2009 NFL Off Season Thread - Calgarypuck Forums - The Unofficial Calgary Flames Fan Community

burn_baby_burn · 01-12-2009, 08:47 AM

With Championship Sunday just around the corner it is time for the rest of us to discuss the happenings of the 2009 off season.

There is speculation that the Chiefs could announce their new GM as early as today. With Scott Pioli being considered the favorite, but not a lock for the vacant position.

mykalberta · 01-12-2009, 08:53 AM

If you look on some NFL boards, there is a rumor or what Pioli is asking for, its no wonder he hasnt been signed yet if those rumors are true.

I dont think you will see him in New England next year, with Belicheck and Kraft watching the BCS game, you would have thought Pioli would have been there if he was staying.

The possible free agent market is crazy. As a Broncos fan, I am hesitant about the Haynesworth rumors, althought if you are going to play a 3-4, he is the perfect middle 3. I dont like his injuries, with him being so big, that does scare me away from him.

FlamingLonghorn · 01-12-2009, 08:54 AM

Josh McDaniels is now the Broncos coach.

burn_baby_burn · 01-12-2009, 09:00 AM

The rumors out of New England (that seems to be where the most speculation about Pioli comes from) state the biggest obstacle with Pioli signing with KC is the fact that he wants total control of football operations as well as the business side. Clark Hunt has stated that he is splitting those duties between two individuals. Peterson had total control and it worked initially, but I think most people feel it eroded the talent on the football side of things, especially player evaluation. Clark wants a GM that is committed 100% to the football side, and is not distracted about advertising, selling, parking prices, etc. etc.

burn_baby_burn · 01-12-2009, 09:42 AM

Sirius 124 is reporting that Tony Dungy has retired. They say he is making the rounds, saying his good byes at the Colts offices.

Edit: Press conferance later today.

FlamingLonghorn · 01-12-2009, 09:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by burn_baby_burn

Sirius 124 is reporting that Tony Dungy has retired. They say he is making the rounds, saying his good byes at the Colts offices.

Good for him... He has his priorites straight and puts his family first.

burn_baby_burn · 01-12-2009, 10:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sowa

Good for him... He has his priorites straight and puts his family first.

He has stated recently that when he retired he was going to quit for good (allthough plenty of coaches have said that). 30 seconds later Peter King was trying to link him to potential coaching vacancies in 2010.

Pagal4321 · 01-12-2009, 10:10 AM

Every coach says once they retire that they want to quit for good. That isn't the truth for 95% of them, but I can see Dungy staying retired. Especially after the tragedy with his son, I think he's realized that family comes first.

What's Pioli asking for? (for those of us who have NO idea)

Good luck McDaniels, not only have you got big shoes to fill but you have a stigma of how coaches fail in the post-Bellicheck portions of their careers.

Bobblehead · 01-12-2009, 10:10 AM

Bill Walsh always said his greatest regret was retiring from the 49ers.

He waited a week after the season then felt so burnt out he retired, but said if he had waited a bit longer to recover from the stresses of the season he would have stayed on; so he recommends coaches wait much longer before making that decision.

Sylvanfan · 01-12-2009, 10:24 AM

Dungy has had a really good run with the Colts, and than with the Buccaneers before that. 10 straight years in the playoffs or something like that. It's a bit of a shame that his teams faltered in the playoffs at time, but at least he did get one Superbowl win. When you consider the violent nature of the game and the background that a lot of the players come from, it's pretty impressive that a guy who's as humble as Dungy has been able to get players to perform the way they have.

Clever_Iggy · 01-12-2009, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bobblehead

Bill Walsh always said his greatest regret was retiring from the 49ers.

He waited a week after the season then felt so burnt out he retired, but said if he had waited a bit longer to recover from the stresses of the season he would have stayed on; so he recommends coaches wait much longer before making that decision.

