Blue and White Debate
By David Baker
Is Bill Parcells really retiring for good this time?
After his experience with T.O. this year, I would hope so, but I think he’ll be back. Parcells is like the George Foreman of NFL coaches – he can’t stop coming back. I also think, like Foreman, Parcells may come out with some sort of food preparation product. Would you buy the Bill Parcells Turbo Egg Cooker? On a more serious note, he will be back, because he didn’t win a Super Bowl in Dallas, and that will wear on him.
Young coaches in the NFL, good or bad?
It’s true that everyone has to get their start somewhere and at some time, but I don’t think the recent rash of young head coaches in the NFL is a good idea. As an NFL coach, you have to manage the egos of some pretty big-name athletes, and to do that, you need to build some credibility and respect. It’s hard to build much creditability and respect when you’re only 31 years old. A 35-year-old veteran isn’t going to listen to someone the same age as their annoying little brother.
Best NBA player turned coach?
Lenny Wilkens. He retired with more wins than Red Auerbach, and he also ended his career with over 1,100 losses. Not many people can say that. Wilkens also coached the 1996 Dream Team to a goal medal. And as a player, he was a nine-time NBA All-Star, and he is in the Hall of Fame as a coach and a player.
Does anyone care about the Australian Open?
Let me clarify something, the Australian Open is one of tennis’ Grand Slam events – that means it’s important. That’s probably more than most people know about the Australian Open. Why? I don’t know. But my tennis knowledge really begins and ends with Maria Sharapova. And I really don’t see anything wrong with that. Do you? I know most guys would agree.
Can the Saints continue to be good for a long time?
First of all, I want to say I’m very disappointed in my Super Bowl pick. But I can say, with some level of assurance, that the Saints will be back next year and for several years to come. They have a young team and a young, brilliant head coach. Reggie Bush, he was a rookie. Marques Colston, he was a rookie. Drew Brees is entering the prime of his career, and their defensive line will be good for a long time. So go Saints, as long as you’re not playing the Broncos.
By Sam Bryner
Is Bill Parcells done coaching in the NFL, or will he be back?
After coaching for four different teams over the span of 23 years, he has finally been pushed over the edge and will not return. He has no patience for the egotistic players of the NFL or the media. He has been coaching in one form or the other since 1964. He said it is time to stop and he has to let it go.
Is the trend toward hiring younger coaches in the NFL a good thing?
There are a number of positives to hiring young coaches. Younger coaches are better able to relate to the new generation of NFL players. They bring an enthusiasm and energy to the teams they coach. Also, for management, the idea of getting a coach who will be able to stay with the program long term is very appealing.
Who is the best ever player turned coach in the NBA?
I choose Phil Jackson only because Red Auerbach never actually played in the NBA, so he doesn’t fit the criteria of the question. Phil Jackson’s nine NBA championships as a coach tie him for the most with Auerbach. True, he had some great players on those teams, but he must have done something right because Jerry Sloan had the two greatest players in NBA history on his team, and he has zero titles.
Does anybody care about tennis’ Australian Open?
I think there are people out there who are following the Australian Open. With the NFL playoffs and the NBA season going on, a lot of the casual sports fans don’t get into too much tennis, but anyone who watches ESPN at all can’t help but catch a few matches here and there.
Are the New Orleans Saints a one-and-done team or will they contend again next year?
Absolutely not. This year’s Saints team was driven by the notion that they were playing and inspiring the city of New Orleans. That magic is gone, and we will not see the Saints in any championship game next year.