Today, I continue the series on who could be the coach of the future in Detroit. Will Mike Shanahan be a factor? How about Leslie Fraizer? Let’s take a closer look at some more candidates for the head coaching job.

Leslie Fraizer, Defensive Coordinator, Minnesota Vikings-

Fraizer interviewed for the Atlanta and Miami job last season, and both teams liked his interview, but went with other options. Fraizer has done a good job with the Viking defense, and if he bolts, he will be the second defensive coordinator in three years to become a head coach. The Lions plan to interview Fraizer in about a week. Minnesota’s defense ranked 6th in total defense, and first in rushing defense (just what the Lions dream for).

Analysis:

Leslie Fraizer has the experience on the defensive side of the ball that I love. He worked under Tony Dungy with the Colts, and helped lead a cornerbacks group that was key to the Indianapolis super bowl run. He has a pretty good relationship with Viking head coach Brad Chilress, so it might be hard to peel him away from Minnesota, but if they can, He could be their option for future coach.

Mike Mularkey, Offensive Coordinator, Atlanta Falcons- The Lions have contacted the Atlanta Falcons on the availablility of former Buffalo head coach and current Atlanta offensive coordinator Mike Mularky. Mularky has seen a lot of experience in this league, including three stints as an offensive coordinator. Mularky coached two years with the Bills, and couldn’t get success brewing in New York. Mularkey has been linked to the Cleveland job as well.

Analysis:

Mularkey is not the best man for this job, and hasn’t ever proved to be a “game changing” coach at this level. Again, if Mularkey is hired, someone is going to have to fill in at the defensive coordinator spot, with a lot of experience.

Jim Schwartz, Defensive Coordinator, Tennessee Titans-

Schwartz has spent the last eight years with the Titans, and they have been 8 pretty good years. The Lions were scheduled to interview him today.  Schwartz led the Titan’s to 7th in total defense in 2008. Most importantly, Schwartz has been a part of a rebuild on the defensive side of the ball. After the 2004 season, Schwartz lost 7 of his 11 starters. But the defense responded and had pretty good success despite starting two rookies at the cornerback position.

Analysis:

I personally believe that Schwartz has the perfect balance to be the next Lions head coach, considering, it seems that the Lions will not focus on a veteran type coach. Not only has Schwartz come out of a rebuild successful, he has constantly found a way to stop the run. In his last 56 home games, Schwartz has only allowed 8 100 yard rushers. With Martin Mehew believing that Rushing defense is key to a turnaround, Schwartz could be a favorite.

Rex Ryan, Defensive Coordinator, Baltimore Ravens- The Lions have major interest in Ryan, and his ability to turn around and maintain defenses. The Ravens, who are ranked second in team defense, have been rebuilt to almost mimic the talent of the 2000 Ravens defense. Ryan was around for that super bowl run as the defensive line coach. There is no doubt that Ryan is the cream of the crop when it comes to defenses, but with New York and St. Louis calling, Detroit might not be on Rex Ryan’s head coaching radar.

Analysis:

Here are the numbers you need to know-

1998-01: His defensive line did not allow a 100 yard rusher in 50 straight games.

2002: Held AFC to 3.7 yards per carry

2003: Led Defensive line and defense to league leading 47 sacks.

2004: Held Quarterbacks to a 68 QB rating.

2005: Took over as Defensive Coordinator; 5th best defense in the NFL, Second in the A.F.C.

2006: Number one defense in the league, led most defensive team categories.

2008: Second in total defense

———–

I doubt Ryan will be an option, but If he were, he would be my favorite to take over the job.

I’m hearing things… THINGS

Apparently the Detroit Lions, despite announcing a freeze on ticket prices, are tacking on a licensing premium to the nicer seats at Ford Field. Oh, I should mention that it’s to the tune of around 2,000 per seat. 

I’ll let you settle down from laughing. 

Ticket sales outlook for the 2009 season looks dire; awful really. Currently they are predicting around 50% turnout per home game. In other words, odds are no TV home games, so black outs for all! 

