# NFL Offseason Staff changes **URL:** \ **Category:** The Game Room\ **Created:** [December 29, 2008, 4:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-offseason-staff-changes/479072 "2008-12-29T16:13:18Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 11
**Author:** ![Marley23](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/45deac/32.png) [@Marley23](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Marley23)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2009, 8:05pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-offseason-staff-changes/479072/201 "2009-01-12T20:05:03Z")
Sounds like Tony Dungy is retiring. The Colts announced a year or two ago that Jim Caldwell would take over for him. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2009, 8:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-offseason-staff-changes/479072/202 "2009-01-12T20:43:48Z")
Jeez… his Wikipedia page is _already_ updated. ---
**Author:** ![ElvisL1ves](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/5daacb/32.png) [@ElvisL1ves](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ElvisL1ves)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2009, 9:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-offseason-staff-changes/479072/203 "2009-01-12T21:24:44Z")
Don’t the Colts have to interview a token black guy first? 🙂 ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2009, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-offseason-staff-changes/479072/204 "2009-01-12T22:06:24Z")
> [@ElvisL1ves](#): > > Don’t the Colts have to interview a token black guy first? 🙂 Caldwell _is_ a token black guy. Well, a black guy. Also, you don’t have to observe the Rooney Rule niceties if you’re promoting from within, under certain circumstances. ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [January 12, 2009, 11:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-offseason-staff-changes/479072/205 "2009-01-12T23:36:59Z")
So far, the most recent interviewee for the 49ers Offensive Coordinator position, Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Rick Dennison, is my favorite. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2009, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-offseason-staff-changes/479072/206 "2009-01-13T00:35:46Z")
Bah. You need a guy who will maximise talent in your _passing_ game, and I don’t think a Broncos coach is the guy. That said, the Broncos’ passing game did work pretty well. ---
**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 13, 2009, 2:29am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-offseason-staff-changes/479072/207 "2009-01-13T02:29:38Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > Bah. You need a guy who will maximise talent in your _passing_ game, and I don’t think a Broncos coach is the guy. > > That said, the Broncos’ passing game did work pretty well. Why would you think that? The 49ers have Frank Gore and nothing else. Mike Singletary will absolutely insist on a ball control, defense oriented game plan that needs to run the ball and eat up clock. The Broncos OC would be a great fit, and if he’s learned anything about O-Line play and RB drafting from Shanny he’s a good get for the Niners personnel. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2009, 5:04am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-offseason-staff-changes/479072/208 "2009-01-13T05:04:32Z")
That’s just it- Gore is the one part of the offense that _doesn’t_ need help. Quarterback, line, wide receivers, tight ends… need help. That said, I was mighty impressed with Shaun Hill in his limited work. ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [January 13, 2009, 3:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-offseason-staff-changes/479072/209 "2009-01-13T15:20:54Z")
The 49ers’ passing personnel need upgrades in general. The Broncos were third in the league in passing yards per game this season, so it’s not like Dennison is a run-only guy. I think he’s a good fit because he’s experienced and reasonably successful, has the skill set that matches Singletary’s philosophy, but isn’t limited to it. He also was an offensive line coach, which is always nice. ---
**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 14, 2009, 3:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-offseason-staff-changes/479072/210 "2009-01-14T03:08:16Z")
In something of a surprise Scott Pioli [was hired by the Kansas City Chiefs](http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3830515) to be the team’s GM replacing Carl Peterson. Time will tell what this bodes for Herm Edwards, I’m guessing he’s out. It’s surprising to me that Pioli chose KC considering that there are supposedly better jobs out there with teams with deeper resources, better facilities and better players in place. There are rumors that Pioli favors Spagnulo as his ideal coaching candidate. ---
**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 14, 2009, 3:34am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-offseason-staff-changes/479072/211 "2009-01-14T03:34:57Z")
**Denver Broncos** Executive Vice President of Football Operations (GM) Fired - **Mike Shanahan** / Hired - ??? Head Coach Fired -\*\* Mike Shanahan\*\* / Hired - **Josh McDaniels** Defensive Coordinator Fired - **Bob Slowik** / Hired - **Mike Nolan** **New York Jets** Head Coach Fired - **Eric Mangini** / Hired - ??? **Cleveland Browns** General Manager Fired - **Phil Savage** / Hired - ??? Head Coach Fired - **Romeo Crennel** / Hired - **Eric Mangini** Offensive Coordinator Fired - **Rob Chudzinski** / Hired - ??? Defensive Coordinator Fired - **Mel Tucker** / Hired - ??? **San Fransisco 49ers** Head Coach Fired - **Mike Nolan** / Interim - **Mike Singletary** / Hired - **Mike Singletary** Offensive Coordinator Fired - **Mike Martz** / Hired - ??? **Oakland Raiders** Head Coach Fired - **Lane Kiffin** / Interim - **Tom Cable** / Hired - ??? **Detroit Lions** President Fired - **Matt Millen** / Interim - **Tom Lewand** / Hired - **Tom Lewand** General Manager Fired - **Matt Millen** / Interim - **Martin Mayhew** / Hired - **Martin Mayhew** Head Coach Fired - \*\*Rod Marinelli \*\*/ Hired - ??? Offensive Coordinator Fired - **Jim Colletto** / Hired - ??? Defensive Coordinator Fired - **Joe Barry** / Hired - ??? **St. Louis Rams** Head Coach Fired - **Scott Linehan** / Interim - **Jim Haslett** / Hired - ??? **Seattle Seahawks** Head