How to hire an NFL coach
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Memo to NFL teams when searching for a new head coach:
You don’t need marquee names!
When the Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Miami Dolphins and Washington Redskins hired coaches during the off-season, those cities didn’t erupt in celebration and division opponents were not cringing with fear. In fact, not many knew who these guys were.
Not anymore.
- Falcons hired Mike Smith, defensive coordinator for the Jacksonville Jaguars from 2003-07.
Last season: 4-12 and desperate to replace quarterback Michael Vick. This season: 5-3 and a playoff contender with a rookie QB, Matt Ryan.
- Ravens hired John Harbaugh, who was the Philadelphia Eagles special teams coach from 1998-2006 and defensive backs coach in 2007.
Last season: 5-11 with quarterback and offense problems. This season: 5-3 and a playoff contender with a rookie QB, Joe Flacco.
- Dolphins hired Tony Sparano, who was the Cowboys offensive line and assistant head coach.
Last season: 1-15. This season: 4-4 and one game out of first place in the AFC East.
- Redskins hired Jim Zorn, who was quarterbacks coach for the Seattle Seahawks from 2001-2007.
Last season: Fringe 9-7 playoff team that was eliminated by Seattle, 35-14. This season: 6-2 at midseason in the NFC East, considered the toughest division in the league.
Anybody listening up there in the Bay Area?
-- Athan Atsales
Top photo: Miami Dolphins Coach Tony Sparano. Credit: J. Pat Carter / Associated Press Inset: Baltimore Ravens Coach John Harbaugh. Credit: Rob Carr / Associated Press
