Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk

Laura bank he is filling in joining us on the line right now is a guy week we quote all the time. During the course of the football season with told you about pro football talk dot com on any number of vacations and Mike Florio is the guy who writes that and joins us on the line hey Mike. They are doing great Dario. On -- great thanks as you up pointed out on your website today you're under the impression only the patriots violated the rules but that may not be the case.

what hard to believe that one of the other 31 seems that there might actually not follow the letter of the law from time to time that. If if a report in one of -- west coast publication is accurate then it looks like the jets were talking with. Raiders defensive coordinator rob -- about hiring him before he was actually fired. By the Oakland Raiders now I don't think the raiders are going to make a big deal about it they're going to let him go anyway but that's still there should be no communication of any kind. Would any coach you currently have a job and another thing.

And it would appear that that Ryan's gonna get the boot sometime this week and and apparently Lane Kiffin going to hire his dad but but a whole idea here is that and again according to the piece that you quoted on inside Bay Area dot com. Ryan was told before the final game against San Diego he wouldn't be coming back and I'm quoting the peace now had already secured his next place of employment.

And they -- and that's. That's is not supposed to happen and -- and the reality is things like this happen from time to time with free agency coming out there will be conversations. Between agents and teams hypothetical situations regarding hypothetical players who hypothetical might be on the market. It's -- all the time it's one of the common rule violations and -- and it it it's ironic when you hear people complain about with the patriots did it never talk about. The reality that there are other rules again violated all the time and this is one.

So -- look at happened to the jets from here.

Well the NFL's typically steer clear these temporary situation to -- last year there was a situation between the patriots and the jets regarding receiver Deion Branch. The complaint was actually filed by the patriots and that's the first step in this -- team have to file a complaint -- no complaints about. Nothing happened and even want to complain is Bobby NFL typically finds a way. It just moved past and I think the only time there's been any funding of tampering. Dealt with the jump of Don Shula from the colts to the ball in the back in the early seventies. -- the the first round pick was forfeited there hasn't been any thing since then by way of tampering so I don't think anything will happen again at the raiders don't file a complaint. Nothing Canada.

Most of the stuff that that we refer to from pro football talk dot com ninety I would guess 99% of -- stuff that. The people tell you that damning stuff that it gets -- to you -- Were told to yield. And I want to go back to it prior to the season when somebody told you that the patriots were considering. Whacking Randy Moss and cutting. In hindsight it seems sort of silly but somebody actually told you that -- them.

Well there was talking in any again it was a rumor we try to be very careful how -- these things we weren't saying that. It did it was hard hard news item that it was going to happen but there was a rumor that might happen. And and you just wonder in hindsight whether that was something that maybe the team put out there like electric fire. Under Randy Moss is there and he went into what ended up being one of the best seasons it is. Career but they're definitely was a rumor as that final cut they approached in early September. That mosque could be a guy who was an odd man out in New England -- it is definitely a -- now of course it does sound ridiculous. Five months after the fact that a -- I can tell you it was definitely out there at the time.

There was another piece that was written by Ron Borges in which he he was quoting. Some of Randy Moss says former coaches -- talking about his loss to step he's not the same guy and work hard doesn't do this doesn't do that. And in hindsight those reports also seem a little silly as well.

One has a lot of sour grapes from guys who really didn't see the best to Randy Moss and and that may be the explanation. Art shell and Tom Walsh and the guys out in Oakland didn't seem mosque at his most motivated last year war. The year before that it was a different coaching staff it's still the same result mosque was at the same player that he'd been. And and he's had gotten really wants to win. You have to have in the right situation where he is motivated. Where there's leadership there to keep him in -- today to keep him focused on positive things. And he's a guy whose detention -- straight very quickly if the team isn't winning so I think he'd get him in the right situation in the patriot to the perfect situation for him. It would be highly productive player you put him on another team that isn't going to win more games and it loses. And and you're going to see the guy that art shell and Tom Walsh saw in 2006.

Said he thinks the out patriots will keep him around.

All comes down -- how much money he wants to make because the patriots aren't going to pay him. What one of the other 32 -- surely will offer up went free agency begins in March. He's in a position where he can command more than twenty million dollars in guaranteed money if he wants to go for that and there's always somebody out there who is willing to make that big splash and take a chance. The they're going to be the ones who will get the best out of a player even if the evidence might suggest. Something to the contrarian and for him to stay in New England he's going to want to have to take a reasonable deal the patriots need to be reasonable and I think it can happen. But that he's going to happen not have dollar -- in his side and if he does it to guarantee that he ends up on the Mark.