Coach Resigned - **Mike Holmgren** / Promoted- **Jim Mora** **Houston Texans** Defensive Coordinator Fired - **Richard Smith** / Promoted- **Frank Bush** **New England Patriots** Vice President of Player Personnel (GM) Resigned **Scott Pioli** / Promoted- **Nick Caserio** **Indianapolis Colts** Head Coach Retired- **Tony Dungy** / Promoted- **Jim Caldwell** QB Coach Resigned - **Jim Caldwell** / Hired - **Frank Reich** **Kansas City Chiefs** General Manager Resigned- **Carl Peterson** / Hired - **Scott Pioli** ---
**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 14, 2009, 3:48am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-offseason-staff-changes/479072/212 "2009-01-14T03:48:13Z")
Additionally, it’s been reported that Lovie Smith [will take over defensive play calling](http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcnorth/0-7-83/Lovie-Smith-takes-the-plunge.html) for the 2009 season. This essentially makes him the Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator and demotes Babich back to Linebackers Coach, though Babich retains the title for DC. I’m not high on Lovie’s talents, but I’m even less high on Babich’s. While I think Lovie can improve the defense somewhat, I worry how this will effect his overall ability as a head coach and how it will effect his already abysmal efforts as a game manager. In the long run, even if the defensive play calling improves it might still be a net negative for the team. The silver lining is that if he fails again this year he’s almost certain out since there will be no one to blame except him. ---
**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 14, 2009, 3:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-offseason-staff-changes/479072/213 "2009-01-14T03:50:55Z")
Rob Ryan is in the DC slot for the Browns. Apparently while the Lions only require their head coach to have a last name starting with M, from the GM they require both first and last to start with M. ---
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [January 15, 2009, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-offseason-staff-changes/479072/214 "2009-01-15T23:55:54Z")
The Lions hired Jim Schwartz, Defensive Coordinator of the Tennessee Titans for their head coach. I heard a few things about him as the hunt was going and he seems to be a cerebral kind of guy. I think the Lions were looking with someone that thinks with their brain instead of with their “gut”. He’s also a former scout with the Browns. That and Schwartz wanted to be a head coach and he got turned down twice last year. I think 14 of 18 assistants are still on from the Marinelli era, though. ---
**Author:** ![DSYoungEsq](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/c6cbf5/32.png) [@DSYoungEsq](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DSYoungEsq)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-offseason-staff-changes/479072/215 "2009-01-16T00:07:14Z")
You do have to like his quip, when asked about draft priorities, that it was time to find a replacement for Bobby Layne. 😃 Quarterback with the first pick?? ---
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 12:10am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-offseason-staff-changes/479072/216 "2009-01-16T00:10:33Z")
> [@DSYoungEsq](#): > > You do have to like his quip, when asked about draft priorities, that it was time to find a replacement for Bobby Layne. 😃 > > Quarterback with the first pick?? No fucking way. ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 12:31am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-offseason-staff-changes/479072/217 "2009-01-16T00:31:19Z")
> [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](#): > > No fucking way. Football brain says “no fucking way”. Business brain says “we need a face for this franchise”. Speaking of which… what am I changing my name to? ---
**Author:** ![Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/e480ec/32.png) [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Least_Original_User_Name_Ever)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 12:38am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-offseason-staff-changes/479072/218 "2009-01-16T00:38:13Z")
> [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](#): > > Football brain says “no fucking way”. Business brain says “we need a face for this franchise”. > > Speaking of which… what am I changing my name to? They have one. Megatron. Hell if I know. Do you want to change it to anything? ---
**Author:** ![Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/e8c25b/32.png) [@Really\_Not\_All\_That\_Bright](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Really_Not_All_That_Bright)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 12:51am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-offseason-staff-changes/479072/219 "2009-01-16T00:51:14Z")
> [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](#): > > They have one. Megatron. > > Hell if I know. Do you want to change it to anything? I don’t think I can choose a new one. I’ve already had my one-time change. I figured **TD** wouldn’t mind if we showed her the thread with the bet. **Really Not Rookie Of The Year**? ---
**Author:** ![5-HT](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/5/f19dbf/32.png) [@5-HT](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/5-HT)\ **Post date:** [January 16, 2009, 2:58am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-offseason-staff-changes/479072/220 "2009-01-16T02:58:13Z")
> [@Least\_Original\_User\_Name\_Ever](#): > > The Lions hired Jim Schwartz, Defensive Coordinator of the Tennessee Titans for their head coach. I heard a few things about him as the hunt was going and he seems to be a cerebral kind of guy. > > I think the Lions were looking with someone that thinks with their brain instead of with their “gut”. He’s also a former scout with the Browns. > > That and Schwartz wanted to be a head coach and he got turned down twice last year. I think 14 of 18 assistants are still on from the Marinelli era, though. Color me cautiously optimistic on the Schwartz hiring. He seems like a good choice, but the fact that the Lions picked him makes me instantly doubt his abilities. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-offseason-staff-changes/479072.md?page=10) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/nfl-offseason-staff-changes/479072.md?page=12)