2012 Coaching and GM Carousel

 Eagles fire HC Andy Reid

                I can’t say this was unjustified. I want to. I want nothing more than to bash Eagles management for letting their best coach ever go. But this was an abysmal season and it is time for a change, on both sides. I’ll just let it stand at a sad time for the Eagles and wish them luck.

Bills fire HC Chan Gailey

                This was expected. The Bills splurged on free agents this year and failed to make the playoffs for a 13 consecutive year (longest playoff drought in the NFL).  While the general manager’s fate is still in doubt, the coach was most likely to go, especially seeing the progression (or rather lack thereof) of quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. The Bills need stability, and really should press for Andy Reid or Lovie Smith.

Browns fire HC Pat Shurmer and GM Tom Heckert

                This was very expected after the botched 2012 draft and the change in ownership. New owner Jimmy Haslem wants to change the culture of the Browns, which hopefully includes bringing stability to the coaching staff and front office, after he inserts his guys there. That probably also means dumping, or at least pushing 2012 draft mistake Branden Weeden and demanding more of the disappointing Trent Richardson.

Jaguars fire GM Gene Smith

                This was somewhat expected after another terrible year under a new owner. Botched draft picks and offensive ineptitude in a weak football market spells the end of an era. I like some of Gene Smith’s decisions, including getting MJD and trading up for Justin Blackmon, but the whiffs on Derrick Harvey, Reggie Nelson and Blaine Gabbert spelled his doom in Jacksonville.

Panthers fire GM Marty Hurney

                This is an older move, having been done relatively early in the season, but I figured I’d add my thoughts on it anyway. Hurney took the blame for the slow start to the Panthers season. I partially agree with this assessment, though I don’t think he deserved he was primarily to blame. He did a good job extending solid talent and picking up good players in the draft. His biggest fault was falling in love with Cam Newton and not evaluating receivers very well. I expect to see more house cleaning in the next few years, Hurney was just the first.

Chiefs fire HC Romeo Crennel

                I like Romeo Crennel, but following a highly turbulent season, it was time to find another coach and quarterback. Crennel is gone, all that’s left is to dump Cassel and replace him. Not much else to say.

Jets fire GM Mike Tannenbaum

                Mike Tannenbaum made two abysmal draft picks, and was the fall guy for Woody Johnson in bringing in Tim Tebow. Beyond Mark Sanchez and Vernon Gholston, terrible picks to be sure, Tannenbaum did a lot right as the GM. He drafted Nick Mangold, David Harris, D’Brickashaw Ferguson, Brad Smith, Leon Washington, Muhammad Wilkerson and, of course, Darelle Revis. He also brought in Antonio Cromartie and Kris Jenkins among others. While none of the free agent acquisitions ultimately led to a Super Bowl, I just think he’s made more right moves than wrong. The Jets are going to remain a circus until owner Woody Johnson takes his hands off of it and lets the coaches and GMs work without constant fear of begin fired.

Cardinals fire HC Ken Whisenhunt and GM Rod Graves

                I’m somewhat surprised by this move, but not very surprised. The Cardinals offense was pitiful this year and while Whisenhunt has a good scheme, it looked like he needed someone else to stock the cupboard for him to be successful. Consider that their offense has been in a tailspin since losing Anquan Boldin and Kurt Warner, while their defense has been building in talent in spite of losing such talented players as Karlos Dansby, Antrel Rolle and Bertrand Berry. I do credit Graves with the selections of new defensive stalwarts Patrick Peterson, Daryl Washington and Calais Campbell; however the miss of Matt Leinart and the trade for Kevin Kolb will haunt him. I don’t think that these changes will improve the team all that much, but I understand where they’re coming from.

Chargers fire HC Norv Turner and GM AJ Smith

                Well, I’m probably the only person who would defend Norv Turner and the job he did in San Diego. He kept the team somewhat respectable, though they never lived up to expectations after leading the Chargers to the AFC Championship in 2007. However, I don’t think it’s his fault that the Chargers continued to fall short of expectations. That distinction falls squarely on the shoulders of AJ Smith, whose departure comes far too late to save the team.  Smith’s opinion of himself more often than not led to pro bowl caliber players (like Vincent Jackson) to take their talents elsewhere. Smith continued to think he could replace that talent with lucky signings and draft picks, but he never did. Leaving Norv’s offense and defense bare of playmakers is what led to these dismal seasons. Turner was punished for Smith’s ineptitude.

Bears fire HC Lovie Smith

                Well, I wouldn’t have called this one. I thought the Bears were smarter than this. Lovie Smith, in spite of missing the playoffs numerous times, has been the main reason the Bears have been in playoff contention each of the last three years. While his offense has never been amazing, it’s been good enough, in spite of problems along the offensive line. Following a ten win season, I think he had earned another season, especially sense they could have easily been in the playoffs had the Vikings lost to the Packers. Some team is going to be very happy with Smith when he gets another job.