I remember reading that as well. It's a tough position for a guy like Dungy: unless he knew that this was his last season for awhile, the emotional let down of losing in the playoffs skews a coaches decision making ability, IMO.

But, I think Dungy might feel a little obligated to let the organization as early as possible so the transition can be as seamless as possible with the upcoming offseason (namely the draft and signing FA's). I think that point stands even though the Colts have a predecessor already named.

The other end of the spectrum is to Brett-Farve his decision for 4-5 months so ESPN can talk about it hourly, making me want to pull out my hair.

flames_1987 · 01-12-2009, 10:56 AM

A sad day for the NFL when one of the classiest and my favorite coach of all-time decides to retire. Anyone who's ever heard about the person he is or even read his book (which I strongly suggest "Quiet Strength") knows that Tony is a truly amazing human being. You'd be hard pressed to find a coach who more players respect around the league then Tony. I couldn't imagine going through what he has in life and still being such a positive person and role model.

Besides the person he is, his numbers and achievements are pretty outstanding. Especially when you look at the coaches that have worked under him and then went on to be a head coach in the league, Mike Tomlin, Herm Edwards, Rod Maranneli, Lovie Smith. I'm glad he can retire with a superbowl ring on his hand, but it's still a sad day for the Colts orginization.

Sainters7 · 01-12-2009, 12:41 PM

The Saints fired their DC Gary Gibbs last week and are said to be the front-runners to land Gregg Williams(Houston and Green Bay are also in the mix). He visited this past Friday and apparently came away extremely impressed. He's said to make an announcement early this week.

browna · 01-12-2009, 12:46 PM

I think Dungy will be back, after a year off. If a team like Jacksonville falters again next year, as solid a guy like Del Rio seems to be, it may be time for a change there and Dungy could get in and be closer to home...one of the reasons he's said in the past as Indy being so up in the air.

Bobblehead · 01-12-2009, 12:54 PM

BTW, the 49ers will have their 7th OC in 7 years. So far there have been 3 interviews with Scott Linehan being the biggest name.

And they brought back Tom Rathman as the RB coach (he spent the last 2 years with the Raiders)

mykalberta · 01-12-2009, 03:05 PM

I hope McDaniels brings in a Jim johnston type defensive coordinator. Someone with experience, but doesnt want the spotlight of coaching.

Denver might be a great job, but there are going to be high expectations of him for a first time coach.

burn_baby_burn · 01-12-2009, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pagal4321

What's Pioli asking for? (for those of us who have NO idea)

It has only been speculated, as far as I have read, what Pioli wants money wise. Lerner from the Browns said that money did not come up once when he talked to Pioli. He is asking for full control of football and business operations. That is where the hesitation from the Chiefs comes in.

Displaced Flames fan · 01-12-2009, 07:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mykalberta

I hope McDaniels brings in a Jim johnston type defensive coordinator. Someone with experience, but doesnt want the spotlight of coaching.

Denver might be a great job, but there are going to be high expectations of him for a first time coach.

Looks like former 49ers head coach Mike Nolan will be the defensive coordinator in Denver.

Works for me.

Antithesis · 01-12-2009, 08:59 PM

I am glad that Dungy is following his heart in this matter. I had a good deal of respect for him, but then I read his autobiography, and while I do not necessarily agree with his religious views, I gained even more respect (and admiration) for him. He seems like a great man, and if anyone, I believe that he is done now and entering a different part of his life.

flames_1987 · 01-12-2009, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Antithesis

I am glad that Dungy is following his heart in this matter. I had a good deal of respect for him, but then I read his autobiography, and while I do not necessarily agree with his religious views, I gained even more respect (and admiration) for him. He seems like a great man, and if anyone, I believe that he is done now and entering a different part of his life.

For the amount of absolute religious wackos there are in the world that do nothing but completely turn people off from organized religion, Tony is one of the good guys that belongs to one. I as well don't share the same religious views as him but as an entire person I have a hard time finding a better one then Tony.