Black Monday

[Chip R]

Broncos getting a jump on Black Monday by firing Vic Fangio.

[Rojo Rijo]

So far this morning

Bears - Nagy
Vikes - Zimmer
Dolphins - Flores

There are currently 6 HC jobs open

Jacksonville, Denver, Minnesota, Chicago, Miami, and Las Vegas (currently in playoffs with interim coach).

[Chip R]

Vikings GM Rick Spielman has also been fired.

[WVRed]

Miami fired Flores.

Did not see that coming.

[JaxRed]

Bears fired their GM also.

[Chip R]

There has been talk that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross wants Jim Harbaugh to coach Miami. IIRC, Ross is a Michigan man and he's tried to hire Harbaugh in the past to no avail.

[Sea Ray]

There has been talk that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross wants Jim Harbaugh to coach Miami. IIRC, Ross is a Michigan man and he's tried to hire Harbaugh in the past to no avail.

It sounds like Harbaugh does want to get back to the NFL. I expect 2021 to be his last yr at Mich. I don't know if his heart was ever in it

[Rojo Rijo]

Miami fired Flores.

Did not see that coming.

A lot of rumors out there he wanted Herbert over Tua. Gotta feel for him with that one.

[Rojo Rijo]

If im Harbaugh I only take the Miami job if i'm guaranteed a change at QB.

Pretty much i'll do it if you do everything you can to get me Watson.

[JaxRed]

Tom Pellisero reports Dolphins are not interested in Harbaugh. Apparently Flores clashed with GM Grier and QB Tua.

[Rojo Rijo]

I would LOVE for Jacksonville to hire Flores.

[Chip R]

It sounds like Harbaugh does want to get back to the NFL. I expect 2021 to be his last yr at Mich. I don't know if his heart was ever in it

They basically cut his pay in half this year. He got $1M back by winning the B1G East and going to the playoff but it still has to burn. Also, why not go out on a high note by beating tOSU and going to the playoff?

[Stray]

Doubt Miami will do better than Flores. He's a good coach.

[RichRed]

I would LOVE for Jacksonville to hire Flores.

I would take Flores in a heartbeat if Washington was in the market for a head coach.

[JaxRed]

Miami owner came out and specifically said no to Harbaugh

"I'm not going to be the person to take Jim Harbaugh from the University of Michigan."

[JaxRed]

I would LOVE for Jacksonville to hire Flores.

The reports of conflicts scare me a bit.

[Tony Cloninger]

If im Harbaugh I only take the Miami job if i'm guaranteed a change at QB.

Pretty much i'll do it if you do everything you can to get me Watson.

No one is going to touch Watson until his legal issues are worked out. Why would anyone touch him until then.
Ok. It’s the NFL. Never mind.

[Rojo Rijo]

No one is going to touch Watson until his legal issues are worked out. Why would anyone touch him until then.
Ok. It’s the NFL. Never mind.

He's a top 5 QB. We've seen it enough to know when there is enough talent it wins out in these situations.

[Sea Ray]

They basically cut his pay in half this year. He got $1M back by winning the B1G East and going to the playoff but it still has to burn. Also, why not go out on a high note by beating tOSU and going to the playoff?

I think he has to decide if he wants to coach in college or Pros. Two completely different jobs. Just ask Urban Meyer

[oregonred]

Miami should have fired GM Grier instead of Flores.


I do think Flores could be a nice fit in Jacksonville. He comes from the Billy B one voice command structure but he is a good coach. Getting 19 wins the last two years out of this garbage offensive roster (created by the GM who remains employed and who botched the last two Draft Capital rich drafts and the odd and expensive Philly trade back for Waddle).

[oregonred]

I think less the high visible final score but the in game side bets seem ripe for potential corruption at the officiating, periphery player and replay levels.

[RedTeamGo!]

I think he has to decide if he wants to coach in college or Pros. Two completely different jobs. Just ask Urban Meyer

I think this is right, and it is not because of difficulty or whatnot. Harbaugh had a hard time winning big games and had a terrible record against OSU and MSU, however, he did a solid job overall. He has a great record at San Francisco as an NFL HC (I think like 41-19 or so). So, he has succeeded at both and knows he can do either. I personally think Harbaugh is tired of recruiting 16 year old kids and doesn't want to mess with the NIL stuff going on. I think we are going to start seeing veteran college HC's start to retire or move on from college because of this NIL stuff. It is a whole new ballgame.

[WVRed]

I think this is right, and it is not because of difficulty or whatnot. Harbaugh had a hard time winning big games and had a terrible record against OSU and MSU, however, he did a solid job overall. He has a great record at San Francisco as an NFL HC (I think like 41-19 or so). So, he has succeeded at both and knows he can do either. I personally think Harbaugh is tired of recruiting 16 year old kids and doesn't want to mess with the NIL stuff going on. I think we are going to start seeing veteran college HC's start to retire or move on from college because of this NIL stuff. It is a whole new ballgame.

I’ll throw three college coaches into this discussion:

Jim Harbaugh (obviously)
Dabo Swinney
Lane Kiffin

[Rojo Rijo]

I’ll throw three college coaches into this discussion:

Jim Harbaugh (obviously)
Dabo Swinney
Lane Kiffin

Would not be surprised at all to see Dabo jump. He's been less than pleased with the transfer craziness, is having a real down year (by his normal Clemson standards) in recruiting, and is probably looking at a tougher recruiting market going forward with NIL stuff.

[RedTeamGo!]

I’ll throw three college coaches into this discussion:

Jim Harbaugh (obviously)
Dabo Swinney
Lane Kiffin

Ha, 100% agree about Dabo (although I do not think he can coach in the NFL at all). However, I feel like Joey Freshwater was made for the direction college football is going.

[WVRed]

Here’s my picks:

Minnesota: Doug Pederson
Miami: Lane Kiffin OR Dabo Swinney
Jacksonville: Kellen Moore
Vegas: Jim Harbaugh
Chicago: Greg Roman
Denver: Dan Quinn

[Sea Ray]

Is it interesting or expected...that Marvin Lewis has not been on anyone's short list since leaving here?

[Sea Ray]

It seems to me that Seattle should move on from Pete Carroll. He had a great run there but it's time to move on. A change is needed

[WVRed]

Is it interesting or expected...that Marvin Lewis has not been on anyone's short list since leaving here?

He was on the Cowboys last year when they hired Mike McCarthy.

Not winning a playoff game and the overall culture of his teams while in Cincinnati I’d say is a turnoff. The Meltdown at Paul Brown should be a reason he never gets a NFL head coaching job again.

[bucksfan2]

I’ll throw three college coaches into this discussion:

Jim Harbaugh (obviously)
Dabo Swinney
Lane Kiffin

Harbaugh will coach in the league again. I think he is a good coach whose style fits the pro's better than college.

I don't see any way how Swinney works in the NFL. I think his good ol boy mantra worked when he had total power at Clemson. He was very anti NIL, anti player agency, anti anything that took power away from him. I don't think he works in the NFL.

IMO Kiffin could be a good NFL coach, but like in college, he isn't going to get any type of marque jobs.

[Redsfaithful]

Is it interesting or expected...that Marvin Lewis has not been on anyone's short list since leaving here?

He's a perfect fit for Jacksonville. He demonstrated that he's fully capable of taking a dumpster franchise and making them respectable, which is exactly what Jacksonville needs. My guess is the owner thinks they're closer to being good than they actually are though.

That said, I wouldn't wish the job on him.

[Rojo Rijo]

He's a perfect fit for Jacksonville. He demonstrated that he's fully capable of taking a dumpster franchise and making them respectable, which is exactly what Jacksonville needs. My guess is the owner thinks they're closer to being good than they actually are though.

That said, I wouldn't wish the job on him.

The truth is our owner doesn’t have a clue what he is doing.

[RiverRat13]

Miami chooses the GM who squandered the draft capital they accrued with questionable picks and took Tua over Herbert over the coach who took a tanking team to five wins and has consecutive winning seasons since. Interesting.

[UKFlounder]

Joe Judge fired by the Giants today

[WVRed]

Joe Judge fired by the Giants today

With Gettleman retiring that was probably inevitable.

[oregonred]

Amazing how the Belichick coaching tree has been almost a universal failure.

Vrabel played for Billy B, never coached on his staff... which seems to be the head coaching kiss of death

[WVRed]

Amazing how the Belichick coaching tree has been almost a universal failure.

Vrabel played for Billy B, never coached on his staff... which seems to be the head coaching kiss of death

It’s the same way with Coach K in basketball. Nick Saban might be the one coach who has produced top flight assistants but he’s also gotten failed coaches second chances.

Texans fired David Culley too. Seems like a landing spot for Brian Flores.

[bucksfan2]

If I am Flores, I am taking the job with the QB I like the most. I am not going to a job without a QB or a job with a bad QB.

[Rojo Rijo]

If I am Flores, I am taking the job with the QB I like the most. I am not going to a job without a QB or a job with a bad QB.

Yep, only two ways you win in this league are elite QB or elite defense, and elite defenses have much shorter lifespans.

[JaxRed]

And Texans job is now open

[WVRed]

If I am Flores, I am taking the job with the QB I like the most. I am not going to a job without a QB or a job with a bad QB.

Depends on who offers him.

I’d say the Texans definitely will given the Patriots connections (Caserio).

[goreds2]

Joe Judge hosting a fired coaches party, complete with a ton of pizza and beer, is a move you have to respect

https://www.golfdigest.com/story/joe-judge-pizza-beer-coaches-party

[JaxRed]

Judy Batista ranked the coach openings as follows:

1. Raiders
2. Broncos
3. Jaguars
4. Dolphins
5. Bears
6. Vikings
7. Giants
8. Texans

Not sure I agree with all her reasoning but......

https://www.nfl.com/news/ranking-nfl-head-coach-openings-which-job-is-most-enticing?

