If Mike Holmgren returns to the NFL, it won't be as a coach fuming on sidelines. FILE/Stephen Dunn/GETTY IMAGES Visit the Photo Place

BIDDING WILL BE FIERCE FOR COACHING 'SAVIORS'

NFL report

Date published: 11/25/2009

By Steve DeShazo

BY STEVE DeSHAZO

In an NFL season devoid of parity, half a dozen teams (at most) have legitimate hopes of hoisting the Lombardi Trophy Feb. 7 in Miami.

That's the only goal for the Saints, Colts, Vikings, Patriots, Chargers--and maybe a surprise team that gets healthy and hot in January, as the Giants and Steelers did in recent years.

For the have-nots at the bottom of the standings, though, there's more than one potential prize--although they will be costly and almost as hard to secure as a championship.

Several veteran coaches with Super Bowl rings may be available just after the first of the year. The impressive list includes Bill Cowher, Mike Shanahan, Tony Dungy, Mike Holmgren and Brian Billick.

Their level of interest in returning varies, but their phones--and their agents'--should be busy. That's because there's no shortage of struggling teams hoping for a quick turnaround with an experienced captain.

The 3-7 Buffalo Bills fired the first salvo two weeks ago by firing Dick Jauron. Since then, they reportedly have contacted both Shanahan and Cowher. ESPN.com reported that Cowher said no, but Shanahan reportedly will meet with Bills owner Ralph Wilson this week.

Meanwhile, Holmgren said--apparently unsolicited--on a radio appearance last week that he'd be interested in talking with owner Randy Lerner about the Cleveland Browns' general manager vacancy.

Holmgren, who served as both head coach and GM in Seattle, is reportedly more interested in returning to the front office than the sideline. Apparently, he's also a glutton for punishment, because the 1-9 Browns are the NFL's most dysfunctional franchise.

All of this must have quick-trigger Redskins owner Daniel Snyder fidgeting. The only people who think Jim Zorn isn't a lame duck live under Zorn's roof.

And with deep pockets and a well-documented penchant for hiring big names, Snyder has done little to quell rumors that he's courting Shanahan or Cowher. If Snyder thinks he can lock up one of them before season's end, Zorn won't make it to the new year.

1. Saints (10-0) Patriots are biggest test 2. Colts (10-0) Winning the close ones 3. Vikings (9-1) This is vintage Favre 4. Patriots (7-3) Chance to preserve legacy 5. Chargers (7-3) Now aiming for playoff bye 6. Cardinals (7-3) Warner's status is key 7. Bengals (7-3) Major opportunity lost 8. Cowboys (7-3) Offense needs answers 9. Steelers (6-4) Another concussion for Ben 10. Eagles (6-4) Rookie McCoy has shined 11. Packers (6-4) Limping into Thanksgiving 12. Giants (6-4) Is the ship righted yet? 13. Jaguars (6-4) Sims-Walker sparks offense 14. Titans (4-6) Playoffs aren't pipe dream 15. Ravens (5-5) Red zone issues costly 16. Dolphins (5-5) Ricky rides to the rescue 17. Texans (5-5) Defensive collapses costly 18. Falcons (5-5) Four of final six at home 19. Panthers (4-6) Must win their next two 20. Broncos (6-4) Losing and bickering 21. Bears (4-6) Cutler isn't delivering 22. 49ers (4-6) Is the spread the answer? 23. Jets (4-6) Ryan gets more involved 24. Chiefs (3-7) Rare two-game win streak 25. Raiders (3-7) Gradkowski provides spark 26. Redskins (3-7) Third-stringers at RB, G 27. Seahawks (3-7) 4 yards rushing vs. Vikings 28. Bills (3-7) Woods' injury gruesome 29. Lions (2-8) No enjoying big victory 30. Buccaneers (1-9) Growing pains for Freeman 31. Rams (1-9) QB Boller gets a chance 32. Browns (1-9) Did Mangini cost his team?

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Date published: 11/25/2009