Schottenheimer stays in SD
I'm glad San Diego decided to keep Marty Schottenheimer around in 2007. What does surprise me is that Schottenheimer declined an extension for 2008.
The only reason I can think of for him doing this is money. He may have another one, but here's how I look at it:
San Diego, 14-3 this year, is not likely to be much worse next season. Actually, it looks like it will be stronger. Schottenheimer knows there aren't many places he can go that are sure-fire playoff contenders.
And suppose San Diego, with a maturing Philip Rivers and a clean Shawne Merriman, wins the Super Bowl next season. Who will be the hottest coaching free agent in the NFL?
It's possible that a year from now, Cleveland, the Giants, Miami, Tampa Bay, Dallas and others will be looking for head coaches. Imagine the money.
Marty would probably dispute that money is the main reason for his way of thinking. But somewhere, in the back of his mind, he's got to be thinking about his next contact, and how much it will be worth.
Even if he doesn't fare well in the playoffs next year, it's likely a team like Cleveland, desperate to regain past glory, will overpay him to shut the fans and media up for a while.
All in a year's time.