Black Monday 2013: Who Got Canned and Where They Go From Here
By Loot, Professional Handicapper, Lootmeister.com
Rob Chudzinski, Cleveland Browns
Record With Team: 4-12
Tenure: 2013
Even with a team that hadn’t made the playoffs in well over a decade, the Cleveland brass must not have liked what they saw in Chudzinski’s first season, as the Browns went 4-12. Chudzinski was shocked and dismayed in losing this gig and for good reason. Even in today’s age of rapid coach turnover, one year with a truly bad team is a mighty short leash. Vince Lombardi could have been the coach and the Browns probably would still be looking at 5-11 at best. Chudzinski, 45, was previously the offensive coordinator for the Browns and Panthers and shouldn’t have that hard of a time booking another assistant coaching gig in the NFL. Or if he prefers to still be a head coach, the former Miami Hurricanes OC could maybe land a head coaching college gig.
Jim Schwartz, Detroit Lions
Record With Team: 29-51
Tenure: 2009-2013
After 5 up-and-down seasons, Schwartz was let go following a 7-9 campaign that included losing 6 of their last 7 games. Schwartz was riding high after a 10-6 season for the perennial-losing Lions in 2011. But a 4-12 season in 2012 and a late-season collapse in 2013 sealed Schwartz’ fate. There are some rumors swirling that Schwartz could land on his feet as the new Cleveland Browns’ head coach. He was the Titans’ defensive coordinator for 8 seasons, so if the 47-year old Schwartz doesn’t get the Browns gig, he should be able to book a top coordinator spot. One shouldn’t assume we’ve seen the last of the fiery Schwartz roaming the sidelines. But 2013 will not be his shining moment, as Schwartz seemed lost as the Lions limped across the finish line. There was too much talent on his team to win only 7 games.
Greg Schiano, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Record With Team: 11-21
Tenure: 2012-2013
Schiano parlayed a nice run as Rutgers head coach into an NFL gig and things looked to be headed in the right direction after a semi-promising 7-9 record in 2012. But a 4-12 season that saw his starting quarterback jettisoned out of town sealed his fate. Some of the issues college coaches face when they come to the NFL surfaced more in 2013, with players openly questioning Schiano’s approach. Look for Schiano to resurface with a good college head coaching gig. Rumors include Penn State, though many other options would also suit Schiano, but he might not find his way back to the NFL.
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Leslie Frazier, Minnesota Vikings
Record With Team: 21-32
Tenure: 2010-2013
Frazier, 54, gave it a good go, but had too much to overcome this season as the Vikings sunk to 5-10 following a 10-6 record in 2012. It didn’t help that QB Christian Ponder flopped and was injured. Starting Josh Freeman was probably a bum move, as Frazier then turned to Matt Cassel to finish out the season. It also didn’t make Frazier look good as the Vikings had the 31st-ranked defense, being that Frazier made his bones as a defensive coordinator. Still, the future isn’t so bleak for a smart coach like Frazier, who should still have some cache as a defensive coordinator.
Mike Shanahan, Washington Redskins
Record With Team: 24-40
Tenure: 2010-2013
After a 3-13 season, Shanahan was canned and it might be a wrap for the 2-time Super Bowl winning head coach. At 61, Shanahan might fade into the sunset, as it’s difficult to imagine him getting another NFL head coaching gig at this point. And it’s doubtful a coach of his stature would accept an assistant coaching gig. He hasn’t coached in the college ranks for 30 years, so even though some teams would love to have him, it seems unlikely. In 2012, Shanahan appeared to breathe some life back into his coaching career and the Redskins franchise with a 10-win season. But chemistry issues between him and star QB Robert Griffin built up since training camp and Shanahan couldn’t survive that, in addition to a truly awful 2013 season. Since winning the Super Bowl with Denver in 1998, Shanahan hasn’t won another playoff game in his last 14 years as a head coach.