[JaxRed]

Lot of Flores to Texans chatter, but supposedly Gerald Mayo of New England is a supposed target.

[bucksfan2]

Judy Batista ranked the coach openings as follows:

1. Raiders
2. Broncos
3. Jaguars
4. Dolphins
5. Bears
6. Vikings
7. Giants
8. Texans

Not sure I agree with all her reasoning but......

https://www.nfl.com/news/ranking-nfl-head-coach-openings-which-job-is-most-enticing?

Rate the QB's.

1. Raiders
2. Jax
3. Chicago
4. Vikings
5. Fins
6. Giants
7. Texans
8. Broncos

FWIW I am not touching Watson until he is cleared and I don't know if he plays another down in the NFL again.

I think the Raiders, Jax, and Bears are set for the future at QB. Lawrence and/or Fields may bust, but I am rolling the dice with them now.

Cousins is who he is, limited, Andy Dalton type QB, but you can be competitive with him.

Is Tua the answer? I think he is limited and wouldn't commit to him long term.

Daniel Jones isn't the answer, but this crop of rookie QB's is rather week.

Texans without Watson are in a terrible place right now.

Broncos may have the worst QB situation in the league. Have had that since Elway retired, and a brief window with Peyton. If I am the Broncos I am mortgaging everything to get Rodgers or Wilson. They are a legit SB contender with a QB. Problem is they can't find a QB to save their franchise. Also there may be a messy legal battle over the control of the club in the very near future.

[Sea Ray]

Russell Wilson is now saying that he wants to explore other options . This seems awfully selfish to me:


The story cited as its source “those close to Wilson” — but did not specify who while also noting that his agent, Mark Rodgers, did not return calls for the moment — and cited those sources as saying that Wilson “wants to investigate other destinations to see if those would put him in a better position to win another championship and create the legacy he sees for himself.”

He's under contract for another 2 yrs. He pulled this same stuff last year. I don't know how he can come back to Seattle after this. Is this Ciara doing this behind the scenes? You don't get to explore options when you're under contract. That's called tampering if another team talks to him about this

I know Joe Burrow hasn't been around long enough to be a prima donna but it sure makes me appreciate him

https://www.seattletimes.com/sports/seahawks/analysis-what-the-latest-russell-wilson-report-means-for-the-seahawks/

[oregonred]

Does McCarthy get the axe in Dallas?

Wonder, as a surprise, if Tomlin might step down after a long run with Big Ben out the door and a chance to regroup. for a year.

[JaxRed]

I like Houston's situation better than most people do. Davis Mills, by the end of the year, was playing pretty well. He might actually be the guy. And then you have Watson. If you can clean up his legal situation you can trade him for a boatload of picks. Cap room looks decent. They have paid the draft price for O'Brien's stupidity and pick #3 this year.

Ian Rapaport says Texans intend to trade Watson before the new league starts on March 16th. Saw where trading him frees up another $25 million in cap space also. I'd also try to move Tunsil to free up that salary and draft a LT replacement at #3.

[JaxRed]

Does McCarthy get the axe in Dallas?

Wonder, as a surprise, if Tomlin might step down after a long run with Big Ben out the door and a chance to regroup. for a year.

Tomlin? Don't see that happening.

McCarthy - Wouldn't shock me. Both the OC and DC are hot coaching candidates. Jerry could name one of them after a perfunctory search.

[WVRed]

Tomlin? Don't see that happening.

McCarthy - Wouldn't shock me. Both the OC and DC are hot coaching candidates. Jerry could name one of them after a perfunctory search.

If McCarthy goes (and he should), Kellen Moore will be the coach. Jerry loves him like he did Jason Garrett. If Quinn leaves for the Broncos Mike Zimmer is being floated as a replacement.

I have some Steeler friends who are blaming everything on Tomlin. The Rooney’s are like the Brown family, loyal to a fault. See three head coaches for 50 years. Tomlin has the best job security in all of professional football.

[Reds Freak]

If McCarthy goes (and he should), Kellen Moore will be the coach. Jerry loves him like he did Jason Garrett. If Quinn leaves for the Broncos Mike Zimmer is being floated as a replacement.

I have some Steeler friends who are blaming everything on Tomlin. The Rooney’s are like the Brown family, loyal to a fault. See three head coaches for 50 years. Tomlin has the best job security in all of professional football.

Tomlin has been to the playoffs 10 out of his 15 seasons, has never had a losing record, and has won a Super Bowl. I'd say he deserves a little job security.

[WVRed]

Tomlin has been to the playoffs 10 out of his 15 seasons, has never had a losing record, and has won a Super Bowl. I'd say he deserves a little job security.

It’s also the Steelers. Expectations there are a little wacky.

[RedTeamGo!]

Going to be fascinating to see what the Raiders/Harbaugh do this week

[JaxRed]

The Athletic did an anonymous survey of 5 NFL coaches and execs. They rated the attractiveness of the jobs as follows

1. Denver
2. Minnesota
3. Las Vegas
4. Chicago
5. Miami
6. Giants
7. Jacksonville
8. Houston

[WVRed]

The Athletic did an anonymous survey of 5 NFL coaches and execs. They rated the attractiveness of the jobs as follows

1. Denver
2. Minnesota
3. Las Vegas
4. Chicago
5. Miami
6. Giants
7. Jacksonville
8. Houston

I think Denver is Tampa before Tom Brady. All the pieces are in place for a Super Bowl run but they are missing a QB. If they could get Hackett from GB and mortgage everything for Aaron Rodgers they should do it.

If Minnesota could find a way to get out of Kirk Cousins contract it would be a fascinating rebuild. I like the idea of a Cousins/Mayfield swap.

After seeing how the players reacted to Bissacia and him hand writing letters hours after they were eliminated part of me wants him to get the Vegas job or the new coach keep him on staff. Nice guy.

Kinda surprised Jacksonville isn’t rated higher but Khan seems clueless as an owner. Have to think the bottom four are all ownership.

[oregonred]

Did Herbert and Mahomes switch divisions?

The Broncos will be playing those guys four times a year the next decade.

If a coach wants to win soon andndominate a division they should look to either the AFC South or the NFC South.

[bucksfan2]

Did Herbert and Mahomes switch divisions?

The Broncos will be playing those guys four times a year the next decade.

If a coach wants to win soon andndominate a division they should look to either the AFC South or the NFC South.

The Bronco's went 7-10 without a QB. They have a great defense, some nice tools on offense, but don't have a QB. Division change on their head rather quickly, give me the best roster with ownership that is committed.

[JaxRed]

Jerry Jones kid Stephen Jones say he is very confident that McCarthy will be Cowboys coach next year.

[JaxRed]

Here's my surprise semi-prediction. Everyone is convinced that Brian Flores is a lock for a job this cycle. I'm not convinced. He's a guy that went thru a bunch of coaches ....

"The Dolphins always had a revolving door of coaches under Flores, including four offensive coordinators, two defensive coordinators, and four offensive line coaches in his three seasons on the job."

He clashed with his GM, he sabotaged his starting QB by trying get Watson. Here's an article from Miami paper about some of the struggles.

https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/barry-jackson/article256841207.html

He wanted Bill O'Brien like personnel control. He got the team media director fired over the objection of the team president.

A lot of clubs are trying to fix toxic environments. He may not get hired.

[Sea Ray]

Jerry Jones kid Stephen Jones say he is very confident that McCarthy will be Cowboys coach next year.

I am too. Jerry doesn't fire coaches very often.

[Sea Ray]

Here's my surprise semi-prediction. Everyone is convinced that Brian Flores is a lock for a job this cycle. I'm not convinced. He's a guy that went thru a bunch of coaches ....

"The Dolphins always had a revolving door of coaches under Flores, including four offensive coordinators, two defensive coordinators, and four offensive line coaches in his three seasons on the job."

He clashed with his GM, he sabotaged his starting QB by trying get Watson. Here's an article from Miami paper about some of the struggles.

https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/barry-jackson/article256841207.html

He wanted Bill O'Brien like personnel control. He got the team media director fired over the objection of the team president.

A lot of clubs are trying to fix toxic environments. He may not get hired.

The elite sports media loves Flores but I agree with you. It's not a slam dunk he'll get one of these open jobs

[WVRed]

I am too. Jerry doesn't fire coaches very often.

But if Jerry is fixated on a coach and doesn’t want to lose him he will push the coach out the door to make room.

Jason Garrett is a perfect example of this and Kellen Moore is Jerry’s new flavor of the month.

[JaxRed]

I've been maintaining a spreadsheet of the coaching interviews. Popular names that have not been interviewed at all..... Josh McDaniels, Jim Harbaugh, Marvin Lewis, Raheem Morris.

[WrongVerb]

Adam Schefter:


Raiders still have HC Rich Bisaccia and GM Mike Mayock in place, but it hasn’t stopped Las Vegas from looking.

Raiders requested permission to interview Patriots ILB coach Jerod Mayo for HC and Patriots director of player personnel Dave Ziegler for their GM job, per source.

[UKFlounder]

Mayock is gone

[oregonred]

Tomlin has been to the playoffs 10 out of his 15 seasons, has never had a losing record, and has won a Super Bowl. I'd say he deserves a little job security.

Never suggested Tomlin was in danger of being fired. Just tossing the idea maybe he steps down (Ala Cowher) rather than rebuild with Mason Rudolph at the helm.

It is worth noting in 11 seasons that Tomlin and Ben are just 3-7 in the playoffs since the 2010 season.

[oregonred]

The Bronco's went 7-10 without a QB. They have a great defense, some nice tools on offense, but don't have a QB. Division change on their head rather quickly, give me the best roster with ownership that is committed.
Haven't the Broncos been ~7-9 seemingly every year since Manning retired.

With Fangio gone the defense likely regresses and Mahomes and Herbert continue to widen the divisional gap.

