USC coach Pete Carroll is on the verge of leaving college to take over the Seattle Seahawks. Here are five challenges Carroll will face if he takes the leap back to the NFL:
Pete Carroll won’t be able to win many games on talent alone in Seattle.
1. Win without talent stacked in his favor. Carroll was a master college recruiter, and in most games his USC teams had the superior roster. That will not be the case in the NFL, especially now with Seattle. The Seahawks are 9-23 over the past two seasons for a reason. This is not a good team. Their roster needs a serious makeover, and Carroll will not be able to fix it by landing a bunch of stud recruits and plugging them into the lineup.
2. Make the right personnel moves. Though he will have a general manager, Carroll reportedly wants final say over personnel. Be careful what you wish for. It is difficult to juggle the dual roles of coaching and compiling a roster. Salary cap concerns, contracts, free agency and preparing for the draft are issues Carroll did not have to worry about at USC. A key for Carroll will be having the correct people around him, competent people he can trust to help him build a winning organization. There are conflicting reports as to how much personnel control Seahawks owner Paul Allen is willing to give Carroll. But no matter how Carroll’s input into personnel is defined, his plate will be full, and he must be careful not to spread himself too thin.
3. Deal with NFL players. Coaching veteran NFL players is a different dynamic than coaching teenagers. Carroll has ample NFL coaching experience, both as an assistant and as a head coach with the Jets (1994) and the Patriots (1997-99). But that was more than a decade ago. Will Carroll enjoy dealing with pros as much as he enjoyed dealing with his players at USC? Will he be able to motivate players as successfully? Will he be able to manage all the egos in an NFL locker room — both his players’ and his own?
Seahawks defensive end Lawrence Jackson, who played for Carroll at USC, said the coach has the experience to make a smooth transition. "We’re dealing with a coach who has a track record of success," Jackson said on Sporting News Radio. "His philosophy worked obviously at USC. I think he would have to go back to his experience in the NFL, recount the things he felt he did wrong and the things he felt he did right. Use the experience he got at USC in dealing with players who have gone on to the league and have been successful. I think that he’s smart enough to be able to adjust on the fly."
4. Handle losses. It was rare for Carroll’s USC teams to lose more than twice a year. If Carroll comes to Seattle, he might lose two games by Week 3. Carroll knows that — he had a 33-31 record with the Jets and Patriots — but the sick feeling that comes with losing is something coaches never get used to. Coaching at a dominant college program insulated Carroll from having to deal with defeat on a regular basis. That could change quickly in Seattle.
5. Assemble an effective coaching staff. This is critical for any football coach, and it would be an immediate priority for Carroll. He reportedly is trying to persuade USC offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates to join him with the Seahawks, although Bates has a chance to become the Bears’ new offensive coordinator. The coaching carousel is well under way, and Carroll must move quickly to lure the assistants he wants and needs.
After suffering through a 4-12 season, Seahawks players should be welcome to change. Wide receiver T. J. Houshmandzadeh was sorry to see Jim Mora get fired, but hoped Carroll’s USC success would transfer to the Seahawks. "If it is Pete Carroll, I talked to (Bengals quarterback) Carson (Palmer) for about an hour," Houshmandzadeh told Todd Wright on Sporting News Radio. "He had nothing but good things to say. I’ll be excited about it."
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
USC coach Pete Carroll is on the verge of leaving college to take over the Seattle Seahawks. Here are five challenges Carroll will face if he takes the leap back to the NFL:
Pete Carroll won’t be able to win many games on talent alone in Seattle.
1. Win without talent stacked in his favor. Carroll was a master college recruiter, and in most games his USC teams had the superior roster. That will not be the case in the NFL, especially now with Seattle. The Seahawks are 9-23 over the past two seasons for a reason. This is not a good team. Their roster needs a serious makeover, and Carroll will not be able to fix it by landing a bunch of stud recruits and plugging them into the lineup.