We're talking with Mike Florio from pro football talk dot com it is the change in season general managers coaches school -- assistant coaches. You see some assistant coaches getting -- probably to save the head coach's job I found it interesting that Mike Martz got the bowl in Detroit today. And yet I looked at the statistic where the record of the Detroit Lions during the Matt Millen era is now exactly. Fifty games under 500 how the hell does he keep a job.

somebody finally got fired in Detroit maybe he's just the sacrificial lamb that. Yeah Matt -- for whatever reason is secure and will continue to be secure a lot of people around the league think that there is a very strong relationship and there's a strong relationship between -- And owner of that team William clay Ford seniors almost father's son type of thing. So long as William clay Ford senior is around and running that team Millen is going to continue to have a job. They came out strong to start the season and have really helped avoid the talk that we otherwise might have hurt toward the end of the year about not possibly being Farber Millen stay. Rod Marinelli the head coach stayed and I didn't make sense to get rid Mike marquis but the guy who was hoping to parlay once strong season and do another head coaching job he did Bogut out of there as quickly because it. And -- didn't perform the offense under him didn't perform. And then it was time for change and I think if you if you accept the reality that merit alien -- day and I think it makes sense to make it change marks.

Despite Bill Parcells protest to the contrary that you know he won't be running the football team the general manager will have complete control none of -- believe that by the way he still is on the market for general manager possibly a head coach of cam Cameron doesn't stay. And yet you point out on your website today that no less a person and Harry Carson former giant star with Bill Parcells. Is putting the pressure on Parcells to make sure to at least interview minority candidates.

Why in the winter Rooney rule war which requires at least one minority candidate to be interviewed for each head coaching position that doesn't apply to these other jobs in the front office -- didn't apply. For example of that. The Bill Parcells -- he was the only candidate for that job he came in there was no interview process. The spirit up it though is supposed to apply these other jobs sent to a Clinkscale jets executive who's in minority was interviewed for the GM job so you might look at that site. Well he's just trying to -- Comply with the spirit of the Rooney rule that Parcells will interview minority candidates for head coach that comes down to the -- setting up. Parcells may not make change and let -- get the guy he wants so. How do you convince minority candidate to interview and -- the guys that Parcells wants. If he's not going to parking evidently think he can get together he wants he may get himself in -- situation. Like Matt -- was a few years ago. We're fired Marty morning -- because you can get Steve Mariucci and know minority candidates would sit for the job so there's still a chance that this thing. Could all par Parcells and it would be a very very significant fine if there is the head coaching hire. That doesn't include at least one minority candidate to interview process.

We -- into -- little that they are with what's going to happen with cam Cameron's job there's -- rumors about who front -- could be he has even been fired yet do you think his time is numbered.

I it's really hard to say the reports coming out of Miami are clear Bill Parcells supposedly is still thinking about it he might keep them. Maybe he's blocked on the -- the the offensive line coach in Dallas that there's been talk that. Parcells would love to get Romeo Cornell to head coach of the Cleveland Browns but that's something that's just not going to happen so. If if Parcells cannot get the guy that he wants and then there may be a list of 34 on the fall into the category. Then supposedly going to stick with care but I can't imagine him. Working with a guy that doesn't know his way of doing things because that just means Parcells is going to have to spend even more time next year -- cam Cameron how to coach the team the way that he would. Why not go out and get a got a Parcells has worked with in the past. Who knows how to coach the team the way the Parcells would do.

Well speaking of coaching candidates I am admittedly not a wade Phillips guy but I have to give the double is -- His team has performed this year although not great down the stretch and wade Phillips. Is a legitimate candidate for coach of the year. That having been said Jason Garrett is hot commodity as you point out probably on the wish list for at least two teams looking. For head coaching candidates what Jerry Jones gonna do. At ten not. Punish wade Phillips for a good job there and get keep a guy like Jason Garrett who everybody assumes is going to be that coach someday anyway.

One when yelling there was -- the idea what he eventually would be to head coaching ballot that things went well probably they went too well now he's on the wish list in Baltimore and -- Atlanta and then unless Jerry Jones. Would decide the fire wade Phillips. They they need to work out some type of the deal like the contract the Redskins owner Dan Snyder entered into with defensive coordinator Greg Williams a few years back. Where there's a promise made -- Jason Garrett that if he's not the successor to wade Phillips could get some huge seven figure payment of compensation about being -- that. But that's something that I think Jerry Jones needs to do it and I think -- something like that may be in the works because Atlanta wants to interview Jason Garrett. And he's yet to decide whether or not want to be interviewed and I can't imagine why a guy would not at least that sit. For an interview if nothing else it's good practice for the next time your -- for head coaching job so that tells me that something may be going on behind the scenes between jump in here.