None of this information is documented as fact by me and I will deny everything if you ask me

The NFL Network reports the Lions have received permission to speak with Dolphins assistant head coach Todd Bowles next week. Bowles, who coaches the Dolphins’ secondary and was a former Redskins teammate of Mayhew, made the move to Miami with rookie head coach Tony Sparano this season after spending three years in Dallas and four in Cleveland coaching defensive backs.

 

Read the whole John Niyo article here.  Homeboy worked with Mayhew and you know how the Lions feel about bringing in guys they know. I can’t argue with with they’ve done in Miami, but that 1-15 is not as wretched as our 0-16; they weren’t getting absolutely creamed as the Lions were. 

I just can’t feel that these guys are going to get the right guy… They haven’t in the last 8 years, why/how is that going to magically change all of a sudden because frick and frack (millen-anelli) are gone. Like it was 100% these guys making the mess? Lewand and Meyhew were completely impotent in the last eight years and I’m to believe that getting rid of Millen has unleased their magic, that’s why that trade with the inept and desperate Cowboys happened. 

Y’see… with the Lions “it is what it is”… and that’s what that trade is. Luck. They fell into it. Jerry Jones had his star QB hurt and he felt “America’s Team” was penciled in  on the Lambardi Trophy. He was desperate and it made him crazy and we all know he likes to put the screws to the people running the team under him; He gets all wet and rubbery for Roy Williams, a hometown Texas boy that can sell some jerseys and fill some seats while Romo’s hand heals and Jessica Simpson stares into his dreamy eyes. Jone’s line of thinking fell into the ‘burn it all up, full throttle to the Super Bowl THIS YEAR’. That was his line of thinking. This wasn’t a genius trade. It was beneficial, for sure, but that doesn’t make it a cunning stunt. They fell into it. They had a desperate guy that is frivolous with his resources and they happened to have what he wanted. End of story. 

Anyway, to all the fans throwing out these crazy scenarios, like Bill Parcels leaving the Dolphins cause of some goofy out clause in his contract and coming to fix the Lions, STOP. It’s not going to happen.

 

“I think you have to have a head coach who agrees with your philosophy,” said Mayhew. “I think that’s part of it. I think that’s where we struggled some here in the past. What we’re doing offensively and what we’re doing defensively and what our President/CEO philosophy was versus what we were trying to do on the football field didn’t always match up and I think that has to match up in the future.”

The search for that next coach has already begun; the Lions have put in requests for different candidates throughout the league, though they are not going to disclose who those candidates are at this time.

“It’s an internal search, Martin and I are conducting it and it began in earnest yesterday,” said Lewand.

Interviews are being scheduled now and will begin this week. It will be a search for that coach who fits exactly what Lewand and Mayhew are looking for: someone who sees eye-to-eye with the brand of football the Lions will play moving forward.

“The philosophy isn’t just Martin’s philosophy, it becomes the organizational philosophy and that’s what I was describing earlier about having a plan,” said Lewand. “(To execute that successfully will take) everybody involved.

“It will take me in my role, it takes Martin in his role, it will take our head coach and it will take us having a level of trust in each other that we’re all successfully and diligently executing our responsibilities within that plan, and we’ll have that.”

 

 

So they want to reiterate that they need a guy that falls in line with their philosophy.
And that is…
uh…

Going winless? Drafting poorly? Running the worst defense? Being the worst team?

Being a “Yes” man? Towing the line no matter what?

Failing miserably week after week and refusing to change a single aspect of your game plan? 

This is NOT A FRESH START. This is the same story, different faces up front. These guys were not interim; there was no search, this was decided after the obligatory firing of Millen. I can picture it right now, out in the corner of some steak house; Lewand and Ford Sr., smoking some after dinner cigars and swirling some cognac and Lewand decides to seize the moment; to make his case. And it’s a good one. “I want a shot at this Mr. Ford, Mayhew and I can do it. We are already on pay-roll, it won’t cost you anymore and we are going to commit harder than ever before (Millen didn’t even live in the state and barely put in the hours)”. It was a done deal from there. There was no search, there were no interviews (the boys even confirmed this in their introductory presser), it was what it was. 

