The 11 new head coaches and how they will do this year

By: Chris

Becoming a coach in the NFL is nearly every little boy’s dream. And with only 32 possible head coaching positions available, it is a BIG dream, even for the very dedicated.

This year there are 11 new coaches. Some system guys, some journeymen, and a few rookies, each with their own skills and philosophies. They have been tasked with taking a franchise and either maintaining the winning ways (Caldwell in Indianapolis), or turning the team from the league laughingstock to a playoff contender (Schwartz in Detroit). Either way, they have a HUGE task ahead of them, and I can only dream that one day I will be able to stand in their position.

	Eric Mangini Mangini is no stranger to the position, having coached the Jets for the past three seasons. His firing in New York came as a bit of a shock to most since the Jets had played well under him, and were mentioned as playoff contenders each year he was on the job. He will get another shot at this coaching gig in Cleveland where his former co-worker, Romeo Crennell, had some success as head coach for 4 years. Mangini steps in after a 4-12 showing by the Browns, and in the midst of a mild quarterback controversy. Not an enviable position for anyone, but someone with Mangini’s credentials should be able to make the Browns respectable within a few years, but only if the owner and GM give him the chance to make the changes necessary.
	Jim Schwartz No one wants to remember the Lions 2008 season, and the Ford family is hoping that Schwartz is the man to make improvements, and make the Lions contenders again… But really, even 1-15 win is better than 0-16.
	Steve Spagnuolo Steve Spagnuolo has a better outlook than a few of the other new coaches, in that he inherits a Pro Bowl QB and RB. His biggest worry is the pathetic defense that the Rams have fielded the past few year. In a few years, Spagnuolo could have the Rams contending for titles again, but it may take 2-3 years.
	Rex Ryan Rex Ryan is known for his defensive prowess, having come up in the Ravens system. He will likely use that knowledge to transform the Jets into another defensive powerhouse. Though, like Mangini, he has a bit of a quarterback controversy of his own, but I suspect that as long as the QB doesn’t turn the ball over Ryan will be happy.
	Raheem Morris I don’t think anyone expected Morris’ metoric rise to the top. At the end of last season he went from DB coach to Head Coach within 48 hours. He is lucky in that he was a coach with the Bucs the past few years, and he knows the guys playing for him. He also has a pretty solid team, and should put up a good fight in the ever-strong NFC South.
	Josh McDaniels New England’s wunderkind offensive coordinator was all but guaranteed a job in Denver once Mike Shanahan was fired, and he gets to take the reigns of a perennially good team. Despite his early missteps, I expect that he will fare well in the mile high city.
	Tom Cable A lot of people question Al Davis’ decisions, and the decision to hand the team over to Cable was no exception. Not many people even knew who he was when the announcement was made a few months ago. If Cable can overcome Davis’ bad decisions, and live up to his almost unrealistic standards he could do well in Oakland, but he has to find out how to get something out of the linemen on both sides of the ball so the young talent at the skill positions can mesh.
	Jim Caldwell Jim is likely the most envied of all the new coaches, he inherits Peyton Manning and one of the most prolific offenses ever to take the field. He also steps into a role that he knew was going to be his eventually. His only problem is the possible loss of several members of the coaching staff to the NFL’s ignorant pension decision.
	Todd Haley The Chiefs are a young, and talented team which is exactly what a new coach wants. Haley has the knowledge and experience to lead this young team for several years, and possibly a few playoff opportunities. Another plus for the Chiefs is former Patriots exec Scott Pioli. With Pioli and Haley, the Chiefs are gearing up for long term success.
	Jim Mora Another promotion, Mora steps into a system that he came up in, and looks to take his rookies and work them in with a championship caliber team in the weak NFC West. If Hasselbeck stays healthy, I expect the Seahawks to come out on top of the division this year, and for the next few years as well.
	Mike Singletary Mike Singletary got the luxury of coaching the 49ers at the end of last season, and to some success. He will look to carry that momentum into this season, and expects big things out of his veterans as well as his rookies.