Jacksonville is the best potential QB and divisional situation of the current openings.

[WVRed]

Haven't the Broncos been ~7-9 seemingly every year since Manning retired.

With Fangio gone the defense likely regresses and Mahomes and Herbert continue to widen the divisional gap.

Jacksonville is the best potential QB and divisional situation of the current openings.

Jacksonville also has an owner who makes Mike Brown look like Robert Kraft.

[Slyder]

Raiders relieve Mike Mayock of GM responsibilities. If Gruden was calling the early picks and Mayock was calling the late picks... I would have probably given Mayock another year, but what would be the point of him hiring a coach and still getting canned next year and starting over again.

[WVRed]

Raiders relieve Mike Mayock of GM responsibilities. If Gruden was calling the early picks and Mayock was calling the late picks... I would have probably given Mayock another year, but what would be the point of him hiring a coach and still getting canned next year and starting over again.

Is it just me or does Louis Riddick seem like a Raiders type of move?

[bucksfan2]

Is it just me or does Louis Riddick seem like a Raiders type of move?

Louis Riddick is too smart. Does he want a GM job? Or does he want to continue with MNF?

As for Flores, I think he got a raw deal in Miami but here is the question I want to know. Did he help Tua get better? Couple that with, "Is Tua a coach killer?"

FWIW Watson is a far superior QB to Tua, but I don't know if lobbying for him while he has all these accusations out there is the smartest thing.

As for the Bronco's, a 7-10 team with a bad QB is suddenly a 12-5 with a competent one.

[oregonred]

I hear ya, but the real equation may be the Broncos need an "average QB" just to maintain a 7-10 record next season and an above average QB (Wilson) to just make the playoffs as a WC. The defense will regress some without Fangio and assuming opposing quality teams might need to game plan for more than 20 points to beat Denver.

Five of the Broncos seven wins this season were against the dregs of the NFL thanks to the NFC East crossover and the last place schedule (a nice win vs. Dallas but only 1-5 in division against the AFC West). It was a weak 7-10 this season given the schedule.

Five of the wins vs. the Giants, Jags, Jets (Weeks 1-3 dream starting schedule against the Giants and then two rookie QBs) plus Detroit and the WFT

The AFC West gets the NFC West next season and they also get a "last place" game vs. the Ravens

As an aside, the last place Ravens will benefit from the last place crossover schedule next year against the Giants, Broncos and Jaguars. Noting the Bengals will get Dallas, KC and Tennessee.

[JaxRed]

Raheem Morris gets his first interview request after de-pantsing the Cardinals. With Vikings

Here's the link to my spreadsheet where I am tracking things

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vS_vLuXQCwynHT1l2vRNPQu2fmcx58YHSpye5NVdcHcvYIQui 8HreiOEfPMEJxVNQNFXJyqYYbRivCS/pubhtml?gid=2036473243&single=true

[JaxRed]

Giants have started asking for interviews and have asked about Quinn. He is the first coach to have 5 interviews. And he turned down Jags interview. Could have been 6. Nate Hackett and Kelllen Moore are only guys with 4.

Little surprised that there is not more interest in Pederson. He's at 3 interviews.

On the GM side interesting that Indy Asst GM Dodds pulled his name from consideration from Bears, while his DC Eberflus is going for 2nd interview. Many thought they might be a tandem.

[JaxRed]

Here's an interesting one. Texans interviewed Josh McCown. He has never coached at any level. In any manner. He was with them as a player in 2020. He interviewed for them last year. Some sources are saying they really want to hire him, and have reached out to other clubs for validation, and as a favor the Jags "had a conversation" with him.

One side story, is that Jack Easterly who is now the team Exec VP because he was so qualified as Patriots team chaplain, is a devout Christian and wants to hire McCown, who is also.

Crazy stuff.

[JaxRed]

Giants hire Bills’ asst GM Joe Schoen as their new GM. Giants without a GM had only interviewed one guy (Quinn). Don't know his relationship with Bills OC Daboll but if it's a good one, you might think they'd want to get the band back together.....

[kaldaniels]

Here's an interesting one. Texans interviewed Josh McCown. He has never coached at any level. In any manner. He was with them as a player in 2020. He interviewed for them last year. Some sources are saying they really want to hire him, and have reached out to other clubs for validation, and as a favor the Jags "had a conversation" with him.

One side story, is that Jack Easterly who is now the team Exec VP because he was so qualified as Patriots team chaplain, is a devout Christian and wants to hire McCown, who is also.

Crazy stuff.

To play devil’s advocate when he was with Cleveland as a backup I’d never heard a player be so lauded for “coaching up” the other QB and helping them out like a true mentor. I’m sure stuff like that happens a lot but he was very highly spoken of.

[JaxRed]

Can you be a Devil's Advocate when defending a devout Christian. :D

Don't get started folks...

[Tony Cloninger]

Here's an interesting one. Texans interviewed Josh McCown. He has never coached at any level. In any manner. He was with them as a player in 2020. He interviewed for them last year. Some sources are saying they really want to hire him, and have reached out to other clubs for validation, and as a favor the Jags "had a conversation" with him.

One side story, is that Jack Easterly who is now the team Exec VP because he was so qualified as Patriots team chaplain, is a devout Christian and wants to hire McCown, who is also.

Crazy stuff.


Meanwhile qualified minority coaches continue to get the shaft.

[kaldaniels]

Can you be a Devil's Advocate when defending a devout Christian. :D

Don't get started folks...

I saw the opportunity for a wisecrack there but showed some restraint.

[WVRed]

Meanwhile qualified minority coaches continue to get the shaft.

I wonder in some instances (Detroit last year with Dan Campbell and now this with the Texans) how much of it is to avoid paying a large salary.

You could hire a Doug Pederson who has a Super Bowl ring and comes from the Andy Reid coaching tree but know you are going to have to pay to get him.

Or you could hire an inexperienced coach and pay them peanuts and hope they catch lightning in a bottle.

I know the topic is about race but I think tight spending has a lot to do with it as well.

[Betterread]

Meanwhile qualified minority coaches continue to get the shaft.

Actually, Ryan Poles (exec dir of player personnel for KC Chiefs) was runner up for the Giants job, and he had an “Impressive” interview for the Vikes GM job, making him a finalist. I hope he gets the offer.

[kaldaniels]

Actually, Ryan Poles (exec dir of player personnel for KC Chiefs) was runner up for the Giants job, and he had an “Impressive” interview for the Vikes GM job, making him a finalist. I hope he gets the offer.

Hines Ward got an interview pretty out of the blue with some team I saw. Not saying there’s not a problem (there is) but bringing McCown in for an interview doesn’t draw my ire like it does for some in regards to that.

[kaldaniels]

Bieniemy interviewed with Denver. He’s a CU Buffalo. Hell of a coach.

No need to overthink this one Broncos.

[Slyder]

Baltimore fired Wink Martindale. I would not mind him in Oakland but need a GM and a coach first.

https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/news/baltimore-ravens-fire-defensive-coordinator-don-martindale

[JaxRed]

Hines Ward got an interview pretty out of the blue with some team I saw. Not saying there’s not a problem (there is) but bringing McCown in for an interview doesn’t draw my ire like it does for some in regards to that.

Same team. Texans.

- - - Updated - - -


Baltimore fired Wink Martindale. I would not mind him in Oakland but need a GM and a coach first.

https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/news/baltimore-ravens-fire-defensive-coordinator-don-martindale

Hell, you need a team first !!

[kaldaniels]

Baltimore fired Wink Martindale. I would not mind him in Oakland but need a GM and a coach first.

https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/news/baltimore-ravens-fire-defensive-coordinator-don-martindale

Why in the hell are there 2 nationally renowned Wink Martindales?

[Sea Ray]

Baltimore fired Wink Martindale. I would not mind him in Oakland but need a GM and a coach first.

https://www.si.com/nfl/steelers/news/baltimore-ravens-fire-defensive-coordinator-don-martindale

I think that is solely due to Joe Burrow. I bet he still has his job today if Burrow didn't torch him for nearly 1000 yds in two games

[Sea Ray]

Why in the hell are there 2 nationally renowned Wink Martindales?

I think this Wink was nicknamed to be like the other one so it's not by chance or coincidence

[UKFlounder]

Yeah, the football coach is named "Don" which is how some reports referred to him


I think this Wink was nicknamed to be like the other one so it's not by chance or coincidence

[goreds2]

Why in the hell are there 2 nationally renowned Wink Martindales?

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_U84fPuQrKzI/STf1XrfK5KI/AAAAAAAADHE/9e0e9vGrZZY/s320/367579460_0c8b6f986d.jpg

[JaxRed]

I update my spreadsheet and removed Eric Bienemy from the Vikings interview list. They interviewed 10 and I can't see where they interviewed him. Not sure where I got that. But that means the best I can tell, ZERO teams have requested an interview with him this year.

[kaldaniels]

I update my spreadsheet and removed Eric Bienemy from the Vikings interview list. They interviewed 10 and I can't see where they interviewed him. Not sure where I got that. But that means the best I can tell, ZERO teams have requested an interview with him this year.

https://www.redszone.com/forums/showthread.php?122605-Black-Monday&p=4371072&viewfull=1#post4371072

[JaxRed]

Well not to slight you Kal but I've been only using BlueDot Twitter sources. But I've got one that confirms Bienemy. So somehow I have one extra. But the source (Mike Klis Channel 9 Denver) says Broncos are down to Top 5, and Bienemy didn't make the Top 5.

- Dan Quinn
- Jonathan Gannon
- Nathaniel Hackett
- Kellen Moore
- Jerod Mayo

Edit: The extra was Doug Pederson (Jason La Confora was the lying sleazeball)

[kaldaniels]

Well not to slight you Kal but I've been only using BlueDot Twitter sources. But I've got one that confirms Bienemy. So somehow I have one extra. But the source (Mike Klis Channel 9 Denver) says Broncos are down to Top 5, and Bienemy didn't make the Top 5.

