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Ok, didn't have the chance to make this all pretty like last season's, but this will do I think.
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2006 Coaching Staff Preview
Once again this year we are taking an advanced look ahead to which coaches may be on the move in the coming offseason. As with every year, several coaches have their contracts coming to an end. We don't just look at those guys though, and possible teams they may end up with. We also take a look at who may be in danger of losing their job, even if they have multiple years left on their contract.
Head Coaches
Hunter Crawford, Lawrence Phantoms - He has been the Phantoms head coach for three years now, improving the team with eash passing season. This year the Phantoms are a playoff contender. This track record is going to make Crawford a hot commodity. Crawford is known as a top notch play caller for both sides of the ball, and solid in other areas of the game. Expect the Phantoms to try resigning him, but don't be surprised if they have to bid higher then they want in order to keep him.
Vincent Lovett, Madison Demons - Lovett is an offensive guru and a players coach. He knows the buttons to push to motivate his players llike few others do. This has led the Demons to the playoffs two straight years, including a win in Imperial Bowl II in '04. Despite a drop off this year, Lovett is once again receiving praise for his teams turn around in the second half. We would be surprised to see the Demons go after another coach. The fans love him, and so does QB Will Irby. Lovett is 65, but has not mentioned retirement. Still, his age may give the Demons an easy go at resigning him with little competition.
Jessie Lewis, Murfreesboro Mules - Although he is considered a solid coach around the league, Lewis' record has gotten worse with each year the three season he has spent in the Murf. At 66, it is not even sure if he will decide to stay around, but if he does you may not see him back with the Mules. He is a bit of a disciplinarian, and the Mules may feel it is time to go another way. If he does not end up returning to the Mules, don't be surprised if someone takes a shot at seeing what he can do with some more offensive talent then he has had. He could end up having to settle for an offensive coordinator job.
Eddie Morris, Newark Bulldogs - It is hard to say what will happen with Morris. The fans have a love/hate relationship with him. More love lately though. For three seasons as the Newark coach his teams have hovered around .500. His defense always seem to be strong, but has not been able to direct any offensive talent really, until this year with Crespo. The Bulldogs have always loved their strong defense though, and we think they may try to keep him around. There might be some competition though, because everyone loves a strong defense.
Rich Ryan, Orlando Pirates - Orlando has owned the NFC East division the last two years, and could be on top again this year again. Even if they somehow miss the playoffs, expect to see the Pirates try to keep Ryan around. He has an Imperial Bowl title under his belt, and has got great production from some older players, guys some said should have been washed up. With his winning history though, Orlando will have to dish out some cash to keep him in town.
Reuben Allen, Portland Seals - Allen knows ups and downs. He won his division with Portland in '03, but struggle in '04 with no QB. In '05 he once again attained a franchise QB and is on top of the division looking ahead to the playoffs as we type this. It seems like it should be an easy decision for Portland, keep him. But maybe not. With young Jay Caro, don't be surprised if Portland looks to bring in a more offensive minded coach. Still, Allen is the hardest coach to figure out how high the interest will be in him and if Portland doesn't keep him he could be in a rough spot. He may end up being someone's goto guy if they don't get their 1st or 2nd choice, or he even could end up falling back in the ranks to offensive coordinator somewhere.
Tyrell Nichols, St. Louis Cardinals - At only 49 years old, two division titles with possibly a third on the way, the Cardinals will be looking to re-sign Nichols. The problem will be the fact that several other teams will be after him too. He is top notch in play calling both sides of a game, and strong in the other areas of the game. Nichols can expect to cash in, the only question is from who?
Offensive Coordinators
Arnold Richardson, Albuquerque Matadors - After losing head coach Dominic Hamrahi last offseason to the Houston Renegades, the Matadors will once again have to fight to keep a coach. Richardson is a genius with young talent, and anyone looking to boost their running game will look here. Several teams will want this guy.
Gus Bryant, Orlando Pirates - The Pirates will definetly be trying to keep Bryant around. If Rich Ryan stays or goes as head coach, the Pirates know that part of their success with their running game is because of Bryant. Other teams will be eyeing him though just as they are Ryan, and that could mean trouble for Orlando if they lose both guys.
Deion Sinclair, Texas Hellriders - Sinclair may not be back in the Dallas area next year, unless it is with a visiting team. He has a pretty hefty price tag right now, and the Hellriders are not getting much benefit from it. Clayton Chung has not developed much under his wing, and the Hellriders may decide to move on. He should end up with a job though, if the Hellriders don't want him.
Victor Copeland, Wichita Outlaws - Odds are, the Outlaws want Copeland back to direct the offense. He is a darn solid coach, who in the best has seen his offense perform better then expected. He could be a target for other teams though, if they have the money.
