LEGWOLD: NFL owners showing who's boss

By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Published January 22, 2009 at 5:57 p.m.

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Photo by Photos By Barry Gutierrez / The Rocky (Left)/2008 And Reinhold Matay/Associated Press/2008

The firings of Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, left, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden serve as reminders that owners wield ultimate power.

With most of the league's football minds gathered in Mobile, Ala., this week for Senior Bowl practices, there were more than a few raised eyebrows at the comings and goings around the league already this offseason.

Especially about the way things went down in Denver and Tampa, where two Super Bowl-winning coaches - Mike Shanahan and Jon Gruden - were sent packing since the regular season's end.

Basically, though, when the varnish of chatter is stripped away on all sides in each case, the team owner simply asserted himself as the team's owner. Sometimes the folks who sign the checks like to remind people who holds the pen.

Titans owner K.S. "Bud" Adams perhaps said it best when the salary-cap load was crushing his roster after a Super Bowl appearance following the 1999 season and a 13-3 finish in 2000.

"You know," he reportedly told team officials when he felt he was not getting the whole story, "I own this team."

And while Shanahan had total control over the Broncos' football operations, only one person has total control over the franchise, and that's Pat Bowlen.

Bowlen didn't like the direction things were going and some who call him a friend in the league believe, in Bowlen's mind, Shanahan drifted away, at least some, from the one guy he shouldn't have - Bowlen.

Same for Gruden, who was said to have had a disconnect with those above him on the flowchart. His firing this past week came a little later than such things usually do following a season; there usually is sort of a two-week period after the regular season when the big changes get made.

But in a brief statement, the Buccaneers ownership - Malcolm Glazer and his sons - sent Gruden on his way. Gruden's dismissal was announced the same day the team announced a new assistant coach, linebackers coach Joe Barry, had been hired for the defensive staff.

Toss in just one playoff win for Shanahan since the team won the Super Bowl to close out the 1998 season and no playoff wins for Gruden since his team closed out the 2002 season with the title, and it's a pretty clear formula for what happened.

Youth movement

Teams certainly have leaned younger in their hires thus far, in both head coaching positions and top personnel jobs.

The Buccaneers promoted Raheem Morris, 32, to replace Gruden as head coach and promoted Mark Dominik, 37, to replace Bruce Allen as the team's general manager.

Overall, teams have shied away from older general manager candidates like Charley Casserly and Floyd Reese, who have built Super Bowl teams and are currently working as television analysts.

The Chiefs fired Carl Peterson after he had held the job for 20 years.

The Lions, who went 0-16, even promoted from within, making Martin Mayhew their GM, while the Browns are expected to name George Kokinis, 41, their general manager by week's end.

Kokinis has been the Ravens' pro personnel director.

The Broncos interviewed two 32-year-old candidates for their head coaching job - Morris and Josh McDaniels - and did not interview anyone from outside their organization older than 49.

Rick Dennison, retained as the team's offensive line coach, was the oldest person to interview for Denver's head coaching job. He's 50.

It all means that with McDaniels now the head coach in Denver and Morris the head coach in Tampa, two of the six youngest head coaches in league history - at the time of their hires - have been named in the last two weeks.

Junior achievement

A lot of underclassmen entered this year's NFL draft because they fear some kind of rookie salary limitations are coming for future first-round picks if and when a new labor deal is hammered out between the NFL Players Association and the league.

Many in the league, including current players, believe that will be a significant bargaining chip for the NFLPA to try to maintain their 59 percent to 60 percent share of revenues going to players' salaries overall.

But if the Senior Bowl practices are any indication this week, the likes of Georgia quarterback Matthew Stafford, Kansas State's Josh Freeman and USC's Mark Sanchez also entered the draft because they could rocket up the board.

The quarterbacks in Mobile, including Alabama's John Parker Wilson, Texas Tech's Graham Harrell and Sam Houston State's Rhett Bomar - did not have a particularly good week in some cold, windy conditions.

Harrell, in particular, having played in the shotgun most of his career, looked choppy with his footwork, often hopping in the pocket instead of settling his feet to throw, which slowed his delivery.

