Ted Thompson has close ties with both Gruden and Mooch. I know Favre doesn't get along with Thompson, but that doesn't mean Mooch and Gruden would pass up an oppurtunity or Thompson would pass up an oppurtunity either. Thompson did attend Mooch's mom's funeral I believe with Favre go figure. Of course, Favre was a Packer at that time, but I don't think Thompson is as ego crazy as people think. He has a an autograph picture of Favre and Dorsey Levens in his office. An egomaniac rips that apart.
You have to remember that the people who are involved in the business side of football, like Thompson, don't get caught up in everything like the fans and sometimes players do. They're there to keep their jobs and win.
Now as far as Thompson goes. I think he's average which means I could live with another year because I like some of the young talent on this team, but I wouldn't shed any tears if he was let go either. If letting him go means landing a Holmgren/Mooch or Holmgren/Gruden or even a Reggie McKenzie/Gruden or Mooch combo, I say go for it.
As far as new blood goes. Leslie Frazier was mentioned. I think he'd be on my shortlist. Gregg Williams will also be on quite a few shortlists too Mike Mularkey in Atlanta will be a head coach again someday too.
"porky88" wrote:
If I were Murphy I would mandate to Thompson that he use any and all means to shore up the main areas of concern - OL and safety. As in "Ted, we all know your preference is not to get too much into free agency, but if you expect to keep your job you'll get the pieces in place, even if that means getting
way into free agency. Got it?"
I'm not clear on Ted's authority when it comes to the hiring or firing of coaches, other than McCarthy - I thought I'd read here that those were Mike's call. Lord knows he's dropped the ball when it comes to proper talent level on the offensive line, but I can't yet pin the coaching-related woes on him. So his seat should be warm, certainly, but I would be okay with him getting another year with - again- a clear mandate that he get good pieces in place on that line, by hook or by crook.
If they're going to fire Mike, I don't want another flavor-of-the-month assistant - Williams hasn't done well as a HC, to my recollection. I would vastly prefer Gruden or Mooch - the 'F Connection' is crap, I agree there. He's not making his decisions based on that. Both would come in with proven versions of the WCO, which would help keep the transition for guys like Rodgers to a minimum. My preference is Gruden, just based on a perception that the team needs a swift kick in the ass more than it needs a hug, but I'd be cool with Mooch as well.