2. Make the right personnel moves. Though he will have a general manager, Carroll reportedly wants final say over personnel. Be careful what you wish for. It is difficult to juggle the dual roles of coaching and compiling a roster. Salary cap concerns, contracts, free agency and preparing for the draft are issues Carroll did not have to worry about at USC. A key for Carroll will be having the correct people around him, competent people he can trust to help him build a winning organization. There are conflicting reports as to how much personnel control Seahawks owner Paul Allen is willing to give Carroll. But no matter how Carroll’s input into personnel is defined, his plate will be full, and he must be careful not to spread himself too thin.
3. Deal with NFL players. Coaching veteran NFL players is a different dynamic than coaching teenagers. Carroll has ample NFL coaching experience, both as an assistant and as a head coach with the Jets (1994) and the Patriots (1997-99). But that was more than a decade ago. Will Carroll enjoy dealing with pros as much as he enjoyed dealing with his players at USC? Will he be able to motivate players as successfully? Will he be able to manage all the egos in an NFL locker room — both his players’ and his own?
Seahawks defensive end Lawrence Jackson, who played for Carroll at USC, said the coach has the experience to make a smooth transition. "We’re dealing with a coach who has a track record of success," Jackson said on Sporting News Radio. "His philosophy worked obviously at USC. I think he would have to go back to his experience in the NFL, recount the things he felt he did wrong and the things he felt he did right. Use the experience he got at USC in dealing with players who have gone on to the league and have been successful. I think that he’s smart enough to be able to adjust on the fly."
4. Handle losses. It was rare for Carroll’s USC teams to lose more than twice a year. If Carroll comes to Seattle, he might lose two games by Week 3. Carroll knows that — he had a 33-31 record with the Jets and Patriots — but the sick feeling that comes with losing is something coaches never get used to. Coaching at a dominant college program insulated Carroll from having to deal with defeat on a regular basis. That could change quickly in Seattle.
5. Assemble an effective coaching staff. This is critical for any football coach, and it would be an immediate priority for Carroll. He reportedly is trying to persuade USC offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates to join him with the Seahawks, although Bates has a chance to become the Bears’ new offensive coordinator. The coaching carousel is well under way, and Carroll must move quickly to lure the assistants he wants and needs.
After suffering through a 4-12 season, Seahawks players should be welcome to change. Wide receiver T. J. Houshmandzadeh was sorry to see Jim Mora get fired, but hoped Carroll’s USC success would transfer to the Seahawks. "If it is Pete Carroll, I talked to (Bengals quarterback) Carson (Palmer) for about an hour," Houshmandzadeh told Todd Wright on Sporting News Radio. "He had nothing but good things to say. I’ll be excited about it."
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
Aaron Rodgers and Mark Sanchez are preparing for their first playoff games, and Carson Palmer and Tony Romo are seeking their first playoff victory.
Quarterbacks make their legacy in the postseason, and the four seeking their first playoff win this weekend are well aware.
"The quarterback is going to be judged, fair or unfair, by success in the playoffs," Rodgers told reporters this week. "You remember the Terry Bradshaws, the Joe Montanas, Tom Brady, who have won three or four Super Bowls. That’s not my main focus, but at some point you’d love to be mentioned in the same breath as guys like that who have won multiple Super Bowls."
Bengals’ Carson Palmer looks for first playoff win on Saturday against the Jets.
What will it take for these four quarterbacks to taste playoff success?
Carson Palmer, Bengals
Playoff record: 0-1.
Saturday’s opponent: Jets.
Why he might prevail: One of the game’s best pure passers, Palmer has proven his worth in the clutch. Four times this season, Palmer has engineered game-winning drives either in the fourth quarter or in overtime. If Saturday’s game against the Jets is close down the stretch, Palmer’s coolness and experience gives him an edge over the rookie Sanchez.
Why he might fail: This has been one of Palmer’s worst statistical seasons, ranking 16th among NFL quarterbacks in passer rating (83.6). The Bengals have become a run-first team and do not have a quick-strike offense. The late Chris Henry –- who was on IR when he died — was Palmer’s best deep threat, and without him, their offense has had trouble stretching the field.
Meanwhile, Palmer’s favorite target, Chad Ochocinco, will be shadowed by perhaps the NFL’s best cornerback, Darrelle Revis. If Revis locks up Ochocinco, and Rex Ryan’s blitzing schemes get to Palmer, it could be a long day for the Bengals.
