The 2007 NFL season ended on Sunday. Brian Billick’s head coaching tenure with the Baltimore Ravens ended less than 24 hours later.
Change Was Needed
The team finished 5-11. Suffice it to say, management had much higher expectations. In 2006, the Baltimore Ravens won 13 games and made the playoffs (they lost in the first round).
Team owner Steve Bisciotti stated that he made the decision to fire Brian Billick a few hours before the team played its final game of the season. The Baltimore Ravens have lost the same amount of games as they have won since Steve Bisciotti took over full ownership.
Steve Bisciotti initially wanted to give Brian Billick another year to fix the team, but after discussing things with his consultants, he changed his mind. The guess here is that his consultants convinced him that a change was the best thing for the team. They’re not doubting Brian Billick’s coaching ability. They just don’t think he’s the right coach for this team at this moment.
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Brian Billick’s stubborn nature helped him get to the top of the NFL, but it also brought him right back down. When the Baltimore Ravens needed change, he wasn’t capable of providing it because of his stubborn nature.
When Brian Billick came over from the Minnesota Vikings, he was labeled as an offensive genius. However, he wasn’t able to produce an offense with the Baltimore Ravens that came close to being great. They weren’t even good. In fact, the defense grumbled for all 9 years about the lack of production from the other side of the ball. The Baltimore Ravens also dismissed Brian Billick’s assistant coaches as well. |
New Job
Brian Billick still has 3 years and $15 million on his contract. If he becomes contractually eligible, then he moves towards the top of the list of available coaches for next season.
The Atlanta Falcons are still looking for a head coach who can command respect. Brian Billick is one of those coaches that can do that. Plus, the Atlanta Falcons can also offer a bit of control over personnel, which would be pretty tempting for the coach.
Replacement
Even though he was dismissed from his post as defensive coordinator, Rex Ryan will be considered for the head coaching spot.
There are also reports that Steve Bisciotti had talks with former Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Bill Cowher had a discussion in regards to the job back in November.
University of Iowa head coach Kirk Ferentz is another candidate as well.
Closing Thoughts
It was a nice run for Brian Billick in Baltimore. He has a championship ring out of his 9 year tenure, so that makes his stint there a success.