More Sports >>
<< Prev | Next >>

By Monte Poole
Oakland Tribune columnist

EACH OF THE 32 men who began this NFL season as a head coach still holds the job, and it's not because all 32 bosses are happy.

It's because the unhappy bosses are caught in an intrapersonal power struggle.

On one hand, they want to be associated with winning franchises.

On the other hand, they feel more obligated than ever to limit expenses.

And, so far, the more powerful hand has been the one on the checkbook.

Head coaches in charge of bad NFL teams are among the few employees in America who actually stand to benefit from sluggish economic conditions. They're much less likely to be fired abruptly when ownership is nervous about the profit margin.

That is, as long as those coaches don't leave themselves vulnerable to be axed "for cause."

When the Raiders say they are investigating domestic abuse allegations made by an ex-wife and former girlfriend of coach Tom Cable, it's OK to interpret that to mean they're evaluating the legal ramifications of whacking him without having to cut a check.

Text-a-Friend >>

<< Prev | Next >>
More Sports >>