[NFL] 2008 Offseason

[Moontayle]

I know 12 teams are still playing but today was the start of the offseason for 20 other teams. Here are the current headlines:

Ravens fire head coach Billick after 5-11 season

The Brian Billick era in Baltimore came to end on Monday as he was fired by the Ravens, NFL Network's Adam Schefter is reporting.

The Ravens will hold a press conference at 3:30 p.m. ET Monday at the team's Owings Mills facility to announce their decision to let Billick go.

The news comes one day after the Ravens finished their disappointing season by snapping a nine-game losing streak with a 27-21 victory over the Steelers. Baltimore finished the season 5-11, the worst finish in Billick's eight years as head coach.

Billick, who led the Ravens to the Super Bowl XXXV title in 2000, took over as head coach in 1999.

Dolphins GM Mueller fired as Parcells begins shakeup

DAVIE, Fla. -- Bill Parcells' shakeup of the Miami Dolphins began Monday with the firing of general manager Randy Mueller.

Assistant director of player personnel Mike Baugh and college scouting coordinator Rick Thompson also departed.

Also at risk of being fired was coach Cam Cameron, who said he would discuss his future with Parcells this week. On Sunday, the Dolphins became only the eighth team to finish 1-15.

Parcells began work Thursday as executive vice president of football operations.

Mueller was the Dolphins' general manager for three seasons but was in charge of personnel decisions only since coach Nick Saban left a year ago.

Mueller received mixed reviews for his moves in 2007, which included the acquisition of free-agent linebacker Joey Porter and the selection of receiver Ted Ginn Jr. and quarterback John Beck in the draft.

Mueller was general manager of the New Orleans Saints in 2000-01.

Levy to resign as Bills GM

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. -- Marv Levy stepped down as the Buffalo Bills general manager Monday, confident he has the team headed in the right direction despite a second consecutive 7-9 finish.

[Sunder]

We knew this was probably coming, but during a bye week? I don't buy it won't be a distraction if other teams do call.

Dallas Cowboys' scouting chief could be next Miami GM

Source: Dolphins to interview Jeff Ireland on Tuesday

01:39 PM CST on Monday, December 31, 2007

By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News
tarcher@dallasnews.com

IRVING – Jeff Ireland could be joining Bill Parcells in Miami.

According to a source, Ireland will interview Tuesday for the Dolphins' general manager job – a day after the Dolphins received permission from the Dallas Cowboys to speak with Ireland.

Once Parcells was named Miami's executive vice president of football operations, Ireland's name was linked to the former Cowboys' coach. The two formed a tight bond during Parcells' time in Dallas, and he was instrumental in Ireland taking over for Larry Lacewell as the Cowboys' vice president of college and pro scouting.

Ireland is in the last year of his contract, but he could leave immediately if he received a "final say" promotion. The Cowboys could contend Ireland would not have such power in an organization with Parcells, although Parcells has said Ireland's role would be more of an "owner's designee."

NFL commissioner Roger Goodell could be called in if there is a dispute over titles should talks with Ireland lead to an offer.

Ireland joined the Cowboys in 2001 as a national scout after spending four years in Kansas City as an area scout. When Lacewell retired, Ireland took over the college and pro scouting departments.

His first draft inn 2005 netted Pro Bowlers DeMarcus Ware and Marion Barber, as well as four other heavy contributors – Marcus Spears, Kevin Burnett, Chris Canty and Jay Ratliff.

Teams may call Dallas Cowboys today

Garrett, Sparano and Ireland could draw interest around league

02:04 AM CST on Monday, December 31, 2007

By TODD ARCHER / The Dallas Morning News
tarcher@dallasnews.com

LANDOVER, Md. – With the Cowboys idle until their Jan. 13 divisional round game at Texas Stadium, they are about to find themselves in a game of "Who's going where?"

Jason Garrett has been mentioned as a possible coach in Atlanta. Tony Sparano's name has been linked to Miami, as has Jeff Ireland, the Cowboys vice president of college and pro scouting.

Teams can contact the Cowboys as early as today to seek permission to speak with any of their coaches or personnel.

Because the Cowboys have the bye week, their assistants would be available to interview this week. Atlanta is seeking a replacement for Bobby Petrino, while Cam Cameron's time in Miami is tenuous with Bill Parcells' arrival.

League rules prevent the Cowboys from denying permission for one of their assistants to interview for a head-coaching vacancy.

"We've had it happen really two or three times where a club requested permission to talk and the coach right then said, 'I'm not interested,' " Jones said.

Jones added that he has not been contacted regarding Garrett, Sparano or Ireland.

Garrett, 41, is aware of the speculation, but he said he has not been contacted. He is viewed as a hot commodity after the season the Cowboys put together offensively with quarterback Tony Romo, tight end Jason Witten and receiver Terrell Owens.

"It won't be a distraction," Garrett said, adding, "These are nice opportunities to think about, but my attention first and foremost is on this team and in our preparation for our first playoff game."

Sparano was hired by Parcells with the Cowboys in 2003. Three times the Cowboys have stopped Sparano from interviewing for offensive coordinator roles (New Orleans, San Diego, Cleveland). He has said he would like to be a head coach one day.

"All I know is we lost this game," Sparano said. "And we've got to get ready for the next one."

Ireland's name has surfaced as a candidate to become the Dolphins general manager. Ireland, who did not comment, is in the final year of his contract, but would be eligible to leave immediately should he receive a promotion. Parcells has publicly said he would serve in an advisory capacity as the Dolphins' vice president of football operations and leave the hiring authority to the general manager.

