You know, I don’t think I ever heard a completely coherent answer. Evidently it was “mutually agreed” between Nolan and McDaniels. My guess would be that McDaniels’ ego couldn’t handle anyone who wouldn’t be subservient. And Nolan couldn’t work for the egomaniac.
I think this is pretty accurate. However at the time it all happened Cutler was just a very unlikable guy. Not because of things he did on the field but because of his personality and demeanor with the media. He’s never been a problem off the field, he’s just smug and has a manner that makes you want to punch him. We all know people like this. McDaniels I thought came across as even more punchable and hateable from the get-go, but it seems I was in the minority. For most people it seems he was at least a blank slate and a guy trying to establish “leadership” in an organization so a majority of people sided with McDaniels.
In retrospect people see now that Cutler was probably on to something, and had he simply been more diplomatic about it probably would have had everyone on his side.
I think I’m about as well educated on the subject as anyone having watched pretty much every snap of Orton’s in Chicago (and many in Denver) and vice versa with Cutler. Cutler is a MUCH MUCH better player than Orton is. Mentally Orton is a little farther along and he suits McDaniel’s scheme better, but Cutler’s ceiling is miles beyond Orton. Orton will never be better than his is right now and can’t win without a potent defense and conservative system. He just doesn’t have the chops to carry a team. Cutler may not be able to either, but that’s till a possibility. Cutler’s still got his arrow going up. Considering what the Broncos got out of the picks the Bears got a fair deal.
This is correct. McDaniels is just a very abrasive and childish personality. He publicly (in front of owner Pat Bowlen) read his assistant coaches the riot act after the LA Raiders loss, and got into a contentious argument on Monday with veteran team leaders (Champ Baily and D.J. Williams) about making the team run wind sprints the day after a game.