Black Monday is upon us. The day after the regular season finale has been dubbed "Black Monday" because that's when some coaches are fired and that's the case this year. We've already seen three major moves within front offices across the league.
Steve Spagnuolo was fired by the St. Louis Rams, which was expected. He had 10 wins in three years as the Rams head coach and they just finished up a 2-14 season. The Rams had no choice but to fire him. They've been connected to, among other coaches, Jeff Fisher (like every other team has this year).
Raheem Morris was fired as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach. There was an argument to keep him on board but the Bucs lost their last 10 games to finish 4-12 on the season. You can't do that in your third year after winning 10 games the year before.
Morris and Spags are both part of the '09 coaching class that looks pretty bad right now.
And the big news of the day to this point is that the Indianapolis Colts have fired both Bill and Chris Polian. Bill was the team's GM from 1998-2010 before taking the role of Vice Chairman last season. Chris Polian was the GM. There's no word on the fate of head coach Jim Caldwell.
That's it -- for now. I imagine we'll be hearing more, possibly from a team in the AFC West, in the coming days.
0 recs | 129 comments
Nick Wright
Is claiming the stage is set for a Romeo/McDaniels/Cassel run team next year. He says his has been the plan since they fired Haley.
chai1836 - January 2, 2012 via mobile
McDaniels can only leave for a promotion.
tomahawk44 - January 2, 2012 via mobile
not if he is fired
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
Or given permission.
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
what is going on Tom44
How is Joplin coming along?
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
Hiring him as Offensive Coordinator...
…and adding the “Assistant Head Coach” tag to it is the standard way of getting around that rule.
TimInKC - January 2, 2012
No it's not.
They changed that rule years ago. When it comes to the lateral move rule, there are only two types of coaches: Head Coach and Assistant Coach. A TE coach is considered the same as a Coordinator/Assistant Head Coach, when it comes to the lateral move rules.
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
Fair enough.
Didn’t remember the rule change. My bad.
TimInKC - January 2, 2012
Wow...I'm apparently posting from 2 time zones at once...
TimInKC - January 2, 2012
The reason they changed it
was for exactly the thing you posted above. People were giving coaches bogus titles, just to get around the rule.
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
Spags was fired
Doubt he will be forced on the next guy
bonesjackson - January 2, 2012
echo
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
I have a lot of respect for Nick Wright's information after this season
Wait and See - January 2, 2012
Called it after Dolphins game
Manning to KC
I’ll take the Rams coach as DC
SwimCoach - January 2, 2012 via mobile
So you got
Fisher HC
Spags DC
Manning QB/HC, with Caldwell as a consultant…
Hmmmm… so many options.
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
HCOCChief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
Was thinkin Romeo Hc
SwimCoach - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Has Romeo done enough to keep the job though?
This team looked pretty much the same and despite a win in Denver it was a lackluster game plan.
I wouldn’t be totally opposed to keeping Romeo, I am just unsure that it is the right move going forward.
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
Won 2 out of 3, third game went to OT.
Did you miss all the blowouts earlier?
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
Sure I did, but I also watched the Raiders game.
Decision making is still a problem with this team and that falls to the Head Coach…
The thing that I am trying to determine is whether the Chiefs can win long term with the style of football they are trying to play. Low scoring defensive efforts… that is a risky proposition in today’s NFL.
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
At least they were ready to play each week.
He couldn’t do a whole lot about the offensive side in three weeks. Presumably, there will be big changes on that side of the ball, at least as far as coaching is concerned.
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
They didn't seem too prepared yesterday.
The Packers win was impressive, but the last two weeks were meh…
I know there are going to be changes, I just want the team to make the right moves. Is bringing in Josh McDaniels and keeping Romeo as the head coach the right move?
Would the Chiefs also be trading a franchised Dwayne Bowe and signing Brandon Lloyd who insinuated he would follow Josh? Is that the right moves? Who knows?
It is now time to break all of that down.
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
Held the Broncos to their lowest point output of the season.
In fact, Romeo’s defense held four teams to their lowest point output of their season, two of them since he became the interim head coach.
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
and could have shut them out
if Arenas doesn’t fumble that punt.
Wait until the Steelers roll into town. The Broncos may be required to take points off the board and actually go negative score.
neiowakcfan - January 2, 2012
The defense has played great
Who is your coordinator next season to keep that defense going for Romeo?
The Chiefs are in a sticky situation… either promote a guy over his skill level or start with a new guy. The offensive decisions were hectic the past three games, continuity on that side could spell mediocrity next season.
Will one coordinator fix that?
I know Jamaal Charles will help. This team has some work to do.
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
I don't care about continuity on the offensive side.
They really have nowhere to go but up, so I’m fine with a lack of continuity.
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
You've been watching them all year playing with no continuity on the offensive side.