This is like a feculant lizard that regenerates its limbs. You’ve seen it’s arm cut off, you’ve nipped it’s tail off, but they are just going to grow back from the same stinking, rotten body. 

It doesn’t matter who you pick and it’s becoming clearer and clearer that big time, vibrant up and coming coaches don’t want to touch this organization; it’s marred and you simply aren’t set up to win.

Will these guys do better than Millen? 

How can they not? Millen was the worst Manager in the history of the sport. His regime never even hit .500 in a season. Only thing Millen ever led the League in was double digit loss seasons.

Less than a week after firing former Head Coach Rod Marinelli, The Lions are quickly putting together a list of assistant and former coaches to interview for the opening head coach job. Let’s take a look at the coaching names that have been already linked to the opening job in Detroit.

Jerry Gray, Secondary/Cornerback Coach, Washington Redskins-

Gray spent five years with the Buffalo Bills as the defensive coordinator, before heading to the capital city as the secondary coach the last few years.  His defense in Buffalo ranked 2nd in the league in 2003. Gray also played in the NFL for nine seasons. Four of those years were pro bowl performances at the corner back position.Gray was the first coach contacted by the Lions.

Evaluation:

Though he does have some success at higher positions, Gray has never been a coach at any level. He seems like the type that could fill in as the defensive coordinator if his interview goes well. But overall, I don’t see him as an option at head coach.

Jason Garrett, Offensive Coordinator, Dallas Cowboys-

Garrett became last year’s poster boy of new and young coaches coming into the league. After interviewing with the Ravens and Falcons last year, Garrett decided to go back to the Cowboys for an astronomical contract. His offense completely underperformed this season, and was a mediocre 13th in offensive production this season. The Lions have contacted Jerry Jones and have gained permission to talk to Garrett.

Analysis:

As bad as this offense looked last season, I still believe a defensive minded coach is what this organization needs. Jason Garrett hasn’t proven anything to me. Again, if you want to overpay for an offensive coordinator, than Garrett could fill that void rather nicely. Keep him out of the head coaching ranks though, at least in Detroit.

Steve Spagnuolo, Defensive Coordinator, New York Giants-

Spagnuolo is credited with the turnaround of the Giant defense that surged to the Super bowl in 2007-2008. Spanuolo has been a much wanted coach for quite a while and has a good reputation around the league. A lot of teams will have interest, so it could be hard for the Lions to sell their head coaching slot to him. One positive note though, is that Spagnuolo would like to stay on the east coast, preferably not in the same division as his former Giants.  He is also a player favorite, and his squad always likes to play for him. Another plus, is that he apparently talks to god during games. Maybe that is the answer to all of us Lions fans just praying for a win before Christmas next year.

Analysis:

Spagnuolo, as much as he reminds me of Rod Marinelli, is the type of coach the Lions need for a turnaround. It could be interesting to see if he even considers this job. Of the current favorites, I like Spagnuolo the best, because he has the most experience. Though he is new to the NFL head coaching ranks, he has 15 years of experience at the college level, and two with NFL Europe.

Dennis Green, Former Head Coach, Vikings, Cardinals-

Green is the only veteran I’ll add to this list, because reports have come out that Brian Billick most likely will not be the head man in Detroit for 2009. Green is a players coach for sure, but he doesn’t let them walk all over him. He could be a good balance that this team needs to succeed. He is that veteran voice that could help in the locker room. One thing he would have to grasp is simply the fact that he would not be in control of the team. He doesn’t seem like the type to have a great relationship with the team president or General Manager, but who knows.  All I know is the Lions, “Were who we thought they were.” Dennis Green knows that and could be willing to work with that fact.

