Things Looking Grimm for Russ

The past few years, Russ Grimm, former Hog and current Offensive line coach of the Steelers, has been mentioned for almost every head coaching vacancy in the NFL. Sadly, Grimm has yet to nab the title of Head Coach for any team. It was thought he was Bill Cowhers obvious successor in Pittsburgh, but with Monday's hiring of Vikings D-coordinator Mike Tomlin as the Head man in Steel City, you have to wonder why Grimm keeps getting passed over.

Grimm was a great lineman in his career, Hall of Famer in many people's eyes, and he has a fine coaching resume. However, since he was not called back for a second interview with the Cardinals--a job that went to Steelers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt--I'm starting to wonder if there might be something wrong with Big Russ. It seemed a given that Grimm would take over when Cowher retired. Suddenly, Grimm finds himself practically out of a job while Mike Tomlin (not to be confused with rag-arm pitcher and former Oriole Mike Timlin) takes over Grimm's hometown Steelers. That doesn't seem fair. But I am biased, so what do I know.

Grimm won three Super Bowels as a player for the Redskins. He got another ring last year with Pittsburgh. When Coach Gibbs came back into football and reportedly wanted Grimm on his staff, the Steelers refused to let Grimm talk to the Redskins. That's how highly they thought of him just three years ago. Now, with the hiring of Tomlin, Grimm most likely will be let go from his contract with Pittsburgh and free to find work elsewhere. Why Grimm seems to have fallen out of favor in the annual search for head coaches is beyond me. Granted, I do not have the contacts or the wisdom to tell you why this keeps happening.

What's next for Grimm? Well, at last count there were still two head coaching vacancies. The Raiders are looking for a head man, but they are every year it seems. Grimm can pick the brains of mentors Norv Turner and Joe Bugel to find out how working in Oakland will play out, which everyone knows is not good. Working for Al Davis is the worst job in sports. Period. Now that Bill Parcells has retired (which I predicted on a previous blog. Hey there's a first time for everything) the Cowboys have a coaching vacancy to fill. (Gag, cough, wretch!) Come on, Grimm grew up a Steelers fan and played for the Redskins. He wouldn't be able to stomach working for Jerry Jones. Working for Jones is the second worst job in sports.

I hope Grimm signs on with the Redskins staff. Come on, its a perfect fit. He knows the city, the fans and what it means to be a Redskin. Plus, I'm sure he can help the Skins offense. Lord knows Grimm would command some respect and show everyone what it means to be a champion. It would be a feel good story. Gibbs can prep Grimm to take over when he retires. The Redskins always could use another coach, eh? What other options does Big Russ have? Work for Al Davis? Hardly. Or coach the Cowboys? I don't think so. If Grimm ends up on the sidelines wearing Silver and Blue then that would signal the End of Days. I suggest everyone rush out to the nearest church and claim Jesus Christ as your personal savior. That way, you will be taken in the Rapture, sparing you from the coming of the Anti-Christ and the sight of the Greatest Hog coaching the Boys in Blue.


Monday Side Note

I read on foxsports.com that the Raiders want Michael Vick. It was reported by Ben Maller that Oakland would send Receivers Randy Moss and Jerry Porter, as well as the 1st overall pick in the 2007 draft for Vick and the Falcons 1st rounder (10th overall). Huh? This begs the question: If Vick didn't have anyone to throw to in Atlanta, who the hell would he throw to in Oakland? Tim Brown retired, didn't he? Typical Raider craziness, my friends. If I were Atlanta, I would be all over that one.