You’re okay with that?
Personally I’m not. We need a good OC that is consistent and can force our offense to have continuity in play. Having it on BOTH sides of the ball will only make this team better.
oldchiefsfan - January 2, 2012
Continuity ≠ Consistency
We’re talking about two different things.
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
I understand the difference and the definitions Tarkus. : )
They have to have continuity to be consistent.
oldchiefsfan - January 2, 2012
Continuity during the season, yes.
I’m talking about from the current offense. I don’t care about continuity from the 2011 offense to the 2012 offense.
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
Oh, got ya.
oldchiefsfan - January 2, 2012
I don't like the Chiefs approach on offense and I'm not sure
the hoodie is enough change to make a difference.
Perhaps they need a new offensive philosophy entirely. They need a philosophy that can score points.
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
Hey Tark
Who allowed all those points in those blowouts.
Hoochdawg - January 2, 2012
Cassel and the offense that couldn't give the D more than a three play breather
trentchiefsfan - January 3, 2012
Just say no to Fisher
Scaryclouds - January 2, 2012
There are positives and negatives to bringing in Fisher...
but I think he will be successful in his next stop and I like that he would be hungry for a Super Bowl. The ultimate goal.
He was a good coach for the Oilers/ Titans for a long time.
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
6 winning seasons in 16.5 years.
Every coach is hungry for the Super Bowl.
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
And how many 8-8 seasons
Also 3 of those seasons were during the teams fucked upove to TN. Years where it was practicing in one city and playing in another. Remarkable feat in itself
HIV 2 Elway - January 2, 2012 via mobile
If 8-8 is your thing.
Then I guess he’s your guy.
I’ll pass.
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
Going to Super Bowl once every 26 years > winning a payoff game once every 18 years (and counting)
HIV 2 Elway - January 2, 2012 via mobile
So you want to hire a guy
because he has a lot of 8-8 seasons?
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
I wa him because he's a good and consistant coach who built strong d's
HIV 2 Elway - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Consistently mediocre...
TimInKC - January 2, 2012
bleh...why the double post?
TimInKC - January 2, 2012
Exactly.
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
Hasn't Romeo built stronger D's though?
KCinIL - January 2, 2012
Tennessee pretty much performed this year
just like Fisher was still there.
neiowakcfan - January 2, 2012
Im not a huge Jeff Fisher fan... The Manning picture was tongue in cheek.
but I do want to look at all the options. Overall Fisher was a good coach that needed a change of scenery IMO.
I just want the Chiefs to get the right guy… Romeo Crennel was not good in Cleveland as a Head Coach, yet you seem to want him. What is the difference? The continuity, if they continue to be mediocre, will that benefit the Chiefs?
Think long term Tarkus, that is all I want to do.
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
Bill Belichick was not a good coach in Cleveland.
Often, successful head coaches don’t do well their first go around.
The Chiefs are building something special on the defensive side of the ball. I’d like to see that continue, while bringing in a good offensive mind to take care of that side of the ball.
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
Who is your pick on offense to run the plays?
Bill Belichick is one of the greatest coaches of all-time. That is like comparing Stanzi to Brady, it is the exception, not the rule.
What has Romeo Crennel done to show you that this team will continue to improve?
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
Belichick is very, very good. Even great.
But of all time? In a league continually changing to help the offense and limit the defense’ ability to stop offensive production? With Brady at the helm?
Take away Brady and Belichick is a shadow of his success. He’s Dick Vermeil, even. Good to great offense and poorer and poorer defenses, as the money goes to the Brady side of the ball.
neiowakcfan - January 2, 2012
that is why I said "one of"
This is a results driven league and BB has results on his resume.
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
The defense has continued to get better under him.
The team as a whole has shown they love playing for him and will play hard for him. The only question is what to do on the offensive side. I wouldn’t mind seeing McHoodie take over on the offensive side. But I think there is enough talent there, quite a few coaches could be reasonably successful.
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
My biggest concern is that the Chiefs will fumble this opportunity away...
I just want them to make a smart informed decision about the future.
They are at a crossroads right now.
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
I second that.
I’m probably in the minority, but I’m actually in favor of Josh McDaniels as Offensive Coordinator (provided he becomes available).
I know a lot of people only see his bad experience in Denver and the struggles of the Rams’ offense this year, but I’m more apt to accept the opinions of people like Scott Pioli and Bill Belichick. Belichick had McDaniels pegged as a stud coach in the making. Bill Belichick knows some stuff about football.
McDaniels has much less opportunity to make a jackass out of himself if he’s not “the guy” in charge and doesn’t have personnel control.
TimInKC - January 2, 2012
This may all be true.
FWIW Sam Bradford wants him to stay and says it takes three years under McHoodie to “get it.”
neiowakcfan - January 2, 2012
I'm good with McHoodie too.