"You’ve got to be able to throw the football to win now," Palmer said. "We just need to keep working on it. We need to catch heat a little bit and get rolling here soon."
Aaron Rodgers, Packers
Playoff record: 0-0.
Sunday’s opponent: Cardinals.
Why he might prevail: Rodgers’ accuracy and arm strength allow him to throw into tight coverage without making mistakes. Rodgers attempted 541 passes this season yet threw just seven interceptions, the league’s best pass/interception ratio. And despite his youth, nothing seems to rattle Rodgers.
"I’m just impressed with the way he handles everything. The whole saga with Brett, consistently being the same guy, very even-keeled," Cardinals QB Kurt Warner said. "On top of that, he’s as physically gifted as anybody I’ve seen.
"He can throw the ball — it’s almost effortless. He moves well; he makes good decisions; he can throw on the run. When we were talking, I asked if I could just have a little bit of that arm. I don’t know what that feels like — to be able to throw it like he can."
Why he might fail: Rodgers was sacked 50 times this season, tied with Ben Roethlisberger for most in the league. The Packers did a better job protecting Rodgers late in the season, and he did a better job getting rid of the ball.
However, expect the Cardinals to test the Packers’ offensive line with blitzes and line stunts the Cardinals did not unveil in last weekend’s matchup. As good as Rodgers is, the Packers’ passing game will suffer if he is being sacked or hurried consistently.
Tony Romo, Cowboys
Playoff record: 0-2.
Saturday’s opponent: Eagles.
Why he might prevail: Romo is 2-0 vs. the Eagles this season, including last weekend, when he carved up Philadelphia (24-for-34 passing, 311 yards, two touchdowns). Unnerving Romo with blitz packages is harder for the Eagles than it used to be.
"He’s one of the elite quarterbacks in the league, the way he’s played this year on a consistent basis," Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said. "We’ve seen it over the years from Romo, where he’s been up and down. But this year, I think the consistency and probably the maturation process that he’s gone through has shown."
Why he might fail: The Eagles have won seven consecutive playoff openers. If they avoid falling behind early, more and more pressure will shift to the Cowboys. Until Romo and coach Wade Phillips (0-4 career playoff record) win in postseason, they will carry the psychological burden that comes with past failures.
"You really have to put it out of your head," said Tony Dungy, former Colts coach and current NBC analyst. "That’s easier said than done because you’re going to hear it."
Mark Sanchez, Jets
Playoff record: 0-0.
Saturday’s opponent: Bengals.
Why he might prevail: With the NFL’s top running game and NFL’s top defense, the Jets have a formula for success. They will play to their strengths, try to keep Sanchez’s throws to a minimum and ask him to avoid turnovers. The Jets are 5-0 in games that Sanchez has thrown fewer than 20 passes.
"We just need him to be efficient, play the position, and I think he knows that," Ryan said.
Why he might fail: If the Bengals choke off the Jets’ running game or if the Jets fall behind, Sanchez might be forced to throw more than Jets coaches would prefer. That could spell huge trouble for the Jets, who are 0-5 when Sanchez has thrown two or more interceptions. Sanchez also must handle the nerves that come with being a rookie quarterback in the playoffs.
"There will be a point maybe before the game, midway through the game, halftime, where I (will say), ‘This is unbelievable,’" Sanchez said.
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
Aaron Rodgers and Mark Sanchez are preparing for their first playoff games, and Carson Palmer and Tony Romo are seeking their first playoff victory.
Quarterbacks make their legacy in the postseason, and the four seeking their first playoff win this weekend are well aware.
"The quarterback is going to be judged, fair or unfair, by success in the playoffs," Rodgers told reporters this week. "You remember the Terry Bradshaws, the Joe Montanas, Tom Brady, who have won three or four Super Bowls. That’s not my main focus, but at some point you’d love to be mentioned in the same breath as guys like that who have won multiple Super Bowls."
Bengals’ Carson Palmer looks for first playoff win on Saturday against the Jets.
What will it take for these four quarterbacks to taste playoff success?
Carson Palmer, Bengals
Playoff record: 0-1.
Saturday’s opponent: Jets.
