VLTC: In terms of replacing Wiegmann as a starter, it was obvious by midseason 2007 that Niswanger was being groomed for the job. Prior to his injury he was taking reps from Welbourn on a regular basis and handily outplaying him. The issue was that there was nobody behind Rudy. We saw that when Rudy was out this year–Wade Smith is terrible. He’s the worst football player on this team, and I’m counting McIntosh, Patterson, and Gafford when I say that. Many fans, myself included, would have liked to see Wiegmann and Niswanger both starting this year. I think a line of Albert/Waters/Wiegmann/Niswanger/Taylor would have been great, perhaps even dominant.

In any case, I look forward to seeing Waters and Wiegmann play side by side one more time in a few weeks.

I am concerned that Herm is still on the job, but hopefully Pioli is just getting his ducks in a row before putting the hammer down. If anyone stays on the staff, Chan Gailey certainly deserves the opportunity. I didn’t see enough elsewhere to support any other coaches, although I am sure that several are unsung. Mike Priefer is the obvious dismissal; Oline, Dline, and running back coaches should also be nervous.

Dennis: Mike Priefer going to Denver would be the gift that keeps on giving.

After hearing the press conference introducing Pioli, I started to think; what Head Coach out there would fit the “team” blueprint that Scott Pioli is so familiar with. Following is my list of Head Coach prospects.

Herm Edwards
Gunther Cunningham
Marty Schottenheimer
Bill Cowher
Mike Shanahan
Al Saunders
Bill Parcells
Mike Holmgren
Jimmy Johnson
Dick Vermeil
Rex Ryan
Dom Capers

I believe these coaches would be have a plan and be able to put their egos aside to build a team that would continuosly vie for a championship. I know some of you think that some of the coaches on this list have the biggest egos out there but if you look again, some of them have coached long enough and have seen both sides of the coin and realize that in todays NFL if you truly “know your role” within the organization, you can build a dynasty.

Another great commentary. I am so proud of you for not forgetting the “fire mike priefer” comment( sniff, sniff)!! You must have been extatic to hear that he was ok’d to talk to Denver about a job!! Herm and Carl had culled alot of very good players from our team that we could have used that last couple of years. With the AFC west in as dismal shape as it is, the time is ripe to be fairly successful immediatly, if we are “smart” about it. Pioli’s mix of vets and young players in N.E. was the key to their success (in my opinion), along with a great Q.B. That is the mix we are missing. Hopefully Scott can evaluate what we have and add to it to be competitive immediatly. Overall I think that Clark is headed in the right direction.

You can have strategies and all; but when it comes to dogma or stuff like that, it is always a danger : like you said it with Casey; or like we saw with Croyle.