Defensive Coordinators
George White, Lawrence Phantoms - The strong defense in Lawrence has been directed by this guy for three years now. The Phantoms, already in jeopardy of losing their head coach too, will definetly be looking to keep White with the team. He will be #1 on several teams lists though, as he could really help some teams shore up their D.
Jim Davison, Louisiana VooDoo - Davison has mentioned he feels he is ready for that next step, a head coaching spot. That may not happen though, unless someone shocks us and goes after him early as their #1 choice.....pretty unlikey. We do know that the VooDoo will probably try to get him to come back as D-Coordinator though. Why would they want to mess with a bad thing?
B.J. Burke, Salt Lake City Stallions - Could Blow Job be on the way out of SLC? Ownership has made it known that they have never been real happy with their defense in the past, so if they can upgrade they may try it. Problem is, not many coaches are better the Burke. He is damn ood with the front seven especially. If Salt Lake decides it's not Burke who is the problem, they should definetly try to retain him. We expect competition for his 'services' to come from other teams though.
Who May Be Shopping?
Looking at possible moves, we pick out a few teams who may decide firing their current coach to go after someone else may help them make that next step.
Albuquerque Matadors - Although they have to worry about their offensive coordinator, the Matadors could make a move for a new head coach. Louis Logue was pretty well known to be a consolation prize after Hamrahi went to Houston last year. And after the Matadors performance this year they may have already had enough of Logue.
Columbia Fire - The Fire could look to make a change at offensive coordinator. After blowing off Rusty Jackson before '05 and giving the job to Sherman Zaragoza, this would be nothing new for the Fire. They are yet to have a coordinator 2 years in a row, why start now? In fact, trying to get a better coach here would not be unjustified.
Iowa City Snipe Hunters - Most likely they will stick with their current staff, but you never know. Head coach Jorge Hostetler, if the Snipe Hunters disappoint in the playoffs, would be the guy we would expect to be replaced.
Little Rock Toads - Offensive coordinator Thurman Kawakami has never been thought of as a top OC in the league. His lack of ability handling QB's, on a team with an young potentially elite QB, makes his job security low.
Portland Seals - DC Korey Fox will only have a year left on his contract, and the Seals could make a preemptive move. Fox is still young, but Portland may want someone who they do not have to wait to improve as a coach. If they can get someone better, they will probably try.
Salt Lake City Stallions - Are the Stallions about ready to give up on former Columbia DC turned SLC OC, Steve Barber? Hard to say. The offense is up and down though, and Barber does not do well with QB's. Even though SLC Booker is an MVP candidate this year, could things be even better if he had someone he trusted as the OC?
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2006 Coaching Staff Preview
Once again this year we are taking an advanced look ahead to which coaches may be on the move in the coming offseason. As with every year, several coaches have their contracts coming to an end. We don't just look at those guys though, and possible teams they may end up with. We also take a look at who may be in danger of losing their job, even if they have multiple years left on their contract.
Head Coaches
Hunter Crawford, Lawrence Phantoms - He has been the Phantoms head coach for three years now, improving the team with eash passing season. This year the Phantoms are a playoff contender. This track record is going to make Crawford a hot commodity. Crawford is known as a top notch play caller for both sides of the ball, and solid in other areas of the game. Expect the Phantoms to try resigning him, but don't be surprised if they have to bid higher then they want in order to keep him.
Vincent Lovett, Madison Demons - Lovett is an offensive guru and a players coach. He knows the buttons to push to motivate his players llike few others do. This has led the Demons to the playoffs two straight years, including a win in Imperial Bowl II in '04. Despite a drop off this year, Lovett is once again receiving praise for his teams turn around in the second half. We would be surprised to see the Demons go after another coach. The fans love him, and so does QB Will Irby. Lovett is 65, but has not mentioned retirement. Still, his age may give the Demons an easy go at resigning him with little competition.
Jessie Lewis, Murfreesboro Mules - Although he is considered a solid coach around the league, Lewis' record has gotten worse with each year the three season he has spent in the Murf. At 66, it is not even sure if he will decide to stay around, but if he does you may not see him back with the Mules. He is a bit of a disciplinarian, and the Mules may feel it is time to go another way. If he does not end up returning to the Mules, don't be surprised if someone takes a shot at seeing what he can do with some more offensive talent then he has had. He could end up having to settle for an offensive coordinator job.
Eddie Morris, Newark Bulldogs - It is hard to say what will happen with Morris. The fans have a love/hate relationship with him. More love lately though. For three seasons as the Newark coach his teams have hovered around .500. His defense always seem to be strong, but has not been able to direct any offensive talent really, until this year with Crespo. The Bulldogs have always loved their strong defense though, and we think they may try to keep him around. There might be some competition though, because everyone loves a strong defense.
Rich Ryan, Orlando Pirates - Orlando has owned the NFC East division the last two years, and could be on top again this year again. Even if they somehow miss the playoffs, expect to see the Pirates try to keep Ryan around. He has an Imperial Bowl title under his belt, and has got great production from some older players, guys some said should have been washed up. With his winning history though, Orlando will have to dish out some cash to keep him in town.
