Here is what I learned regarding coaching searches

Neither team is very good, but I am going to have to go with the 12th man, and go with Seattle.Seahawks win 14-13. Minnesota ArizonaAs of posting this article, there is no line for this game. With the Saints beating the Patriots, the Vikings are going to have to try and keep from adding to their one loss to lock down a top two seed in the NFC playoff field. Arizona is playing OK, but that will not be good enough to stop Favre and company.Vikings win 27-24. Dallas (-1.5) New York GiantsI am so torn on this game because New York is playing SO bad, but at the same time, I look at the calender and since it is December, I don't know if Dallas can win a football game.Dallas wins 21-17. New England (-5) MiamiAfter being throttled by the Saints, you can be sure that the Patriots are going to come out and prove they are better than the beat down at the hands of the Saints.Patriots win 31-14. Upset Specials Tennessee Indianapolis (-7)The Titans are playing an inspired type of football no one thought they would be able to play. Vince Young has brought life back to this franchise, and I don't think the Colts can contain him. Besides, can two teams really go 16-0Titans win 24-17. New York Jets (-3) BuffaloAfter starting the season on fire, the Jets have cooled off dramatically.

Mark Sanchez is banged up, and the Bills are playing hot since firing Dick Juron.Bills win 23-20. Denver (-5) Kansas CityAfter spanking the Giants on Thanksgiving night, the Broncos are still alive in the playoff hunt. If they can escape the Chiefs in Kansas City, they can keep the lead on the No 5 playoff seed. Denver wins, but it is closer than most people will think.Broncos win 24-21. Tampa Bay Carolina (-6)Tampa Bay is one of my least favorite teams, but yet, I keep picking them to upset other teams. I don't get it either, but for Carolina to be giving six points, with Jake Delhomme having a broken finger on his throwing hand is a little too much for me.Carolina wins, but does not cover 21-17 Baltimore Green Bay (-3)Two hot teams playing for their playoff lives.

Aaron Rogers has not seen a defense like the one the Ravens have, and he struggled with the Bengals.Ravens win 20-17.. Michigan was in the market for a new head coach two short years ago. Here is what I learned regarding coaching searches.So fans from Notre Dame, Louisville, and Virginia, please take note. Coaching Searches Help Current Coaches Get Extensions and RaisesThe coaches who stay at their programs are the big winners in coaching searches.The mention of their names with any opening gets them big raises and contract extensions.For example, look at TCU and Gary Patterson; he just got an extension yesterday on the belief teams would be asking to interview him.Notre Dame made one of the biggest mistakes in the history of college football when Weis' name came up for an NFL job, and they quickly gave him a 10-year $40 million contract. Big-Name Jobs Are Not What They Used To BeWith big-name programs comes a big spotlight.If coaches can stay at Iowa or Rutgers and still make the same money, why moveThe expectations are lower, and the pressure/stress is lower.Look at Rich Rodriguez, for examples, since he took the Michigan job.He has won eight games in two years, paid a large buyout, had an entire state hate him, been called a "Snake Oil Salesman" by another Big Ten coach, and had a local newspaper accuse him of overworking his players, which has led to an NCAA investigation.I'm pretty sure none of those things would have happened to him if he had stayed in West Virginia.Good thing Ann Arbor is a great place to raise a family. Coaches Are Hired To Be FiredRemember the last time ND was looking for a head coachThey went after all the big names like Mike Shanahan, Jon Gruden, Urban Meyer, etc.Well, Shanahan and Gruden are Super Bowl-winning coaches and available.WhatThey are not on a short list at ND nowWhy Because they got firedThey are still the same coaches they were five years ago. If You're at a Major Program and Make Big Dollars, Why Move What would be the motivation for a Bob Stoops or Urban Meyer to take the ND jobI can't think of one.Both are at the top of successful programs that compete for national championships each year. Why would they want to rebuild ND So Where Do You Go if You Need a Head Coach You need to look at coaches at schools that can't match the money you're going to spend.For example, the University of Cincinnati can't pay Brian Kelly $4 million a year.If you're Louisville, Central Michigan can't pay Butch Jones a couple million a year.That is where you have to look for your next coach. Don't forget, Ohio State found Jim Tressel in Division I-A.So, ND, swing for the fences and talk to Urban and Bob through third parties, have them quietly tell you "no thanks," and move on to the Brian Kellys of the worldquickly.The longer this plays out, the worse it's going to get.You almost have to do what the Ole Miss did a couple of years ago; Houston Nutt left his job at Arkansas and 10 minutes later was announced as the coach at Ole Miss.You almost need to have a "silent and quiet" deal with the replacement before you let your current coach go.That is why athletic directors hire third-party firms, so they can contact the coaches and gauge interest, salary, buyout, etc.By the way,Terry Bowden is doing a great job at the University of North Alabama and is available to interview any time you like. This article is also featured on The BIG HOUSE Blog.

The Dallas Cowboys and Philadelphia Eagles both have star veteran quarterbacks who know how to win. These teams are always on top of the NFL East year after year. Both teams are behind the NFC top teams of the New Orleans Saints and the Minnesota Vikings. make no mistake though on any good day they can defeat any team in the NFL. They have battles all year in a tough division and will be ready to play come the playoffs.The Eagles have a strong defense and have good receivers to help Donavan Mcnabb spread the offense.