Then again, I never got all emotional about him like some fans. Both Cassel and Orton flourished under him.
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
We agree on multiple things, I see.
I’m not a Cassel hater, and would actually look forward to seeing what McDaniels and Cassel could do together next season.
Could it be a massive disaster? There’s always that possibility in the NFL. But they have had success in the past.
TimInKC - January 2, 2012
There are no sure things.
Especially for anyone who is available. There are certain risks with anyone they bring in.
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
Whoever gets Fisher
will get a good coach who’s had time to evaluate a plan, and take them on a good run. count on it.
Hoochdawg - January 2, 2012
I'm surprised Norv Turner hasn't been given the axe yet...
It is time for San Diego to move on in my opinion. They should have been winning Super Bowls with those teams the last decade.
Yet, if they want to keep falling short, it is fine with me if they keep him.
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
Hopefully they keep taking their time...
…and then fire Smith and Turner.
That will leave them behind in the GM and coaching searches, and they’ll get a late start on everything for the off season. (See: 2009 Kansas City Chiefs)
TimInKC - January 2, 2012
It is scary thinking they might go after a Bill Polian
Or a Bill Cowher…
Who knows what that team can do with some good leadership.
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
With Polian gone
I think that increases the chances of Manning hitting FA. I’m definitely for bringing Manning in for a couple of years. We have the receivers for him to thrown the ball to, an excellent running back in JC and a defense that is on the verge of becoming elite. Our team has the opportunity of really kicking some asses with an elite QB like Manning in the backfield.
Scaryclouds - January 2, 2012
How does the firing of Polian
make Manning a FA? He’s still under contract, and due some $28 million.
neiowakcfan - January 2, 2012
In fact, he just signed a five year deal
worth $90 million. The Colts must decide if he’s healthy enough to earn the $28 million roster bonus by March, I think, or choose to waive him. Then, the teams in front of KC must decide if they wanna pick up that contract. Free agency is not in Manning’s future anytime soon.
neiowakcfan - January 2, 2012
Manning cannot be put on waivers
He’s a veteran. He would become a free agent if cut.
Vince D - January 2, 2012
Ah, thank you.
So is his contract null and void?
neiowakcfan - January 2, 2012
Correct.
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
The Colts would still owe him his guaranteed money
But most of his contract would be null and void.
Vince D - January 2, 2012
That certainly makes acquiring him
a bit more attractive. The injury is still a big question mark, imo.
neiowakcfan - January 2, 2012
Yep
That’s why I doubt the Colts could get anything for him in a trade. The new team would have to eat the contract without knowing if he’ll even be the same QB. The only option for the Colts is to release him before March and draft Luck.
Vince D - January 2, 2012
Less loyalty to Manning
Unwilling to pay that big bonus promised by the previous regime promised. No guarantee obviously, just more likely.
Scaryclouds - January 2, 2012 via mobile
Agreed.
In fact, I think it’s likely they turn the page and move forward now, building around Andrew Luck.
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
More likely than not, I mean.
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
It seems they are posturing that way.
looks like a major rebuild starting for them.
oldchiefsfan - January 2, 2012
Smart move, really.
At some point they were going to have to move on anyway. This gives them a clean break, and a great prospect to build around.
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
Can we fire Haley again?
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
Norv Tunrer has to have blackmail on someone.
PSUkegreen - January 2, 2012
Not really...
it’s not Turner’s fault the GM is letting talent go and asking Rivers to do more and more with less and less. The thought process must be along the lines of “if not Norv, then who?” The big names all want personnel control, and the GM wants none of it even though he’s dumping guys like Sproles and Turner.
neiowakcfan - January 2, 2012
What about all those years they weren;t old and didn't have less and less?
GenericBrand - January 2, 2012
He didn't get fired those years, either.
I’m not saying he won’t get fired, I just hope he stays so the Chargers continue to be a non-factor and the GM keeps making crappy personnel moves.
neiowakcfan - January 2, 2012
well that we can all agree on
SDChief - January 2, 2012
please just stop right there. seriously
he took over a 14-2 team, that wasnt at the end of their window of opportunity, but rather the beginning of it. the most talented roster thanks to the manning draft day trade etc. norv typically has slow starts…that is pretty much a sign of bad coaching, hes been incredibly inconsistent, another sign of poor coaching much like it was for haley.
turner’s time has been as massive failure.
SDChief - January 2, 2012
echo...
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
echo...
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
echo...
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
echo...
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
So with Polian out of Indy, I do wonder how, if at all, the combine will change
Chris Sembower - January 2, 2012
Not sure what you mean?
What does Polian have to do with the combine? Is it because he is on the NFL Competition Committee?
Or do you mean what will change with the #1 overall pick?
neiowakcfan - January 2, 2012
Wasn't he part of the conception of the combine in the first place?