- Dan Quinn
- Jonathan Gannon
- Nathaniel Hackett
- Kellen Moore
- Jerod Mayo

Edit: The extra was Doug Pederson (Jason La Confora was the lying sleazeball)

Not sure what you mean by the slight remark and all that, but multiple sources have Bieniemy interviewing with Denver. That’s all. You were emphatic with the ”ZERO” so it was worthy of correction.

[kaldaniels]

Just for reassurance the Broncos blue-check Twitter account confirmed the interview with Bieniemy last night.

Sorry to pile on but reading between the lines you seemed skeptical of my statement Jax.

And your source Klis is not blue check.

He just however replied to someone saying that he (Klis) said only 5 candidates remain by saying “I didn’t say only.”

[kaldaniels]

There may be some stray (but valid) reports of other interviews out there but this site has a pretty good run down of interviews.

https://www.nfl.com/_amp/nfl-coaching-gm-tracker-latest-news-interviews-developments-in-2022-hiring-cycle

Just some thoughts:

It looks like some of the uninspiring retreads are making the rounds. Dan Quinn, Leslie Fraizer and Jim Caldwell. Ugh. Asking for mediocrity if you hire one of them.

Since it’s been discussed several minority coaches look like good candidates. Bieniemy, Flores and Leftwich catch my eye. Surely Flores will be hired…right…Texans?

Overall it’s a rather below-average pool. I’d be much more inclined to take a chance on some “new blood” rather than one of the 5-6 past head coaches who are being interviewed aside from Flores.

[Tony Cloninger]

I wonder in some instances (Detroit last year with Dan Campbell and now this with the Texans) how much of it is to avoid paying a large salary.

You could hire a Doug Pederson who has a Super Bowl ring and comes from the Andy Reid coaching tree but know you are going to have to pay to get him.

Or you could hire an inexperienced coach and pay them peanuts and hope they catch lightning in a bottle.

I know the topic is about race but I think tight spending has a lot to do with it as well.

It’s a good point but always looks bad the way it’s done.

There also a handful of low cost 1st time coaching options available in the minority pool.

You should of course not hire just to do it and say. Here you go. Here’s your minority coach. Just can’t tell me there’s not better options then some of these retreads who are better coordinators then coaches. And they have already proven that.

Didn’t Caldwell actually win in Detroit more then any other coach since Wayne Fontes or heck Joe Schmidt. He might be bland but even Marvin Lewis showed he could win under difficult circumstances. He just needs a right hand Assistant who can help with halftime adjustments.

[WVRed]

I think that is solely due to Joe Burrow. I bet he still has his job today if Burrow didn't torch him for nearly 1000 yds in two games

Keith Butler retired from the Steelers too.

Make that two defensive coordinators ran out by Burrow.

[WVRed]

It’s a good point but always looks bad the way it’s done.

There also a handful of low cost 1st time coaching options available in the minority pool.

You should of course not hire just to do it and say. Here you go. Here’s your minority coach. Just can’t tell me there’s not better options then some of these retreads who are better coordinators then coaches. And they have already proven that.

Didn’t Caldwell actually win in Detroit more then any other coach since Wayne Fontes or heck Joe Schmidt. He might be bland but even Marvin Lewis showed he could win under difficult circumstances. He just needs a right hand Assistant who can help with halftime adjustments.

Caldwell also has the stench of following Tony Dungy and laying an egg in Indy. Marvin I don’t think will ever get a chance again after the Meltdown at Paul Brown. Any other owner would have fired him. He let the inmates run the asylum and it’s been pretty telling since he left.

If you’re going to go after a low cost minority hire, why not Deion Sanders?

[Bourgeois Zee]

If you’re going to go after a low cost minority hire, why not Deion Sanders?

Both Mel Tucker and James Franklin could be great NFL coaches. (Franklin would need a good offensive coordinator.) Fred McNair would be a sneaky good cheap hire.

A couple outside the box picks-- Ed Reed and Champ Bailey would do well, I think, and likely work for minimum.

Marcus Brady would be a cheap, effective coach, I suspect, as well.

[JaxRed]

A lot of folks in Jax want Caldwell to be Exec VP of Football. Like Coughlin but in an advisory position not the final authority as Coughlin was. Apparently he's been very adamant that he wants a HC job. I wonder once all the HC jobs are filled and he is left standing if he changes his mind.

[Chip R]

If you’re going to go after a low cost minority hire, why not Deion Sanders?

I think Deion will get a P5 gig before an NFL gig. Just a guess but I think his forte is recruiting.

[WVRed]

I think Deion will get a P5 gig before an NFL gig. Just a guess but I think his forte is recruiting.

And it will probably be Florida State.

Still wouldn’t hurt to kick the tires.

[bucksfan2]

I think Deion will get a P5 gig before an NFL gig. Just a guess but I think his forte is recruiting.


The state charter for Prime Prep Academy, a school co-founded by Pro Football Hall of Famer Deion Sanders, will reportedly be revoked, threatening to close campuses located in Dallas and Fort Worth.

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/2130924-prime-prep-academy-co-founded-by-deion-sanders-reportedly-shut-down-by-state

I think this would hurt his chances at a big time gig.

[JaxRed]

Apparently there's at least some doubt Sean Payton returning to New Orleans. Jay Glazer says he is contemplating retirement versus a move to another team.

[bm1475]

I saw an article the other day that said Aikman might be getting poached by Amazon to do color for their Thursday package, and Payton might replace him on Fox.

[WVRed]

Apparently there's at least some doubt Sean Payton returning to New Orleans. Jay Glazer says he is contemplating retirement versus a move to another team.

I’m betting if McCarthy gets canned by Dallas in a year or two that Payton will be courted whether he goes into broadcasting or not.

Speaking of the Cowboys, I could see the Saints going after another Dallas coordinator in Kellen Moore.

[Sea Ray]

Apparently there's at least some doubt Sean Payton returning to New Orleans. Jay Glazer says he is contemplating retirement versus a move to another team.

He has 3 yrs left on his contract so he's not really free to go to another team. I would think he'd be due for a break from coaching but I don't know

[WVRed]

I know Tom probably won’t be happy with this but the Jags are interviewing Leftwich a second time.

[UKFlounder]

Sean Payton has now retired.

[Sea Ray]

Sean Payton has now retired.

I can certainly understand. I wish him the best. I hope he enjoys his break

[Betterread]

Vikes are going to hire Kwesi Adofo-Mensah (Cleveland VP of football operations) as their new GM. He will run the HC job search.
Ryan Poles is runner-up, but word is that the Bears are going to name him their GM.
Good news for Cleveland, they could get third round draft comp pick(s) for losing their Executive.
adofo-Mensah was chosen for his cognitive abilities (Princeton undergrad, Stanford Masters) and he is close to Demeco Ryans at SF (adofo mensah used to work for SF).

[bucksfan2]

I can certainly understand. I wish him the best. I hope he enjoys his break

He is basically saying, I tried this thing without Brees for one year and I am not doing it again.

[KoryMac5]

He is basically saying, I tried this thing without Brees for one year and I am not doing it again.

Plus the booth pays pretty good money these days...

[Tuff Nut]

[QUOTE=Betterread;4372307]Vikes are going to hire Kwesi Adofo-Mensah (Cleveland VP of football operations) as their new GM. He will run the HC job search.
Ryan Poles is runner-up, but word is that the Bears are going to name him their GM.
Good news for Cleveland, they could get third round draft comp pick(s) for losing their Executive.
adofo-Mensah was chosen for his cognitive abilities (Princeton undergrad, Stanford Masters) and he is close to Demeco Ryans at SF (adofo mensah used to work for SF).[/QUOTE

[Betterread]

I spoke too soon about Kwesi Adofo-Mensah being named Vikings GM. He is still in play, and in town, but nothing is done yet.

[WVRed]

I know Tom probably won’t be happy with this but the Jags are interviewing Leftwich a second time.

Jags are hiring Leftwich.

[Chip R]

He has 3 yrs left on his contract so he's not really free to go to another team. I would think he'd be due for a break from coaching but I don't know

So if any team wants to hire him, the Saints are going to want compensation.

[UKFlounder]

That or they’ll do Payton a favor as a parting gift. That seems unlikely but not impossible.



So if any team wants to hire him, the Saints are going to want compensation.

[Betterread]

Its official now. vikings have hired Kwesi Adofo-Mensah as GM.

[Betterread]

That or they’ll do Payton a favor as a parting gift. That seems unlikely but not impossible.
A parting gift for a rat leaving a sinking ship? If Payton were a different person, he would do the Saints a solid by sticking around for the coming decline ( saints are in salary cap hell, without a good QB, in a tough division). Sean payton leaving the NFL is fantastic news.

[UKFlounder]

Fair point, but he’s clearly the greatest coach in their history, totally eliminating the “Aint’s” days and the franchise’s reputation. Having success right after the city went through Katrina apparently added to his reputation too.

He’s been there 15 years, so it’s not like he won a Super Boel snd immediately cut bait, but I see your point too.



A parting gift for a rat leaving a sinking ship? If Payton were a different person, he would do the Saints a solid by sticking around for the coming decline ( saints are in salary cap hell, without a good QB, in a tough division). Sean payton leaving the NFL is fantastic news.

[oregonred]

Tough division? The NFC South is arguably the worst division with no long term qbs in place for any of the four teams if Brady retires.

[Betterread]

Fair point, but he’s clearly the greatest coach in their history, totally eliminating the “Aint’s” days and the franchise’s reputation. Having success right after the city went through Katrina apparently added to his reputation too.

He’s been there 15 years, so it’s not like he won a Super Boel snd immediately cut bait, but I see your point too.

You’re leaving out the fact that he put a bounty on injuring opposing players. That is breaching a significant moral boundary in competitive sports.

