The Bills want a return to glory - is Shanny their guy to make it happen?
Mike Shanahan interviewed in Buffalo yesterday, and all indications are that they had an “excellent” meeting that lasted most of the day. The questions are, in no particular order: Is Shanahan a good fit for Buffalo? Can he take a lackluster team and bring it back to glory? Is he up for dealing with the T.O. circus? Does he even WANT to coach in Buffalo, or is he interviewing to start creating demand in the general NFL marketplace?
I’ve suspected that since early on in his unemployed days, Shanahan would be destined for America’s Team. Jason Garrett has lost his luster in the circles of coveted future coaching stars, and while Wade Phillips seems to be a nice guy that Jerry Jones can push around, he’s not going to take that team to the top anytime soon. I’m actually a little surprised that Shanahan is interviewing so early – mid-season interviews aren’t common. But then again, the mid-season firings aren’t quite as common and typically lead to an “interim” coach taking over until a proper search can be made. Shanahan knows that his choice of teams will be much wider, and all beating down his door come February. Even teams with coaches that don’t currently occupy the hot seat could be looking to make a move if Shanny is the guy in waiting. The Redskins are an obvious choice, but I could see teams like the Jaguars looking to make a move. Cleveland could sour on Mangini quick, and if the Chargers don’t make it past the first round, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Norv Turner hit the streets. The Raiders probably won’t stick with Cable much longer, but we all know that Shanny’s only trip to Al Davis’ office will be to pick up a check for the money he’s owed and to slash the old man’s tires on the way out. The other wild card in the mix could be Houston – Shanny’s former charge Kubiak can’t seem to get the team over the hump, and it’s a system Shanahan knows well. Don’t be surprised if Bob McNair at least picks up the phone before the Bills solidify a deal with anyone.
Before the season, coaches like Marvin Lewis or Brad Childress seemed like they could be vulnerable, but I would expect those guys to stay put. So the question remains – would Shanahan really take the Buffalo job, or is he just posturing? My guess is that if Ralph Wilson is really willing to open up the ol’ checkbook, Mike would take the job. I don’t think it’s his first choice – I think he’d much rather take a built team like Dallas, or a team with a familiar system like Houston. But if the money’s there, there is no doubting Buffalo’s desire to have a winning football team, and Shanahan might just be the guy to get it done.
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