Might we look at the list -- possible coaching candidates -- C Josh mcdaniels -- keep comin' up he's only 31 authentic corny for New England obviously how how viable is he as a head coaching candidate.

I think in this year when there are going to be many vacancies is agents really go. Against and then and even though bill belichick's background is -- most people look at that team and they assume that the success that offense has a lot to do with -- checked. And Tom Brady. And it's not like Josh mcdaniels came in that was somewhat revolutionary offense that has resulted in all these points being scored. And an -- if there were eight or nine jobs open this year then then I think McCain isn't going to get one of them but with only a handful of jobs I think he's going to have to stick around for another year and of course that's good news for patriots fans but. You'll eventually get there -- got a long way to go back I think it may just be too early for him to get that that next step up.

Marty Schottenheimer got the -- in February a year ago so it can happen later than this but. But at least for now it appears as you said there won't be as many openings as might initially have been -- I'm surprised about Linehan in saint Louis. I'm surprised that Nolan is apparently survived in San Francisco are you surprised there aren't more openings right now and then their apparently will be.

Yeah I am I thought Nolan would be gone I don't understand how that team decides he's not good enough to have final say over personnel but he's still good enough to be their head coach of the team with sixteen and 32 to three years and it's not just because of bad personnel decisions and the going to make. His right hand and the GM of that team associated that situation is very -- I think what situation to watch those in Seattle Mike Holmgren very well could retire. After his team finishes its run in the playoffs that would open up another job and that there's always the chance of another surprise out there. I've -- tell people keep an -- on Denver. We just get the sense something's up with Mike Shanahan I don't know what it is but the plans to line up in a way where he finds himself another opportunity in the and the Broncos -- implies.

As a -- did decide to hand their head coach how were you surprised about the Brian Billick -- considering he he seemed to be in place far he had that contract extension and it seemed that he was going about understated a business before it was finally fired yesterday.

When I was surprised than him but hey we've been banging on this thing for several months now I. I could feel it happening early in the year Steve -- the year that he needs to put his thumbprint on this franchise Billick would they're years before. The shot became the primary owner and that. Extension last year and this is from Peter king of SI dot com he report that was really something that only runs through 2008. With a team option for the last two years at five million dollars a year or so. When you know that -- you look at and say we you know what the shot he was taking a wait and see approach with -- even though they had that great season in 2006 so. I wasn't surprised by a lot of people war and -- Billick clearly what is he apparently was getting ready. The jumped a plane and go interview an offensive coordinator candidate when he found out. He would need to be getting on that play.

Look at five if Chet lemon says that there needs to be changes on the coaching staff nobody's going to listen. Unfortunately in Cincinnati. When Carson Palmer says there needs to be changes on the coaching staff if you're the ownership you're probably almost have to listen to him don't.

When that's such a weird situation because there's comments appeared on the team's official web site. Days after Marvin Lewis told the Columbus stage -- this past its time to blow the whole thing up. But then Mark Lewis won't give specifics on what needs to be done. Louis defensive assistant coaches you almost get the feeling get a Marvin Lewis is trying to set up a situation where he gets fired. And and can -- coach another team maybe go back to Baltimore coach the -- the there's just a very strange but coming out of Cincinnati right now. And that's another win to keep an eye on because something could blow up there over the next couple weeks.

When you do look at all. Potential coaching candidate he always see a lot of college names thrown in to think that that's. College coaches are and the general way to go for some of these NFL teams we've seen in recent years with. Nick Sabin Atlanta getting burned this year a lot of people not having the success that the college coach they have and maybe that the best opportunities to bring in an offense -- coordinator deep into the corner somebody with in the NFL system already.

Well yeah I think when you look at -- Petrino experiences. And the fact that the army -- this year. And really there hasn't been a college head coach head coach who has been successful during full blown free agency Jimmie Johnson was the last post -- be successful the NFL level. That was right the cut the free agency when he got out. I think that those three things lined up and say -- you can't right now you can't bring in a college coach and expect to be competitive. And then I think it may be that way for a couple years especially because of what Petrino did it without.

The next time the patriots play will be Saturday January 12 that will be a night game here at Gillette we don't know what's against that's also the day. That the NFL coach of the year award is announced in your opinion will Bill Belichick winning.