[Betterread]

Tough division? The NFC South is arguably the worst division with no long term qbs in place for any of the four teams if Brady retires.

In the 2000s, all four teams in the division have been to the Super Bowl, and all four teams have won at least three division titles. Can your team’s division boast those accomplishments?

[JaxRed]

Jags are hiring Leftwich.

According to Dilla (guy that broke the news) and others, negotiations have hit a snag. Nate Hackett coming in for 2nd interview tomorrow.

[JaxRed]

In the 2000s, all four teams in the division have been to the Super Bowl, and all four teams have won at least three division titles. Can your team’s division boast those accomplishments?

They weren't crappy in the past. They are now. Except Tampa who will nosedive if Tom Leaves without a stud replacement.

[JaxRed]

Whatever happened to Doug Pederson? Supposedly hot in demand, could afford to be choosy. Now he's nowhere it seems. Did he overplay his hand? Seems like Dan Quinn replaced him.

[WVRed]

According to Dilla (guy that broke the news) and others, negotiations have hit a snag. Nate Hackett coming in for 2nd interview tomorrow.

Broncos jumped and got Hackett. I’d say an Aaron Rodgers trade is next.

[JaxRed]

Matt Eberflus has been hired to be Bears coach according to Schefter.

Dan Quinn announces he is staying with Cowboys

[WVRed]

Matt Eberflus has been hired to be Bears coach according to Schefter.

Dan Quinn announces he is staying with Cowboys

Basically everyone who was a secondary option for the Jaguars. First Hackett then Eberflus.

[Betterread]

Whatever happened to Doug Pederson? Supposedly hot in demand, could afford to be choosy. Now he's nowhere it seems. Did he overplay his hand? Seems like Dan Quinn replaced him.

I haven’t read about any reported interviews scheduled for Peterson, but I have read that the Vikes and Broncos are interested in him. I like him better than Quinn, who the Vikes have interviewed. Quinn has HC experience, even a few successful years, which seems to be his selling point. It certainly isn’t his innovative decisions.
For what it’s worth, Minnesota talk on Leftwich is very positive.

[kaldaniels]

Matt Eberflus has been hired to be Bears coach according to Schefter.

Dan Quinn announces he is staying with Cowboys

“You can’t pass on me, I withdraw from consideration!”

[WVRed]

Trent Baalke out in Jacksonville. Adrian Wilson new GM:

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/01/27/report-adrian-wilson-in-trent-baalke-out-as-jaguars-g-m/

[KoryMac5]

Trent Baalke out in Jacksonville. Adrian Wilson new GM:

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/01/27/report-adrian-wilson-in-trent-baalke-out-as-jaguars-g-m/

Wow what a power play by Leftwich and it pays off for him...

I had been wondering what the holdup was...it was basically all about Trent.

[Bourgeois Zee]

Wow what a power play by Leftwich and it pays off for him...

I had been wondering what the holdup was...it was basically all about Trent.

Speaks well, IMO, of Leftwich. Smart move to parlay coaching opportunity into an opportunity to work with someone he trusts and values.

[Rojo Rijo]

Speaks well, IMO, of Leftwich. Smart move to parlay coaching opportunity into an opportunity to work with someone he trusts and values.

and to rid the organization of a negative

[JaxRed]

People in the know around here talk about Jimmy Sexton star agent to coaches. Kind of like their version of Boras. And that he's the puppet-master refusing to put any of his clients in harms way in a situation with Baalke who's known as a coach-killer. He represents Leftwich.

[JaxRed]

Out of Nowhere, Josh McDaniel's gets an interview with Raiders. Was he available all this time and no one else requested an interview?

[Rojo Rijo]

Out of Nowhere, Josh McDaniel's gets an interview with Raiders. Was he available all this time and no one else requested an interview?

This makes sense to me. The Raiders/Davis always have a go big approach to head coaches. I'd guess most of the league would either be weary of McDaniels or a hard no based on what he did to Indianapolis. He hasnt given any indication he is looking to leave New England and that plus the Indy thing has likely kept him off the market until now.

[Slyder]

Out of Nowhere, Josh McDaniel's gets an interview with Raiders. Was he available all this time and no one else requested an interview?

His name has been circling around the Raiders for a couple weeks now on some sites I've followed. I pray we don't go down this road because we'll be starting over again in 3 years because none of the Bellicheat tree really succeeds (if he doesn't pull any Indy and just goes home immediately).

If they go McDaniel they might as well see if they can get a Stafford deal for Carr from someone and start 100% over.

[WVRed]

Brian Daboll hired by the Giants.

[JaxRed]

Giants hire Bills’ asst GM Joe Schoen as their new GM. Giants without a GM had only interviewed one guy (Quinn). Don't know his relationship with Bills OC Daboll but if it's a good one, you might think they'd want to get the band back together.....

The band is back together.

[JaxRed]

Now some Blue Check folks are saying Vikings have requested an interview with Jim Harbaugh

[WVRed]

Josh McDaniels to the Raiders.

Wonder how long before he backs out?

[KronoRed]

Did someone with the Pats finally tell him he's not the heir apparent?

[WVRed]

Rumor is Harbaugh to the Dolphins.

[goreds2]

Rumor is Harbaugh to the Dolphins.
Buddy of mine said this…. “ Wow, guess he doesn’t want to be 1 an 10 against Ohio state !!!!

[JaxRed]

The quality of blue checks is uneven. At this point I don't believe either of the Blue checks for Harbaugh interviewing somewhere. I'll wait till a better blue source indicates it.

The Raiders search basically indicated the plan was McDaniels all along if they could. They gave a courtesy interview to their interim, the mandatory two interviews to minorities, and then hired McDaniels.

[RedTeamGo!]

The quality of blue checks is uneven. At this point I don't believe either of the Blue checks for Harbaugh interviewing somewhere. I'll wait till a better blue source indicates it.

The Raiders search basically indicated the plan was McDaniels all along if they could. They gave a courtesy interview to their interim, the mandatory two interviews to minorities, and then hired McDaniels.

Vikings rumors sound legit:

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/ranking-nfls-most-surprising-super-bowl-teams-of-all-time-joe-burrow-led-bengals-at-the-top/

[Sea Ray]

Brian Daboll hired by the Giants.

Glad it wasn't our Lou A

[WVRed]

Glad it wasn't our Lou A

If the Bengals don’t regress next season I say we lose him and Callahan.

I’m not buying Harbaugh to Miami unless Ross knows he’s headed back to the NFL and just decides to bite the bullet. Both have Michigan ties and he said he didn’t want to be the guy who took Harbaugh away from Michigan.

[JaxRed]

Harbaugh flying to Minnesota for 2nd interview. On National Signing Day !!

[RedTeamGo!]

Harbaugh flying to Minnesota for 2nd interview. On National Signing Day !!

To be fair, though, it’s the 2nd national signing day. Almost all players already signed with the early signing period. Michigan has one player left they are targeting: Josh Conerly, a 5 star OT. He announced last night he’s not signing tomorrow, going to wait until March to decide where he is going.

[Sea Ray]

To be fair, though, it’s the 2nd national signing day. Almost all players already signed with the early signing period. Michigan has one player left they are targeting: Josh Conerly, a 5 star OT. He announced last night he’s not signing tomorrow, going to wait until March to decide where he is going.

Sounds like that OT wants to see who's going to be coaching at UM. I wouldn't think Minnesota would be a good fit for Harbaugh. Definite issues with that roster. Not a big market

[RedTeamGo!]

Sounds like that OT wants to see who's going to be coaching at UM. I wouldn't think Minnesota would be a good fit for Harbaugh. Definite issues with that roster. Not a big market

I don’t really care what Harbaugh does, but I don’t see why it’s a bad fit. He took a mediocre 49ers team to the SB.

[Sea Ray]

I don’t really care what Harbaugh does, but I don’t see why it’s a bad fit. He took a mediocre 49ers team to the SB.

This situation does have one thing in common with that 49ers team: a bad division. But I see more upside with many of the other openings. Cousins is on the last yr of his contract and the cap hit jumps to $45 mill. That money is fully guaranteed so there's no savings to cutting him. There's not much behind him either.

[RedTeamGo!]

This situation does have one thing in common with that 49ers team: a bad division. But I see more upside with many of the other openings. Cousins is on the last yr of his contract and the cap hit jumps to $45 mill. That money is fully guaranteed so there's no savings to cutting him. There's not much behind him either.

Maybe, he may also see it as an opportunity to start with a blank slate.

I won't be surprised if he ends up in Miami, though. But I do not know if he wants the headache of Tua.

[oregonred]

Why go to the AFC with the five headed MahomesAllenBurrowHerbertJackson monster

The NFC South or East or North is a much, much easier path for the foreseeable future

[Rdirtypirates]

A lot of allegations from Brian Flores as he sues the NFL and various organizations. I don't think we will see him named anyones head coach for a while.
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/02/01/brian-flores-sues-nfl-dolphins-giants-broncos-alleges-racist-hiring-policies/

[WVRed]

A lot of allegations from Brian Flores as he sues the NFL and various organizations. I don't think we will see him named anyones head coach for a while.
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2022/02/01/brian-flores-sues-nfl-dolphins-giants-broncos-alleges-racist-hiring-policies/

He just Kaepernicked himself out of the NFL.

I’d like to see more minority coaches as much as anyone but this is not the way to do it.

[WrongVerb]

Black Monday, indeed.

[The Operator]

I want to remind everyone to be very careful discussing this Brian Flores lawsuit.

Anything too much and it probably should be reserved for a separate thread in the P&R section.

[Rojo Rijo]

Only thing i'll say about the Flores situation is something smelled very fishy with him being fired by Miami and all of the sudden we get negative reports about him. I didnt buy it then, not from a franchise that hasnt done jacks*** right in 20+ years. Zero credibility. Flores had that team headed in the right direction. It's not his fault you chose Tua over a potential future HOF QB.

