Crennel, Marinelli and Mangini Out

Well, I am 1 for 2 so far.

Detroit fired Rod Marinelli this morning. No one should be surprised. Some people just aren't cut out to be head coaches and maybe Marinelli fits that bill. I think Detroit is bad, but I don't think they need help at EVERY position. Most positions, yes. Every position, no. They don't need a running back, they have Kevin Smith. They don't need a # 1 Wide Reciever, they have Calvin Johnson. I heard something interesting bantered about on ESPN 2's 1st & 10 last week. What if, the Patriots and Lions talked, and one said "Hey, you give us two 1st round picks (presumably this year's and next) and we'll give you Tom Brady."

Would you do this deal if you are the Lions? Would you do this deal if you are the Patriots? I think it has pros and cons for both sides. I'll discuss that in a later blog.

Eric Mangini out as the New York Jets head coach. Somewhat surprised, but not shocked. Rumors of him not getting along with Brett Favre kind of doomed him. If you don't get alone with the star, you are more expendable then the star. If I were the Jets, I don't know that I'd want Favre back for his football playing ability anymore.

Romeo Crennel out as head coach of the Cleveland Browns. Once again not a surprise. 4-12 with the expectations they had, somebody had to take the fall. This team is probably not that far away, but there are some things that need to be done to get the Dog Pound going again.

More later on

NFL Coaches.. Will they Stay or Will they Go?

I am now going to analyze on a % scale, in terms of % chance the coach has to return. To make it easy, everything will be broken into 10 % increments. Some will have detailed explanations, others will not. If I think there will be anew coach, I will list who I think the new coach will be.

AFC East
Buffalo Bills-Dick Jauron: 40 % chance he returns. Anytime your owner says we are going to meet and discuss the coach's future once the season is over, I don't think that bodes well for you. I personally don't think Jauron should have ever been hired. I would have hired Jim Haslett for the job when it was open a few years back. I don't think Jauron will survive, but I am not sure that he will be a victim of Black Monday. New Coach: Jim Haslett

New England Patriots-Bill Belichick: I am going to say 100 %. Bill Belichick relocates when Santa sets up shop on the South Pole.

New York Jets-Eric Mangini: I am going to say 60 % he returns. If Brett Favre was coming back, I'd change it to a 30-40 % chance he returns, since everyone in the NFL decides to cater to Brett Favre's every need and whim. But, since I don't think Brett Favre returns, I think Eric Mangingi does return. However, if the Jets take a step backwards next year (which I think they will) then Mangenius departs.

Miami Dolphins-Tony Sparano: 100 % chance he comes back. Only remote situation that I see him not coming back would be if Parcells left Miami and took Sparano with him, but I don't see that happening because if Sparano leaves, it would probably cost another team a draft pick or two. Even though the Dolphins turnaround has been one of the best in NFL history, I don't see a team giving up a draft pick or two for Sparano.

AFC North
Pittsburgh Steelers-Mike Tomlin: Unless Mike Tomlin decides he wants to leave the NFL and join the monastery, 100 % he's back in the Steel City.

Cincinnati Bengals-Marvin Lewis: 30 % chance Marvin returns to Cincy. If I was Marvin, I'd want to get fired, because I think (and I am probably not alone) Cincinnati is one of the worst jobs in the NFL. The Bengals problems are more then the head coach, but I think if you get rid of him, then you overhaul the rest of the team (Bye bye Ocho Cinco, T.J. Housh) and just start fresh. I think Marvin Lewis will get another job in the NFL, he might just have to go in the booth or studio for a year, or take a coordinator's spot. New Coach: Mike Hermerdinger

Cleveland Browns-Romeo Crennel: 0 % chance he returns. I hate to knock people from the Lynchburg area, but I don't think there is anyway in the world you can bring Romeo back to Cleveland. Especially when you lose your security blanket (General Manager Phil Savage). This Browns team has underachieved probably more then any other team in the NFL. Unfortunately, someone has to take the fall for the poor play by Cleveland, and it's going to be Romeo. I don't know that he gets another head coaching job for a long time. Coordinator, yes. Head coach, I just don't think he gets another shot for a long time. New Coach: Marty Schottenheimer.

