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Stability at the top

Posted by Mike Reiss, Globe Staff January 1, 2009 05:00 AM

With both Mike Shanahan (Broncos) and Mike Holmgren (Seahawks) not returning to the sidelines with their clubs next season, Bill Belichick now is third among active head coaches in terms of duration of tenure.

Belichick enters his 10th season as Patriots head coach in 2009.

A look at the top six:

  • Jeff Fisher (Tennessee) -- hired Jan. 5, 1995
  • Andy Reid (Philadelphia) -- hired Jan. 11, 1999
  • Bill Belichick (New England) -- hired Jan. 27, 2000
  • Tony Dungy (Indianapolis) -- hired Jan. 22, 2002
  • John Fox (Carolina) -- hired Jan. 25, 2002
  • Jon Gruden (Tampa Bay) -- hired Feb. 18, 2002

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    8 comments so far...

    1. Shanahan's only playoff win post-Elway was over the Pats. Remember that debacle? Faulk fumbling away a kickoff return, Troy Brown muffing a punt, Brady throwing a pick in the end zone and Ben Watson's famous chasedown of Champ Bailey.

      Anyway, each coach on this list has been to the SuperBowl and three have won it. Perhaps that number will grow to four this year if Tennessee or Carolina win it all. I believe that winning at least a conference championship buys a coach more longevity than they would have without such an accomplishment. Look how much rope Shanahan got.

      Posted by PatThePatsFan January 1, 09 07:06 AM

    1. you're working at 5AM on new year's day?

      Posted by gick January 1, 09 08:29 AM

    1. Unfortunately, I remember that game all to well. It still hurts. Looking back on things now, maybe they should have converted Ben (bust) Watson to line backer?
      Well, now we enter into the fascinating team building stage of an NFL team for the Pats. I like it almost as much as the games. There will be some draft prospects playing today, including two of top line backers who play for Pete Carrol.

      Posted by Eric J January 1, 09 09:51 AM

    1. I have never liked Shanahan but I do believe that he has a very agressive philosophy when it comes to offensive style of play. I wonder if he would be interested in becoming the Pats offensive coordinator. Anyone would be better than McDaniels.

      Posted by Mike Allen January 1, 09 10:52 AM

    1. 5am on new years day?m?? what a horse. Mike, good work! but season is over. get some rest!!!

      Posted by rb January 1, 09 10:54 AM

    1. Hi Gick and RB. I actually wasn't working at 5 a.m. One of the nice parts about this blog tool is that we can schedule updates to appear at certain times. I put that update together last night and scheduled it to appear in the morning. If possible, I like to have something fresh for the morning. Happy new year to you all.
      --Mike

      Posted by Mike Reiss January 1, 09 11:51 AM

    1. Mike Shanahan is one of the best offensive coach. I have allot of respsect for him. My dream coaching duo would be Shanahan is OC and Belichick is DC. there is no stoping then... There is no way he will become OC, but I hope he does not go to JETS. I have a fealing that he will go in his old Division.

      Posted by pawan January 1, 09 12:22 PM

    1. I guess McDaniels is te next Hobbs. Good grief!

      Posted by Ritchie January 1, 09 01:28 PM
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    Mike Reiss, Christopher L. Gasper and the rest of the Globe team provide regular updates –and a behind-the-scenes look– on the daily happenings of the Patriots.
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