Really glad you made it to substack, Mike, and can I say how all the links and videos added tremendously to this article? Not sure how you remember a Denver beat reporter's q&a from decades ago, but it was super cool for context.
And here's the kicker: it's hard to make a joke about kicking the kicker that is anything more than, "Oh, he once kicked the kicker." Trying to add to it is like putting a hat on a hat.
great piece, exactly what I was expecting from this substack. A technical note: for some reason Google directed the email version of this to my Promotions section instead of Primary (and this is the only substack I subscribe to of which this is true). I had to set a filter for it to ensure future TDZs get to my primary inbox.
I've been waiting for this list since you invited nominations on Threads. Some of my suggestions even made the cut, but I'd forgotten just how many bad hires have occurred in the last 20-odd years. Even though I could probably make it myself, you're a much better and funnier writer than I am and I'd love to see your summary of the "mistakes to avoid" from these decisions.
I probably should have highlighted McDaniels, since it does indeed qualify as a "hire." Originally, I was going to have McDaniels in two spots, but a) I wanted to add more coaches, and b) I did not to rehash stuff which happened in 2023.
The Matt Millen digression was fun, but I would think bad GMs deserve their own article. Although your “things to write about” list is probably pretty long already.
I’m assuming that Adam Gase with the Jets will be in part 2. Funny enough I can’t think of any other obvious disaster from the start hires they have made in the 21st century in terms of head coaches. General managers is a different topic.
The key moments which stand out for me from his Jags tenure were not knowing who Aaron Donald was (or perhaps joking that he didn't know who Aaron Donald was), and staying behind in Cincinnati while his squad of players flew home after a defeat at Paycor Stadium.
Great list! Can’t wait 4 10 more 💩 shows!
Considering your long commitment to making Greg Schiano jokes, if he's only number eleven the top ten must be REALLY bad.
I was just thinking the same thing! There must be some real doozies if Greg I Gave a whole team MRSA Schiano can't Crack the top 10..
Schiano can't harm me anymore! Well, actually he can, because I am paying Rutgers tuition ...
Oh no. That seems like a skill issue.
Hi Mike,
I've been following you since 2004 or so around the media carousel. Losing FO was the worst of it with so much good content and community.
Chin up, keep up the great work!
Really glad you made it to substack, Mike, and can I say how all the links and videos added tremendously to this article? Not sure how you remember a Denver beat reporter's q&a from decades ago, but it was super cool for context.
As bad as Meyer was, I just can't see how he was worse than Hackett.
Never assaulted one of his players!
Kicking the kicker: leadership for the 21st century!
And here's the kicker: it's hard to make a joke about kicking the kicker that is anything more than, "Oh, he once kicked the kicker." Trying to add to it is like putting a hat on a hat.
great piece, exactly what I was expecting from this substack. A technical note: for some reason Google directed the email version of this to my Promotions section instead of Primary (and this is the only substack I subscribe to of which this is true). I had to set a filter for it to ensure future TDZs get to my primary inbox.
I've been waiting for this list since you invited nominations on Threads. Some of my suggestions even made the cut, but I'd forgotten just how many bad hires have occurred in the last 20-odd years. Even though I could probably make it myself, you're a much better and funnier writer than I am and I'd love to see your summary of the "mistakes to avoid" from these decisions.
No mention of the Colts hiring McDaniels before being saved by him backing out last-minute?
Jeff Saturday would be #1 if you did a list of interim head coaches
I probably should have highlighted McDaniels, since it does indeed qualify as a "hire." Originally, I was going to have McDaniels in two spots, but a) I wanted to add more coaches, and b) I did not to rehash stuff which happened in 2023.
I hate to say this, but I always thought Mike Nolan's suit was kinda cool.
The Matt Millen digression was fun, but I would think bad GMs deserve their own article. Although your “things to write about” list is probably pretty long already.
I’m assuming that Adam Gase with the Jets will be in part 2. Funny enough I can’t think of any other obvious disaster from the start hires they have made in the 21st century in terms of head coaches. General managers is a different topic.
Agree on Urban Meyer, Mike.
The key moments which stand out for me from his Jags tenure were not knowing who Aaron Donald was (or perhaps joking that he didn't know who Aaron Donald was), and staying behind in Cincinnati while his squad of players flew home after a defeat at Paycor Stadium.
Great read.
Fair point, LOL. In terms of sheer incompetence, though, I don't know how any coach could be worse.