Baltimore Ravens-John Harbaugh: 100 % chance he comes back. You normally don't get a pink slip when your team makes the playoffs, after missing the previous season. Harbaugh returns for season 2.

AFC South
Tennessee Titans-Jeff Fisher: 100 % chance he comes back. Fisher is probably the best coach in the NFL, and I think he has a job for as long as he wants it.

Indianapolis Colts-Tony Dungy: 60 % chance he comes back. If he wants to come back, it's 100 %. But, has Tony has enough of the league? I don't know, for the Colts sake I hope not. Even if Dungy steps out of the game, I can't say for certain hat he is done in the NFL. If he leaves, obviously Jim Caldwell is the guy who steps in.

Jacksonville Jaguars-Jack Del Rio: 60 % chance he comes back. If he has another one of the seasons, then I'll decrease it to about 20 %, but for now, I think Del Rio comes back. I don't really know why I am so certain he comes back. The Jags weren't really banged up this season or anything, they stayed healthy for most of the year, they just underachieved. Even though, I rank it at 60 % he comes back, I wouldn't be shocked if he got fired. But, I say he returns.

Houston Texans-Gary Kubiak: I say 70 % chance he is back. I think Houston has fared well this year, and next year I would actually give them a legitimate chance of making the postseason, But, I think Kubiak is safe for now and the foreseeable future.

AFC West
Oakland Raiders-Tom Cable: I am going to say 60% he returns. The Raiders did beat Tampa Bay, I think that's going to carry some weight in Al Davis' eyes. Plus, if Cable is going to listen to Al, bow to Al, and not be defiant like Lane Kiffin will, I think Cable returns.

Kansas City Chiefs-Herm Edwards: I am going to say 60 % chance Herm comes back. I don't know why I go with that number, but a good chunk of me is just saying Herm returns to rile up my friend and huge Chiefs fan, Jeff Fawver. I honestly think people like Herm, think he's a good motivator, things of that sort and I think that what keeps him hanging around. I don't know why all these people think these things but I think they do think these things.

San Diego Chargers-Norv Turner: I am going to say 60 % chance Norv comes back. I don't know that he should come back, because I think Norv is one of the more overrated coaches their is. Plus, the Chargers (in some people's eyes) had Super Bowl aspirations. If you have Super Bowl aspirations and finish 8-8, I don't know that you deserve to come back. Plus, if the Broncos don't go totally in the tank, then the Chargers aren't in the playoffs.

Denver Broncos-Mike Shanahan: I am going to say 70 % chance that Shanahan comes back. I know they folded like a house of cards down the stretch, but I think Shanahan has unbelievable job security. He has been there in the good and bad times, and I think he remains coach of the Broncos.

NFC East
Washington Redskins-Jim Zorn: I am going to say 40 % chance he returns. I know he squabbled with Clinton Portis (Dan Snyder's Boy) earlier in the year and the Redskins actually stepped backwards later in the season rather then continue to hold the line. This team was 6-2 and finished the season 2-6. That's 8-8. For a patient person like Dan Snyder, I don't know that 8-8 will satisfy, regardless if Zorn is in his first year or not. I am sure Snyder would throw big money at Bill Cowher if he came back. I don't know that Mike Holmgren would take a job with a meddlesome owner. Other names, I could see Snyder trying to lure Bill Parcells (but would Parcells want to take it after dealing with one meddlesome owner?). To be honest, I don't think Snyder is that meddlesome of an owner as long as you win. Guys like Jerry Jones and Al Davis want their hands in things win, lose or draw. But, I think Zorn doesn't come back and Snyder looks to make a splash with a big name. New Coach: I really don't know. I am afraid to guess, I think if he got rid of Cerrato, and gave total control to someone, I think he could get a Cowher or a Parcells. I really wonder if there is enough money in the world to get a Bill Belichick, which i'd be really curious to see. I think Snyder will go with a big name, but not a college guy. He went there and did that with Steve Spurrier. The only college guy I could see him going with is Pete Carroll. But, if I was forced to make a pick for Snyder, I would go with Steve Mariucci (I don't know that you could call Mariucci a big name, but that's just what my big, fat gut says.)

