Pioli Interviewing In Cleveland

Patriots VP of Player Personnel is in Cleveland for an interview today according to a source familiar with the situation and confirmed through report from the Associated Press.  That’s good news for Browns fans, and not so good news for Patriots fans. 

Considered one of the top talent evaluators in the league, Pioli is high on Cleveland owner Randy Lerner’s wish list. Pioli is also gathering attention from other teams in the league, which he’s likely to explore if Lerner is lets him leave town without a contract in hand.  The Chiefs are looking for new man after the resignation of Carl Petersen, and what I’m hearing from sources close to the situation in Kansas City is if Cleveland doesn’t get it done, Clark Hunt will be more than happy to swoop in to land Pioli.

Still, the major obstacle for organizations willing to pony up the cash to pry Pioli out of New England is the subject of total control.  It’s a vague term used to reference the authority to make decisions on personnel and management matters as they relate to the football operations of the organization.  The Patriots haven’t given that control to Pioli, and he hasn’t needed it.  Working with Bill Belichick has enabled Pioli to focus on what he’s good at – evaluating talent. 

The job in Cleveland is much bigger than just a GM position, though that’s the term being bandied about in the press.  Cleveland needs a total overhaul, and Pioli will make that point in his interview. The choice for Lerner is whether to accept what Pioli’s telling him, and to decide if Pioli is the right man to get it done. 

Lerner does have a backup plan if he and Pioli do not reach an agreement.  Falcons team president Rich McKay is also scheduled to speak with Lerner this week.  McKay was in control of operations including GM responsibilities in Atlanta until owner Authur Blank relieved him of those duties.  McKay stayed on, participating in the search for a new GM, one Thomas Dimitroff – Pioli’s underling in New England.

Perhaps Lerner believes that McKay is more responsible for the turnaround in Atlanta than Dimitroff.  Certainly taking Matt Ryan Ryan with their first pick has panned out. 

Don’t be surprised if Pioli decides to return to New England. Working for either Lerner or Hunt will require the 44-year-old Pioli to report to an owner roughly his own age. Sometimes what seems like the perfect match may not be.

McDaniels A Hot Commodity

There are two schools of thought on the Pioli and Josh McDaniels connection.  Some reports – which could be construed as speculation – indicate that Pioli will tab McDaniels to be his head coach wherever he lands.  That would be good for a storyline and some NFL owner wanting to instantly morph his franchise into the Patriots 1-b, but how close to reality is that?

McDaniels is expected to interview in Detroit for the Lions head coaching vacancy.  Detroit recently fired Rod Marinelli who led the Lions into NFL history as the only 0-16 team on record. But Marinelli isn’t the whole problem in Detroit, and once McDaniels gets a good look, he’ll realize it also. 

There are also openings in Denver, Cleveland, New York (Jets), St. Louis and  Oakland.  The teams have head coachign positions open and are looking for a bright mind to turn around their struggling franchises.  Some of the top names being thrown about are Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, Titans Defensive Coordinator Jim Schwartz and Vikings Assistant head coach Leslie Frazier

If McDaniels wants to become a head coach in 2009, he’s probably going to get an offer.  Teams are desperate to capture the magic witnessed from first year head coaches, a category McDaniels falls into.  The success of Mike Smith in Atlanta, John Harbaugh in Baltimore and Tony Sparano in Miami provide perfect examples of what can happen in a single year with the right situation. 

Unfortunately, the examples of Lane Kiffin in Oakland, Eric Mangini in New York, Romeo Crennel in Cleveland and Scott Linehan in St Louis illustrate what can happen to good coordinators who land in a job without the right organization (or GM) to support them.

The 32-year old McDaniels declined to pursue head coaching opportunities previously citing his lack of experience. Instead, he preferred to stay in New England to grow with the organization and gain further experience, which might be necessary to secure a long-term future as a head coach in another organization. 

The St Louis, Oakland, New York and Detroit organizations have opted not to jettison the front office staff. That’s leaves Kansas City and Cleveland as the two most viable options for the McDaniels–Pioli option to continue.  McDaniels without Pioli would be a big risk for an owner. A risk that despite the appeal of latching onto the next hot thing, may be too much to take.

Again, don’t be surprised of McDaniels opts not to take a job elsewhere.  He’s still young and has plenty of time to grow into another head coaching job.  With Tom Brady returning for 2009 and Bill Belichick sticking around to head things up another season, McDaniels may best be served by using his interviews now to learn what he needs to learn for the right job later.