I’m not thinking it would be changed dramatically, I’m just curious if it would still be in Indy, that sort of thing. I just wasnt sure how much he was actually involved with it these days
More just thinking out loud than anything.
Chris Sembower - January 2, 2012
You should do a fired coaches mural...
I remember being proud when I seen your picture on the big screen at the Raiders game.
Great moment!
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
Thanks a lot dude!
It felt ridiculously good, I won’t lie. Hopefully it won’t be the last, either :)
Chris Sembower - January 2, 2012
I was tapping other fans, saying who you were... getting lots of blank stares.
Oh well, it was still awesome.
To your continued success!
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
That's very cool
I know there were at least a couple of people who knew what was goin on :)
Chris Sembower - January 2, 2012
it's interesting you say that about the fired coaches
I actually just got my Wade Phillips caricature published in a magazine down in texas (my first publication, actually) and the entire reason I did it in the first place was because I thought he was going to be fired from Dallas at the time
Chris Sembower - January 2, 2012
Just an idea..
Maybe a big jug of hatorade being poured on them. Who knows?
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
with Todd Haley bigger in the center...
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
haha
Hatorade…. i remember hearing that for the first time in middle school.
it was often served with a heaping portion of mashed po-hate-o’s
;)
Chris Sembower - January 2, 2012
nice
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
I've always hated Manning
But if the Chiefs got him for 3-4 years, we could really do some damage. We could also develop other QBs behind him, like Stanzi or a draft pick.
Vince D - January 2, 2012
Rex Ryan
GenericBrand - January 2, 2012
In other news...
…Rex Ryan classifies himself as “overweight” and declares the sky to be blue.
TimInKC - January 2, 2012
after all rex said about santonio, to now claim hes this bad guy, really doesnt make rex look very good
with revis not talking, scott screaming at cameras and holmes no longer a captain, i can safely say rex ryan is imploding as expected.
people thought haley was hard to work with…ha! try working with rex.
SDChief - January 2, 2012
I'll bet Brian Schottenheimer loves working for him.
Ole Rex can’t say enough good things about him.
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
ok. thats fine, and you can find some who enjoyed working with haley. that doesnt make him easy to work with
SDChief - January 2, 2012
He just doesn't strike me as being that difficult to work with.
He’s a blowhard and an egomaniac, but he’s generally very positive towards his players and coaches.
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
and ole rex is a freaking idiot. he cant control his locker room, or his mouth, and should stick to managing a defense, not a football team
SDChief - January 2, 2012
They sure beat the hell out of the Chiefs
I hated that game…
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
There's a part of me that actually thinks Rex gets canned this offseason
GenericBrand - January 2, 2012
I think he makes some minor coaching changes and gets one more year...
I think we might see some big FA moves out that way in the offseason only to see him fired next year midseason.
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
I could see that.
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
I could see that.
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
I mean what message does he give to his team next year?
“We’re the best and we’re going to win the Super Bowl”?
GenericBrand - January 2, 2012
Nothing wrong with that message...
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
Polin was riding Manning into getting his son a job
Their season was proof at how terrible of a job he has done at putting the team together
bonesjackson - January 2, 2012
Long term, Crennel is not an option for HC.
He’ll be the guy next year, but I think we’re gonna get McDaniels as our OC and coach-in-waiting. McDaniels will be our future, sadly.
Vince D - January 2, 2012
Jeff Fisher will interview with the Rams later this week. I expect the Rams to go after Fisher, then look for a GM.
super8 - January 2, 2012
Not a quote by me.
super8 - January 2, 2012
Who hires a coach first then a GM?
Very odd.
GenericBrand - January 2, 2012
The Rams?
Not a smart move, IMO.
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
Kind of limits your GM search that's for sure.
I guess it all depends if you value GM or HC more.
GenericBrand - January 2, 2012
I've seen it happen before.
But can’t remember where. Broncos? It not just limits your GM search, but it kind of screws with the chain of command, once you hire him. How comfortable can he be telling the head coach what to do, when the head coach is apparently further up on the totem pole?
Tarkus - January 2, 2012
no to mcdaniels
niageriannit1 - January 2, 2012
Sam Bradford wants him to stay
let’s hope he has some sway.
neiowakcfan - January 2, 2012
if the chargers keep norv, we can thank them for staying mediocre for a few more years
SDChief - January 2, 2012
i now have recieved a text from 5 diff people who are charger fans that all cant believe that norv is even being considered as head coach for next year
love it
SDChief - January 2, 2012
well, Steve was right ...
I should have started a Head Coaching Thread
upamtn - January 2, 2012
It's never too late
To the Fanshotmobile Upman!
Chief-blinders-on - January 2, 2012
You must Login with your SB Nation account and be a member of Arrowhead Pride to post a comment.