AP file
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Uniformity. Conformity. Cookie-cutter clubs.
However, when it comes to job opportunities as a head coach, all of that standardization goes out with the trash. Some openings are gold mines, others are land fills. You can be an assistant coach on the rise, with loads of experience, just waiting for your chance to get control of a team, but instead of a team you get the Saints.
You wonder why there aren’t more assistant coaches going into real estate or insurance.
The New Orleans Saints fired their head coach, Jim Haslett, who really should be grateful he lasted as long as he did. Instead, he asked for a contract extension before getting the axe, perhaps laying the groundwork for a career in standup comedy.
The Saints’ job is one of the least attractive available — and remember, the Lions and Texans are also looking for coaches, so that’s saying something — primarily because of their owner, Tom Benson. Success on the field is an extension of ownership, and Benson is the Michael Brown of the NFL. He has allowed his franchise to slip into disaster status.
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The Lions represent another opening that should come with a warning label. They have a lot of talent at wide receiver, but it is underachieving talent. Plus, they have no quarterback to throw the ball to those underachievers. Joey Harrington likely is gone, and Jeff Garcia is no answer.
On the other end of the spectrum, though, is the Minnesota Vikings. The Vikes have some players. They’re capable of making a run at being the NFC representative in the Super Bowl. They have options at quarterback – either welcome back Daunte Culpepper from injury and sex-boat disgrace, or stick with aging but effective Brad Johnson.
Silva: Each NFL team enters the offseason with a series of pressing needs. Sometimes a team can address them all, sometimes they ignore them all. But if a team's smart, they'll listen to us. These are the most crucial aspects for NFC teams.
Wesseling: Each NFL team enters the offseason with a series of pressing needs. Sometimes a team can address them all, sometimes they ignore them all. But if a team's smart, they'll listen to us. These are the most crucial aspects for AFC teams.
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