It means Stafford and Sanchez could be among the top five picks in the draft. And some scouts once believed there was a chance none of the senior passers would be taken in the draft's first three rounds.

• January 22, 2009

  9:29 p.m.

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  OregonBroncFan writes:

  Stuff happens. You need to win quickly these days or your out. That's the reality of today's NFL, past glories do not matter.

• January 22, 2009

  10:36 p.m.

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  MTBroncofan writes:

  Can't forget about the guy signing your paycheck. I totally believe that Shanahan drifted. Both Gruden and Shanahan will coach again in the NFL, and after learning a hard lesson, both will do things differently next time. I expect to see both coaches back soon and winning again.

  Sometimes a guy just needs to be b!#ch slapped a time or two before he sees the light.

  Anyhow, glad the Broncos have McD and am looking forward to brighter days ahead! Go Broncos... as always!

• January 23, 2009

  12:09 a.m.

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  curoma writes:

  I think Gruden drank too much of the Raider water when he was in Oakland. The way he treated his QB's was too familiar to the way Davis liked to punish his best players for his own reasons and NOT for what was best for the TEAM.

  Shanahan simply forgot that it IS necessary to occasionally STOP the other team from scoring. Especially since the Broncos weren't really all that good at outscoring many teams.

  It's gonna be kinda crowded on the studio sets for Pre-Game shows next season with all these SB rings crunching behind the desks.

• January 23, 2009

  7:33 a.m.

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  Exlaraiderseasonticketholder writes:

  Shanarat got what was coming to him. He disconnected a couple of years ago. Maybe it was the palace he was building. Or the Shula-like Steakhouse. Maybe it was karma coming back to haunt him after forgetting that though Al Davis owed him money, he also owed Al over $125,000 on a note.

• January 23, 2009

  7:40 a.m.

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  DougH writes:

  I think the lesson to be learned here is to never show up your boss by building a house 3 times as big and just down the street.
  Most company owners don't like to shown up by the staff.

• January 23, 2009

  8:28 a.m.

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  BroncoBrad writes:

  I think you guys are all missing the implicit theme here. The owners are doing the same thing as most other industries. Getting rid of the old, higher priced, stagnant veterans and hiring the cheaper, young, motivated guys who have that burning desire to come in and be great. If you ask me, it all comes down to that. Bowlen did that when he hired Shanny back in the day. You get the guy who has been around the game a long time that truly understands the game and can "coach" players. The older guys tend to try to get by on reputation, with discipline often lacking.

• January 23, 2009

  9:37 a.m.

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  curoma writes:

  ...and they send them on their way with nice severence packages,too. Just like BIG business...

• January 23, 2009

  9:38 a.m.

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  silverJ writes:

  BroncoBrad, this was not a cost effective move for the Broncos. They are paying Shanahan $20 Mil for the next two years to do nothing plus whatever they are paying McDaniels

• January 23, 2009

  9:39 a.m.

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  silverJ writes:

  But I agree with the theme that they want younger motivated coaches.

• January 23, 2009

  10:23 a.m.

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  liesandpropaganda08 writes:

  I think it's more about fresh ideas vs money. The "older" (G-D help us!) folks are set in their way (right or wrong) and change doesn't come as easy as it did in our youth. Tom Coughlin had to change his "style" and loosen up a bit before NY became the team we see today. We thrived with Shanny because we had the weapons and his ideas were fresh. IMO, he knew the league figured out his offense, so he handed off the playcalling duties to the "young" JB. This is not uncommon....who did we bring in and what were his duties? Beli- cheat is not an exception.

  An "older" coach brings a sense of stability to a group of paid professional athletes. Look at a guy like Parcells; He didn't get what he needed in Dallas (owner needs to own), but did in Miami and turned that franchise around in 1 year....I know he's the GM in Miami but everyone knows who's in control. Again, didn't happen in Dallas. Those guys don't come cheap because they don't grow on trees.

  That being said, a shift is taking place....the freshest, most innovative "thinkers", after proven success, will be awarded a head coaching job in the NFL....with a staff of OLD VETERAN ASSISTANTS, BABY! That's right....keep those defibrilators on stand-by because we're coming like a screaming herd of turtles!

