The New Head Coach Merry-Go-Round

Once again the Raiders are about to embark on the (almost) annual search for the next Head Coach. The post season is still in full swing and already speculation appears to be rife. Names like Fassel, Harbaugh, Gilbride, Trestman and Robiskie are coming up in some articles as possibles. But over the coming days/weeks I’m sure that there will some more familiar names mentioned as expectant or possible interviewees to be grilled by Al. And despite the rumours that Al intends to bring in an executive to be responsible, presumably, for personnel and football operations, I personally don’t see him giving up any of the overall control that he has. At least, not in the same way that certain other owners have done relatively recently. They did hire executives responsible for football operations and by giving them the power and control needed to do the job properly, have achieved remarkable results in a very short period of time. The fact that they were responsible for hiring the new HC and allowed them to do their job may have been a significant factor in achieving some measure of success. Al’s too much of a control freak to allow this to happen, unfortunately. However, I could be wrong. Mind you so would the majority of fans, pundits, sportscasters, and probably anyone who can actually spell the word football.

The Raiders are not alone in searching for the next Head Coach that will lead them to a better season than the last. Not least of these, if you believe the pundits, are the likes of Dallas. Wade Phillips was on shaky ground even before the final game of the season and the debacle against the Eagles may have put an end to his career as the Cowboys HC. The fact that Jason Garrett was being groomed and in line to become the next Dallas HC may not be a fact any longer. Having talked to several fans who have their finger on the Cowboys’s pulse, his performance as OC has not been exactly stellar this past season. In fact, the inconsistency of the Dallas offense, they reckon is down to his playbook and play calling. So along with several other teams they may be seeking a change at HC for next season. However, like the Raiders, the Cowboys have an owner that may not do what is expected so anything is possible.

The others that are, or may be, included in the scramble to replace the HC are the likes of Detroit, St Louis, Kansas City, Cincinatti and Cleveland appear high on the list of those looking to change. Whilst San Francisco may stick with Mike Singletary, it is possible that the likes of New Orleans and Minnesota may also be looking. Denver having had enough of Mike Shannahan are actively seeking a replacement. The Jets have already set about finding the replacement for the fired Eric Mangini and have drawn up a shortlist of candidates including the likes Russ Grimm, Steve Spagnuolo, Brian Schottenheimer and assistant head coach/offensive line coach Bill Callahan and started interviewing.

Some other big names may be on the move or possibly may be lured back into coaching. If the purported sale of the Miami franchise goes ahead, Bill Parcells is not likely to remain and it is rumoured that he may even want to get back into coaching. Mike Holmgren leaving Seattle was a given but will he actually retire or simply relocate. His supposed replacement has been on staff for a while, that being Jim Mora. So why are they interviewing Rod Marinelli? Is it just for the DC position. This will come as a bit of surprise to the incumbent, John Marshall who as far as I know hasn’t yet beeen moved out. I have even heard the rumour that Mike Shannahan may replace Wade Phillips. If so, where does Phillips go? Even Tony Dungy is considering his future with the Colts. With the post-season ongoing, the other prospects who are currently involved, but may be interested in a HC position are unavailable for comment. But I’m sure that there will be several that would like to make the move. Though some may take the same stance as the Eagles DC Jim Johnson, who appears to be happy to stay as a co-ordinator, as did Monte Kiffin. Will Andy Reid stay with the Eagles if they win the Superbowl. If not, Marty Mornhinweg is waiting in the wings. If he does, that makes Mornhinweg as a likely prospect. Both of the Pats co-ordinators, Dean Pees and Josh McDaniels could be prospects. There will be others, including some prospects from the college ranks. But according to some, the pickings are somewhat slimmer than in previous seasons of those that would be capable of stepping up to being the main focus of a franchise.

So what does this all mean to the Raiders chances of getting a competent HC? A great deal. With overarching perception that there are not many great, or even good, prospects that are available and with so many possibilities of vacancies, the poison chalice that is the Raiders HC job is not likely to be on many of the better candidates list of desirable positions to seek. There will always be some that are still naïve enough to give it try but would some of them not just be trying to pad out their résumés. Like some that could be mentioned. Besides, would it not be better to give Tom Cable the opportunity to show what he can do from the start of a season, rather than just taking over another man’s “mistakes” after the season is in progress and trying to make it work?

Well, perhaps not.