Official 2021 Off Season Discussion

[Matt]

Goes in here!!

[Kobeck]

Im going for a new parking lot again, even offering too pay half. Which is probably dumb $s but whatever.

[Trivia Bytes]

THE COACHING LANDSCAPE FOR 2021

The heavy smoke is starting to clear from the dark and seedy backrooms where negotiations were running as fast as the liquor was flowing. Out of this backroom frivolity, we witnessed two outstanding GM’s emerging absolutely dumbstruck and wondering WTF just happened in the past three days.

West Virginia’s Kozure got the worst of it. Just three days ago, he was at the top of the football world – representing the American Conference in the Imperial Bowl - and now, three days later, his entire coaching staff has been raided and gone. We think he must feel like he has just come from the back alley and all he can do is try to find his underwear. See details below.

Lawrence’s JesterBlaze also had a very comfortable and stable outlook in Phantom heaven three days ago. A new stadium (ala Jerry Jones) had just opened last season. There are draft picks up the kazoo and then even more (as usual though). All that needed to be done was to resign the head coach and the defensive coordinator. Well the DC contract got done… but then, the financial accounting department had some type of fuck up with the numbers and there wasn’t enough time to sort things out as the negotiations were already in play. Before you knew it, Tyrell Nichols signed a contract to return to Norfolk where Lawrence had originally poached him five years earlier. See details on how it all came out.

Sorted by division, here is the 2021 coaching lineups, rated from top to bottom (by our bias).

:arrow: AC – NORTH – no activity except for Iowa City

Cleveland … no changes were made. Rico Sprouse will enter his tenth season with the Clawz (E-E-E-VG-VG). Sprouse has taken the Clawz to the playoffs eight out of the nine seasons (which includes four conference championship games, two Bowl games and one championship -- he also has a previous championship with Vermont). His supporting cast includes OC Mark Young (E-E-G-E-E-E) and DC Walter Burns (G-E-E-E-E).

Wichita … no changes were made. T.J. Palmateer (VG-VG-VG-VG-E) returns with OC Ricardo Redd (E-E-G-E-E-G) and DC Johnny McGuire (G-E-E-E-G).

Montreal … no changes were made. Mercury Boldin (G-VG-G-E-F) will be back again for the Firebirds along with OC Harris Nafis (E-VG-G-VG-E-E) and DC Victor Worthen (P-E-E-VG-E).

Iowa City … Major shakeups for the Snipe Hunters. Iowa City canned future Hall of Fame HC Howie Mooberry and turned their sights on St. Louis’s young Bernie Houghtlin (G-G-VG-G-VG). The front office then signed rookie OC Mikel Hutson (VG-G-A-VG-A-VG) and let OC Jermaine Marzano’s (G-VG-G-A-A-VG) contract expire. Finally, the team resigned DC Brian Bove (VG-VG-E-E-E) to a new 5 year contract.

:arrow: AC – SOUTH – no activity except for St. Louis

Houston … no change were made. HC Kent Silvanic (E-G-G-VG-E) is in his 10th season with the Renegades has OC Drew Russell (VG-E-VG-VG-VG-E) and DC Trevor Fisk (P-E-E-A-VG) in supporting roles.

Murfreesboro … no changes were made. Brenden Boyer (VG-G-VG-VG-A) is in his last year of his contract. He has led the mules to six conference championship games during this tenure. OC Bryant White (E-G-E-VG-VG-G) and DC Aaron Chiaccheri (A-G-E-VG-G) remain on board.

Louisiana … no changes were made. Sammie Flannery (VG-G-A-E-VG) is in the last year of his contract. OC James Klemm (F-VG-F-G_G-VG) and DC Gary Ferreira (A-G-VG-A-G) complete the staff.

St. Louis … St. Louis lost its young HC Bernie Houghtlin to Iowa City. Management has decided to stay young and is trusting 38 year old Winston Nickerson (G-G-G-F-G) with the keys to the family car. OC John Feliciano (F-G-G-A-G-E) and DC Anthony Dromeshauser (E-F-G-G-VG) were retained.

:arrow: AC – EAST – all hell broke loose in this division.

Norfolk … Hardy Pomeranz was fired by the Vipers in the last year of his contract even though he had coached the Vipers into the playoffs in every one of the past four years. We believe that the front office has been displeased on the one game exits from the playoffs in each of those years. Their new hope rides on bringing veteran coach Tyrell Nichols back to Norfolk. Nichols started his career in St. Louis (a Bowl win), then to Norfolk (a Bowl appearance), then to Lawrence (another Bowl appearance) and now returns to Norfolk. Norfolk also made a change at DC. J.B. Romo (P-G-VG-VG-E) was also let go in the last year of his contract. The Vipers jumped on recently fired and available Chicago DC Dustin Wimberly (A-E-E-E-A). The Vipers retained the services of OC Edward Cicci (VG-E-VG-VG-VG-VG).