[JaxRed]

I really think we need a separate thread for the Flores situation.

[757690]

Black Monday, indeed.

All Mondays Matter

[dubc47834]

Definitely a bad look for the NFL, Dolphins, Giants, Broncos and Belicheck. Only gonna get uglier from here!!!

[WrongVerb]

The NFL needs the feel good story of a Bengals Super Bowl victory

[dubc47834]

The NFL needs the feel good story of a Bengals Super Bowl victory

Or of a Stafford win...lol

[JaxRed]

How much pressure will Jags, Dolphins, Vikings, Saints and Texans be under now to name a black HC? I felt Jags were closing in on Pederson.

[RiverRat13]

Looking at the talent on hand in Flores' 3 years and how many games he won, I have a hard time believing there are 32 more qualified head coaches in the NFL.

My guess is that it will be hard to prove the tanking allegation. But if he can, Ross should be banned by the league and forced to sell.

The tampering with a QB should be easy to verify. Especially if it was Brady, who has zero motivation to protect the league (and maybe a little to hurt Goodell).

[The Operator]

Or of a Stafford win...lol

That wouldn’t make me feel good.

[UKFlounder]

Harbaugh to the Vikings about done?

https://www.on3.com/teams/michigan-wolverines/news/jim-harbaugh-plans-to-sign-with-the-minnesota-vikings/

[Bob Sheed]

1. ROONEY RULE: I hope the Jags, Dolphins, Vikings, Saints, Texans and any of the other 31 teams besides the Bengals all cave to pressure, and base their choices on ANYTHING besides hiring who they think is the best person for the job. Old drinking buddy from college, skin tone, snappy tie, whatever.

Anything besides hiring the best person for the job, makes the Bengals better, albeit indirectly.

2. TANKING: There's a whole lotta salty fans that are about to learn the difference between sports and sports "entertainment," and which one the NFL is. (Hint, it's the same category that roller derby and professional wrestling is in :lol:)

https://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/post-tribune/opinion/ct-ptb-davich-sports-versus-entertainment-st-0515-20150515-story.html

[dubc47834]

That wouldn’t make me feel good.

It's the the feel good story you need, but the feel good story you deserve!

[WVRed]

I want to remind everyone to be very careful discussing this Brian Flores lawsuit.

Anything too much and it probably should be reserved for a separate thread in the P&R section.

Started one.

[Chip R]

Re: Flores. What's interesting about this is when Flores announced his lawsuit, there were the predictable denials but the one part that I haven't heard a denial from the Dolphins yet is to the charge that Ross offered Flores money to lose games in 2019. Remember just a few weeks ago when people were losing their minds at the possibility of the Raiders and Chargers intentionally playing for a tie so both teams would make it to the playoffs? Paying a coach to intentionally losing to improve your draft status is much worse. I have heard Ross owns a piece of a gambling company. Whether that's true, you could see how that could lead on betting on your team to lose. We Reds fans all too well know about Pete Rose and he just bet on the Reds to win games. To the NFL, that's much worse than anything Daniel Snyder has done. It shouldn't be but it is.

I don't believe Flores lost games on purpose in 2019. However not ending up with Joe Burrow may have contributed more to his firing than his race. If the Dolphins had ended up with that 1st pick, they probably would have taken Burrow. So instead of Burrow, the Dolphins have Tua. While the jury is still out on him, right now he doesn't look like one of the elite QBs of the NFL. Perhaps Ross believes that with Burrow, the Dolphins would have had the same success that the Bengals had this season and because Flores didn't tank, he deserved to get fired.

As a Dolphins fan, I've had my issues with Flores much like Bengals fans had their issues with Zac Taylor this season - especially early in the season. I don't think he handled the DeShaun Watson situation well and while he wasn't openly courting him, he sure wasn't giving Tua a vote of confidence. I also think he didn't help Tua much in 2020 by pulling him for Fitzpatrick several times. From what I understand Miami had 3 coaches calling the plays. Not throughout the season but for a long stretch of games. The offensive line was even worse than the Bengals was/is. Save for a few games later in the season, they had no running attack whatsoever. They had one dependable WR in Waddle. Was that all on Flores? No but he was the man in charge. At times the defense was brilliant but I think they blitzed too often. There is a lot of excellent defensive talent there. I'm just not sure Flores had the right touch for an offense. Maybe his coaching talents are best used on the defensive side of the ball. There have also been reports that he didn't work well with others - Tua in particular. We all know if you can't get along with your franchise QB, it's either him or you and it's easier to get rid of you than him. If he were white, would he have got another year? If it was about not getting along with the GM and Tua and refusing to tank, probably not. Miami may be in more trouble with the league than the courts.

[757690]

Re: Flores. What's interesting about this is when Flores announced his lawsuit, there were the predictable denials but the one part that I haven't heard a denial from the Dolphins yet is to the charge that Ross offered Flores money to lose games in 2019. Remember just a few weeks ago when people were losing their minds at the possibility of the Raiders and Chargers intentionally playing for a tie so both teams would make it to the playoffs? Paying a coach to intentionally losing to improve your draft status is much worse. I have heard Ross owns a piece of a gambling company. Whether that's true, you could see how that could lead on betting on your team to lose. We Reds fans all too well know about Pete Rose and he just bet on the Reds to win games. To the NFL, that's much worse than anything Daniel Snyder has done. It shouldn't be but it is.

I don't believe Flores lost games on purpose in 2019. However not ending up with Joe Burrow may have contributed more to his firing than his race. If the Dolphins had ended up with that 1st pick, they probably would have taken Burrow. So instead of Burrow, the Dolphins have Tua. While the jury is still out on him, right now he doesn't look like one of the elite QBs of the NFL. Perhaps Ross believes that with Burrow, the Dolphins would have had the same success that the Bengals had this season and because Flores didn't tank, he deserved to get fired.


The Dolphins still had a chance to take Herbert when they took Tua, so it seems tanking or not tanking really wasn’t the main issue.

[Chip R]

The Dolphins still had a chance to take Herbert when they took Tua, so it seems tanking or not tanking really wasn’t the main issue.

True but if they took Herbert and he didn't pan out like Burrow has, they would still be regretting they they diodn't get a chance to draft Burrow.

[757690]

True but if they took Herbert and he didn't pan out like Burrow has, they would still be regretting they they diodn't get a chance to draft Burrow.

But Herbert so far as been just as good as Burrow. If the Dolphins took him instead of Tua, I doubt they would have any regrets about not getting Burrow.

[Chip R]

But Herbert so far as been just as good as Burrow. If the Dolphins took him instead of Tua, I doubt they would have any regrets about not getting Burrow.

And yet he's been watching the playoffs on TV too. He was the QB on a non-playoff team last year too. I'd like to see Herbert function behind Miami's OL with no running game to speak of and 1 WR to count on. I'd like to see any QB do that. One of the reasons Mahomes is so good is because he's protected very well. It gives him time to move around the pocket and look for open receivers and, if necessary, take off and run.

[Chip R]

Here's a summary of the Flores et. al. lawsuit from a NY attorney who has read it.

https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1488664689043251203.html

[WVRed]

This is getting ugly real fast.

Now Hue Jackson is involved:

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33202029/hue-jackson-accuses-cleveland-browns-paying-tank-2016-17

[UKFlounder]

Harbaugh returning to Michigan per Twitter reports

[Betterread]

Kevin O’Connell, Rams OC will be the next Vikings HC. Harbaugh returns to Ann Arbor.

[JaxRed]

This is getting ugly real fast.

Now Hue Jackson is involved:

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/33202029/hue-jackson-accuses-cleveland-browns-paying-tank-2016-17

If Hue Jackson was getting paid for losses, he should be up there with Gates, Musk and Bezos for net worth.

[WVRed]

Kevin O’Connell, Rams OC will be the next Vikings HC. Harbaugh returns to Ann Arbor.

Have to think this means Kirk Cousins is safe in Minnesota and O’Connell is being brought in to get the most out of him.

[oregonred]

Harbaugh returning to Michigan per Twitter reports

He is one odd duck that's for sure. Sounds like he thought the Vikes job was in the bag.

[Sea Ray]

He is one odd duck that's for sure. Sounds like he thought the Vikes job was in the bag.

He also said he'd stay at Mich for "as long as they'll have me." Does that mean he'll never interview for another job? I think not

I did not hear Harbaugh come up on many teams' short lists this year. I think his shine has faded in regards to the NFL

[WVRed]

He also said he'd stay at Mich for "as long as they'll have me." Does that mean he'll never interview for another job? I think not

I did not hear Harbaugh come up on many teams' short lists this year. I think his shine has faded in regards to the NFL

It’s possible he used the NFL to get a pay raise out of Michigan. John Calipari has done it with the NBA to get Kentucky to pay him.

Or he could have seriously been looking to cash out. I really don’t think he’s leveled the playing field against Ohio State even with this year.

[Chip R]

It’s possible he used the NFL to get a pay raise out of Michigan. John Calipari has done it with the NBA to get Kentucky to pay him.

Or he could have seriously been looking to cash out. I really don’t think he’s leveled the playing field against Ohio State even with this year.

Hard to say. He had to take a 50% pay cut this year. Could be they are just, if he stays, great. If he goes, OK.

[Sea Ray]

It’s possible he used the NFL to get a pay raise out of Michigan. John Calipari has done it with the NBA to get Kentucky to pay him.

Or he could have seriously been looking to cash out. I really don’t think he’s leveled the playing field against Ohio State even with this year.

If he did, God bless him but I still bet good money he'll interview again while still coach at Mich

[RedTeamGo!]

I think it is pretty obvious Harbaugh wanted out of UM. Some of the rumors of what he was telling his assistants and players is embarrassing. He totally thought he was going to be the next Vikings HC.

