Belichick could be Chiefs' pick
Posted: Monday January 18, 1999 12:22 PM
The next spin on the NFL coaching carousel could come early in the week when Kansas City focuses on finding its new coach. The Chiefs are very interested in talking to New York’s defensive mastermind, Bill Belichick, about replacing the departed Marty Schottenheimer. Belichick has a unique contract with the Jets -- a clause in that deal guarantees that he’d replace Bill Parcells when Parcells retires. But if Belichick could land a prestigious post like Kansas City’s, he may consider leaving. Former Panthers coach Dom Capers is also high on the Chiefs’ list.
In other coaching news, the Bears have narrowed their list to Arizona defensive coordinator Dave McGinnis and Green Bay offensive coordinator Sherm Lewis. And how fitting is this? Art Modell is battling his estranged Browns for the right to hire Minnesota offensive coordinator Brian Billick. Look for Cleveland to win that battle and for Baltimore to look at either Jacksonville offensive coordinator Chris Palmer or Michigan State coach Nick Saban.
Expansion news
The Browns will begin stocking their team on Feb. 9. NFL teams had to expose five veterans last week, and according to several NFL personnel directors I talked with, there are some diamonds in the rough. No. 1 on the CNN/SI list is Andy Heck, the Chicago Bears' left tackle, who just two years ago allowed zero sacks in a 16-game season. No. 2 is the Patriots’ Todd Rucci, who’s a very credible guard. Lions center Jim Pyne, Cowboys defensive tackle Antonio Anderson and 49ers cornerback Antonio Langham round out my top five.
The top guy in my second five is Redskins quarterback Gus Frerotte. You may ask "Why take a chance on a guy who hasn’t had much success in Washington?" Because the Browns are going to need a veteran quarterback to help tutor Tim Couch. The rest of my top 10: Bucs defensive tackle Marcus Jones, Oilers wideout Willie Davis, Colts guard Tom Myslinski and Raiders returner Desmond Howard. Conspicuous by his absence on this list is Green Bay’s Robert Brooks. The wide receiver is on the Packers’ expansion list, but don’t look for him to be picked -- he is considering retiring.
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