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 Examining the trend-happy NFL
Posted: Tuesday June 08, 1999 12:43 PM
The NFL has always been a "trend" league. General managers emulate other GMs, Coaches copy other coaches, and owners build their franchises like other owners. So what trend is hot right now? It's the idea of hiring a head coach who can also call his own offensive plays, something Tom Landry made popular back in the 60s. And it's why Andy Reid was hired in Philly, Mike Riley in San Diego and Brian Billick in Baltimore. But let me tell you why this isn't always a good idea. I was in New York when Joe Walton and Bruce Coslet tried to do both jobs. Both had brilliant offensive minds and developed their NFL reputations as offensive coordinators. But as soon as they became head coaches and things didn't go well, the media declared they needed offensive coordinators. Plus, being a head coach is more time consuming. Former offensive coordinators soon find they don't have the time they need to prepare game plans, be in close contact with their players, and study their opponents like they did when all they had to worry about was the offense. And finally, just the idea that offensive play callers make the best head coaches isn't always correct. Take a look at the AFC East. Bill Parcells, Jimmy Johnson, Pete Carroll, and Wade Phillips all made the playoffs in '98. And all are defensive coaches with offensive coordinators calling the plays. So to Andy Reid, Mike Riley, and Brian Billick, be careful and be ready to adjust. Because the next hot trend will be that everyone must have an offensive coordinator. Pat Kirwan, who spent 12 years in the NFL as a coach, scout and personnel administrator, is an NFL analyst for CNN/SI.
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