[kaldaniels]

I think it is pretty obvious Harbaugh wanted out of UM. Some of the rumors of what he was telling his assistants and players is embarrassing. He totally thought he was going to be the next Vikings HC.

What’s the story do you think - just didn’t get offered the job?

[oregonred]

Miami with Stephen Ross was probably his fallback plan to Minny (in the oddball Harbaugh train of thought). So Miami as the backup melted down when the gig became radioactive Wednesday morning.

No way he leaves on Signing Day for a very public interview in Minneapolis only to be rejected and scrambling to save face in Ann Arbor shortly after his jet landed.

[JaxRed]

Pederson finally hired as Head Coach of Jacksonville

[RedsBaron]

Here's a summary of the Flores et. al. lawsuit from a NY attorney who has read it.

https://threadreaderapp.com/thread/1488664689043251203.html

I've now read the Complaint filed in Flores lawsuit. What I am about to say is not intended to be a defense of the NFL or its prior history of racism. That said, the Complaint appears to me to be incredibly weak as a cause of action on behalf of Flores. The Complaint reads more like a speech than a pleading setting forth a cause of action and why Flores is entitled to relief. I could probably add more, but I don't want to violate board rules.

[RedsBaron]

Pederson finally hired as Head Coach of Jacksonville

Should have hired Byron Leftwich.

[Rojo Rijo]

Should have hired Byron Leftwich.

Byron was offered, then gave Jax an ultimatum, he wouldnt do it with Baalke as GM, he wanted Adrian Wilson. Reports then surfaced yesterday that Byron was pulling his name out of consideration for the Jags job.

[RedsBaron]

Byron was offered, then gave Jax an ultimatum, he wouldnt do it with Baalke as GM, he wanted Adrian Wilson. Reports then surfaced yesterday that Byron was pulling his name out of consideration for the Jags job.

Yeah, I know. Based upon the reports I've read, I question the decision by the Jags to keep Baalke as GM.

[WVRed]

Yeah, I know. Based upon the reports I've read, I question the decision by the Jags to keep Baalke as GM.

If you read this board there are Jags fans questioning the decision to keep Baalke as GM as well.

[Betterread]

What’s the story do you think - just didn’t get offered the job?

From reading local coverage of the Vikings HC hiring process, the new gm KAM knew Harbaugh when they were both at SF, but they had to win over the BOD and there was a rumor that one BOD was opposed to HArbaugh.
Then, O’Connell was very impressive in his interviews, I think the Vikes wanted to go with new young leaders. Many fans wanted HArbaugh. You wonder if HArbaugh asked for a lot of money, as well.

[Todd Gack]

Is there anyone that has lost as much sympathy in as short of period of a time as Brian Flores? Dude is flat out losing it now. Accusing Belichick of 'masterminding' the Giants hire? WTF?

So now he's very toxic, no one will want to hire him, and then he'll scream 'racism' again because NFL teams now don't want to touch him with a 10ft pole.

[Sea Ray]

I thought at the time his claim that Belichick knew who the Giants were hiring was strange. It didn't make sense. Belichick isn't a Giants insider

[Redsfaithful]

I thought at the time his claim that Belichick knew who the Giants were hiring was strange. It didn't make sense. Belichick isn't a Giants insider

thought there were screenshots of texts?

[757690]

I've now read the Complaint filed in Flores lawsuit. What I am about to say is not intended to be a defense of the NFL or its prior history of racism. That said, the Complaint appears to me to be incredibly weak as a cause of action on behalf of Flores. The Complaint reads more like a speech than a pleading setting forth a cause of action and why Flores is entitled to relief. I could probably add more, but I don't want to violate board rules.

It’s a class action lawsuit. Flores himself has said it’s not meant to be about what was done to him, nor about relief for him particularly, but about addressing a corrupt and illegal system with the core relief being changing the system.

[Sea Ray]

thought there were screenshots of texts?

I haven't seen them. Have you? The next question is, would Belichick even know?

[KoryMac5]

I haven't seen them. Have you? The next question is, would Belichick even know?

Flores has the texts that Bill sent telling Brian the job was his unfortunately for the Hoodie he didn’t text the right Brian. Flores hadn’t even interviewed yet. The NFL is full of nepotism it’s a huge reason Joe Judge got the Giants job a few years ago.

[KoryMac5]

Is there anyone that has lost as much sympathy in as short of period of a time as Brian Flores? Dude is flat out losing it now. Accusing Belichick of 'masterminding' the Giants hire? WTF?

So now he's very toxic, no one will want to hire him, and then he'll scream 'racism' again because NFL teams now don't want to touch him with a 10ft pole.

I don’t think Flores is looking for sympathy though I think he is looking to bring about change to a flawed system. Nobody within their right mind can think that having 2 minority head coaches is a good thing in the NFL. It boggles my mind that a guy like Josh Mccown with zero professional or college coaching experience can even sniff an NFL job. I can see why some would want change.

[Rdirtypirates]

I haven't seen them. Have you? The next question is, would Belichick even know?
The full transcript of the text messages:

Bill Belichick (BB): Sounds like you have landed — congrats!!

Brian Flores (BF): Did you hear something I didn't hear?

BB: Giants?!?!?!?!?!

BF: I interview on Thursday. I think I have a shot at it

BB: Got it - I hear from Buffalo & NYG that you are their guy. Hope it works out if you want it to!!

BF: That's definitely what I want! I hope you're right coach. Thank you. Coach, are you talking to Brian Flores or Brian Daboll. Just making sure.

BB: Sorry - I f—ed this up. I double checked & I misread the text. I think they are naming Daboll. I'm sorry about that. BB

BF: Thanks Bill

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/brian-flores-lawsuit-text-messages-bill-belichick/1byco17mxhwgl14jrxg0cri50r

[JaxRed]

That's the question I need answered. Who wrote the text Bill read?

[Redsfaithful]

I haven't seen them. Have you? The next question is, would Belichick even know?

I don't have any problem thinking Bill would know, the NFL is a small circle and there's probably a lot of gossip and talk happening at all times. No idea on the rest of it, but sure, that part seems reasonable. Here are the texts - very awkward:

https://twitter.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/1488617469308768256

[Tony Cloninger]

Since Flores worked for Bill for many years wouldn’t his original hire at Miami be part of that network.

Paul Browns coaching tree is also the same. Then Todd Dungy coached under Bill Walsh when the 49ers were doing a coaching type mentoring to give minority candidates more of an opportunity.

[Sea Ray]

Here's the Giants side of all of this:


The Giants vehemently dismissed the notion that Belichick would have any knowledge of their hiring process. New York pointed to the timing of the text messages, noting that Daboll had only had a zoom interview and the team wouldn't make a decision without meeting a coach in-person.

"And to base that allegation on a text exchange with Bill Belichick in which he ultimately states that he 'thinks' Brian Daboll would get the job is irresponsible," the team stated. "The text exchange occurred the day before Coach Daboll's in-person interview even took place."

The team later added, "In addition, Mr. Belichick does not speak for and has no affiliation with the Giants. Mr. Belichick's text exchange provides no insight into what actually transpired during our head coaching search."

https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10025819-giants-call-brian-flores-allegations-simply-false-respond-to-bill-belichick-texts

I don't know how Flores can prove that the Giants decision was already made up and the burden is on him

[KoryMac5]

From the Athletic legal analyst:



Regardless of the outcome of the case, one positive for Flores and others who alleged they have been discriminated against by the NFL in its hiring process is that if the case moves into the discovery phase, the plaintiffs will likely be able to gain access to important documents highlighting teams’ internal hiring processes. The plaintiffs will also be able to depose key individuals under oath about the league’s diverse hiring practices. Access to such documents and testimony can provide critical insights into what is hindering the advancement of more Black candidates in NFL coaching positions.

Transparency appears to be a critical outcome Flores seeks in the case. The case alleges different standards are applied in hiring, retaining, firing and re-hiring Black and White coaches and that Black coaches are paid less than White counterparts. It also alleges that the Rooney Rule is “not working” because teams are “not doing the interviews in good-faith.” Flores seeks the court to order injunctive relief to increase the influence of Black individuals and objectivity in key hiring and firing decisions. He also seeks transparency in the salaries paid to individuals in key provisions.

[Redsfaithful]

Here's the Giants side of all of this:



https://bleacherreport.com/articles/10025819-giants-call-brian-flores-allegations-simply-false-respond-to-bill-belichick-texts

I don't know how Flores can prove that the Giants decision was already made up and the burden is on him

I think the idea there would be that Bill knew a decision had been made (through the grapevine) before interviews had really happened, i.e. the interviews were kind of a sham.

[RiverRat13]

Michigan has lost both of their coordinators. Harbaugh totally thought he was getting the Vikings job and told his staff to do what was best for them.

[jwdoc77]

Michigan has lost both of their coordinators. Harbaugh totally thought he was getting the Vikings job and told his staff to do what was best for them.

Gattis leaving for Miami is kind of a weird move too. Seems lateral to me…not necessarily moving up.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[RiverRat13]

Gattis leaving for Miami is kind of a weird move too. Seems lateral to me…not necessarily moving up.


Sent from my iPhone using TapatalkSounding like he's mad that Mike Hart would have been Harbaugh's successor instead of him.

[Sea Ray]

I think the idea there would be that Bill knew a decision had been made (through the grapevine) before interviews had really happened, i.e. the interviews were kind of a sham.

The Giants deny that BB was in any position to know that a decision had been made. I find it difficult for Flores to prove otherwise.

[WVRed]

Miami just hired Mike McDaniel as head coach.

[JaxRed]

Miami just hired Mike McDaniel as head coach.

McDaniel technically goes down as a minority hiring, even though he's the whitest looking bi-racial guy I think I've ever seen.

