It looks as if all the coaching vacancies could be filled by the time the Super Bowl rolls around.  The NFL is not as bad as the NBA and the MLB in simply regurgitating coaches, but they are pretty close.  This year though, we have some new names, even some names that not many people have really heard of.  Did anyone know that Jim Harbaugh had a brother? 

A guy by the name of Mike Smith looks to be the next head man in Atlanta.  The Dolphins hired a guy that knows Bill Parcells.  The Ravens hired Jim Harbaugh’s brother.  The Redskins seem to be the only team going after a former head coach. 

The Redskins will probably hire one of two guys in the next week.  Originally it appeared that Gregg Williams would get promoted from Def. Coordinator, but now the Redskins have interviewed Jim Fassel twice, and Williams’s future is looking shaky.  Williams had a lot of trouble with the Bills in his stint there a few years ago, and Fassel had some early success with the Giants (taking them to the Super Bowl in 2000).  Fassel was fired by Billick in 2006 as the Ravens Off. Coordinator.  I have a feeling Fassel will end up with this job, and then he will have to look for a defensive coordinator.  Being a Redskin fan, I hope they go with Williams. 

I like to see the new names bounced around.  Not only were the hires some fresh faces, but most of the names bounced around were guys yet to have their chances at being the head honcho.  Jason Garrett, Rex Ryan, Jim Caldwell, and Brian Schottenheimer were among the new names floated around.  One name that was on many lips, but does not have a job is Jim Mora Jr.  I wonder if Atlanta is wishing they never fired him (or let Matt Schaub go)? 

Also, some big names have decided to return for at least one more year.  Mike Holmgren has announced that he will coach Seattle again next year, but that next year will definitely be his last.  Tony Dungy will be back again next year, but he is not sure about any thing further than that. 

I’m just really glad that Brian Billick looks like he is going to take at least one year off.  I don’t think I could stand to listen to another one of his “I’m a genius” press conferences.