Dallas Cowboys-Wade Phillips: I am going to say 70 % chance he does not return. I know what Jerry Jones said prior to Week 17, but I don't think there is a way in the world you can justify bringing Wade back after yesterday. There's a ton of fighting in the locker room (depending on who you want to believe) and to me Wade has lost control of that team. I believe if you lose control of your team as a coach, at that point, you have to go. No if's, and's, or but's. New Coach: Again a tough one, it has to be similar to the Raiders, where I think it has to be a coach who is going to have to put up with Jerry in his ear all year. With that being said, I can't imagine it's a guy like Cowher or someone who would want both responsibilities. Neither of these names are sexy, but the Cowboys don't always go for the splash. I am going to say the 'Boys go with either Ron Rivera or Karl Dorrell.

New York Giants-Tom Couglin: 100 % he comes back. Funny, how a couple of years ago, he was on the chopping block and now he is probably considered one of the top 5 coaches in the league.

Philadelphia Eagles-Andy Reid: 60 % he comes back. I wouldn't be shocked if he didn't, but considering how the Eagles are ending the season, I think it's tough to justify him not coming back If Andy Reid doesn't want to come back that's one thing, but I think he will. I see him pulling a Holmgren at some point, where he announces prior to the season that he is not going to come back.

NFC North
Chicago Bears-Lovie Smith: 90 % he comes back. I thought the Bears would be terrible this year (I should listen to my friend, Mike Fisch more. Don't tell him I said that.) but they haven't been nearly as bad as I thought they would be and I credit Lovie Smith for that. The Bears offense is still what I'd call below average. But, I think Lovie is one of the more underrated coaches in the NFL. Lovie stays in Chicago, and this team could win the NFC North next year.

Green Bay Packers-Mike McCarthy: This is a tough one to me. I want to say 50 %, but that's really straddling the fence. So, I am going to say 60 % he comes back. Like Del Rio, it wouldn't shock me if McCarthy didn't return. I think the Jets missing the playoffs actually helps McCarthy's cause. If the Jets made the playoffs, I think McCarthy is axed. Also, if Green Bay lost to Detroit, I could also see McCarthy's head on the chopping block. But, I think McCarthy comes back, but he isn't on the sturdiest of ground as we head into the 2009 season.

Minnesota Vikings-Brad Childress: 70 % he comes back. The Vikings made the playoffs. In some ways, I think the Vikings are one of the more underachieving teams in the league, but in a way, I think they are working with the best they have too. I think people anointed the Vikings as a legit contender a little too quick though.

Detroit Lions-Rod Marinelli: 0 % he comes back. I'd love to give this a 10 %, because I have never really heard a bad word about Rod Marinelli, but you can't bring back a coach who has had a winless season. I mean you would think out of 16 games, you could find 1 win somewhere. I think Marinelli has to go, they need a GM, they need a quarterback, they need some defensive help. Lots of things the Lions need, but unfortunately they can't keep Marinelli. New Coach: Brian Billick. No reason, just a hunch.

NFC South
Atlanta Falcons-Mike Smith: 100 % he comes back. Do I even need to address this? Next question.

Carolina Panthers-John Fox: 100 % he comes back. Do I need to give reasons why? Next.

New Orleans Saints-Sean Payton: 80 % he returns. I think he's a good coach, just some bad breaks. The Saints will be back, I mean it's not like they were dismal. They did finish 8-8.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Jon Gruden: 80 % he returns. I don't think they can get anyone better, plus Gruden's a good coach. I know they tanked down the stretch, but I am bringing Shanahan back and they tanked down the stretch also.

NFC West
San Francisco 49ers-Mike Singletary: 100 % he comes back. He just signed a 5 year deal.

St. Louis Rams-Jim Haslett: 40 % he comes back I don't think he did a bad job. Plus, it's never easy taking over during the season for the head coach, when you weren't the head coach (I know he was an assistant on the staff.) But, I like Haslett and I think he should come back and I think the Rams could be vastly improved next season. With that being said, I think Haslett will take over in Buffalo and won't be back with the Rams. New Coach: Jim Schwartz, Defensive Coordinator for the Titans.

