Peyton Manning is practically an offensive coordinator and coach himself, so when he praises someone like Mike McCoywho will interview with the Eagles on Sunday in Denverit carries a bit more weight.
McCoy, the Broncos offensive coordinator, has had three quarterbacks under him pass for 3,000 yards in a season: Manning this year, Kyle Orton before him and Jake Delhomme in Carolina. He was also able to adjust his offense to fit Tim Tebows style last season, further proving that he has the ability to turn a borderline NFL quarterback into a viable starter. That is an important skill to have this offseason, as five teams with head coaching vacancies either need a quarterback or have a fringy starter.
I think he's ready for a head coaching job, I think he's paid his dues, Manning said of McCoy on Wednesday, according to USA Today. He's a strong leader. In my opinion, he deserves a shot at one of these head coaching gigs.
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There are seven openings as of Thursday, with the Chiefs closing in on hiring Andy Reid. McCoy is expected to interview with the Cardinals and Bears in addition to the Eagles.
Mike has been a great resource for me, Manning continued. He's been incredibly supportive and patient with me in kind of putting together this hybrid offense. I tell you, he's a worker. We spend a lot of hours togetherearly mornings, late nightstrying to get kind of our plan in place for what kind of offense we were going to be. There's no substitute for a work ethic, and Mike certainly has that.
His personality, history of developing quarterbacks and the sheer number of job openings suggest that McCoy will get his chance this offseason.
Anonymous Saint blasts Spagnuolo
Remember the clamoring a year ago for Steve Spagnuolo's return to the Eagles?
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Instead, the Eagles' former linebackers coach joined the Saints as defensive coordinator. The Eagles retained Juan Castillo, then fired him ... and so on.
But back to the Saints. You think the Eagles' defense was bad? The Eagles finished 15th in total defense (343.2 yards per game), ninth against the pass (216.9) and 23rd against the run (126.3).
The Saints were worse. Much worse.
They were last in total defense (440.1), last against the run (147.6) and next to last against the pass (292.6, ahead of only the Bucs).
The Eagles allowed 27.8 points per game (tied for 29th), and the Saints surrendered 28.4 (31st). Of course, the Saints held the Eagles to 13 points (only the Bucs, who were shut out, scored fewer against New Orleans this season).
But at least the Eagles didn't rip Castillo or his successor, Todd Bowles. One Saint, however, speaking on the condition of anonymity (of course) slammed Spags the other day.
"Players have no say in anything," the player told the New Orleans Times-Picayune. "It was a complete opposite from before where it was a simple D that players had lot of control and say. We couldn't suggest expletive. ... Nothing ever changed. It was his way only.
The player said it was "tough putting on a supportive, everything-will-be-OK face" for the media on a daily basis, and then ripped Spags personally.
"He does have that good-guy persona, but he is a control freak and treats people like crap," he said. "Spagnuolo has no patience and zero personality. He has a way of pissing players and our defensive coaches off with how he says and does things. I think it's even harder after having former defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who guys enjoyed."
Ouch.