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Reactions: NFL coaches

Users choose between Gruden, Billick, Fassel and Green

Many CNNSI.com users like Jon Gruden's combination of offensive genius and unbridled enthusiasm. Jed Jacobsohn/Allsport

If defense wins championships, what do coaches do? We were curious to see which of the four coaches whose teams are still alive in the NFL playoffs you would like to have leading your team into a big game. Of course, the reaction was mixed. Keep reading for a sample of the responses we received:

It's a tough call between Jon Gruden and Brian Billick. However, I would have to say Billick would be my field general (that's really hard to say because I'm a die-hard Redskins fan). But I like the way Billick backs his players. He's not afraid to put the "word" out there about what he thinks about a team they're getting ready to play, i.e. Tennessee. I believe coaching is highly psychological and if you tell your team they're world-beaters and nobody can stop them look what can happen.
Aron, Biloxi, Miss.

Dennis Green. He is a proven winner. He has the confidence and respect of his players. He is not scared to trust his gut (i.e. going with Culpepper as the starter of the '00 season) rather than taking the conservative approach. Dennis Green would be my choice.
Jeff Carpenter, Fredericksburg, Va.

If there were one coach I would want to run my team it would be Jon Gruden. Gruden is an offensive genius who can fire up your team at any time. It's obvious this guy is a great coach by the way his players and staff talk about him and how week after week the Raiders come to play. If I were the owner of an NFL team Jon Gruden would be my main man.
Mark Sanchez, Kodiak, Alaska

I would be very afraid of both Dennis Green and Brian Billick as they were both involved in the most GUTLESS coaching decision of all time. Taking a knee in the NFC championship game on 3rd down late in the game. THE WORST COACHING DECISION IN THE HISTORY OF FOOTBALL! That leaves the other two who both have very little experience. I will go with Gruden. He has the guts to not play it safe and that will inspire a team!
Luke Vidor, Minneapolis

Jon Gruden. I am not pulling for the Raiders. In fact, I want the Ravens to win it all. Jon Gruden is just a beast though. What he has done with the level of talent he has on his ball team is amazing. Three years ago, almost every starter on offense was either a washed up back up or a bumbling youngster who was not supposed to live up to the hype he generated as a college player. Gruden has willed this team of "misfits" to the AFC championship game. If I were an owner I wouldn't want to many of the players he coaches but my first pick for a coach would be Gruden.
Jacob Kemper, Charlottesville, Va.

Yes, Jim Fassel seems to have that scared, thin-faced, wimpy look. But it's only a look. He's really a baritone-voiced, hard-nosed leader who gives his team the edge in those tight games. He knows what it means to lose, to win and to be under the spotlight of the New York media. Nothing can rattle him now, much less a purple-and-gold offense that rips through secondaries with ease. His players responded to his mid-season pledge and that says something about the respect and loyalty they have for him. The faith that he put in his "overrated" team has paid off with NFC-topping success. Maybe Fassel's not as flashy or gregarious as the other coaches are, but I would love to play for him.
Josh Bechtel, Somerset, N.J.

Jim Fassel. I'm no fan of any of these four teams, but Coach Fassel has, in my opinion, not only coached, but WILLED his team to the playoffs. Gruden is a fine coach, but he has a very talented team to make him look good, same as Green. Billick has the best defense in the NFL to keep his anemic offense in the game. But Fassel? He just has a good defense and a bunch of guys who really believe in him, as he believes in them. I strongly respect the job he has done.
Michael Easton II, Kansas City, Mo.

I would pick Dennis Green if he wins this weekend and finally puts the Vikes into the Super Bowl. But going into this weekend, Jon Gruden gets my nod. Anybody that can settle an owner like Al Davis and get that man to believe in your coaching methods gets my vote.
Vince Arena, Metairie, La.

Jon Gruden has done more with less. His leadership and fire has carried over to his players. Dennis Green inherited the Vikings with more Pro Bowl players than any team in the league at that time. The Vikings were loaded with Keith Millard, Chris Doleman, Scott Studwell, Joey Browner, Rich Gannon, Terry Allen, Randall McDaniel, and Cris Carter. Unlike most head coaches, Green started with a tremendous talent pool.
John King, Baltimore, Md.

Dennis Green seems to be the perfect combination of fiery emotion and tactical brilliance that is required of a Super Bowl champion. He reminds me a lot of Mike Shanahan in that he orchestrates the offense beautifully and inspires his players while maintaining a cool head in pressure situations, calling the right plays for the right players at the right times. Go Vikings!
Matt Jones, Asheville, N.C.

My personal choice would have to be Jim Fassel and not because he has the intestinal fortitude to make such a guarantee. The reason is because he is a coach that does his homework and knows what works for his players and what doesn't. He would be like the Pat Riley of the 1980's Lakers in that he knew how to get the guys to come together and work as a team despite whatever egos. I can't say that for the other three coaches, who are all great in their own way, but most have so much talent to work with and Jim has men who have to try harder to succeed.
Owen Mosteller, Sanford, Fla.

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