It’s officially the offseason for NFL teams that did not make the playoffs this year, which means big changes on the horizon. Some teams fired or moved on from their coaches during the season, while other teams have waited for the offseason. One notable college football coach announced his retirement as well.
The Las Vegas Raiders fired their head coach Josh McDaniels after just one and a half seasons. He was fired on Halloween night, finishing with a poor record of 9-16. Division rival Los Angeles Chargers also fired their coach Brandon Staley. Staley finished with a record of 24-24 but his Chargers tenure was stamped with a 27 point blown lead in the playoffs, which was the beginning of the end for him.
On the other hand, eight time superbowl champion, Bill Belichick announced he was parting ways with the Patriots after 24 years. Belichick is one of the most famous coaches in league history, having spent 29 total years on the sidelines. Belichick has won eight Super Bowl rings total, six of which were with the Patriots. Belichick was known for tormenting opposing quarterbacks with his defense. Former Jets’ quarterback Sam Darnold once said, “I’m seeing ghosts” on the sidelines playing against Belichick. Overall, Belichick finished with an improvable record of 302-165, however, he has yet to officially announce his retirement, so there’s a chance we could see him coach another team in the future.
Longtime Seattle Seahawks head coach Pete Carroll has officially parted ways with the franchise. Carroll spent 18 years in the league, 14 of which were invested with Seattle, even bringing them notoriety for the teams’ dominating win vs. the Denver Broncos in Super Bowl 48. Carroll was a players coach and was well respected by all of his former players. Carroll finished with a final record of 170-120, and has announced that he will remain in the Seahawks organization as an advisor.
The Alabama Crimson Tide football coach Nick Saban announced he would not return for an 18th season. Saban coached for 28 total years. He was a seven time national champion, finishing with an overall record of 206-29 with the Crimson Tide. Saban produced 44 first round picks during his run. Saban coached 15 more first-round picks than games he lost (29) over his Alabama tenure. Saban also led the tide to nine sec championships. Congratulations to Nick Saban on his retirement.
For whatever is in store for these coaches, whether it is retirement, advising or continuing their careers with a new team, football fans wish them all the best. For the NFL and CFB, it’s officially a new era with some of the game’s best calling it a career. The incoming coaches have some big shoes to fill.
