Today we get the sad reports that Paul Allen has been diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Obviously, we all wish the Seahawks' owner a speedy and full recovery, but I have to wonder if this might have an effect on the decisions Allen must make about the future of the team.
Mike Holmgren is transparently angling for a Parcells-like "football czar" position with the Seahawks, and my initial read is that Allen's condition makes this more likely to happen in the off-season. Allen and The Big Show have always had a great relationship, and it makes sense that the owner would want a trusted, proven commodity (who just happens to be one of the most important figures in franchise history) running the team.
A seriously ill owner is a terrible source of uncertainty for a team to deal with. Holmgren's steady, skilled hand would lessen this institutional anxiety considerably. Barring a spectacular turnaround from the 2009 Hawks in the next seven games, I think the momentum is cleary building for Mike Holmgren's return next year.
What do you think, sirs?
2 comments:
Two quick thoughts:
One, I am a survivor of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, so I can say that, while a difficult fight is in front of him, Paul Allen is fighting a foe that is very beatable. The cure rate is high, and the treatment, while far from easy, isn't such that he will necessarily be incapacitated. They are getting better at kicking this particular cancer's butt, and I'm living proof. All my hopes and prayers are with him and his family.
Second, I'm pretty sure that if there is a chance we can get Big Mike back in the fold, good things can happen. I've never been a fan of the head coach/GM combo job, but Holmgren has an eye for talent, and as long as he doesn't have to do both jobs, he'll be great at either one. Parcells is a great example of what a good mind at the top of the football part of the org chart can push a crappy team (yes Fin fans, I'm talking about you) into a contender. Look at the aftermath of Parcells leaving (Giants, Jets, Dallas), and see how long it has taken each to get back to contention. I see football czar as the next big thing in a league that is all about copying the success of others.
Holmgren has been a winner wherever he's been, and he's good medicine for what's ailing our team.
Two cents...
A qualified maybe on this one - it does seem that the respective jobs of Head Coach and GM have gotten so complex that a 3rd set of eyes at the top seems like a good idea.
As I recall, Parcells was only mediocre when he tried to have complete control as Coach/GM, but by any standard has accomplished miracles in Miami. I like the idea, as The Big Show has a brilliant mind where he's strong (establishing a culture of winning, for instance) and needs a few other brilliant minds to support him where he's weak (developing young players, for instance).
After pontificating out loud a little, I give this idea a qualified yes.
Post a Comment