Interview with Andy Barch 1/3
Today I did an interview with West Virginia Power broadcaster and NFL expert Andy Barch on the latest NFL firings.

ZB: What do you think motivated the firing of Mike Sherman?

AB: a 4-12 record, and an embarassing loss on Monday night to the Ravens. As stupid as that may sound, too often in this league one game means too much. This guy won them 3 straight divisional titles, there are only 2 other coaches in team history to do that, and you know who the other two are.

ZB: Right. Was it the right move?

AB: Absolutely not. Favre made it clear that he did not want to play for another coach or learn another offense, and in essence, this tells me that they are FORCING a legend out of town telling him that his opinion does not matter. You look at all of the injuries that this team endured, and you'll be amazed that they were as close as they were against some of the teams they played this season.
They lost their best WR, they started the year short-handed on the o-line, they used 5 different running backs, signing guys off of other teams' practice squads, and yet they still fought hard, taking the Bears down to the final play on Christmas in a game the Bears had to win.
Sherman also won the game against the Lions on Sunday night by convincing the officials that they made an incorrect call.

ZB: I remember that. It was a strange game.

AB: Three straight divisional titles, followed by a 4-12 season which was riddled with injuries, does not warrant a premature firing.

ZB: Now let me ask you ... of all the firings, which one surprised you the most?

AB: Sherman, and Tice.

AB: more so Sherman. Tice a little, just because when that team went into the crapper in October, then lost their star QB, it looked like they were headed to hell in a handbasket, and he got that team to believe and rally behing a journeyman QB and they came a game away from getting to the playoffs
If you would have told me at the beginning of the year that they would have been 9-7, I would have said no way, they are a 12-4 teamBIGAB35: in october if u said 9-7, I would have said no way.

ZB: Do you think the off the field distractions played a roll?

AB: Yes, absolutely, there were too many to deal with, but I think he overcame all of those, and they have something to build on, but now they have to start over with a new staff.

ZB: Next question. Is there anyone else on the block? What about Turner?

AB: He's as good as gone. I heard this morning on the radio that he has already cleaned out his desk, and he is expecting to get the axe, but that Raiders' job really isnt one that is too exciting. You are working directly under a guy who loves to bring in new coaches, players, personnel every year making it difficult to develop any kind of chemistry.

ZB: Of the fired coaches, who has the best shot to be a head coach again?

AB: Other than that, I dont see any other changes; nobody else deserves to get fired. I think all have great chances to be NFL head coaches except for Dom Capers and Norv Turner. They've both had their chances.
I really do like Mike Sherman a lot, but I am a bit biased. Mike Tice is a guy who has been able to prove himself in his first go around as head coach and the others who were shown the door will get chances down the road.

ZB: It's hard to blame the Raiders' struggles on Turner, right?

AB: Well, yeah. I mean Turner hasn't done much with that offense. I don't think they run well enough, and with the injuries to Randy Moss, it was tough to really open up the passing game this year.

ZB: Is Houston Capers' fault?

AB: Yes, he's done very little to help protect David Carr, and he's done little to improve that defense. You've seen how Bill Parcells protects Drew Bledsoe in the Max Protect mode, why don't we see more of that for David Carr?
I don't think Capers ever really allowed Carr to get comfortable.

ZB: Interesting you bring up Parcells. What are the odds he'll be back next year?

AB: I think he'll be back for sure. Another year with the squad he has and they will fix the things that kept them out of the playoffs. These detroit rumors are false.

ZB: One last thing. Is Herman Edwards going to be anywhere but New York next year?

AB: I would be thoroughly amazed if he is not in Kansas City next year. I think Al Saunders is going to get a job somewhere else and Herm Edwards is going to leave the Jets (who are in shambles) and take the KC job, which is a terrific job with Larry Johnson and company.
Herm may want to stay in NY professionally, but realistically, he knows that KC is a much better place for the immediate future.

ZB: Plus the steaks.

AB: LoL

ZB: anyway Andy, as always, thanks for joining us