Post Lockout Thoughts

Today the NHLPA ratified the new CBA and the lockout is now officially over.  At the press conference today, comissioner Gary Bettman apologized to the fans for the lockout:

"I'm sorry, I know an apology or explanation isn't enough, but I owe you an apology. I read the letters, I followed the tweets. I read the blogs. We have a lot of work to do. ... That effort begins today."

While there is a lot of speculation that the NHL will offer discounted tickets or discounted merchandise as an act of good will after the lockout, I think the NHL should take a different approach that wouldn't cost them a dime.  Each NHL team, at some point during the upcoming season, should have a carnival day.  Basically fans come to the stadium and get the chance to meet the players and coaches, take pictures, and get autographs free of charge.  I think this would be a great opportunity for the players, coaches, and owners to truly say they are sorry to the fans.

Personally, while I certainly wasn't happy with the lockout and the fact that owners and players were bickering over millions of dollars in the midst of an economic recession, I will still watch and go to games this year.

While the NHL certainly has my support, overall I think they are going to struggle to regain some of their fans.  The NHL will always have the support of the die hard hockey fans, but they will definitely struggle to regain the support of casual fans.

For the Flyers, I think a shortened fast paced season strongly favors them.  The Flyers are young, fast, and have a ton of energy.  Back to back games, and four games in a week really won't slow down this high powered offense.

The big question for the Flyers will be the defense.  With the new buy out clause included in the CBA, the Flyers could potentially look to buy out goalie Ilya Bryzgalov's contract if he doesn't perform this season.  Bryz is going to have to show that he deserves to be here long term.

Overall there is a lot of excitement as the Flyers get set to open the season, Saturday January 19th against Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

Jon Gruden, Next Eagles Coach

I don't understand the Eagles.  I never have, and I probably never will.

Last week the Eagles fired long time head coach Andy Reid, and shortly after began the search for a new coach.  They interviewed with Chip Kelly, talked with Bill O'Brien, and met with a few other assistant coaches.  That's all fine and well, but why haven't they at least contacted Super Bowl winner Jon Gruden?

Ron Jaworski was on 97.5 The Fanatic on Monday and he reported that he recently spoke with Gruden.  Jaws reported that Gruden would be interested in the Eagles head coaching job but also mentioned the disappointing fact that the Eagles haven't reached out to him.

Why on earth wouldn't the Eagles at least bring him in for an interview?  He used to coach here, he has a terrific coaching history, and above all he has a Super Bowl victory on his resume, something that Chip Kelly definitely doesn't have.

I'm fine with the Eagles taking their time in selecting their next head coach.  Considering the fact that Reid was here for 14 years, the Eagles should definitely not be rushed or pressured into making a rash decision that could hurt them down the line.

But so far I'm not at all enamored with who the Eagles have been interviewing.  In my opinion, to begin this interview process, the Eagles should have at least reached out and contacted guys like Bill Cowher and Jon Gruden because both have won Super Bowls and both coaches know what it takes to win in this league.

Tomorrow, the Eagles will interview with Lovie Smith.  Smith, led the Bears to the Super Bowl back in 2006 and overall he is a very good coach.  The only downside to Smith is that he is more of a defensive minded coach and it is widely believed that the Eagles want to sign an offensive minded coach.

Which leads me back to Jon Gruden.  Is there honestly a better offensive candidate out there?  Gruden is a great offensive mind who would completely revitalize this team.

There could be some political reasons that would make the Eagles hesitant to bring in Gruden.  Remember Howie Roseman is still GM and bringing in a guy like Gruden could significantly decrease Roseman's power and influence on this team.  Personally I feel that Jeffrey Lurie should cut ties with Roseman who has no football background.

Overall bringing in a guy like Jon Gruden would completely shake things up in the NFC East.  Brian Baldinger commented yesterday that other teams and coaches in the NFC East would be shaking in their boots with fear if the Eagles were to hire Gruden.  Overall I'm totally on board for the Eagles to hire Gruden.  He is a Super Bowl winner, he would revitalize this team and fan base, and his offensive mentality would be a great fit.  Unfortunately, politics in the Eagles front office could prevent the Eagles from even interviewing Jon Gruden.