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Should he stay or should he go?by Jon Starz 1/2/2007

The NFL carousel is about to begin after today's game. I will ponder if the team or even the coach himself should make a change.

In the AFC East Buffalo's owner has stated that Jauron is the second best coach in Bills history behind Levy. Wow! I don't think I would want to be Dick. The expectations have to be unreal for next year. But it is obvious he is not going anywhere. The Patriots have Belichick. Enough said, he is not heading out. Travel to East Rutherford and we have the Jets Mangini who looks to be just the second 1st year coach in Jets history to make the playoffs. He's the toast of the town and if one more ESPN announcer calls him Eric Mangenious, I'll lose my lunch. No change coming here. Let's head to Miami where rumors are flying about Saban. The facts are simple. This is his first stop where he hasn't improved the team. This team produced his first losing season as a head coach. The Dolphins don't want to lose him. Now as for Saban, he says he doesn't want to leave but the rumors keep heating up about Alabama. The Crimson Tide's opening is intriguing for a top notch college guy. Can Saban admit failure in the NFL? I don't think he hasn't in him to give up. He will be getting Williams back next year but his QB situation will be muddier than ever. My guess he's gone to where he will be comfortable.

The AFC North has Baltimore and Billick who was clearly on the hot seat and fired friend and OC Fassel and so his team take control of their destiny and now have the second seed in the playoffs.No movement in Crab town. In Cincinnati they have Lewis who despite winning is having a hard time dealing with the off the field issues that the Bengals bring to the table. He won't be going anywhere yet. In Cleveland there is Crennel who has gotten the team better since he has been there but the little improvement shown isn't worth another season of the bright defensive coach. Expect him gone. Steel City has the most loyalty to its coach and Cowher says he'll make a decision soon. The Steelers want him and Bill will come back because he can't go out losing.

The AFC South has some interesting decisions ahead of itself. First, Houston's Kubiak made some progress in his first year and he'll be back for a second season. In Indianapolis Dungy is safe but he will need to upgrade that defense. Tennessee could hold a big surprise as Fisher is wanted badly by Adams and he will be recruited for every high profile job. I figure Fisher will test the waters and end up elsewhere as he sees a sophomore slump coming in Nashville. Further south in Jacksonville Del Rio could be in trouble after failing to make the playoffs this season. Jack doesn't want to go anywhere but it may not be his choice. Look for the Jags to keep him on and give him a short leash next season.

Out west there are some crusty old veterans like SD's Schottenheimer who won't be going anywhere unless he wins the Super Bowl and then all bets are off. Denver has Shanahan who looked uncomfortable for the first time in his Bronco career in dealing with the fans and press regarding the Cutler/Plaummer issue. If they don't make the playoffs he will be asked to leave but if they do he'll be back for another season. In Oakland retread Art Shell has had a horrible time with the players and adjustments during games. He has looked overmatched and it doesn't surprise me if he is gone after such a disappointing year.

The NFC East could have a few fireworks for the new year. First, in Philadelphia, Andy Reid has the team in the playoffs and he won't be going anywhere. The town loves him, the players love him and he loves the team. In New York, Coughlin is gone despite backing into the playoffs. The players don't like playing for him and he will be sought after in the college ranks after his success in the NFL and Boston College. Washington's Joe Gibbs won't be fired or Dan Snyder will have a fan mutiny on his hands. I don't see Joe leaving this offseason as hbe also is one who doesn't admit to failure well. He'll be back for another season and expect the Skins in the playoffs. The Dallas saga however could see just about any result. I foresee an ultimatum to Owner Jones. Get rid of TO or I am gone. Don't let the door hit you on the way out will be the response as Jones thinks he is the man in Dallas and that Parcells is his puppet.

The NFC North won't see any coaching changes after having 3 last offseason. Chicago's Smith has the best team in the NFC while Minnesota's Childress has improved the team but he will have to address a terrible defense. In Green Bay HC McCarthy has found a new fountain of youth and given Favre all he needs. Detroit's Marinelli had the hardest time this year of the 3 with his team winning just 2 games. The problem here is the talent evaluators led by GM Millen. Look for Millen to be gone and Marinelli given 1 more year.

Done south in the NFC South you'll find Atlanta's Mora putting gravy on his size 12 leathers as he continues to put his foot in his mouth. He lost the team beginning in November and lost their respect after eating his foot with the Washington comment. It may have a joke but his team isn't a joking matter. He's gone. Next up is Carolina who had high expectations once again and they fell short. This team can't seem to put together 2 solid seasons in a row. HC Fox will get by this but he'll begin in the pressure cooker next year. The Saints Payton has been annointed in New Orleans after giving the city new life and a new beginning with the division winning Saints. Deep in the south you find TB's Gruden who seems to be an excellent coach but what I have noticed is he doesn't like to lose but more importantly he doesn't know how to handle the losing. Screaming louder doesn't usually work and he did have a few injuries but is that enough to keep him? In my opinion the Bucs will keep him for another year and that will probably be a mistake.

Out west we find Seattle's Holmgren who has won the division once again so he won't be going anywhere. Head down the coast to SF and you find Nolan who has the Niners getting better every season and he is just a few more players from divsion contention. St. Louis' Linehan has his team in the fight for the playoffs up until the last week of the season. He found a star in Jackson and will need to upgrade the defense for a deeper run for the playoffs. Now heading to the desert we find HC Green in deep trouble. His team continues to draft offensive stars and sign free agent starts like James and his results are typical Arizona results. This would be a great spot for Chow to give it a go as the head man.

Overall, there will be as many as 8 changes in the NFL (not for long). Expect to see some high profile jobs open up and for some highly regarded coaches to either step down or get the boot.

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