Analysis:

Hmm, he don’t quite fit the system, but did Marty Morningweg or Rod Marinelli? If the Lions are sick of going the young and inexperienced route, and could work out a deal with Green, I wouldn’t be shocked. As much as he is critisized, a lot of the Cardinal success the past few seasons, has to be partially credited to Green. He did help build a solid foundation in Arizona. But like always, the question will be, how do you sell 0-16 to a coach who has experience, and could be demanded for other jobs around the league. If you remember, Dennis Green was interested in the job, when the Lions ultimately brought in Steve Mariucchi.

(This is part one of a two part series that will look at some names that have been officially linked to the Detroit Lions. Stay tuned later in the week for part two of this story.)

You obviously know about Marinelli’s sacking; but what about the Jets firing their coach for missing the playoffs by one game? What a luxury. We’ve never been blessed with that kind of leadership from the front office. While other teams expect more and hold personnel accountable for their Wins to Losses ration, we finally fire Marinelli who has won 10 games in 3 years.

And do what you ask? Barely anything. A tolken firing of the second sacrificial lamb and promoting the two guys directly under Millen;
Keep Jim Collette, just demoting him back to an offensive lineman coach. I think this lends credence to the Billick rumors, as Collette has ties to him. Your next head coach of the Detroit Lions will most likely be Brian Billick. I would happily offer the Defense Co-ordinator job to Romeo Cronell too.

I’ll take it, at least the guy has done something before underperforming for several years out in Baltimore.

So we switch to the real Lions football season… we watch Bowl games and speculate as to who we will fritter away our draft picks on.

UPDATE: According to the Lions website, Offensive coordinator Jim Colletto will remain with the organization. He will become the offensive line coach in 2009.

Well, who blames them. After sporting a 0-16 record for the first time in NFL history, The Lions announced early this morning that Head Coach Rod Marinelli has been fired today.

The former head coach led the Lions to a 10-38 record in three years under the helm. Reports have also surfaced that all coaches will be fired beyond running backs coach Sam Gash and wide receiver coach Shaun Jefferson.

The Lions finished last in almost every defensive category this season.

Despite all the bad news surrounding the team, after finishing the worst performance, the Lions did get some good news on Sunday night. After a Cowboys loss, it seems the first round pick for Roy Williams will fall somewhere in the middle of the first round, instead of the end of it. Though that can’t cure who is picked, it is at least something to be thankful for.

How do you feel? I feel weird. It’s like… You knew this was going to happen. And it happened in the typically ugly fashion we’re used to…

I don’t know if I really wanted it to happen. They suck, but they are still my team. I was born here… I’m married to it. I can’t feel emotion for other teams like I do for the Lions, though right now, I don’t know if I’m completely emotionally divorced from my team, but I do think we are under going a trial separation.

History was made. Officially the worst team in NFL history, arguably the worst team in the history of modern professional sports.

As a true Lion, I will simply say that “it is what it is”.

And you should too.

I want to see every reaction. I want to see him doing that stupid half praying, half zoning out thing that he does during the many Lions losses over the last 8 years. I want him on the 50 yard line, row one in the freezing cold and I want him on camera. A LOT. I wanna see it, I want him to squirm and grimace at this football styled abortion he has unleashed upon us. Ford Sr. should be sitting there next to him. Perhaps they can share nips of brandy from a fancy flask.

He is the patriarch of history this week! This is his Sunday really. This is his baby, and it’s time for Mr. Millen to sit there and watch it graduate. The Worst Team in NFL History, a title all his own and of his creation with players and Coaches that he not only hand picked, he stuck with inexplicably and demanded no change even when the whole thing was falling apart.

I want to see you there to enjoy it Mr. Millen, you Prince of Princes and you should be there as well Mr. Ford, you King of Kings. This is your day! You’ll be all over Fox and CBS and surely ESPN will have you both plastered all over the place this week, showing your reactions to the highlights as Green Bay lights the Lions up like a Christmas Tree in the center of downtown.