King's Corner

MATCHUP OF THE WEEK
Saints coach Jim Haslett versus Redskins coach Steve Spurrier
After getting the Washington job last winter, Spurrier was asked about the hours he'd have to work to be an NFL coach. "I saw a story saying Jim Haze-let comes in at 4:30 every morning," he replied. "That's not doing him much good." Haslett stewed but said nothing at the time. Spurrier hosts Haslett this Sunday, and I'd pay to hear their conversation when they exchange handshakes on the field.

MY TWO CENTS

1. I'd love to see Johnnie Cochran's initiative to pressure the NFL into hiring more black coaches—using draft picks to reward or penalize teams for diversity hiring practices-have the desired effect. The real shame of the NFL is when a team hires a coach (take the Vikings and Mike Tice) without even any pretense of equal opportunity.

2. When I see Broncos wideout Ed McCaffery burn the Chargers for a 69-yard touchdown catch and run, I marvel at his spirit. McCaffery, who is back after suffering a broken left leg in the 2001 season opener, is someone every coach should point to and say, "Here's a great example of what you should aspire to be."