Reuben Allen, Portland Seals - Allen knows ups and downs. He won his division with Portland in '03, but struggle in '04 with no QB. In '05 he once again attained a franchise QB and is on top of the division looking ahead to the playoffs as we type this. It seems like it should be an easy decision for Portland, keep him. But maybe not. With young Jay Caro, don't be surprised if Portland looks to bring in a more offensive minded coach. Still, Allen is the hardest coach to figure out how high the interest will be in him and if Portland doesn't keep him he could be in a rough spot. He may end up being someone's goto guy if they don't get their 1st or 2nd choice, or he even could end up falling back in the ranks to offensive coordinator somewhere.
Tyrell Nichols, St. Louis Cardinals - At only 49 years old, two division titles with possibly a third on the way, the Cardinals will be looking to re-sign Nichols. The problem will be the fact that several other teams will be after him too. He is top notch in play calling both sides of a game, and strong in the other areas of the game. Nichols can expect to cash in, the only question is from who?
Offensive Coordinators
Arnold Richardson, Albuquerque Matadors - After losing head coach Dominic Hamrahi last offseason to the Houston Renegades, the Matadors will once again have to fight to keep a coach. Richardson is a genius with young talent, and anyone looking to boost their running game will look here. Several teams will want this guy.
Gus Bryant, Orlando Pirates - The Pirates will definetly be trying to keep Bryant around. If Rich Ryan stays or goes as head coach, the Pirates know that part of their success with their running game is because of Bryant. Other teams will be eyeing him though just as they are Ryan, and that could mean trouble for Orlando if they lose both guys.
Deion Sinclair, Texas Hellriders - Sinclair may not be back in the Dallas area next year, unless it is with a visiting team. He has a pretty hefty price tag right now, and the Hellriders are not getting much benefit from it. Clayton Chung has not developed much under his wing, and the Hellriders may decide to move on. He should end up with a job though, if the Hellriders don't want him.
Victor Copeland, Wichita Outlaws - Odds are, the Outlaws want Copeland back to direct the offense. He is a darn solid coach, who in the best has seen his offense perform better then expected. He could be a target for other teams though, if they have the money.
Defensive Coordinators
George White, Lawrence Phantoms - The strong defense in Lawrence has been directed by this guy for three years now. The Phantoms, already in jeopardy of losing their head coach too, will definetly be looking to keep White with the team. He will be #1 on several teams lists though, as he could really help some teams shore up their D.
Jim Davison, Louisiana VooDoo - Davison has mentioned he feels he is ready for that next step, a head coaching spot. That may not happen though, unless someone shocks us and goes after him early as their #1 choice.....pretty unlikey. We do know that the VooDoo will probably try to get him to come back as D-Coordinator though. Why would they want to mess with a bad thing?
B.J. Burke, Salt Lake City Stallions - Could Blow Job be on the way out of SLC? Ownership has made it known that they have never been real happy with their defense in the past, so if they can upgrade they may try it. Problem is, not many coaches are better the Burke. He is damn ood with the front seven especially. If Salt Lake decides it's not Burke who is the problem, they should definetly try to retain him. We expect competition for his 'services' to come from other teams though.
Who May Be Shopping?
Looking at possible moves, we pick out a few teams who may decide firing their current coach to go after someone else may help them make that next step.
Albuquerque Matadors - Although they have to worry about their offensive coordinator, the Matadors could make a move for a new head coach. Louis Logue was pretty well known to be a consolation prize after Hamrahi went to Houston last year. And after the Matadors performance this year they may have already had enough of Logue.
Columbia Fire - The Fire could look to make a change at offensive coordinator. After blowing off Rusty Jackson before '05 and giving the job to Sherman Zaragoza, this would be nothing new for the Fire. They are yet to have a coordinator 2 years in a row, why start now? In fact, trying to get a better coach here would not be unjustified.
Iowa City Snipe Hunters - Most likely they will stick with their current staff, but you never know. Head coach Jorge Hostetler, if the Snipe Hunters disappoint in the playoffs, would be the guy we would expect to be replaced.
Little Rock Toads - Offensive coordinator Thurman Kawakami has never been thought of as a top OC in the league. His lack of ability handling QB's, on a team with an young potentially elite QB, makes his job security low.
Portland Seals - DC Korey Fox will only have a year left on his contract, and the Seals could make a preemptive move. Fox is still young, but Portland may want someone who they do not have to wait to improve as a coach. If they can get someone better, they will probably try.
Salt Lake City Stallions - Are the Stallions about ready to give up on former Columbia DC turned SLC OC, Steve Barber? Hard to say. The offense is up and down though, and Barber does not do well with QB's. Even though SLC Booker is an MVP candidate this year, could things be even better if he had someone he trusted as the OC?
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