Chicago … The new management team in the Windy City is not sitting on its hands. They shocked the football world by luring away a division rival’s and coach from last year’s Imperial Bowl. Ross Brandon (G-E-E-G-E) leaves West Virginian after ten years at its helm (includes eight playoff appearances, three conference titles and Imperial Bowl visits, and two league championships.) Ronald Rocco (G-A-VG-G-VG) was relieved of his duties in the last year of his contract. Joey Bauer, Off Coord (A-E-G-F-E), was also in the last year of his contract, but he was retained even though he is clearly at the end of his career at the age of 70. Chicago was not finished. The Crusaders continued to set up shop by hiring a new face to lead its defensive corps by raiding another division rival, Hartford, and obtaining a contract with Kory Fox (G-E-G-VG-VG).

Hartford … Kris Ludwig (VG-VG-E-G-G) is in his second season at Hartford (after leading Portland to two Bowl games and one championship season). OC Daniel Paredes (E-VG-G-A-A) sets the Offense. The Whales scooped up Madison’s ex-DC Rufus Schneider (A-A-E-VG-E) and replaces their loss of Chicago bound DC Korey Fox.

West Virginia … From trash to treasures or is it the other way around. After playing in the Imperial Bowl, the West Virginia front office found itself without a coaching staff. The entire coaching staff was raided … HC Ross Brandon went to Chicago, OC Mitch Montgomery accepted a head coaching job at Madison and DC Marty Edwards left for Portland. The revamped coaching staff is now in place: rookie HC Trent Hampton (F-VG-G-G-G); OC Jermaine Marzono (G-VG-G-A-A-VG) who was let go in the last year of his contract at Iowa City; and DC Phil Tyler (F-E-A-VG-E).

:arrow: AC – WEST – Portland upgrades coordinators

Anchorage … no change, the front office is very comfortable with Grant Roberson (A-VG E-E-E) who will be leading the Lynx for the 8th straight year. OC Nate Cromwell (he has all Excellent ratings!!)returns and DC JR Hummel (VG-E-VG-E-G) is as capable as they come.

Portland … Timmy Haith (VG-VG-VG-VG-E), hired away from Oakland two seasons ago, returns after taking Portland to the conference championship game this year. Portland decided to upgrade its two new coordinators and waived their cash to snag Madison’s OC Jumbo Kellenberger (E-E-G-E-E) and West Virginia’s Marty Edwards (A-E-E-E-E).

Fresno … Stanley Moore (G-A-VG-VG-G) is in his second season with the Warthogs. His previous long term tenure was with Oakland as the DC and has very strong ratings in that role (E-E-E-E-VG). OC Ed Donaldson (VG-G-VG-VG-E) and DC R.J. Montgomery (G-VG-E-E-VG) support Moore.

Los Angeles … Long term coach Bill Earle (G-A-VG-A-G) comes back with his OC Arnold Richardson (G-VG-G-G-F-G). DC Jim Davison (F-VG-G-A-G) obtained a three year contract extension.

:arrow: NC – NORTH – Madison scouts and then promotes a coordinator to head coach.

Pennsylvania … no changes were made. Jake Lentz (G-VG-E-E-E) returns to lead the team, OC Burt Riley (E-VG-VG-VG-VG-G) and DC Arnold Hamilton (VG-E-F-VG-VG) will ably support..

Lancaster … no changes were made. Eric Osborne (G-G-VG-VG-VG) returns after bringing the Orgres to the division championship last year. He will keep OC Dexter Tudor (G-G-VG-G-A-G) and DC Jonathan Farmer (F-A-G-G-A) who helped him in this achievement last year.

Madison … The Demons looked in the coordinator ranks and lured away WV’s OC Mitch Montgomery (VG-G-VG-G-G) and then appointed him as head coach. Management points to the upgrade over past HC Tommie Briggs (G-G-A-VG-A). The Demons quickly replaced the loss OC Jumbo Kellenberger (E-E-G-E-E-E) to Portland with OC Darrell Wilson (E-G-G-F-F-G). DC Jason Bolinger (G-G-G-A-G) resigned for a new 5 year contract.

Dakota … no changes were made. Aging Crawford Hunter (A-G-G-E-A) is at the helm. OC Andre Copeland (VG-A-E-A-G) resigned to a new 3 year agreement and DC Walter Burns (E-VG-A-VG-VG) resigned a new one year contract.

:arrow: NC – SOUTH a retirement needing replaced, otherwise, status quo

Tulsa … no changes, C.J. Gunn (E-G-VG-G-E) returns with OC Les Delgado (E-E-G-VG-F-E) and DC Lou Howle (VG-E-E-A-E)

Georgia … Russell Badalyan (VG-G-VG-A-VG) will start his eighth season with the Generals. The capable OC Gus Bryant (E-E-G-VG-VG) is a nice fixture. DC David Henson (G-G-VG-P-VG) retired and Georgia found recently fired J.B. Romo (P-G-VG-VG-E) from Norfolk.