Seattle Seahawks-Mike Holmgren: 0 % he returns. He said he wasn't coming back, I believe him when he said he wasn't coming back. I think he will return at some point to coaching. New Coach: Jim Mora Jr. is coach in waiting, so I have to go with him.

Arizona Cardinals-Ken Whisenhunt: 100 % chance he returns. The Bidwell's are cheap and why put together another coaching search when you have a guy that took you to the playoffs.

More NFL talk to come in the future blogs.

NFL Coach of the Year.. Top 5 Candidates

There are 32 head coaching jobs in the NFL. I can name you about 3 or 4 people that will not recieve NFL Coach of the Year (Rod Marinelli, Herman Edwards, Mike Holmgren and Tom Cable). However, there are more then five qualified candidates out there to earn the distinction of the top coach in the National Football League. Here's a list of the five coaches (and why) they are in my five.

1. Mike Smith-Atlanta Falcons. The Falcons were a disgraced franchise after last season. The Dirty Birds still had a cloud over their team called Michael Vick. Bobby Petrino had essentially embarrassed the franchise with the way he left and headed to greener pastures in Fayetteville, Arkansas. Enter a new front office, and a new head coach that most people had probably never heard of in Mike Smith. The first year man in Atlanta has done an excellent job of getting this franchise into the playoffs. Granted, Michael Turner is a talent, but Matt Ryan was an unknown and the wide recieving core had been a non factor headed into this season. Also, factor in that the Falcons play in one of the toughest divisions in football in the NFC South.

2. Tony Sparano-Miami Dolphins. If you read my post on the possibilities for the Most Valuable Player of the National Football League, you'll know how valuable I thought Chad Pennington was in a 1-15 turnaround of the Miami Dolphins. If you give Pennington credit, I think you may have to give Dolphins first year man, Tony Sparano equal if not more credit then Pennington. The Dolphins were 1-15 last season. They were 1 loss away from setting the record of 0-16. Sparano (and the front office that includes Bill Parcells) has this team one win away from a divisional title. I realize the AFC East is Brady-less right now but even if I told you that the Patriots would not have Tom Brady for the season, I dont think most people would have picked the Dolphins to win the division. Sparano deserves major credit for the turnaround that is going on in South Beach.

3. John Harbaugh-Baltimore Ravens. Similar to the Atlanta Falcons (except Steve McNair or Kyle Boiller were not involved in dog fighting rings, and their coach didn't jettison off to the SEC {he was fired instead}. Rookie head coach and rookie quarterback may be the new trend in the NFL. Obviously, that defense is still pretty good. Ed Reed and Ray Lewis are still probably two of the best NFL defensive players that exist, but the Ravens also have recieved key contributions from non household names such as LaRon McClain, Willis McGahee and Ray Rice. The Ravens were certainly not considered a playoff contender by most.

4. Bill Belichick-New England Patriots. No Tom Brady, no running game, you would think no chance for the Patriots. This proves that a good head coach can do wonders, and Bill Belichick is not just a good head coach, he is a great head coach. Maybe the greatest of all time. I think most people thought like me once Brady went down, "The Patriots have no chance." That has proven to be false. When you have been winning with people like Matt Cassel and BenJarvus Green-Ellis, you have to give that guy some props as a coach of the year candidate.

5. Lovie Smith-Chicago Bears. The Bears have a shot at the playoffs. If you thought that was going to happen at the beginning of the year you are a die hard Chicago sports fan, or just a poor misguided soul. But, if you are a Bears fan, you are probably both. Lovie Smith has done a great job. The Bears have a very good running back in Matt Forte, but they still have no solid passing game. Kyle Orton is servicable at best, but the Bears have nothing to speak of at the wide recieves position. The Bears are almost similar to the Ravens but I'd take Flacco over Orton. With that being said, I'd still take Harbaugh as my coach of the year over Lovie. But you have to give the Texan credit for what he's done this season.

