# 2013 NFL Coaching Carousel

**URL:** <https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2013-nfl-coaching-carousel/645687>\
**Category:** The Game Room\
**Created:** [December 31, 2012, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2013-nfl-coaching-carousel/645687 "2012-12-31T18:11:43Z")\
**Posts on this page:** 20\
**Page:** 6

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**Author:** ![Jules\_Andre](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jules_andre/32/9334_2.png) [@Jules\_Andre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jules_Andre)\
**Post date:** [January 7, 2013, 1:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2013-nfl-coaching-carousel/645687/101 "2013-01-07T01:29:58Z")

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> [@Marley23](#):
>
> Are the Chargers interested? I thought that sounded like an interesting fit.

I can’t find confirmation of the Chargers having interviewed anyone. The Eagles, Bills, Browns, and Bears have all interviewed multiple candidates in confirmed reports. What’s going on?

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**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\
**Post date:** [January 7, 2013, 1:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2013-nfl-coaching-carousel/645687/102 "2013-01-07T01:38:24Z")

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I wonder wtf Kelly is trying to accomplish. Will his stock ever be higher than it is now? If he refuses two coaching jobs he was reported close to having, after he did the same last year, the NFL is going to think he’s a flake. And he’s going back to a college program about to face heavy sanctions, so his on-field performance is likely to suffer. Is he just too scared to make the jump to the NFL, or does he think all this dicking around is going to somehow help his career?

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**Author:** ![MOIDALIZE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e274bd/32.png) [@MOIDALIZE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MOIDALIZE)\
**Post date:** [January 7, 2013, 1:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2013-nfl-coaching-carousel/645687/103 "2013-01-07T01:41:22Z")

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> [@etv78](#):
>
> Question about the “Rooney Rule”-If he refuses the interview (because it’s a sham interview) is the team still in compliance?

I’d only consider them shams if teams were interviewing lesser coordinators like running backs coaches. Presumably the guys they do interview could be a plausible HC candidate someday, so even if the team has no plans to hire them, it helps put the minority candidate’s name on the radar and forces the teams to actively consider minority candidates, rather than presumptively dismissing the possibility.

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**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\
**Post date:** [January 7, 2013, 1:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2013-nfl-coaching-carousel/645687/104 "2013-01-07T01:50:35Z")

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> [@Marley23](#):
>
> Are the Chargers interested? I thought that sounded like an interesting fit.

The local papers have called out the Bills and Chargers as possible/likely landing spots for Lovie. That’s entirely speculation it seems, it sounds like Lovie has gone completely off the radar and isn’t talking to the media at all. The only confirmation of Lovie doing anything was by the Bills website who made it sound like Lovie reached out to them and the agreed purely out of respect. That they hired Marrone a couple days later makes me think they had already made up their mind before talking to Lovie. Then again, the Bills PR team might just be incompetent.

> [@etv78](#):
>
> Question about the “Rooney Rule”-If he refuses the interview (because it’s a sham interview) is the team still in compliance?

I’m not sure. I know teams in the past have made hires without talking to a black coach and were granted waivers by the league. Not sure what criteria allows that, I’m guessing the league would be okay with it if they believed the team made a good faith effort. Sounds like it’s a pretty flexible rule that isn’t really anti-competitive so both sides are pretty pragmatic about it. I’m guessing there’s a article on the web somewhere that goes into detail on it, I’m too lazy to check.

> [@Jules\_Andre](#):
>
> **Omni** , you have completely missed my point. You cannot see the forest for the trees.
> 
> The Eagles have completely lost the big-picture macro focus for a series of micro decisions related in that they all reveal obvious desperation. The Kelly hire would be emblematic of more of that rash, desperate decision making. That’s the last I’ll say about that because I don’t want to derail an entire thread when we clearly aren’t having the same argument.

I understand your point. I’m just saying that Reid was the guy making rash decisions in the last couple years because his ass was on fire. He’s gone. What happened in the last couple years is probably moot.

The hiring of Kelly is only indicative of the Eagles wanting a big name coach and wanting to finish the process quickly. Presumably Kelly will then run things however he chooses. Now, if Lurie and Roseman were the guys making those rash decisions about personnel and intend to keep that control following the hiring of a new coach then you’re right to be worried.

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**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\
**Post date:** [January 7, 2013, 2:05am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2013-nfl-coaching-carousel/645687/105 "2013-01-07T02:05:25Z")

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> [@SenorBeef](#):
>
> I wonder wtf Kelly is trying to accomplish. Will his stock ever be higher than it is now? If he refuses two coaching jobs he was reported close to having, after he did the same last year, the NFL is going to think he’s a flake. And he’s going back to a college program about to face heavy sanctions, so his on-field performance is likely to suffer. Is he just too scared to make the jump to the NFL, or does he think all this dicking around is going to somehow help his career?