Why he might prevail: One of the game’s best pure passers, Palmer has proven his worth in the clutch. Four times this season, Palmer has engineered game-winning drives either in the fourth quarter or in overtime. If Saturday’s game against the Jets is close down the stretch, Palmer’s coolness and experience gives him an edge over the rookie Sanchez.
Why he might fail: This has been one of Palmer’s worst statistical seasons, ranking 16th among NFL quarterbacks in passer rating (83.6). The Bengals have become a run-first team and do not have a quick-strike offense. The late Chris Henry –- who was on IR when he died — was Palmer’s best deep threat, and without him, their offense has had trouble stretching the field.
Meanwhile, Palmer’s favorite target, Chad Ochocinco, will be shadowed by perhaps the NFL’s best cornerback, Darrelle Revis. If Revis locks up Ochocinco, and Rex Ryan’s blitzing schemes get to Palmer, it could be a long day for the Bengals.
"You’ve got to be able to throw the football to win now," Palmer said. "We just need to keep working on it. We need to catch heat a little bit and get rolling here soon."
Aaron Rodgers, Packers
Playoff record: 0-0.
Sunday’s opponent: Cardinals.
Why he might prevail: Rodgers’ accuracy and arm strength allow him to throw into tight coverage without making mistakes. Rodgers attempted 541 passes this season yet threw just seven interceptions, the league’s best pass/interception ratio. And despite his youth, nothing seems to rattle Rodgers.
"I’m just impressed with the way he handles everything. The whole saga with Brett, consistently being the same guy, very even-keeled," Cardinals QB Kurt Warner said. "On top of that, he’s as physically gifted as anybody I’ve seen.
"He can throw the ball — it’s almost effortless. He moves well; he makes good decisions; he can throw on the run. When we were talking, I asked if I could just have a little bit of that arm. I don’t know what that feels like — to be able to throw it like he can."
Why he might fail: Rodgers was sacked 50 times this season, tied with Ben Roethlisberger for most in the league. The Packers did a better job protecting Rodgers late in the season, and he did a better job getting rid of the ball.
However, expect the Cardinals to test the Packers’ offensive line with blitzes and line stunts the Cardinals did not unveil in last weekend’s matchup. As good as Rodgers is, the Packers’ passing game will suffer if he is being sacked or hurried consistently.
Tony Romo, Cowboys
Playoff record: 0-2.
Saturday’s opponent: Eagles.
Why he might prevail: Romo is 2-0 vs. the Eagles this season, including last weekend, when he carved up Philadelphia (24-for-34 passing, 311 yards, two touchdowns). Unnerving Romo with blitz packages is harder for the Eagles than it used to be.
"He’s one of the elite quarterbacks in the league, the way he’s played this year on a consistent basis," Eagles defensive coordinator Sean McDermott said. "We’ve seen it over the years from Romo, where he’s been up and down. But this year, I think the consistency and probably the maturation process that he’s gone through has shown."
Why he might fail: The Eagles have won seven consecutive playoff openers. If they avoid falling behind early, more and more pressure will shift to the Cowboys. Until Romo and coach Wade Phillips (0-4 career playoff record) win in postseason, they will carry the psychological burden that comes with past failures.
"You really have to put it out of your head," said Tony Dungy, former Colts coach and current NBC analyst. "That’s easier said than done because you’re going to hear it."
Mark Sanchez, Jets
Playoff record: 0-0.
Saturday’s opponent: Bengals.
Why he might prevail: With the NFL’s top running game and NFL’s top defense, the Jets have a formula for success. They will play to their strengths, try to keep Sanchez’s throws to a minimum and ask him to avoid turnovers. The Jets are 5-0 in games that Sanchez has thrown fewer than 20 passes.
"We just need him to be efficient, play the position, and I think he knows that," Ryan said.
Why he might fail: If the Bengals choke off the Jets’ running game or if the Jets fall behind, Sanchez might be forced to throw more than Jets coaches would prefer. That could spell huge trouble for the Jets, who are 0-5 when Sanchez has thrown two or more interceptions. Sanchez also must handle the nerves that come with being a rookie quarterback in the playoffs.
"There will be a point maybe before the game, midway through the game, halftime, where I (will say), ‘This is unbelievable,’" Sanchez said.
