Job security can be tough to come by. Especially in the NFL.
Of the 20 teams that didn't make this year's playoffs, 10 have already cut their losses -- and head coaches. Nine franchises have already found replacements. Still pending: Norv Turner's replacement in Oakland.
These days, a coach gets about three years, give or take a season, to bring a team all the way or at least into the playoffs. Dennis Green is now staring down the barrel of his third season as the Arizona Cardinals' front man. Just a friendly reminder.
But look at the two teams squaring off this weekend in Super Bowl XL.
Bill Cowher has been the coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers since Bush One was "not gonna do it." And it took Seattle's Mike Holmgren seven seasons to get the Seahawks to their first ever championship game.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick and Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, between the two, brought 18 years of coaching experience with their respective teams into their AFC divisional playoff match up. The two coaches accounted for five of the last seven Super Bowl victories.
Maybe patience in coaches and team stability create such winning ways. Then again, it's hard to fire a coach that keeps winning.
Job security can be tough to come by. Especially in the NFL.
Of the 20 teams that didn't make this year's playoffs, 10 have already cut their losses -- and head coaches. Nine franchises have already found replacements. Still pending: Norv Turner's replacement in Oakland.
These days, a coach gets about three years, give or take a season, to bring a team all the way or at least into the playoffs. Dennis Green is now staring down the barrel of his third season as the Arizona Cardinals' front man. Just a friendly reminder.
But look at the two teams squaring off this weekend in Super Bowl XL.
Bill Cowher has been the coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers since Bush One was "not gonna do it." And it took Seattle's Mike Holmgren seven seasons to get the Seahawks to their first ever championship game.
Patriots coach Bill Belichick and Broncos coach Mike Shanahan, between the two, brought 18 years of coaching experience with their respective teams into their AFC divisional playoff match up. The two coaches accounted for five of the last seven Super Bowl victories.
Maybe patience in coaches and team stability create such winning ways. Then again, it's hard to fire a coach that keeps winning.