Maybe he’s expecting another team to come calling that’s a better fit. Maybe he doesn’t want to be in Cleveland and thinks Philly is too damn dysfunctional. Maybe he’s meeting with the Bears, Cardinals and Chargers (probably all sweeter landing spots superficially) on the down low.

Maybe after a in-depth interview process he’s asking himself some hard questions based on new information. Maybe Kelly never was close and that’s just those two cities staffs and media collaborating to spout a bunch of shit. Personally I think it’s the latter with a sprinkling of the former.

If I were Kelly I’d want to coach in San Diego. Get the sun, sand and babes now and in 2 years you’ll be coaching in LA and rolling deep. Either that or go to Arizona and play golf and start with a top draft pick and a stacked defense.

> [@MOIDALIZE](#):
>
> I’d only consider them shams if teams were interviewing lesser coordinators like running backs coaches. Presumably the guys they do interview could be a plausible HC candidate someday, so even if the team has no plans to hire them, it helps put the minority candidate’s name on the radar and forces the teams to actively consider minority candidates, rather than presumptively dismissing the possibility.

I think the rule just protects teams from themselves. Left to their own devices they’d just keep incestuously recycling the same guys. This rule forces them to slow down and actually interview some people. A side effect of being forced to interview some black guys who might be off the radar is that while they wait they probably interview a few white guys who are new faces too. In an attempt to make the process more open and fair for black guys it probably becomes more fair for everyone.

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**Author:** ![dalej42](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/67e7ee/32.png) [@dalej42](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dalej42)\
**Post date:** [January 7, 2013, 2:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2013-nfl-coaching-carousel/645687/106 "2013-01-07T02:32:14Z")

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I wonder if Kelly is just thinking that he’s got the best of all possible worlds right now. He can play the NFL against Oregon for more of Nike’s money to stay at Oregon. If Oregon does get whacked with NCAA sanctions or has a few down years, Oregon doesn’t have a rabid alumni base that will be chasing him out of town with pitchforks. Might be an easier life than the 100 hour work weeks and constant media attention with the NFL. If you get a knucklehead kid, you can boot him out of the program. You can’t do that with a knucklehead NFL Prima Donna under contract as easily.

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**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\
**Post date:** [January 7, 2013, 2:37am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2013-nfl-coaching-carousel/645687/107 "2013-01-07T02:37:52Z")

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> [@etv78](#):
>
> Question about the “Rooney Rule”-If he refuses the interview (because it’s a sham interview) is the team still in compliance?

Apparently the Lions had a problem with this 10 years ago: everyone knew they were going to hire Marty Mornhinweg, so they couldn’t book an interview with any African-American coaches because it wasn’t worth the effort. The Lions wound up getting fined $20,000, which seems like a minor punishment compared to the fact that Mornhinweg became their coach. That being said, the interviews aren’t a sham. I think they serve a real purpose for the reason **Omniscient** explained.

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**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\
**Post date:** [January 7, 2013, 3:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2013-nfl-coaching-carousel/645687/108 "2013-01-07T03:58:57Z")

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Apparently it’s official.

[Chip Kelly won’t go to NFL](http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8819831/chip-kelly-spurns-nfl-return-oregon-ducks-sources-say)

Sounds like Kelly was wishy-washy about going to the NFL all along and simply didn’t have the sack to take the plunge. I get it, he’s got a pretty plum gig in Oregon. Apparently the Browns figured that out before the Eagles did. Guess the Bears will have 1 more competitor for those OCs that seem to be in demand.

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**Author:** ![Jules\_Andre](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jules_andre/32/9334_2.png) [@Jules\_Andre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jules_Andre)\
**Post date:** [January 7, 2013, 10:26am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2013-nfl-coaching-carousel/645687/109 "2013-01-07T10:26:18Z")

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With Kelly out, I think Mike McCoy tops the list of the candidates I’d want. He’s had success in every opportunity he’s had, in vastly disparate situations. I’d trust Foles’ development to McCoy. And while there is criticism that McCoy is too predictable, I’ll take predictable and successful over unpredictable and inconsistent/unsuccessful any day.

The interesting part about McCoy is that, while the Eagles have interviewed him already, he probably won’t commit or take a job before the Broncos are done (and a majority of people have them in the AFC Championship at least). So there’s a gamble inherent in McCoy – do you wait for him and possibly lose out on other candidates in the meantime? Will he give a concrete commitment before the Broncos are finished? Interesting stuff.