[Redsfaithful]

The Giants deny that BB was in any position to know that a decision had been made. I find it difficult for Flores to prove otherwise.

the uh ... the texts would seem to prove he knew

[Sea Ray]

the uh ... the texts would seem to prove he knew

They prove no such thing. Show me how he knew and then we're getting somewhere

[Sea Ray]

McDaniel technically goes down as a minority hiring, even though he's the whitest looking bi-racial guy I think I've ever seen.

The 49ers get two 3rd rd picks due to his being biracial.


He's so white Deadspin said don't hire him:




On Saturday, Deadspin staff writer Sean Beckwith took aim at the offensive coordinator in a piece with the headline, "Sure, Mike McDaniel seems cool, but he’s not worthy of a head coaching gig yet," cautioning readers, "Please stop and think before you inadvertently dub another young, white guy as the next hot NFL coaching prospect."

"Be careful what you tweet for, people of the online realm," Beckwith began. "Mike McDaniel, the San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator who has gone viral for his ‘adorable’ news conferences featuring references to Mike Jones and engaging answers, is ticking off all the boxes to be the next trendy, young, white guy who takes a head coaching position before one of the many deserving Black candidates."

https://www.foxnews.com/media/deadspin-mike-mcdaniel-biracial-white-guy

I don't know this guy's ancestry but my guess is he's more white than black. I'm troubled that the NFL in their quest to help out minorities, are actually supporting the One Drop Rule which was instituted by racists a long time ago.

That aside, let's see how he can coach

[BuckeyeRed27]

They prove no such thing. Show me how he knew and then we're getting somewhere

He thought he was texting the guy that got the job congratulations on getting the job. I’m sure the giants aren’t happy that he knew, but he obviously did.

[JaxRed]

So, all of a sudden, Josh McCown seems to out when the scuttlebutt seemed to be pointing to him. And now out of nowhere it seems to be on Lovie Smith.

I know Houston is a couple hours away from the grassy knoll, but I'm kind of suspicious here. 9 openings. 7 filled (if you count Miami) with 6 white guys and the whitest bi-racial guy ever. 5 of the 7 have no HC experience in the NFL, and now Houston looked to be hiring a guy with ZERO coaching experience.

Frankly, I think someone from NFL HQ got on a secure line with Texan owner, and said "You're killing me Smalls". I think a Superbowl and maybe a draft were promised to Houston if they hire a black coach with experience. Flores, however is a known pain in the butt to work with so they go with Smith. Houston might have been promised some assistance with the Watson problem too.

That's just me. Maybe I'm being cynical.

[Sea Ray]

He thought he was texting the guy that got the job congratulations on getting the job. I’m sure the giants aren’t happy that he knew, but he obviously did.

I get all of that but until we know how he knew it means nothing

[BuckeyeRed27]

I get all of that but until we know how he knew it means nothing

To who?
To the Flores case all that matters is it shows it was a sham interview since they had made a decision before the Flores interview.

[Sea Ray]

To who?
To the Flores case all that matters is it shows it was a sham interview since they had made a decision before the Flores interview.

It does no such thing. It's he said she said. The Giants counter BB's texts. Now if BB tells Goodell that he got his info from the NY Giants GM or someone similar then maybe we got something but the texts in and of itself don't mean anything.

[oregonred]

People do realize that Dolphins GM Chris Grier who hired Flores, fired Flores and now hired McDaniel is African American?

He's been an exec with the Dolphins since 2009 and in the organization almost 20 years.

[757690]

It does no such thing. It's he said she said. The Giants counter BB's texts. Now if BB tells Goodell that he got his info from the NY Giants GM or someone similar then maybe we got something but the texts in and of itself don't mean anything.

This is a civil lawsuit. The burden of proof is much lower than in a criminal case. It not beyond a reasonable doubt, just more likely than not to be true.

I think most people after reading those text exchanges, think it’s more likely than not that Flores’ Giants interview was just for show.

It really doesn’t matter though. Flores is more concerned with changing the NFL than winning the lawsuit. And it already looks like he’s succeeding.

[Sea Ray]

Alvin Kamara may have some problems brewing

https://twitter.com/LVMPD/status/1490520682270060544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1490520682270060544%7Ctwgr% 5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=

[Sea Ray]

This is a civil lawsuit. The burden of proof is much lower than in a criminal case. It not beyond a reasonable doubt, just more likely than not to be true.

I think most people after reading those text exchanges, think it’s more likely than not that Flores’ Giants interview was just for show.

It really doesn’t matter though. Flores is more concerned with changing the NFL than winning the lawsuit. And it already looks like he’s succeeding.

The burden of proof is still on the accuser. Secondly, so what if it is true? The Rooney Rule by its nature invites such sham interviews. Thirdly, why did the Giants even bring in Daboll for a face to face interview if their minds were already made up? It's much todo about nothing

[757690]

The burden of proof is still on the accuser. Secondly, so what if it is true? The Rooney Rule by its nature invites such sham interviews. Thirdly, why did the Giants even bring in Daboll for a face to face interview if their minds were already made up? It's much todo about nothing

This reveals a problematic loophole with the Rooney rule that certainly will be addressed. Which is Flores’ goal. It’s very big deal.

[KoryMac5]

The burden of proof is still on the accuser. Secondly, so what if it is true? The Rooney Rule by its nature invites such sham interviews. Thirdly, why did the Giants even bring in Daboll for a face to face interview if their minds were already made up? It's much todo about nothing

I don't think it is much to do about nothing the NFL clearly has an issue with "it's who you know" a lot of businesses struggle with that very issue.

What scares the NFL and teams is that they are going to have to release all the paperwork from all of the interviews they have conducted over the last few years. I would imagine that will be rather eye opening.

[BuckeyeRed27]

The burden of proof is still on the accuser. Secondly, so what if it is true? The Rooney Rule by its nature invites such sham interviews. Thirdly, why did the Giants even bring in Daboll for a face to face interview if their minds were already made up? It's much todo about nothing

You just literally made Flores point.

[Sea Ray]

You just literally made Flores point.

We'll see if anything comes of this. I have my doubts

[BuckeyeRed27]

We'll see if anything comes of this. I have my doubts

Based on the NFL statement from Goodell over the weekend they don’t have doubts.

[Sea Ray]

Based on the NFL statement from Goodell over the weekend they don’t have doubts.

If you have confidence that Goodell's statement was anything more than PR then you have more confidence in him than I do

[BuckeyeRed27]

If you have confidence that Goodell's statement was anything more than PR then you have more confidence in him than I do

It was absolutely PR, but within 3 days they went from putting out denial statements using terms like “without merit” to putting out CYA statements talking about how they need to do better. They know they are going to lose.

[BuckeyeRed27]

So, all of a sudden, Josh McCown seems to out when the scuttlebutt seemed to be pointing to him. And now out of nowhere it seems to be on Lovie Smith.

I know Houston is a couple hours away from the grassy knoll, but I'm kind of suspicious here. 9 openings. 7 filled (if you count Miami) with 6 white guys and the whitest bi-racial guy ever. 5 of the 7 have no HC experience in the NFL, and now Houston looked to be hiring a guy with ZERO coaching experience.

Frankly, I think someone from NFL HQ got on a secure line with Texan owner, and said "You're killing me Smalls". I think a Superbowl and maybe a draft were promised to Houston if they hire a black coach with experience. Flores, however is a known pain in the butt to work with so they go with Smith. Houston might have been promised some assistance with the Watson problem too.

That's just me. Maybe I'm being cynical.

I don’t think Josh Mccown was a real candidate. I mean Houston is a bit of a clown show organization, but McCown doesn’t have any coaching experience outside of some high school volunteer work. That’s a big leap to being an NFL head coach even if he was a QB for approximately 32 years.

Smith isn’t a knock your socks off candidate, but he does bring a level of experience and stability to a team that needs that. Plus he’s already in the building.

[kaldaniels]

Short of Watson somehow coming back and performing I don’t see how Smith can turn things around in Houston in the timeframe needed. Cash those checks and enjoy the retirement in a few years Lovie.

And that’s no shot at Lovie I just think there’s only one way this will end.

[Sea Ray]

It was absolutely PR, but within 3 days they went from putting out denial statements using terms like “without merit” to putting out CYA statements talking about how they need to do better. They know they are going to lose.

We'll see what they lose. They may quietly throw some money his way but they got lots of that. We agree on one thing: the Rooney Rule isn't the answer

[KoryMac5]

Short of Watson somehow coming back and performing I don’t see how Smith can turn things around in Houston in the timeframe needed. Cash those checks and enjoy the retirement in a few years Lovie.

And that’s no shot at Lovie I just think there’s only one way this will end.

Houston is a head scratcher...

Culley was a 1 yr stop gap...Smith smells like the same deal to me. I wonder if they would bring in Smith under the condition that he hires McCown for an offensive position.

[KoryMac5]

Houston makes it official Lovie Smith is the new HC of the Texans...

[JaxRed]

Saints have hired Dennis Allen

[Redsfaithful]

Saints have hired Dennis Allen

Wild that these teams can't do any better than this.

Rough to be a fan and your new head coach is a guy who went 8-28 with the Raiders. A decade ago.

[JaxRed]

Here's my surprise semi-prediction. Everyone is convinced that Brian Flores is a lock for a job this cycle. I'm not convinced. He's a guy that went thru a bunch of coaches ....

"The Dolphins always had a revolving door of coaches under Flores, including four offensive coordinators, two defensive coordinators, and four offensive line coaches in his three seasons on the job."

He clashed with his GM, he sabotaged his starting QB by trying get Watson. Here's an article from Miami paper about some of the struggles.

https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/barry-jackson/article256841207.html

He wanted Bill O'Brien like personnel control. He got the team media director fired over the objection of the team president.

A lot of clubs are trying to fix toxic environments. He may not get hired.

And he was not hired. And he was not going to be hired even before the lawsuit. Sat in a million job interviews in my days. In all of them, there were two over-riding concerns. 1) Is the person qualified? 2) Is this a person I want to work with, He failed #2.