Get your red-hot coaches here
Posted: Tuesday December 01, 1998 01:06 PM
A long line of promising coaches is already forming as the NFL's coaching
carousel gets warmed up for another year's run. A potentially volative
off-season could see as many as eight new head coaches, and the incoming
class is a solid mix of current head coaches, proven assistants and the
usual names from the college ranks.
First, look at the teams that figure to get rid of their current leaders:
Philadelphia, Washington, Baltimore, St. Louis, Seattle and San Diego, in
order, are the most likely, plus Cleveland needs its first coach, and Green
Bay could join the fray if Mike Holmgren leaves as expected.
To help you keep all the hot names straight this winter, here's a
not-so-short list of the coveted coaches on everyone's short lists.
1. Mike Holmgren, Packers head coach: He's the No. 1 candidate out
there, a proven winner who wants the total package as a team's general
manager and coach. Many of the vacancies will offer that type of power,
with Seattle as the most logical place. It wouldn't be a total shock if he
and 49ers coach Steve Mariucci were to just switch jobs. Mariucci has a
seven-year extension on the table, with details about personnel decisions
holding that up, and so long as that isn't signed, these rumors will
persist. Could Holmgren stay and Packers GM Ron Wolf be the one relocating?
2. George Seifert, CBS analyst: A very desirable candidate for two
reasons: first, he comes from a winning system in San Francisco and second,
he's available. Seifert left the game two years ago when he was at the top
of his profession -- he has an accommodating personality, and while he
wants to have input in personnel decisions, he's not a control freak. He
won't be in Cleveland, but could end up in Baltimore, San Diego or Seattle.
3. Gary Kubiak, Broncos offensive coordinator: Probably the
hottest non-head coach out there, thanks to the Broncos' success. Oddly
enough, Kubiak doesn't even call offensive plays in Denver, but he's a
bright, young guy who knows Mike Shanahan's system well. If he interviews
well, he could wind up in Cleveland, where they can surround him with
experience to ease him into his first head coaching job.
4. Bill Belichick, Jets defensive coordinator: After a tough
five-year stint in Cleveland from 1991-95, he's learned a lot and done a
great job with the Jets. He's a strong personnel guy who loves the draft
and will want to be in control of personnel decisions.
5. Jim Haslett, Pittsburgh defensive coordinator: Another hot guy
who's a great motivator and well-liked by his players. Since ex-Steelers
front office man Tom Modrak is calling shots in Philadelphia, he's the
favorite to take over the Eagles if/when Ray Rhodes is done.
6. Willie Shaw, Raiders defensive coordinator: Took the Raiders
defense from worst last year to first earlier this year -- he'll certainly
get a look because of that turnaround. This well-respected assistant coach
may be able to help reverse the NFL's lack of minority coaches.
7. Sherm Lewis, Packers offensive coordinator: Once thought to be
a shoo-in for the Packers job if Holmgren left, but now that's hardly a
lock. Lewis deserves a head coaching job, but his window is running out --
you can only stay hot for so long. This is his last best chance.
8. Greg Robinson,
Broncos defensive coordinator: Like Kubiak, he's hot because the
Broncos are. Robinson is good in interviews and may impress someone enough
to land a head coaching job. He's not flashy, but people in the league
respect what he's done.
9. Dave McGinnis, Cards defensive coordinator: Injuries have
hampered a promising Cards defense this year, so McGinnis might be a year
away, but he's a sound, fundamental coach with good experience. Knows what
he wants to do with a team, too. Watch this guy.
10. Brian Billick, Vikings offensive coordinator: Last year, he
nearly left to run the Cowboys offense, but he's glad he stayed now. Very
innovative offensive mind makes him a solid candidate for someone who wants
to put people in the seats. He's due for a head coaching job.
11. Andy Reid, Packers quarterbacks coach: A dark horse, but he's
Brett Favre's mentor.
He gets along with people well and comes from a great system. The league
respects him as Holmgren's right-hand man and if teams give him a look,
they'll find a lot to like. He's a sleeper.
12. Chris Palmer, Jaguars offensive coordinator: Palmer is
gathering steam by molding a solid, balanced offense in Jacksonville.
Another bright offensive mind who is turning heads and will get a few
interviews for sure.
Eagles coach Ray Rhodes has been mentioned for the Cleveland or Baltimore
jobs, but look for him to surface as a defensive coordinator, perhaps with
the Browns. It may take him two or three years, but he'll get another shot
to be a head coach.
From the college coaches, three stand out as the best shots to move to the
NFL. - Bill Snyder, Kansas State: Though he's 59, he has great
energy and his teams have a great work ethic. He's built a program at
K-State that some thought was impossible. Unless he quelches interest
early, he'll get several interviews.
- Nick Saban, Michigan State: A hot
commodity last year, he's managed wins over Ohio State and Notre Dame in a
6-6 season. Saban is a meticulous leader who has NFL experience and won't
take just any job.
- Barry Alvarez, Wisconsin: He's done all he can do at
Wisconsin and would fit well in the NFL. He picks great assistants,
delegates responsibilities well and keeps a good handle on the big picture.
If you listen, you can hear the coaching carousel starting up. Hold on
tight.
Gary Horton is a former NFL scout and college coach who now heads up
The War Room, a publication offering an insider's perspective into the NFL.
His weekly column appears on Tuesdays throughout the season.
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