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**Author:** ![etv78](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d78d45/32.png) [@etv78](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/etv78)\
**Post date:** [January 7, 2013, 5:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2013-nfl-coaching-carousel/645687/110 "2013-01-07T17:47:56Z")

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> [@Marley23](#):
>
> Apparently the Lions had a problem with this 10 years ago: everyone knew they were going to hire Marty Mornhinweg, so they couldn’t book an interview with any African-American coaches because it wasn’t worth the effort. The Lions wound up getting fined $20,000, which seems like a minor punishment compared to the fact that Mornhinweg became their coach. That being said, the interviews aren’t a sham. I think they serve a real purpose for the reason **Omniscient** explained.

That situation is EXACTLY what I meant by “sham interview”. I also agree that forcing them to interview blacks makes other teams think down the line,“hey he didn’t get the gig, but I heard he interviewed great, let’s call him up.”

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**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\
**Post date:** [January 7, 2013, 5:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2013-nfl-coaching-carousel/645687/111 "2013-01-07T17:52:21Z")

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> [@etv78](#):
>
> That situation is EXACTLY what I meant by “sham interview”.

It’s bullshit to an extent, but it does seem to work. It doesn’t seem that different from a real job interview: even if you know you’re not going to get the position, networking can help you later on.

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**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\
**Post date:** [January 7, 2013, 8:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2013-nfl-coaching-carousel/645687/112 "2013-01-07T20:33:08Z")

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So… next step is that Haslam prints a trillion dollar coin and flicks it at Saban, I think.

Can someone give me a quick summary of what Mike McCoy is all about?

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**Author:** ![TheBoltEater](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/779978/32.png) [@TheBoltEater](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TheBoltEater)\
**Post date:** [January 7, 2013, 10:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2013-nfl-coaching-carousel/645687/113 "2013-01-07T22:38:18Z")

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> [@Jules\_Andre](#):
>
> I can’t find confirmation of the Chargers having interviewed anyone. The Eagles, Bills, Browns, and Bears have all interviewed multiple candidates in confirmed reports. What’s going on?

The Chargers are interviewing GM candidates first, so that the new GM gets to be a part of the hiring process for the new coach, which I happen to think is exactly the correct way to go about it. Having said that, the latest rumors seem to be that in-house candidate Jimmy Raye and Colts V.P. Tom Telesco are the front-runners for the GM job, and both of them seem to have the same list of head coach candidates, so expect to hear about interviews fairly soon.

I don’t agree with everything they think, but [Bolts From the Blue](http://www.boltsfromtheblue.com/2013/1/7/3846714/updates-on-the-san-diego-chargers-gm-search) seems to be the best place to go for info on the search.

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**Author:** ![Jules\_Andre](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jules_andre/32/9334_2.png) [@Jules\_Andre](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jules_Andre)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 9:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2013-nfl-coaching-carousel/645687/114 "2013-01-08T09:56:26Z")

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> [@SenorBeef](#):
>
> Can someone give me a quick summary of what Mike McCoy is all about?

He was the QB coach when Jake Delhomme had his best seasons in Carolina. Then he was the OC/QB coach for Kyle Orton’s best seasons in Denver. McCoy is primarily responsible for rebuilding the offense that Tim Tebow ran in Denver when they were #1 in rushing and somehow won a playoff game with Tebow behind center. Now he’s helped Peyton have one of his best statistical seasons at age 36 and coming off his injuries.

He’s young (40). And interestingly enough he’s never once been fired in the NFL. Every time a coaching change has occurred around him (three times), he was kept on by the new guy.

His adaptability impresses me most. He has proven that he’ll adapt a system to his personnel and likely succeed. As I mentioned before, some think he’s a little predictable, but his results are impressive.

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**Author:** ![SenorBeef](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/senorbeef/32/2220_2.png) [@SenorBeef](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SenorBeef)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2013-nfl-coaching-carousel/645687/115 "2013-01-08T20:24:26Z")

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Apparently the Browns are interviewing Marc Trestman. Who? A coach for Montreal. Apparently he was the OC of the Browns in the 80s or some shit and he’s been bouncing around the nfl. What the fuck sort of desperation shit is this? If you’re going to get a retreat, at least get a retread in the nfl, who has head coaching experience.

