NFP»Columns»Notes from Lombardi»Tavern Talk
RSS

National Football Post Tavern Talk

I hear today that the Carolina Panthers told their assistant coaches that they’re expected to return next year and the team will start working on new deals. No one on the staff has a deal for next season. Michael Lombardi

Bookmark and Share Print This Send This January 12, 2009, 05:08 PM EST
19 Comments

FIVE THINGS I HEAR...

1.    I hear that Gregg Williams, the defensive coordinator of the Jaguars, will not make a decision on where to coach next season until he learns the fate of current Titans defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz in his quest to become a head coach.  Tennessee would be a great option for Williams, who would love to return there. 

2.    I hear that Steve Spagnuolo will be a busy man this week with another interview with the Jets today and the Lions on tap soon. 

3.    I hear that new Browns coach Eric Mangini is rearranging the offices and plans on making huge changes in Cleveland.  He’s going to put his own stamp on the franchise, and no job is safe.  But former head coach Romeo Crennel will stay on in the football operation after he has hip surgery.  The Browns might look at Nick Cesario of the Patriots as a GM candidate if George Kokinis turns down the job -- which some suspect he may. 

4.    I hear today that the Carolina Panthers told their assistant coaches that they’re expected to return next year and the team will start working on new deals.  No one on the staff has a deal for next season. 

5.    I hear Rex Ryan, defensive coordinator of the Ravens, is a hot coaching candidate in St Louis and is also on the short list of the Jets.  Ryan looks like he’ll get an NFL job this year for sure. 

FIVE THINGS I KNOW...

1.     I know now that Donovan McNabb will be back with the Eagles next year.  The Kevin Kolb era might never get started in Philadelphia. 

2.     I know that Winston Moss of the Packers is interviewing with the Raiders today for the head- coaching job.  Initially, the Raiders were rejected in their attempt to interview Moss as a defensive coordinator and had to request to interview him as a head coach in order to meet with him. 

3.     I know that former Boston College coach Jeff Jagodzinski will get an interview for the offensive coordinator job in San Francisco. 

4.     I know the Lions will talk to Chargers defensive coordinator Ron Rivera tomorrow for their head coaching position.  I also know they will be bringing coaches back for second interviews this week. 

5.     I know the Cards should extend the contract of head coach Ken Whisenhunt, who has two years remaining.  They finally have found the right coach. 

*I will be appearing on the NFL Network tonight between 6:30 and 8:00pm eastern.

*Click here to listen to my latest Podcast with ESPN’s Bill Simmons

Comments

Add a Comment
Pro Football America
Jan 12, 2009
05:15 PM

Romeo is staying on in Cleveland? In what capacity? Whoa. Hadn't heard that one. Very interesting.

Jim van Lieshout
Jan 12, 2009
05:53 PM

Mike, with Nolan gone and now Williams holding his cards until Tennessee firms up, what are the options available to Green Bay in their quest for a new defensive coordinator?

Pro Football America
Jan 12, 2009
05:56 PM

Jim, one name that I've heard is Jim Haslett for the GB job should Williams land in Detroit.

Obviously, Mike knows better than I do, but it's a name to keep an eye on should Haslett not get the Rams job.

Drex
Jan 12, 2009
06:04 PM

A Gregg Williams return to the Titans would be very intriguing if Schwartz gets a head coaching gig.

It's going to be interesting to see how this one plays out.

Patspsycho
Jan 12, 2009
06:10 PM

I think Nick Caserio replaces Pioli.

Andy Dufresne
Jan 12, 2009
07:34 PM

Mike,

I see good things coming in DET if they hire Schwartz from TEN. I am sure he had a great interview today. He is on top of my list of 1st time head coaching candidates that will be successful.
He will need some help from the Personnel Dept, but he, I would hope, would have some say in hiring in that dept.

Mike in MD
Jan 12, 2009
10:02 PM

Mike - what do you think the chances are of Cable becoming the permanent HC of Oakland? If he's not retained as HC do you think he will look for work elsewhere?

I would love to have him as our new OL Coach if he would accept that job again knowing it would be difficult now that he's been a HC.

Zed Rational
Jan 12, 2009
11:31 PM

Matt Maiocco, columnist for the Santa Rosa Press Democrat, says that Jeff Jagodzinski is NOT a candidate for the 49ers offensive coordinator position and is NOT going to be interviewed.

CW
Jan 13, 2009
01:27 AM

Did Jim Schwartz go through that horrendous re-building process with Jeff Fisher in Tennessee? If so, he'd be a good fit with that kind of experience for the Lions.

Football News
Jan 13, 2009
03:29 AM

Michael Lombardi, I like your voice. You should be on TV as I think you'll be very successful as a TV sportscaster.

Nikos
Jan 13, 2009
03:39 AM

Patspsycho,
I agree that Caserio will be Pioli's replacement when/if he leaves. Despite all the reports and rumors out there I'm not sure SP is leaving quite yet though. The more this process with KC drags on, the more likely he stays with the Pats. Remember he met with KC last Monday. Why would Pioli want to work for or with an accountant in Denny Thum anyway? Isn't he more personally and professionally fulfilled working with a football man, who speaks his language, in BB? They are a perfect team, there is something to be said for that. BB and SP are always preaching team and teamwork.

Back to Caserio, he seems like a BB guy to me who will not work for Mangini. Caserio is close with McDaniels who respects what BB did for him and his career. I feel as though Caserio feels much the same way.

Mike in PA
Jan 13, 2009
04:59 AM

Not that outlandish to see Crennel stick around with Mangini on board; they did spend some time together in NE. He could end up as the defensive coordinator.

Next 1 - 12 of 19 Prev COMMENTS

Add a Comment

* Required - Keep track of your comments Login or Register with NFP
(will not be published)