  Can you hear the ground shake?

• January 23, 2009

  1:08 p.m.

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  Dynamicdave writes:

  silverJ, 20 million over 3 years, not 2. But I think Shanny will be working by next year. Then the money is freed up.

  liesandpropaganda08, ha, ha, "a screaming herd of turtles", eh? Does that mean "slow but sure?"

  The owners are looking at the whole picture, I think. Both the younger coaches and the younger players. The FA is too high priced. These guys want an arm and a leg. They don't care that the salary cap is crippling the owners. The team suffers because they couldn't bring in 3 players, because they spent the money on one FA. He doesn't care about how he is holding the team back in critical areas, because "he got paid." I recall others speaking about Champ Bailey and the huge amount of money he is making. They said to trade him. I defended him, but recently have been changing my opinion in this matter. Adding "conditions" if you will. I know that Jay said he would take a pay cut to help. Champ needs to do the same. If they keep Bly, he needs to take a cut. Boss Bailey, as well (hell, he got a free meal ticket for a year with his constant injuries). That can help us bring in Peppers and maybe another defensive FA. The way I'm looking at it, is they are all millionaires already. If the money is more important then the game, at this point, then go somewhere else. jay has agreed to take a bite of the apple. Who else will "man-up?"

• January 23, 2009

  1:25 p.m.

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  liesandpropaganda08 writes:

  Yeah Dave, We're moving a little slower but we have plenty of fight still left in us.....

  That's what I keep telling myself anyway.

• January 23, 2009

  1:35 p.m.

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  RomBrew writes:

  Right on Dynamic, Times are changing and not everyone will be able to afford those $50 jerseys and think twice about a $5 Hot Dog. Tivo works wonders for a bad game I think I watched the SD game in 20 minutes no need to watch commercials and got to see the abreviated version of a really bad game instead of wasting 3 hours of my time.
  It really changes the dynamics of the money coming in to the owners
  The Bailey Bros. need to get a grip on reality and take the hit or move on, those two did absolutely nothing for this team this year or last for that matter, just alot of yapping about how excellence matters, strong team, winning attitudes, then the excuses when they can't deliver. All mouth no action.
  And Bly was so pathetic in that game with SD he really needs to evaluate his career, I could have done better than that and I'm old and fat.. Maybe a POP Warner league could use his help, or maybe not even my kid could beat him in the corners.
  So its great the owners are re-evaluating their teams, cutting the dead wood, and realizing that the money making cult they have nurtured for the past years needs a real facelift..now if they can figure out how to put a decent commercial on that doesn't offend parents with kids, I might actually watch a game or two.

• January 23, 2009

  2:24 p.m.

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  Dynamicdave writes:

  RomBrew, I agree with all except on Champ. He did play well before the injury. He was the only real "hitter" on the team. He held Moss to 1 catch, before the injury. After the injury, he wasn't 100% and the team suffered from it. He will be strong this season, but he still needs to takes a pay cut for the good of the team and a chance for a ring on his finger. Elway did it. Class and the love for football. True, he already had money, but so does Champ. Do the right thing, Champ, takes a cut. Jay said he will. Bly definitely needs to. He is overpaid for as poor as he's been playing. Yes, the offenses threw at him, rather than Champ, and yes, many completions was due to poor pass rush and weak S play, but he got burned. Hopefully the new coaches won't have them playing 10-15 yards off the line. If Denver gets a decent pass rush and the CB's can jam the WR at the line, Denver will get more sacks and the QB, less completions. Don't know if they will keep Boss or not? If so, renegotiate his contract with an injury clause. Get rid of D. Robertson. He is not doing what we need. Bad knees, doesn't practice throughout the week, because of it. Webster, gone. Koutouivides, ST only. He is great there. Engleberger, gone. Crowder? Never was impressed with him. green, gone. Can't stay healthy. I have not been impressed with Moss. We'll have to see what McDaniels thinks on that call.

• January 23, 2009

  2:51 p.m.

