Detroit Lions Weblog

The Elmer Gantry of NFL Coaches Finds Work and Garcia Sounds Off

It was recently announced that the NFL network has hired recently deposed Lions Head Coach Steve Mariucci as a studio analyst. Mariucci, who was an abject failure as Lion’s head coach (and who I’ve coined the Elmer Gantry (Sinclair Lewis book) of NFL coaches), has been out of work a relatively short time and is probably better suited for his new role than he was as a coach. It is interesting that with Lion’s training camp starting tomorrow, that Mariucci has drawn a lot of media attention by his recent hiring. I am sure he will gladly collect the Ford’s money as he gets familiar with his new job and scouts out the next organization which he can dupe into acquiring his services.

Also I recently read comments from former Lion’s QB savior, Jeff Garcia, that were frankly, a little disturbing. Garcia said ” With the Eagles having been to the Super Bowl two years ago and having been to the NFC championship game year in and year out for four years, this is an organization and a coaching staff that knows how to do it. After the last two experiences (Browns and Lions), I’ve been through, I really didn’t want to battle through negativity.” It is nice that Garcia has found a new home for his act. As dysfunctional as the Lions have been throughout their history, have they had even ONE team as dysfunctional as last year’s Eagles were? Who is Garcia trying to kid, here?

Personally, I believe that Garcia offered very little in terms of the traits of veteran leadership and strong QB play that the Lions signed him for last season. Furthermore, with all of his experience, he did very little to push Joey Harrington competition-wise in any way. Garcia could have potentially aided the development of the equally disappointing Harrington but instead chose to make it known he was here to start and not hold a clipboard. Garcia can take all the potshots he wants, but if he had lived up to even a fraction of his former billing he may have been able to help the Lions win a few more games last season.