New NFL Coaches Face Big Challenges
Clifton Brown - SportingNews.com
Aug 17, 2009
Even when he was an offensive coordinator, Todd Haley rarely allowed himself to dream about becoming a head coach. Now Haley is leading the Chiefs, one of nine NFL coaches beginning their first full season as the guy in charge.
Here is the key issue each of the NFL's new leading men faces this preseason:
Tom Cable, Raiders. JaMarcus Russell vs. Jeff Garcia. If Russell does not start playing like a franchise quarterback, how long can Cable wait before turning to Garcia?
Jim Caldwell, Colts. He's under pressure to continue the excellence of Tony Dungy, who never missed the playoffs in seven seasons. Caldwell likes the attitude his players brought to camp. "We have a team of professionals, a lot of guys who understand how important camp is," Caldwell said. "We don't have to spend a whole lot of time doing gimmicky things to keep them happy. There's work to be done. That's what Jim Irsay hired me to do. He hired me to win games. That's what we plan to do.''
Todd Haley, Chiefs. Their defense generated an all-time league-low 10 sacks last season. Haley is switching to a 3-4, and has moved Tamba Hali from end to outside linebacker. "He's doing all the things to try to be really good," Haley said. "He's starting to look like an outside 'backer."
Josh McDaniels, Broncos. After angering quarterback Jay Cutler, who was traded to the Bears, McDaniels must prove to owner Pat Bowlen that he backed the right guy. Kyle Orton's three-pick performance Friday didn't help.
Raheem Morris, Buccaneers. There is a four-way battle at quarterback, but are any of them good enough to win with?
Rex Ryan, Jets. Which QB does Ryan go with: the high-priced rookie (Mark Sanchez) or the vet (Kellen Clemens)? If Sanchez can sustain his early play, he will make this an easy decision.
Jim Schwartz, Lions. He must delicately develop Matthew Stafford while trying to build team confidence after a winless 2008.
Mike Singletary, 49ers. Another coach with a quarterback decision, plus the lengthy holdout of rookie Michael Crabtree jeopardizes his chances to contribute this season.
Steve Spagnuolo, Rams. They have averaged more than 10 losses per season since 2004. Changing the losing culture will be difficult.
Clifton Brown is a writer for Sporting News. E-mail him at cliftonbrown@sportingnews.com.
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