The NFL has become a second-chance league. For coaches.
Coaches who have been blown out of their first job shouldn’t despair. The phone will likely ring again.
Consider the case of Washington defensive coordinator Gregg Williams. He was the hottest name in the early stages of the “new coach rumor” season. His name was connected to most job openings, and he was considered a top candidate until he decided to stay with the Redskins as coordinator.
Williams was the “it” name despite going just 17-31 as Buffalo’s head coach from 2001-03. It was his work as defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans and the Redskins that had teams so interested. He’s simply considered one of the top defensive minds in the league.
It may be a savvy move for prospective employers to disregard poor first-time records such as Williams’. Of the 32 coaches in the NFL in 2005, 10 were in their second go-round as a head coach in the league.
Six of those coaches have winning records with their new teams, and each of those six are in the playoffs this season. Two – New England’s Bill Belichick and the Broncos’ Mike Shanahan – have accounted for five Super Bowl titles in their second jobs after posting losing records at their first.
Thus, for first-time coaches such as Minnesota’s Mike Tice, Green Bay’s Mike Sherman, New Orleans’ Jim Haslett and St. Louis’ Mike Martz – all fired earlier this week – the end may not have come. In the NFL, there usually will be a second chance.
Old friend to the rescue
Baltimore: Don’t be surprised if Tice emerges in Baltimore. He and Ravens coach Brian Billick worked together as assistants in Minnesota during the Vikings’ salad days on offense in the late 1990s and remain friends. Billick nearly hired Tice early in his Ravens’ tenure.
If Ravens offensive coordinator Jim Fassel gets a head coaching job, there may be room for Tice in Baltimore. It might not be a bad move. Tice has an extensive background on offense. He was considered a premier offensive line coach in the NFL before being hired as a head coach. Billick, who has been given a reprieve in Baltimore, needs to win and needs to develop the offense. Any help would be beneficial.
Missed chance for Clarett
Chicago: There was speculation that Chicago was considering signing Maurice Clarett to a future contract, then send him to NFL Europe. Bears insiders denied it after Clarett’s arrest on armed robbery charges on New Year’s Day. Clarett’s agents said he was close to signing with an undisclosed team before the arrest.
It appears Clarett’s chances of getting another shot in the league are remote even if he is cleared on the charges. Before the latest episode, he might have been worth the gamble for the Bears. The team simply would have been sending him to Europe with its name attached to him. If he flamed out overseas, there would be no real risk.
End of party for Smoot?
Minnesota: Look for the Vikings to seriously consider parting ways with cornerback Fred Smoot. He was a major free-agent acquisition in 2005, but his first year in Minnesota was marred by injuries and off-field issues.
Smoot, who came over from Washington, was identified as one of two people who arranged the infamous sex boat party in October. He was one of four Vikings players to face misdemeanor charges in the case. Smoot did not play in last week’s season finale because of a disciplinary action stemming from the night before the game.
New Minnesota ownership has made it clear personal conduct is vital. Smoot’s issues probably aren’t going over so well. This team has salary cap room, so whacking Smoot is possible, and it would send a message that off-field shenanigans won’t be tolerated.
Raiders ready to deal
Oakland: Word persists that Oakland will try to make a play for a top draft pick. The Raiders, who finished 4-12, have the No. 6 or No. 7 pick in the draft, depending on an upcoming coin flip with San Francisco.
With a need for impact players and an impatient owner in Al Davis, don’t be surprised if Oakland tries to make a blockbuster deal. Remember, the Raiders made the offseason news of 2005 by dealing for receiver Randy Moss. That didn’t work as well as the Raiders had hoped, so now the team might try to get a quarterback.
With a veteran group of skill players such as Moss, fellow receiver Jerry Porter and running back LaMont Jordan, this team needs a quarterback who can perform well early. Don’t be surprised if Oakland tries to deal into the top three picks to make a run at quarterbacks Matt Leinart or Vince Young, if the latter turns pro. We all know Davis isn’t afraid to make a big deal, so expect him to plot a way to get a big gun during the next three months.
Bum deal?
San Diego: It’s a bit of a surprise that Chargers defensive coordinator Wade Phillips isn’t getting a lot of play for head coaching jobs, although Green Bay appears serious about him. This is a good move by the Packers. The guy is a winner and has done a fine job everywhere he’s been. The Chargers finished the season ranked No. 1 in run defense. Of course, stopping the run is a fine way to win games.
There was initial talk that Phillips would get a shot in Houston because of a close relationship with Texans consultant Dan Reeves.
It could still happen, and it should. This is a guy who belongs as a head coach.
One costly victory
San Francisco: Who says it pays to play hard? The 49ers’ overtime victory over Houston in the regular-season finale might have cost San Francisco plenty. The win ended the 49ers’ season at 4-12, and that guarantees either the No. 6 or 7 draft pick.
If the 49ers had lost, they would have gotten a top-three pick. The difference between the third pick and seventh pick could be huge.
Mauck’s big chance
Tennessee: Even though his NFL debut wasn’t great, Matt Mauck remains high in the Titans’ plans. The former Denver practice-squad player played in the season finale at Jacksonville and struggled.
But Mauck’s performance in practice and in the classroom has the team excited. Tennessee signed Mauck after he was beaten out in Denver by Bradlee Van Pelt during the 2005 training camp, then was cut. Mauck was on the Denver practice squad in 2004 after being a seventh-round draft choice out of LSU.
Tennessee offensive coordinator Norm Chow likes Mauck. Expect him to have a future in the league.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-820-5450 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
