy. If Rivers fails in 2006, Smith will not blame Rivers (and by association, himself) but Schottenheimer. Rivers is Schottenheimer's now whether he likes it or not, and he needs to make it work for his sake.
Dishonorable Mentions
Jack Del Rio, Jacksonville Jaguars (2005 record: 12-4)
Del Rio has improved on his record each of the past three seasons, and is not in any immediate danger. However, until the team can knock off the Indianapolis Colts, he will have a monkey on his back and will feel pressure to take the team deep into the playoffs.
Dennis Green, Arizona Cardinals (2005 record: 5-11)
The 6-10 record Green had in his first year with Arizona was actually better than the team's records the previous two seasons without him. Unfortunately, Green took a step back in 2006, going just 5-11. Expectations are high for the team's offense in 2006. To go along with the dangerous receiving duo of Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, the Cardinals added All-Pro running back Edgerrin James. Talented rookie tight end Leonard Pope and 2004 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Matt Leinart were drafted. If Green doesn't put this team at least into contention for second place behind the NFC Champions Seattle Seahawks, the team mi
Jim Mora, Atlanta Falcons (2005 record: 8-8)
This offseason, quarterback Michael Vick said he was having trouble grasping the team's West Coast offense. In response, Mora said the team does not run the WCO. This could explain part of the team's troubles. Throughout his career, many people have made excuses for Vick, shifting blame away from the over-hyped superstar. If the Falcons don't turn it around soon, Mora might be the next passenger on the blame train out of Atlanta.
Art Shell, Oakland Raiders (2005 record under Norv Turner: 4-12)
The Indianapolis Colts won more games in 2005 (14) than the Raiders have in the past three seasons under Bill Callahan and Norv Turner. Shell will have to show marked improvement if he wants to be the team's long-term coach. Could Shell really be fired after just one season in his second stint as Raiders head coach? It's as possible as anything else with managing general partner Al Davis. Let's put it this way: if the offense fails, Davis isn't going to fire himself.
Thoughts
The 2005 season was one which saw only three new faces in the group of National Football League head coaches - Romeo Crennel (Cleveland Browns), Mike Nolan (San Francisco 49ers) and Nick Saban (Miami Dolphins). It was indeed an off-year for the coaching carousel. Between 1992 and 2004, the National Football League averaged seven head coaching changes a year.
The 2006 offseason was similar to years past, with eight head coaching changes made during the offseason. One-fourth of the teams in the NFL now have a different head coach than they did in 2005. So, will the 2007 offseason bring more of the same? Judging by the past 15 years (excluding the aforementioned rare lack of activity in 2005) it very well might. For some coaches improving upon last season's record, making the playoffs or going deeper into the playoffs will be necessary if they want to avoid clearing out their offices come February.
On the Hot Seat
Brian Billick, Baltimore Ravens (2005 record: 6-10)
It has been over five years since the Ravens posted their best record in team history (12-4) and pounded the New York Giants 34-7 in Super Bowl XXXV. Since, the team has gone in the wrong direction, going 1-2 in the playoffs and having two losing seasons, in 2002 and 2005. The team's 2006 record of 6-10 was actually their worst since 1996.
The acquisition of quarterback Steve McNair is a huge upgrade, but with it comes much greater expectations for the team and one less excuse for Brian Billick. The Cincinnati Bengals are not the Bengals of old, the Cleveland Browns are on the way up and the Pittsburgh Steelers seem to be "fairly decent" as well. This team has the talent to compete even in the AFC North, but it's up to Billick to lead them. If not, we may find out the identity of the third head coach in Ravens history next offseason.
Marty Schottenheimer, San Diego Chargers (2005 record: 9-7)
The AFC West is undoubtedly a tough division for San Diego to play in, with the Denver Broncos and Kansas City Chiefs routinely in playoff contention. Schottenheimer went from a 4-12 season in 2003 to a 12-4 season and playoff berth in 2004. The team took a step back last season, finishing third in the division at 9-7 and failing to make the playoffs. That should not happen to a team that features exceptional players like running back LaDainian Tomlinson, tight end Antonio Gates and linebacker Shawne Merriman.
It does not bode well for Schottenheimer that he and Chargers general manager A.J. Smith really cannot stand one another. The departed Drew Brees (New Orleans Saints) was Schottenheimer's quarterback of choice, while 2004 first-round pick Philip Rivers is Smith's boy. If Rivers fails in 2006, Smith will not blame Rivers (and by association, himself) but Schottenheimer. Rivers is Schottenheimer's now whether he likes it or not, and he needs to make it work for his sake.
Dishonorable Mentions
Jack Del Rio, Jacksonville Jaguars (2005 record: 12-4)
Del Rio has improved on his record each of the past three seasons, and is not in any immediate danger. However, until the team can knock off the Indianapolis Colts, he will have a monkey on his back and will feel pressure to take the team deep into the playoffs.
Dennis Green, Arizona Cardinals (2005 record: 5-11)
The 6-10 record Green had in his first year with Arizona was actually better than the team's records the previous two seasons without him. Unfortunately, Green took a step back in 2006, going just 5-11. Expectations are high for the team's offense in 2006. To go along with the dangerous receiving duo of Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald, the Cardinals added All-Pro running back Edgerrin James. Talented rookie tight end Leonard Pope and 2004 Heisman Trophy-winning quarterback Matt Leinart were drafted. If Green doesn't put this team at least into contention for second place behind the NFC Champions Seattle Seahawks, the team mi
Jim Mora, Atlanta Falcons (2005 record: 8-8)
This offseason, quarterback Michael Vick said he was having trouble grasping the team's West Coast offense. In response, Mora said the team does not run the WCO. This could explain part of the team's troubles. Throughout his career, many people have made excuses for Vick, shifting blame away from the over-hyped superstar. If the Falcons don't turn it around soon, Mora might be the next passenger on the blame train out of Atlanta.
Art Shell, Oakland Raiders (2005 record under Norv Turner: 4-12)
The Indianapolis Colts won more games in 2005 (14) than the Raiders have in the past three seasons under Bill Callahan and Norv Turner. Shell will have to show marked improvement if he wants to be the team's long-term coach. Could Shell really be fired after just one season in his second stint as Raiders head coach? It's as possible as anything else with managing general partner Al Davis. Let's put it this way: if the offense fails, Davis isn't going to fire himself.
Thoughts