Little Rock … no changes. Deion Sinclair (A-G-VG-G-VG) is just itching to have the draft to start.OC Heath Leigh ( VG-E-G-G-E-E) and DC (A-G-VG-G-E) are able bodies to help the organization with their use of the thirteen draft picks the team will soon put in play..

Texas … no changes, Donnell Mills (E-A-VG-F-E) returns with OC Victor Copeland (E-A-A-A-A-E-G) and DC Travis Wick (G-E-E-A-E).


:arrow: NC – EAST - some interesting but distressful news


Newark … No need to change anything up for the Imperial Bowl Champs. Eugene Poston (G-E-E-E-E) is in his 4th season with the Bulldogs and has taken them to the big one for the last two years. Previous to this, he did the same think in Tulsa. OC Derrick Salazar (E-VG-E-E-E-VG) and DC Bob Peebles (A-E-E-E-E) more than aptly fill the supporting roles.

Vermont … Freddie Cristal (G-G-A-G-VG) returns. Vermont took little time in hiring Portland’s out-of-favor OC Beau Brown (VG-E-E-G-E-E) while the Seals were courting Madison’s OC Jumbo Kellenberger. DC Ernest May (F-A-E-E-A) returns for the defence.

Lawrence … After losing Tyrell Nichols to Norfolk, the front office scrambled to hire William Ogden (VG-P-G-VG-VG), a young coach that Orlando left up for grabs after hiring him last year to a one year contract. Lawrence still retains second year OC Alan Crespo (G-G-G-VG-G-G) and the Phantoms resigned DC Rob Shelton (P-VG-G-E-E) to a 5 year extension.

Orlando … Orlando threw up their hands and just left it up to the FOF spin the wheel in that it did not try to renew either its HC or OC contracts. And for the effort, it didn’t come up too bad for the Pirates. Legendary HC Howie (G-A-VG-G-G) was given a two year contract after he was released in the last year of his contract with Iowa City. Mooberry Moobeerry is the only coach to have on four Imperial Bowls. OC Adrian Schroeder (E-A-G-F-A-VG) was also given a two year contract. DC Daniel Stickney (A-A-G-A-VG) is in the last year of his contract.


:arrow: NC – WEST - a few new faces

Vancouver … Sammy Harvey (A-VG-VG-E-G) returns with OC Joel Kooiker (E-E-E-E-A-E). The Whales couldn’t pass up the opportunity to sign Portland’s recently fired DC Maurice Compton (VG-E-E-G-E).

Salt Lake City … Artie Lyle (VG-E-VG-VG-F) was resigned to a new 5 year contract. Lyle also resigned OC R.J. Rasmussen (VG-VG-VG-E-E). DC Anthony Dromeshauser (E-F-G-G-VG) is in the last year of his contract. DC Daniel Stickney (VG-E-F-VG-VG) is in the last year of his two year contract.

Oakland … New management in Oakland will stay the course with Zach Marek (G-G-G-G-G), OC Vince Rodriguez (VG-E-VG-A-E) and DC Brett Bond (F-G-VG-G-P). Marek and Bond were new additions last year and under their watch in their first year, the fans witnessed the Assassins to fall from the conference championship game to a shocking 5-12 season. It was somewhat a surprise that the new management is allowing them a chance to repent for their sins of last year.

Reno … Jim Delap (A-VG-A-VG-VG) was resigned to a new 5 yr contract. OC James Coburn (G-G-G-A-A-G) and DC Mo Aschenbrenner (F-E-VG-G-VG) return as well.


A late breaking story ...
ex Norfolk HC Hardy Pomeranz and ex Chicago HC Ronald Rocco who have found themselves as "coaching orphans" have both signed one year contracts with Solvision as game day commentators.

[Matt]

lol
THAT's who is calling my games!!!!

great article. Interesting to see how this all shakes out. I know we went on a down year the year we hired Poston. There is a huge benefit to having a coaching staff hang around

[markc]

Cool and unique analysis. I know if skydog is right (and I have no reason to believe he isn't) then the coordinators are only "development accelerators" and not likely very important if you have mentors or a very veteran team - but I still like to get the best ones I can just in case there is some kind of "hidden" adjustment to your team's effectiveness.

[markc]

Also, it is great to see some big trades already happening before FA - fun to watch. Cap issues will likely limit my trade and FA activity this season. FA market seems to be less than impressive this year - maybe worst since I came to the league. Which is probably a good thing or Reno could buy a championship!

[VitoStallion]

Reno is making a move...he's got the 1.2 now

BTW, I'm studying a book on the many uses of whale fat

[Hoosier]

Reno is making a move...he's got the 1.2 now

BTW, I'm studying a book on the many uses of whale fat

That's funny....I just checked out a book on the many proprietary uses of seal skin....

small world. :thewave:

[markc]

Reno is making a move...he's got the 1.2 now

BTW, I'm studying a book on the many uses of whale fat

Everybody knows that horse meat is the best (I actually had horse sashimi in Japan many years ago - it wasn't my idea of a delicacy).

[Kobeck]

the rest of the AFCW can eat depleted uranium

[DDT]

Awesome post.