Should the Cowboys contest whether Ireland would have that authority, commissioner Roger Goodell would have the final say.

[Moontayle]

Garrett, I don't see going anywhere. Maybe Sparano but Garrett is smart enough to know that he needs to produce more than 1 winning season to prove he's worthy of an HC job, if only to himself. Expect him to stick around for at least another year.

[kcxiv]

I would love to see Carl Peterson and Herman Edwards fired, but that wont happen Clark Hunt may give them another year. With Pinky and the Brain running the show we stand no chance. lol

[Disp]

Originally Posted by Moontayle

Garrett, I don't see going anywhere. Maybe Sparano but Garrett is smart enough to know that he needs to produce more than 1 winning season to prove he's worthy of an HC job, if only to himself. Expect him to stick around for at least another year.

I don't think that will be a factor honestly. Look at Mike McCarthy, who was S.F.'s offensive coordination and never had a good season, but has led the Packers to their best record ever.

I think teams are gonna fight tooth and nail to get him, and I'm sure someone is willing to make the price right.

[Yutnopash]

He'd be stupid to leave into an unknown situation in Atlanta or Miami, where as he knows what he'll get in Dallas basically if he stays and then inherits the HC job once Wade is gone. Not only that, Jerry Jones will pay big when that time comes if he keeps up the offense through the playoffs and the next couple of seasons.

[GrobbeeTrull2.0]

Looks like the Browns will be signing Jamal Lewis to a contract, and they are "listening" to offers on Anderson, depending on what they label him as, they can get a 1st and 3rd round pick for him, or two first rounders.

I'd like to see them fill in their defense a little better - perhaps another DB, a LB, and perhaps some more O-Line.

Jamal Lewis running behind Jake Long would be a dream... but I know he'll get snatched up way before the Browns get a shot at him.

[Ham n Cheese]

Anderson for two first rounders, no way would I do that. No offense to him but he is loaded with weapons. Great line, a top 5 LT, top 5 WR, top 5 TE, he just wasn't Charlie Frye type shit and the team was healthy. I know he produced for about a season but an 82.5 passer rating in an AFC division on a down year I couldn't seem myself giving a 1st rounder for. I can't remember if he's restricted, if he is just sign him for a year and collect your draft picks from a stupid team, if not just franchise him for a year then make the Quinn/Anderson decision after 08. I mean shit the dude is several years younger than rookie John Beck, no reason to rush to a trade (though I understand striking while the iron is hot). They can't get shit for Quinn either until he's played

Browns should look at a young RB too and some younger OLB

[Akileese]

Originally Posted by Moontayle

Garrett, I don't see going anywhere. Maybe Sparano but Garrett is smart enough to know that he needs to produce more than 1 winning season to prove he's worthy of an HC job, if only to himself. Expect him to stick around for at least another year.

Not only that but he's clearly the one Jerry Jones wants for the job. Wade Phillips is just keeping his seat warm for him. He'd an idiot to leave.

[Lenardo]

anderson does not Warrant the Franchise Tag. no way no how, he is a decent QB, but should not be paid as one of the top 5 qb's in the league- cuz he is not.

he is a solid "middle of the pack" QB and should get paid appropriately-it would be Foolish of the management to franchise him

[Dennadyne]

Sure would be nice if the Vikings could pick up Anderson. I can't stand Tarvaris Jackson. I heard the Vikes were going to try and get McNabb? God I hope not.

[GrobbeeTrull2.0]

Yeah, if the Browns label him as "franchise" they have to pay him the average of the top 5 QB's in the league, or something like that. A trade for him at that point is 2 first rounders.

If they just tender him the contract he gets a 2.1 mil raise (ha, 400k), and would be worth a first and third round pick.

I don't think they'll trade him, but Crennell said he was "listening".

I just hope Quinn doesn't get MORE bitter and shit sitting on the bench. He didn't look that bad against San Fran... but then again, who doesn't?

[Tea on tuesday]

Originally Posted by GrobbeeTrull2.0

He didn't look that bad against San Fran... but then again, who doesn't?

The entirety of the Bengals.

[Moontayle]

Originally Posted by Dennadyne

Sure would be nice if the Vikings could pick up Anderson. I can't stand Tarvaris Jackson. I heard the Vikes were going to try and get McNabb? God I hope not.

Jackson needs someone to teach him how to be the mobile passing/running threat. McNabb would be perfect for him to redshirt under for another 2 years.

Edit: I should add that I don't see McNabb going anywhere though. And I fully expect the Iggles to land a stud WR in free agency because that's all they're really missing from the equation. When your RB, as good as he might be, is your #1 receiver, something is wrong.

[Sunder]

Source: Lions fire Martz, promote Colleto, Brown to lead offense

The Detroit Lions have fired offensive coordinator Mike Martz and promoted offensive line coach Jim Colleto and wide receivers coach Kippy Brown to run the offense in his place, a source in the organization told ESPN's Chris Mortensen.

...

However, Martz is not expected to be out of work for long. According to media reports, the San Francisco 49ers will seek him out as a replacement for current offensive coordinator Jim Hostler.

Report: Ryan to be fired by Oakland, take job with Jets

Sources indicate that Oakland Raiders defensive coordinator Rob Ryan has been told he will be fired this week, following the unit's disappointing performance in 2007, the Oakland Tribune reported.

Ryan, however, appears ready to land on his feet. According to New York-area reports, New York Jets defensive coordinator Bob Sutton is expected to lose his job. And the Tribune reported that according to sources, Ryan will succeed Sutton in New York.

And around and around it goes.