The NFL Coaching Carousel

Mike Tice, no not Steve Spurrier, is the new head coach of the Minnesota Vikings. Tice will reportedly receive a three-year deal to coach the team, but no financial details have been announced.

So what does this do to the rumor mill? I think that it makes it much more interesting.

It appeared that Tony Dungy had a yellow brick road back to Minnesota if his Tampa Bay tenure came to a sudden halt after the playoffs. It is possible that he may remain at Tampa Bay due to his success since taking over this franchise. Before Dungy, this team couldn't find win in the dictionary.

But as the story in the NFL goes, it may be "what have you done for me lately Tony?" If the latter happens, Dungy could end up in Indianapolis to revive the lifeless defense that destroyed the Colts' chances at being a playoff team.

Bill Polian, General Manager of the Indianapolis Colts, wants to hire a head coach who is a defensive genius. Dungy would certainly fit this bill, as would current Oakland Raider Head Coach Jon Gruden.

Gruden is reported to be in trouble with owner Al Davis due to Gruden's "flirtation" with other offers. If this report is indeed true, then Gruden might be the better fit for the Colts. He is a young, fiery coach and is rumored to be one of the best "players coaches" in the league. The Colt's team is young and could benefit from his presence on the sideline.

Dungy, on the other hand, is a disciplinarian. His teams also have praised his ability to be a "players coach," but it appears that he lacks the intensity that the Colts so desperately need. Either coach would be a major upgrade from Jim Mora, who publicly denounces his players and then expects them to give him their all.

Polian also believes that if he can come up with enough money, he could tempt Steve Spurrier to Indianapolis. That's a great idea -- hire an offensive genius to make your defense better. Personally, I think Polian felt left out and just wanted to play with all of the other GM's.

Speaking of Spurrier, which is all that anyone has done this week, I believe that Carolina will eventually have him on their sidelines. Spurrier likes to run the show, and he has a much better chance to do that in Carolina as opposed to Washington. The reason: Dan Snyder.

Snyder might as well take to the sidelines himself to coach the team, because so far nobody has done it his way. Spurrier, in my opinion, is not in the mood to conform.

As for the last team looking for a head coach, San Diego has some interesting options. Bill Parcells is their top candidate, Steve Mariucci, if he can clear up some contract problems, and Norv Turner who is currently the offensive coordinator for the team. I like Dan Fouts myself, but nobody has called and asked for my opinion so I guess these options will have to do.

Hold on tight football fans, because it's going to be one heck of a ride. Round and round the carousel goes, and where it stops, ...well, you know the rest.