Holmgren's last season - Interesting article

very interesting…

I thought this article was pretty lame and that’s why I ignored it. It’s not my prerogative to slag every half-smart Seahawks-related article that’s published. I don’t see the utility in that, but since this has been posted here and since been unearthed at the Tribune blog…

I quote:

The Very Good

The fact Holmgren is not coming back will allow him to throw conventional wisdom and play calling to the wind, which should give him a distinct advantage over opposing defenses. Every third down call in Seattle will now be made with the understanding that going for it on fourth down is a distinct possibility.

Let’s distill that first paragraph. Holmgren is retiring. Retiring allows Holmgren to throw “conventional wisdom and play calling to the wind”. Why is that? Because you’d think any coach worth his salt would always make the decision he thinks is in the best interest of his team and that given this is Holmgren’s last shot at glory, he would feel an additional urgency to make the right decision every decision. In fact, isn’t unconventional thinking more strongly associated with a lack of risk?

Well, it is in fact.

I once said to Broncos coach Mike Shanahan regarding a risky call he made: “It took a lot of guts to call the option backed up near the goal line.” He replied, “The benefit of being in the league awhile is you don’t worry about your job status with each and every call.” Every call Holmgren will make this year will not be made with his job status in mind.

Except it will. Ever since 2005, the only threat to Holmgren’s job was Holmgren and his family. He was at no risk of being fired. Now, Holmgren faces one last season that could have a huge impact on his legacy. A Super Bowl victory with a second team would put Holmgren in exclusive company. Anything else, he’s a HOFer, sure, but by no means a Legend. Every decision Holmgren makes this coming season will be made with his job status in mind, because his job status is one and done. Win, lose he’ll never another opportunity.

Anyway, I could go on. I don’t get why this stuff is published, but so it goes.