by Tony Bosma
A lot is happening in the NFL right now, especially in front offices around the league. It’s time to take a step back and see who’s out and the rumors of who’s joining NFL teams for the 2010 venture.
Cleveland Browns - Eric Mangini is scheduled to meet with football czar Mike Holmgren Tuesday and most likely will find out his fate then. It’s easy to make an emotional decision on Mangini either way. On one hand he distanced the media and fans the first 12 games of the season and made many questionable decisions. On the other hand, he closed the season with a four game winning streak. I wouldn’t expect Mangini back for the simple fact that his vision for a team is much different than Holmgren’s. Holmgren will want to run the west coast offense and have more control than Mangini would like. Expect Mangini to fall in line Tuesday with whatever Holmgren wants, but don’t expect him to exit the sit-down with a job.
Washington Redskins – Jim Zorn has been fired and Mike Shanahan was flown in on owner Dan Snyder’s private jet. Reports say Mike’s son Kyle, who didn’t sign an extension with the Houston Texans last offseason, will be the offensive coordinator.
New York Giants – Head coach Tom Coughlin is safe, but defensive coordinator Bill Sheridan has been fired after a lack luster 2009 outing by his defense.
Oakland Raiders – No report yet on whether Tom Cable will remain head coach but reports say he is scheduled to meet with owner Al Davis this week. I wouldn’t expect a change here. Davis is stubborn.
Buffalo Bills – Perry Fewell and his entire coaching staff are out in Buffalo. Fewell will get an interview for the job, but sources are reporting Marty Schottenheimer, Bill Cowher and Brian Billick may have interest.
Carolina Panthers – John Fox appears to be safe, but it’s no secret Cowher lives in the North Carolina area and would like to stay close to home. Reports are also saying Cowher may wait a year to see what happens with Fox, who has one year left on his contract.
Keep an eye on the head coaching jobs in Jacksonville, Seattle and Tampa Bay. No reports have surfaced as far as whether these coaches will stay or go, but these teams had poor seasons that could have their coaches on hot seats.
One long shot for dismissal is Jeff Fisher of Tennessee. Though there is no definitive reason for him to be fired, there seemed to be a bit of schism between he and owner Bud Adams over playing Vince Young this season. I wouldn’t expect him to go anywhere, but keep an eye out.
January 5th, 2010 at 4:04 pm
My money is on Mike Leach coaching the Raiders next year. It makes too much sense…
January 5th, 2010 at 4:06 pm
That’s not a bad call, really. Al Davis is crazy enough to do it.