My guess is that douchefire Banner creates such a caustic environment that no one wants to work under him.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![MOIDALIZE](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/e274bd/32.png) [@MOIDALIZE](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/MOIDALIZE)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2013-nfl-coaching-carousel/645687/116 "2013-01-08T21:04:03Z")

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> [@](#):
>
> Prior to serving as Montreal’s head coach, Trestman bounced around the NFL and college football as an assistant coach. Trestman’s first coaching opportunity was in 1981, when he served as quarterbacks coach for the Miami Hurricanes. While at Miami, Trestman helped develop Bernie Kosar, as Kosar led the Hurricanes to a national title.
> 
> After stints with the Minnesota Vikings and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Trestman went to Cleveland, where he served as the Browns quarterbacks coach in 1988 and offensive coordinator in 1989 – where he was reunited with Kosar.
> 
> Trestman is known for his work with quarterbacks. In addition to Kosar, Trestman coached Steve Young when he served as San Francisco’s offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in 1995-96, crafting the NFL’s top offense in 1995. Trestman served as the Oakland Raiders’ quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator in 2002, when Raiders quarterback Rich Gannon won the MVP award.

> **[Meet Marc Trestman](https://www.sbnation.com/nfl/2013/1/8/3846546/marc-trestman-coaching-candidate-bears-browns)**
>
> Montreal Alouettes head coach Marc Trestman has interviews with the Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns on Monday -- but who exactly is he?

Friggin’ sweet.

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![phungi](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/phungi/32/395_2.png) [@phungi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/phungi)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 9:09pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2013-nfl-coaching-carousel/645687/117 "2013-01-08T21:09:37Z")

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> [@SenorBeef](#):
>
> Apparently the Browns are interviewing Marc Trestman. Who? A coach for Montreal.

[SARCASM]  
Well, the guy did get them to the Grey Cup 4 consecutive years, and won 2 championships, all with only 3 downs… Imagine what he can do with 4 downs (assuming he can keep the illegal movement penalties to a minimum).  
[/SARCASM]

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**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 10:15pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2013-nfl-coaching-carousel/645687/118 "2013-01-08T22:15:24Z")

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> [@Jules\_Andre](#):
>
> He was the QB coach when Jake Delhomme had his best seasons in Carolina. Then he was the OC/QB coach for Kyle Orton’s best seasons in Denver. McCoy is primarily responsible for rebuilding the offense that Tim Tebow ran in Denver when they were #1 in rushing and somehow won a playoff game with Tebow behind center. Now he’s helped Peyton have one of his best statistical seasons at age 36 and coming off his injuries.
> 
> He’s young (40). And interestingly enough he’s never once been fired in the NFL. Every time a coaching change has occurred around him (three times), he was kept on by the new guy.
> 
> His adaptability impresses me most. He has proven that he’ll adapt a system to his personnel and likely succeed. As I mentioned before, some think he’s a little predictable, but his results are impressive.

You nailed it. He’s far and away my favorite right now for Da Bears.

[Eagles to interview Lovie Smith on Thursday](http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/blog/eye-on-football/21516430/eagles-to-interview-lovie-smith-on-thursday)

This could be interesting. Not sure if Lovie is a good fit in Philly or not.

> [@SenorBeef](#):
>
> Apparently the Browns are interviewing Marc Trestman. Who? A coach for Montreal. Apparently he was the OC of the Browns in the 80s or some shit and he’s been bouncing around the nfl. What the fuck sort of desperation shit is this? If you’re going to get a retreat, at least get a retread in the nfl, who has head coaching experience.
> 
> My guess is that douchefire Banner creates such a caustic environment that no one wants to work under him.

I’m not down on the CFL and the guy knows QBs. I wouldn’t write him off immediately. Generally bringing in anyone with new ideas is a plus. Would you rather the Browns bring in another coordinator who’s made the rounds but never called plays?

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<div class="post-metadata">

**Author:** ![Omniscient](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omniscient/32/3290_2.png) [@Omniscient](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omniscient)\
**Post date:** [January 8, 2013, 10:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2013-nfl-coaching-carousel/645687/119 "2013-01-08T22:18:05Z")

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[Chicago Bears to interview Vikings assistants Mike Singletary and Mike Priefer](http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/1/7/3849650/chicago-bears-to-interview-vikings-assistants-mike-singletary-and)

[Bears Receive Permission to Interview Seattle OC Darrell Bevell](http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2013/1/6/3844512/bears-receive-permission-to-interview-seattle-seahawks-oc-darrell-bevell/in/3588177)

Geez, at some point the Bears will have interviewed every coach in the league. I’ll say this, there’s no chance in hell I want Singletary coaching here after that shit-show in San Fran.

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**Author:** ![lieu](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/c2a13f/32.png) [@lieu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lieu)\
**Post date:** [January 9, 2013, 2:41am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/2013-nfl-coaching-carousel/645687/120 "2013-01-09T02:41:21Z")

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Rob Ryan is out in Dallas. Not exactly unexpected. I just hope this doesn’t conflict with any of his tattoos.

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