As we bring 2007 to a close and embark on yet another promising year in 2008, the sports world continues to spin, bringing us constantly to the edge of unpredictability. For example, as the NFL concluded its regular season (and cost me 2 fantasy championships), teams that didn't make the playoffs began their postseason evaluations, sending some into the new year looking for other forms of employment. For example, the Baltimore Ravens went ahead and fired head coach Brian Billick after he confidently told reporters that he would be back a few weeks ago(http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3150074). He then proceeded to lose to the then-winless Dolphins via poor playcalling the very next week, after which he should've been immediately booted, but oh well- at least he didn't pull a Bobby Petrino (it's amazing how one person can become the butt of so many jokes in such a short period of time).
Speaking of those same Dolphins, I don't think anyone expected new executive VP of football ops Bill Parcells to sit very quietly once the 'Fins lost yesterday to cap a miserable 1-15 season. He began his housecleaning by first firing GM Randy Mueller (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3174839), who, based on his previous track record, shouldn't have been hired in the first place. Next on the firing line- head coach Cam Cameron, who had this to say in the same article: "There's going to be an opportunity in the next few days to sit down and talk with Bill," Cameron said. "We'll treat it as an exchange between two guys who want to see the Miami Dolphins be successful, and what it's going to take to do that." As brilliant an offensive mind as Cameron has been perceived to be, what it's going to take for the Dolphins to get back to any sort of respectability is probably getting rid of him and bringing in someone like Cowboys offensive coordinator Jason Garrett or Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels and seeing what they can do. Not many people are giving Cameron a chance (including myself), but some of his players seem to be a little more optimistic. "God willing," running back Jesse Chatman said. "Coach Cameron is better than people think he is. He needs a chance to show what a good coach he is." He'll get his chance, but it probably won't be on South Beach. If Parcells does let him go, he'll be back as an offensive coordinator somewhere next season.
Being a Chiefs fan, I have to go homer on this next one. Team president and general manager Carl Peterson has decided to return to the organization for a twentieth season despite the team just finishing a disappointing 4-12 season. I'm always optimistic when rooting for my teams (Braves, Chiefs, Seminoles, Stars), but it was awfully difficult this season with RB Larry Johnson being injured more often than not, the retirements of offensive linemen Willie Roaf and Will Shields before the season, and the lack of a solid QB after Trent Green was traded to the Dolphins. It's reassuring to know that someone who has a put a lot of energy into keeping a franchise performing at a high level year after year can continue to stick by the franchise during years like this one. After team owner (and NFL legend) Lamar Hunt passed away last year, Peterson made it his mission to see it all the way through, so I know that Kansas Citians can rest comfortably going into 2008 knowing that the architect who built past Chiefs teams with players like Okoye, Thomas, Neil Smith, and Willie Davis will continue to mold the franchise and turn it around after an off year.
Finally, I would like to wish everyone a happy and healthy New Year. We've witnessed many unpredictable events this past year, which have impacted us in some way, shape or form. Let's resolve to make 2008 a wonderful year, one full of promise, enrichment, and optimism. Until next year...
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