I don't think he will because as voted on by the media and the media just generally is comprised of people that really don't don't like it. And and it's a shame that that's the way it is I think the guy. You know he deserves -- sixteen you know you can't really argue with that especially. Given the way the season started with the cheating scandal and all that we get the team focused and to get the most out of the week in and week out. I think he clearly deserves it that but my guess is he's not going to get it.

And you know some of the other ones are our. You know pretty easy I mean Adrian Peterson today it was a pretty easy one offensive rookie of the year I think we all know -- the MVP is going to be. Either going to be some surprises other than coach of the year out of all that's.

Probably not Patrick Willis will be named the defensive rookie of the year tomorrow. Yet Tom Brady clearly going to get the MVP award I think it would the one that that is going to cause the most intrigue is is -- the coach of the year is -- people want several different way. If I had to bet on it I think Mike McCarthy the package is going to end up winning --

We had this discussion earlier I'm just curious about your take did Tom Coughlin play things properly Saturday night.

Well I. I thought I was watching the Super Bowl from a few years ago when neagle to try to come from behind against the patriots the way that they were managing the clock when they were down by ten points that that that disappointed -- I like the idea that that the giants came -- played to win. It created almost Super Bowl atmosphere for meaningless game. But when the chips were down in the giants were trailing by -- and they they just didn't seem to have that sense of urgency. The try to. It more points on the board and and -- came -- in and that. If if I'm if I'm ownership in New York trying to decide whether -- not want to get a couple of long term extension that's a big factor in my thinking.

If he loses Saturday will he be back.

I think it's an open question a lot of people assume he's already done enough to come back but that. What he's done this year he loses -- no different than what he did last year and last year which is good enough to get him one year extension so we wouldn't be a lame duck in 2007. I don't think they give them another one your band -- I think it make a decision after this year keep him long term while move on. And it is a good you'd be hard to head coach because you are jockeying. With seven or eight other owners who are all trying to get that hot name that's out there -- so that they would lose to Tampa. On Sunday I would not be surprised if -- of that out.

Now we've been discussing this earlier -- if they would have beaten the patriots yet still lost to Tampa that he would have been as much jeopardy.

Not pick that would help -- I think winning that game would've been a huge feather in his cap because even though they game was meaningless. For the purposes of the 2007 season and had a ton of meaning. The purposes of history and and -- that would have been a major coup for him to pull that game off and stop that -- And they I guess he he would have qualified to be the coach of the dolphins if you that's. I think if you would have been able to the couple that are coming that it just would have been acute event. And and it looked like it was going to happen but that. As it stands now even he really could be out of a job after having another ten and six season and and you know almost. Being the guy to knock off one of the best teams in history the --

type of S and this is just a gut feeling based on knowing both guys a little bit. If the giants did lose this weekend and Tom Coughlin did get fired Bill Parcells absolutely would want to talk to him about going to Miami.

I did you may be right you may be right may you may be one of the guys that Parcells would consider bringing in a couple of Parcells want to do was turn it around quickly. A guy like -- can come in and and get people's attention quickly. And and turn out bad situation around they they hate him after a couple of years but it going to work for the disperse concede.

Finally before we let -- go Jacksonville is is the the chic pick this year it's the team everybody. And he is picking to be that this years team nobody wants to play and yet I think it's your website that pointed out. If they didn't win this weekend they would do something no team in the history of football has ever done which is win two games in Pittsburgh in the same season.

And it's not helping that happen very often. But it's true no team has ever won twice in Pittsburgh that was of course the Steelers. And the fact that they come into that game favored the jaguars at least one and a half point it may start moving toward Pittsburgh want people realize that. But the notion of the jaguars would be wrote a favorite in Heinz Field. Talk about giving the Steelers a great opportunity to get themselves fired up act I just. I can't imagine the Steelers not showing up and beating the jaguars on Saturday night yet they have a new coach. But they have a lot of pieces in place they were there when they won the Super Bowl a couple of years ago and yet they've got injuries that this is the Steelers. There are proud franchise and all of -- pivotal at some team from Florida come up there and beat them twice not just in one year board in the course of three week.

If you're a football fan I would suggest to book market and probably visit pro football talk dot com several times a day like we do here. It's got all the best stuff and usually before a lot of people haven't Mike Florio is the guy -- puts it all together we appreciate time is always. Eight except for the opportunity to Pataki thanks Mike. Mike Florio pro football talk dot com joining us