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
The Bills announced Monday that all of their coaches were free to seek jobs elsewhere. The status of anyone who remains on staff will be determined by the new head coach.
Who will the Bills’ new head coach be? Here are five coaches the Bills should strongly consider, if they cannot lure Bill Cowher into take the job:
Brian Billick — The former head coach of the Ravens led them to a victory in Super Bowl 35, and had an 85-67 record in nine seasons with them. Billick knows what it means to be part of a successful and stable organization, and could bring that insight to a Bills franchise that sorely needs it.
Jim Fassel — Never understood why he has not gotten another job, after a successful seven-year tenure with the Giants, which included an NFC championship in 2000. Fassel is a highly-regarded quarterback teacher, and the Bills need to develop a franchise quarterback. Fassel has not been an NFL head coach since 2003, and he would love to get back in. Buffalo could be a nice fit both for him, and for the Bills.
Perry Fewell — The Bills announced that Fewell, the interim coach, would interview for the head job. Fewell may be hurt by being part of Dick Jauron’s staff, but there is no question the Bills played better under Fewell than under Jauron. Not only did the players respond to Fewell, he knows the strengths and weaknesses of the core players. Hiring him would retain some continuity for a team that will clearly make major roster changes.
Ron Rivera — He may get to the Super Bowl as the Chargers’ defensive coordinator. He has already been to the Super Bowl as the Bears’ defensive coordinator. Chicago’s defense has not been the same since Rivera left, and the Chargers’ defense improved immediately once he became coordinator. That is strong evidence that Rivera should be a candidate. And in Buffalo, where the weather turns nasty late in the season, a team built around defense is not a bad thing. Look at the job that Rex Ryan, another defensive guy, has done with the Jets in his first season as head coach. Perhaps Rivera could have a similar impact.
Marty Schottenheimer — Over a long NFL career, he has proven he can turn a loser into a winner, and guide a team to the playoffs. So what if Schottenheimer has never been to a Super Bowl. With the Bills making their last playoff appearance in 1999, Schottenheimer would become a legend in Buffalo if he built the Bills into a playoff team.
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
The Bills announced Monday that all of their coaches were free to seek jobs elsewhere. The status of anyone who remains on staff will be determined by the new head coach.
Who will the Bills’ new head coach be? Here are five coaches the Bills should strongly consider, if they cannot lure Bill Cowher into take the job:
Brian Billick — The former head coach of the Ravens led them to a victory in Super Bowl 35, and had an 85-67 record in nine seasons with them. Billick knows what it means to be part of a successful and stable organization, and could bring that insight to a Bills franchise that sorely needs it.
Jim Fassel — Never understood why he has not gotten another job, after a successful seven-year tenure with the Giants, which included an NFC championship in 2000. Fassel is a highly-regarded quarterback teacher, and the Bills need to develop a franchise quarterback. Fassel has not been an NFL head coach since 2003, and he would love to get back in. Buffalo could be a nice fit both for him, and for the Bills.
Perry Fewell — The Bills announced that Fewell, the interim coach, would interview for the head job. Fewell may be hurt by being part of Dick Jauron’s staff, but there is no question the Bills played better under Fewell than under Jauron. Not only did the players respond to Fewell, he knows the strengths and weaknesses of the core players. Hiring him would retain some continuity for a team that will clearly make major roster changes.
Ron Rivera — He may get to the Super Bowl as the Chargers’ defensive coordinator. He has already been to the Super Bowl as the Bears’ defensive coordinator. Chicago’s defense has not been the same since Rivera left, and the Chargers’ defense improved immediately once he became coordinator. That is strong evidence that Rivera should be a candidate. And in Buffalo, where the weather turns nasty late in the season, a team built around defense is not a bad thing. Look at the job that Rex Ryan, another defensive guy, has done with the Jets in his first season as head coach. Perhaps Rivera could have a similar impact.
Marty Schottenheimer — Over a long NFL career, he has proven he can turn a loser into a winner, and guide a team to the playoffs. So what if Schottenheimer has never been to a Super Bowl. With the Bills making their last playoff appearance in 1999, Schottenheimer would become a legend in Buffalo if he built the Bills into a playoff team.
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
