Armchair Quarterback

Today's firing of Lions' coach Steve Mariucci came as a surprise given the timing of the move. It also got me to thinking of who might be the next coach to get the axe.

First, a few thoughts on the Mariucci firing: Many people seem convinced that Mariucci is a good coach. I would disagree considering the lack of authority Mariucci seems to impose on his teams. In San Francisco, he lost control of his team in his last season, thanks in part to the malcontent, TO. In Detroit, he has never seemed to be in complete control of his team. His receivers were a group of mini-TOs, and his offenses as a whole played with no discipline and no sense of direction. It did not help matters that he had two squirrely quarterbacks in Joey Harrington and Jeff Garcia. To Garcia's credit, he has made a Pro Bowl, but he has been less than impressive without the security blanket that is Terrell Owens. Harrington has never shown the skills that made him the second quarterback and third overall pick taken in the 2002 NFL Draft. Mariucci deserves part of the blame for not developing Harrington, but more than anything he deserves most of the blame when it comes to the Lions' anemic offense. Matt Millen also deserves some blame, and its amazing that he still has a job as their GM. This still does not excuse Mariucci's lack of control and inept game planning. He seems like a great guy, but everyone knows what they say about nice guys finishing last.

Onto the other coaches currently on the hot seat:
4. Brian Billick--Billick's team has also shown a lack of discipline this season, and a 3-8 record is the direct result of that. He has also failed to be the offensive guru he was brought in to be. His teams have been defensive oriented, and his inability to develop QB Kyle Boller has not helped matters. Billick still gets a pass to an extent thanks to his Super Bowl season in 2000. He is in his seventh season as Ravens' head coach, and four of those have been winning seasons. I think that because of the success he has shown, along with this season's injuries to Ray Lewis and Ed Reed, will give him at least one more season in Baltimore.

3. Herm Edwards--The Jets have said that they have no desire in firing Edwards, but maybe they should reconsider. Edwards has made the playoffs in three of his first four seasons, but he seems to lack the in-game coaching ability to get them over the hump. This is most evident in his poor clock management. Watching their game last night, it was amazing watching their last minute clock management which did not allow them to get close enough for a realistic field goal opportunity. There are rumors that Edwards could replace Dick Vermeil in Kansas City next year. That could be the change of scenery that Edwards needs.

2. Jim Haslett--Haslett's teams have constantly underachieved under his guidance. He has only one playoff appearance and only two winning seasons in his six years in New Orleans. They have went 8-8 each of the last two years and have never shown the ability that they seem to possess. Aaron Brooks has never developed into the player that he could be under Haslett, and Haslett's defenses have consistently struggled to find an identity. He has gotten a free pass this year due to Hurrican Katrina, but that should not make up for his previous failings. New Orleans needs to find someone who can get the most out of their players because Haslett has not been able to do that.

1. Dom Capers--Capers has never shown great coaching ability in either of his two coaching stints. In Carolina, he did lead them to one post season appearance, but he finished with a 31-35 record. Since taking over Houston, Capers has had three losing seasons in a row which will be four at the end of this year. After showing promise last year by going 7-9, the Texands have looked horrible this year in getting off to a 1-10 start. This was capitalized in their loss to St. Louis yesterday when they blew a 24-3 lead and a ten point lead in the last thirty seconds of the game. Capers has seen QB David Carr regress this season, and his offensive lines have been abysmal every year. Capers is currently 17-42 as coach of the Texans, and in any sport that is unacceptable.

All of these coaches are feeling the heat in their respective cities, and it will be interesting to see who stays and who goes. I look for Capers to definitely be looking for a new job next year. The other three are question marks. Billick will probably get at least one more year as will Edwards. With Haslett, it will come down to whether or not owner Tom Benson feels like giving him one more chance after this unprecendented season where they have played their home games in San Antonio, Baton Rouge, and New York of all places. I expect at least one of these three to be joining Capers in the unemployment line at the end of the year. Which one remains to be seen.