NFL coaching search: Don't believe -- or ignore -- the hype

NFL coaching search: Don't believe -- or ignore -- the hype
January 14, 2013, 6:40 pm
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If youre sick and tired of all the misinformation, propagandizing and slanted reporting of the past two weeks as the NFL spin machine has churned at lightning speed since the of the regular season, fear not.

Once all the head coaching vacancies are filled and staffs are rounded out, youll probably have about a day or two to recover before the spin cycle brings in another, even bigger wave of rumor and innuendo as every NFL team starts its annual jockey for the best draft prospects.

If you havent yet noticed, the NFL is no different than any other billion-dollar industry that tends to have the inmates running the asylum. Sharks are swimming in league waters as much as they are in any cutthroat firm.

The only difference between the NFL and Wall Street is the size of the clientele -- while only a select few truly care about the percentage-point jump in some big corporations stock, millions of viewers get roped into the NFLs daily soap opera and become obsessed with any nook and cranny that seems like credible information.

Behind the scenes of every NFL franchise, back-room games are played by executives, coaches, agents and -- yep -- even reporters. Its as much standard practice as film review and the coin flip.

This is the time of the season where agenda-driven leaks and innuendo are processed daily in the ever-spinning NFL rumor mill. Very little of what you think is true is 100 percent accurate and theres always some truth into what sounds utterly ridiculous.

In the end, the public suffers. But the power brokers couldnt care less. They know youll keep tuning into their networks, reading their columns, tailgating in their parking lots, calling into their sports-talk radio shows, buying their merchandise, etc, etc.

This is why youve seen reports that Andy Reid was on the brink of becoming the Arizona Cardinals next head coach before Reid and the Cards had even discussed an interview date.

And why Tim Tebow was certainly headed to Jacksonville even before the Jaguars had replaced their general manager.

Remember when the Eagles werent all-in on Chip Kelly ... and then when they were?

Remember when the Browns had a deal with Chip Kelly ... and then when they questioned his commitment to leaving Oregon?

Is Brian Billick really high on the Eagles wish list or are the Eagles just willing participants in Billicks ploy to generate buzz for himself after a five-year hiatus from coaching?

Who knows anymore?

This much is certain: The Eagles will hire a coach and it will be somebody they spent several hours interviewing, getting to know and someone Jeffrey Lurie entrusts to lead his franchise into the future.

Much has been written and said about the franchises meandering search and the souring reputation of general manager Howie Roseman negatively influencing prospective candidates.

Last I checked, young NFL assistants who desire head coaching jobs usually look for an opportunity at the right price. The Eagles might lack clarity at quarterback, but they certainly present opportunity.

They are still an NFC East franchise steeped in tradition with a passionate fan base. Win here and you can not only become iconic and celebrated but also increase your power and Q-rating and make sure your children and grandchildren never have to work full-time jobs.

Last I checked, Luries wallet didnt get any lighter.

Ive never come away from my discussions with Roseman thinking that hes intoxicated by his own power or a polarizing figure with a god complex. But I know Roseman only on the surface. If his personality truly is a turnoff, he surely wouldnt be the first NFL executive to fit that bill.

The Eagles havent won any public relations battles over the past two weeks, but dont cry for Roseman, Lurie, president Don Smolenski or anyone else tied to the organization who might have been inaccurately portrayed in the media.

Chances are, somebody somewhere has been the victim of their spin, too.

E-mail Geoff Mosher at gmosher@comcastsportsnet.com

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