My choice for Coach of the Year is......Bill Belichick. What Belichick has done this year without Brady at quarterback is nothing short of spectacular. This would be like Don Shula winning with the Dolphins back up to Dan Marino. Even though I consider myself a major sports guru, I don't even remember who Marino's back up was during his prime. Belichick has also been coaching a banged up defense all year to add onto the problems. For a guy who has the personality of a Klondike bar, he is probably one of the top 5 coaches in NFL history. Bill Belichick, NFL Coach of the Year in 2009.

Honorable Mentions: Tom Coughlin-New York Giants, Jon Gruden-Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Jeff Fisher-Tennessee Titans

NFL MVP... Top 5 Candidates?

As the NFL season draws to a conclusion, there is a lot of debate about what teams will make the playoffs, and who will win the Super Bowl? However, I am here to debate the MVP race and give you who my final five candidates for MVP.

1. Chad Pennington- The Dolphins were 1-15 last year. 1-15! Obviously, you have to give the Tuna (Bill Parcells) and Tony (Sparano) some credit for that. But, I think you have to give Chad Pennington the veteran quarterback some credit as well. Pennington has, in my opinion, outplayed the person that the Jets acquired (Brett Favre) and remember the Jets had serious discussions about who was the better choice for them, Kellen Clements or Chad Pennington? With all that being said, even if the Dolphins don't make the playoffs, (and I don't think they will, because I think they will lose to the Jets) you have to give credit for what they have done. This is not a postseason award. This is the NFL regular season MVP.

2. Matt Cassel- A guy that did not even start in college, was really probably never counted on to play with the Patriots, unless it was a 30 point margin with 2:15 to go in the 4th. All that being said, he has just stepped into a situation, where he is filling in for a guy who has won three Super Bowls. With the Patriots falling to the Giants last year, I think expectations with all key Patriots returning, were the Patriots were just going to pick up where they left off. Once Brady went down, I think most people (not just Patriots fans) thought "Well, the Patriots will be picking in the top 10 next year in the draft, this is now a throwaway year." Clearly, that has not been the case. Obviously most think Belichick is a genius. I don't dispute that, but as William Campbell High School's head coach Brad Bradley has told me before, "Coaches lose games, players win games". While I don't know that we can say that is always absolute, it does ring true more then it rings false. I think Cassel deserves strong consideration for MVP, because like I said earlier, this is the NFL MVP. It's a regular season award, not a postseason award.

3. Peyton Manning- The Colts were also somewhat left for dead. After a red hot start by the Tennessee Titans, and a very sluggish start by the Colts, most wrote the Colts off. Now, obviously they didn't win the division, but I think if you took a poll of 100 NFL fans right now, and asked them "What team would you not want your favorite team to face in the playoffs?", I think most would say Colts. Peyton Manning has led this team, and done most of this without Joseph Addai, and an aging Marvin Harrison. After the first few games of the season, I don't think most people would have given the Colts a chance. The quarterback is always the focal point of a team. He gets credit for the wins and blame for the losses. With all that being said, I think you have to give Peyton Manning credit for getting the Colts back to a legitimate Super Bowl contender.

4. Michael Turner- The Falcons success should be credited to a lot of people, Mike Smith, the rookie head coach. The rookie quarterback, Matt Ryan should also get some credit as well. However, Mike Smith wants to establish the run in each game, and Michael Turner has established that run for the Falcons time after time through the first 15 games of the season. Could Jerrious Norwood have done the same thing? Maybe, but I doubt it. Also, anytime you have people say, "Did the Chargers keep the wrong running back", that's pretty high praise. I realize that the topic is talk radio banter, but "burner" Turner has done a good job for the Falcons this year, and I think deserves serious consideration for the MVP as well.

5. Thomas Jones- I think that Brett Favre has helped this ball club get to a respectable point this year. But, Favre's year in the Big Apple has been aided tremendously by the running back from Big Stone Gap, Virginia. I think the other four candidates listed are probably stronger, but I think Jones deserves some votes. Everybody thinks "Brett, Brett, Brett" but number 4 is not nearly as effective and strong without Thomas Jones in the backfield.