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  dehag24 writes:

  Every player on defense should pay back their game checks...IMO. I do feel Champ was kind of between a rock and a hard place since he had to come up to play the run way to much since our line and linebackers couldn't tackle, it would be nice to see him be able to play his position and not have pick up the slack for a bunch no heart, no pride, just give me my check(Bly) defensive players. But I'm really excited for the changes that are upcoming.

  I do agree that Champ need to take a pay cut for the good of the team

  sorry but the defense this year was aweful and made games so painful to watch!!

• January 23, 2009

  3:19 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  dehag24, yeah, I agree. I think when it comes to Bly, he's the biggest ? on the team. Will he stay or will he go? he is set to make 10 million this year. I doubt if anyone will take him in a trade. I doubt if he will renegotiate his contract. Shanahan gave him too much leverage and he has Denver by the b@lls. Sad. Something tells me he is more about Dre', then the good of the team. We'll see about Champ. It will be an interesting next 3 months. The draft has me walking on coals.

• January 23, 2009

  3:34 p.m.

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  omalley5280 writes:

  Welcome to the nightmare Denver fans. Herm Edwards was just fired by the Chiefs, and as has been rumored Shanahan is the front runner for the job. Chiefs have 40 million in cap room, a better defense than the Broncos, oh yea and the 3rd pick in the draft. Shanny would now have 4 games a year against teams that fired him. He knows the division and also the weaknesses on our team. I don't think Mike left on bad terms, but he was fired. And as smug as he is, I doubt there is anything that would make him happier than turning around the worst team in the West at the Broncos expense.

• January 23, 2009

  4:06 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  dehag24 writes:

  Yeah Dave, Bly is all about Bly, who cares if we win or lose as long as my check doesn't bounce....he's a poor excuse for a teammate....

  The draft could be pretty interesting, Mel Kiper has us taking Raji (or however you spell it) from BC I believe. I think we could do better in FA there, I think we need a solid game changing LB, esp. in the middle. and then a hard hitting don't come across the middle Safety. But what do I know I'm not getting paid for my predictions in the draft....right MEL?

• January 23, 2009

  6:35 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Dynamicdave writes:

  omalley5280, Schefter said the Shanahan thing with the Chiefs is unfounded rumor, nothing more.

  dehag24, I did another post about Patrick Chung, S, Oregon Ducks. Do a little reading on him. He is a good S and a punt returner. He even played LB and CB. Get him in the 2nd round. I think Maualuga is our 1st priority to try to obtain. Then Raji through some trades. We have a pick coming from Atlanta because of the Elam trade. Negotiate with them for their 1st round pick. If not, who knows what Denver will do?

• January 23, 2009

  10:46 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  cmcray1 writes:

  cheese louise. lay off champ. he is the man. he had one bad year. he'll be back. unlike a lot of big money guys, the dude is actually worth the dough. hush now.

• January 24, 2009

  1:24 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  liesandpropaganda08 writes:

  Champ is a great player that brings much needed veteran leadership to a team full of easily influenced youth. He makes Jay and the receivers better because those guys have to practice against the best corner in the league.

  I have pointed out his flaws before and won't continue to bash Champ. I am grateful that he is a Denver Bronco.

  I agree with Dave that he needs to bleed some for the Broncos. My personal opinion is he won't, but we will see. I couldn't believe it when I found out how much he counted against the cap last year. The skills and leadership he brings are one thing....cap space and positions of need that start at NT and end at Safety are another. People just have to understand that if he doesn't renegotiate, his salary will remain in the 12 to 15 mil per year ballpark throughout his contract. If you take that number and add the millions that must be paid to Jay, Marshall, and Schefler (Dumervil won't come cheap either)...it doesn't leave alot left on the table for a Ray Lewis...or Albert Haynesworth..Suggs, etc.

  A new defensive scheme could enable a healthy Bailey to thrive. No reason why he shouldn't, but we will have to do that with cheaper FA finds and great rookie picks that show immediate results on the field.

  I would still like to see Ray Lewis, in a Denver Bronco uniform, chasing Philip Rivers. I think he would bring instant toughness and leadership to a team that has lacked that since Lynch and Wilson left.

  C'mon Goodman, McDaniels, Nolan....decide already

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