Saints head coach Dennis Allen was fired this week. That's what happens when you go 2-7 in the NFL and lose to the Panthers. Raiders offensive coordinator Luke Getsy was also let go, confirming that Las Vegas did in fact have an offensive coordinator. They also fired their offensive line coach and quarterbacks coach, the latter probably because he had nothing to do on Sundays. When the Raiders get a quarterback, they can worry about getting a coach for him.
In any case, it was a tough day for a number of coaches and their families, and we only just finished week 9. Remember, these people need to find new jobs, probably relocate, uproot their kids and read about people celebrating the fact that they got fired. They're at work on a Sunday, and unemployed on Monday. There won't be a lot of sympathy for them, and job prospects will either be tough to find, or include a demotion of some sort. Losing isn't fun.
So maybe dropping some fantasy games isn't so terrible after all.
Look, I know that nobody plays this game to lose. And when you spend the offseason building a winning strategy, it's frustrating when the actual winning isn't happening. But the worst thing that happens is you dust yourself off and try again next week. Nobody is calling radio stations demanding you lose your job. You don't have to sell your house. Reporters aren't asking Jerry Jones about your team's record. Nobody really knows except your league mates and your family, and your family probably doesn't care all that much. And aside from some trash talk or a funny post, other managers aren't giving much thought to it, either. You aren't looking for work or explaining to your kids why they might have to go to a different school next year. Your fantasy team is losing. It's not fun, but it sure could be a lot worse and sometimes it's good to remember that fact and keep a little perspective.
And yes, I know that these guys get paid a lot of money and will continue to get paid for the length of their contract. When Dennis Green got fired and got paid to go fishing for a few years, my dad thought he was the luckiest guy in the world. But a lot of these coaches will have to go back to work eventually, and it's painful to fail publicly and have to look around for work. Oh, and all that team gear? Get the donation boxes ready. The pay is good, but the pressure is high and you can't tell me that NFL-level stress is healthy. So maybe your fantasy team being 3-6 or 2-7 is tolerable after all.
This is the part where I could (correctly) tell you that your season isn't over, you can go on a winning streak and still squeeze into the playoffs. Most managers have a story about a previous team somehow finding a way to the postseason, getting hot and winning it all. It definitely happens, and it could happen with you this year. And if I gave you that pep talk, you know I'd be right. It's true and you should never give up.
But for many teams, that outcome won't happen. It might end up being a disappointing year. I just want to remind you that your contract has already been renewed for next season. No matter what happens, you get to come back and try again. You don't have to wallow in shame, or answer questions at a tough press conference, or even acknowledge it happened after December. Keep trying and do your best, but don't put too much pressure on yourself. Your career doesn't depend on it and you won't lose your job if you get crushed this weekend. I'm not sure Mike McCarthy can say the same. Good luck this week.
Do you need a big turnaround over the next few weeks? How do you keep your spirits up when things aren't going your way? What other coaches are on the hot seat? Share your thoughts below.