My pick to win the most valuable player is...... Chad Pennington. To reiterate some previously stated points. The Dolphins were 1-15 last year. 1-15! Pennington has 1,230 less passing yards then Drew Brees, the leader. Pennington has 15 less touchdown passes then the leader, Phillip Rivers. However, Pennington took the Dolphins into a Brady-less Foxboro, where the Dolphins shouldn't have won, and they won. The Dolphins are in the playoff race and it's largely because of Chad Pennington. Pennington is a guy who was ripped in New York unmercifully. Most New Yorkers probably thought their paperboy had a better arm then Pennington. This Dolphins team was 0-2 headed into Foxboro, surely to go to 0-3 and Pennington and the Wildcat formation defeated the AFC East's Evil Empire. Granted, the Dolphins have only won one game against a team that will make the playoffs (the AFC West winner), but if you look at their five losses (Jets, Cardinals, Texans, Ravens and Patriots) one of those teams has already clinched a playoff spot, three have a chance in Week 17 and the Texans squeaked out a one point victory with 6 seconds left. With all this said, I think Chad Pennington is the league's MVP followed by Cassel, then I'd vote Turner and then Manning.

Disagree? You are free to think that way. But leave a comment and tell me why.

Update on "The Sports Buffet" and More

For all you devout fans of "The Sports Buffet" podcast, I just wanted to update you of the status. I have yet to meet with my webmaster yet, I will be hopefully over the winter break, or once the school year resumes after the New Year. I will be developing my own web site. The domain name has yet to be registered or decided. The reason the podcast is not active now, is the website I was using at My Podcast has really been giving me major headaches, and it has made it very difficult/near impossible to upload files. You can still check out the files that have already been uploaded at The Sports Buffet Podcast. The new site will still feature old broadcasts from "Talking High School Sports" and games that have been broadcasted on WKDE. The website will also try to have schedules/scores/results and provide somewhat of a high school sports almanac. I will also hopefully update the blogs and everything else on a more frequent basis as well.

Any ideas, thoughts, suggestions, and anything else, please e-mail me at TheSportsBuffet@verizon.net

The Future of "The Sports Buffet" podcast

To all my loyal listeners of "The Sports Buffet" podcast, I appreciate you first off. I would love more comments on the podcasts, what you like, dislike and so forth and so on. You can always reach me by e-mail at TheSportsBuffet@verizon.net

With that being said, "The Sports Buffet" is going to be on a break or hiatus until probably the first of 2009. The site I have been using for "The Sports Buffet" is just not user friendly anymore and it has been very difficult to upload files. I encourage you to still go to the site and check out some of the older podcasts, to easier search for an episode (you can search by school, name, sport, whatever, by clicking here and typing in the keyword.

There are some other sites out there, but I just want to make sure the next site I go with is long term (even though My Podcast lasted me for longer then a year). I still intend to post "older" interviews and games from my days with WKDE and more. I firmly believe people want to hear new and fresh content, but I believe honoring those and featuring those that I have interviewed in the past should be featured across the world wide web as well. The "New" site is going to feature much more then just a podcast (hopefully) with hopeful links for all high school and college and pro sports fans, as well as stats and schedules and everything else a sports fan could want. I hope to make "The Sports Buffet" one stop shopping for all sports fans.

So, if you are a coach or athlete, and see that your interview has not been posted, please be patient. No one, but no one, is more fustrated by the lack of podcasts then yours truly. I have not forgotten about anything, as well as scheduling interviews and such. Hopefully, my blogs will take a more active role while the podcast is rebuilding, and will continue to be active after the podcast is reborn.

Finally, I also would like to take this opportunity to thank all the coaches, athletes, athletic directors, sports information people, other media members and anyone else that I pester for interviews, information and requests on a random basis. Please know that I appreciate you all more then you think. Also, once again big thanks to the listeners to "The Sports Buffet". I know everyone might not be interested in every single topic I cover, but if I have conducted one interview that you have enjoyed, then I hope you will check back frequently and will tell others about an interview that you may have enjoyed.

Thanks for indulging me and any questions, comments or concerns, please address them to TheSportsBuffet@verizon.net