I will say this about Shanahan: he has gotten away from what made his teams consistently good in the past couple years. They were always built around a top running game with solid defense. Now they have a good to star-in-the-making QB but awful defense and an inconsistent running game. I was surprised that they fired him too, but it makes sense. They’ve really struggled to make headway these past few years despite finding Cutler, and there’s no reason to think Shanahan is going to turn them into the powerhouse they could be any time soon. This is a job opening that could really suit Cowher if he felt like coming back.

As for Mangini, I think he’s a decent coach, but the Jets missed the playoffs after going on a HUGE sprending spree in the off season and having a very easy schedule. I agree that it does show you the difference between Pittsburgh with the Rooney’s and New York.

Good stuff here. HC and /or GM positions must work together and blame goes both ways if things don’t work out. Bill Parcells made the point many years ago that if “They want you to cook the dinner, at least they ought to let you shop for some of the groceries.” For Shanahan, who had control over personnel, this may have back-fired on him. I can completely understand a coach’s desire to pick the players, afterall he is the guy they are going to fire. I heard a report that Bowen wanted his DC fired and Shanny refused, thus setting the stage for a showdown.

Mangini got fired for two reasons – 1) it’s NY and 2) Brett Favre. Firstly, the Jets can’t live with being second fiddle to the Giants much longer, so they are desperate. World Media HQ has to write and blab and gossip 24/7 and the pressure is on to make something happen. Favre was a short-sighted move and is going to haunt them for quite awhile. The Jets did spend big $$ in the off-season, but were these guys wanted by Mangini? We’ll never know for sure.

 I can’t hide my disdain for Favre and his jr high drama but like it or not, his hi-jinks cost Mangenius his job. Favre rediscovered his Mr Hyde just in time for the playoff run. His play didn’t help the Jets and his obvious subversions relating to Mangini’s style sealed the deal. The Jets are doubly stupid because now they have no coach and no QB. Favre is done and the Jets are going nowhere. Even if he does play next year – so what? He’s leading them to the SuperBowl… no way Then what? Favre is in love with his image and can’t deal with the adversity which inevitably comes. He only has time and energy for the fawning reporters and fame, but not the criticism or responsibilty with his position.

If I were the Jets owner, I would get Shanahan on the phone and get his ass down on Broadway ASAP. Shanny is going to work double time to show he still has it and taking the most high profile job available will suit him just fine. He’s itching right now to shove it in Bowen’s face and where better than in media central?

The Steelers have the best model for the head coach gig. Number One – the coach will be here next year, some of you players won’t be. That is where it all starts. If the players know the coach is on a short leash, why should they respect him and comply? They won’t. Jerry Jones is his own worst enemy. Every time he has a sit down with one of his derelict players he undermines his own coach’s position. Authority and accountability as delivered by the coach is what makes the whole team work or not work. No one goes to the VP for an answer if the President gives you an audience. Cowher got outcoached many times but the players knew he was in charge long term, they had to respect his position even if they thought he was wrong. The Steelers do not tolerate deadbeats, egomaniacs or malcontents and that is why they are always in contention.

I agree with the responses here, particularly OhioSteel’s reference to the HC being the guy who sets the tone. Just like the CEO or the family patriarch, someone has to give shape and direction to the organization.

The ship’s Captain is rarely at the helm, but the ship gets where it is going – safely, on time and without losing it’s cargo. The HC is the guy who sets the standards for performance, effort, discipline and character. Without a good leader, the football team has no common bond nor common purpose. They can even be bonded through their mutual admiration or loathing of the head man, but without some respect/fear of his authority, the group will not tow the line. Everyone feels good if their teammates are equally miserable during bad times and equally elated during good times. That commonality of purpose and shared responsibility is instilled by a man, it is not in the water or naturally occuring in all individuals.

The thing I miss most being a head coach is the reduced time actually spent coaching. There are always other responsibilities that need attention besides what happens between the lines. I do know this, if I don’t lead my team someone else will. That someone may not be taking you down the same path which you desire to tread. Delegation and assigning responsibilities, with appropriate credit and blame doled out to all is part of the job. It’s not always fun but it is essential. Talent is required to win, but you can win with less talent if the other team has less coaching and leadership.

On most teams the HC is not the play caller and depending on his background may not be involved much at all with O or D play calls.

You are right about what they should be doing – giving general direction and guidance during the week – strategically if not specifically. The tactics may be left to the OC but the HC should be involved with the game planning. An example would be a HC telling the OC to attack certain locations with the run because of the defensive scheme or relative personnel weakness, also minimizing the attack toward a certain player or area. The HC has to feel comfortable with the plan and try to avoid the big mistake while helping to maximize their execution.

Some OCs call the game a certain way because of what they want to do or show or what their philosophy is. Sometimes their view is highly skewed vs reality or results. Look at the 49ers – why did it take Singletary to change QBs? He’s a defensive guy, Martz is supposed to be the guru. Why didn’t Martz switch to Shaun Hill when O’Sullivan wasn’t getting it done?

I’ve had to overrule my coordinators on many issues where I thought the right answer was obvious but they had vastly different views. I think a head coach needs to have a small ego when it comes to sharing ideas and philosophies but enough self-confidence to decide what is right for the team regardless of your wishes, philosophy or prior plan. You have to do what works, not what you want it to look like. OCs in particular are in love with schemes and player types, sometimes whether it works or not!!

if u noticed, denvers defense this year sucks. their offense is astonishing. Mike Shanahan is an offensive coach, and isnt that great on defennse. they know their offense is amazing so they wanna work on their defense. they fired Shanahan because they want a good defensive guy at head coach. thats y they r interviewing Steve Spagnola and Jimmy Johnson (Both Defensive Coordinaters 4 the Giants and Eagles)…they fired Shanahan not because they dont think hes good, actually they think hes amazing, but they need a defense, and Mike Shanahan wont be able to deliver one.