NFL Lockout: Coaches Association Supports Players

It's not a big surprise but the NFL Coaches Association (yes, there is such a thing) has filed a brief with the Eighth U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals in support of the players requesting that the NFL lockout be lifted immediately.

"Owners and fans increasingly demand immediate success, and coaches whose teams cannot fulfill such severe expectations face likely dismissal, which means the uprooting of families, economic dislocation, and a significantly less promising career path," lawyers for the NFLCA wrote, according to the (other) AP.

Yup. The ones that are especially hurt from this are those new coaches who will be at a competitive disadvantage this offseason having had little to no time with their new team to this point. Someone like Jim Harbaugh for the San Francisco 49ers hasn't really talked to QB Alex Smith. Coach and player...sorta important that they, you know, communicate.

I do wonder how the lockout, since it was imposed by the owners, will affect how those owners view the coaches' success or failures in 2011. I can see a situation where it creates a longer leash.

Think about this from the Kansas City Chiefs perspective. Todd Haley's first year in KC was obviously less-than-stellar so, thinking hypothetically, where would Haley be if this lockout came last year taking out the entire 2010 offseason?Luckily, that wasn't the case and Haley has clearly demonstrated his coaching style can result in success so he may not have to worry about job security like others.

I also think regardless of who you support, folks want this entire mess to end. I don't really care if the owners or players come out on top -- I just want it to end and see things get back to normal.

(H/T BJ Kissel)