Anyone who has been terminated, lost a job or not had a contract renewed can identify with this article. When discussing the plethora of NFL coaching vacancies, it seems we only mention young up-and-coming coordinators or assistant coaches with a certain pedigree.
But what about experience? Is the value of experience and maturity waning? Let’s take a look at my list of the top ten retreads, and their positives and drawbacks.
1. Bill Cowher
Positive: Won a Super Bowl in Pittsburgh. Was almost always competitive during a long tenure with the Steelers.
Negative: Seeks total franchise control. Interested in living on the East Coast near family. Making a good living working only weekends for CBS.
2. Mike Shanahan
Positive: Won a Super Bowl in Denver where he was labeled a genius.
Negative: Extremely arrogant control freak who’s value has slipped in recent years (see 2008 slide). May need some time to revive juices.
3. Marty Schottenheimer
Positive: Great regular season record at four different stops (Cleveland, Kansas City, Washington and San Diego).
Negative: Terrible post-season record (see John Elway). Appears to be enjoying golf down in North Carolina.
4. Brian Billick
Positive: Won a Super Bowl at Baltimore.
Negative: Record faded in recent years. Criticized for the failure to develop a QB in Baltimore, despite being labeled an offensive guru.
5. Mike Holmgren
Positive: Won Super Bowl at Green Bay and took the Seahawks to the Bowl as well.
Negative: Self-admitted burnout taking a year off to be with family.
6. Dennis Green
Positive: Successful in Minnesota before struggling in Arizona. Early disciple of Bill Walsh.
Negative: Off-the-field scandal with sexual harassment. Infamous “they were who we thought they were” meltdown.
7. Jim Fassel
Positive: Took the Giants to the Super Bowl.
Negative: Has been passed over for several years and appears to have fallen out of favor with the GM’s.
8. Mike Martz
Positive: Took Rams to the Super Bowl and was one of the architects of the Greatest Show on Turf.
Negative: Inflexible, arrogant and self absorbed.
9. Mike Nolan
Positive: Bright, young defensive mind from well-respected coaching tree (Dick Nolan).
Negative: Failed miserably in San Francisco, losing control of the team.
10. Pete Carroll
Positive: Has established a juggernaut at USC.
Negative: Failed in New England. Might not be willing to leave USC.
Successful Retreads:
- Bill Belichick
- Mike Shanahan
- Tom Coughlin
- Tony Dungy
- Chucky
- Mike Holmgren
- Marty Schottenheimer
Scrapheap:
- Art Shell
- The Genius of Defeat (Harm)
- Scott Linehan
- Steve Mariucci
- Sam Wyche
- Ray Rhodes
- George Seifert
Why has the NFL given up on these mature, experienced coaches in favor of the potential rising stars? It seems to me that they are driven by potential — betting on the come rather than attempting to harness the experience of prior coaching stints.
What about your Chiefs? Experience or potential? Let us know here at the Addict…
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