Evil Ash
Henchman Supreme
http://www.azcentral.com/arizonarepublic/sports/articles/1122cardsinsider1122.html
Why do I have a bad feeling about this?
Bidwill Jr. wants his say
Kent Somers
The Arizona Republic
Nov. 22, 2006 12:00 AM
If Cardinals coach Dennis Green is fired at season's end, the process of finding a replacement will be almost as interesting as who ultimately gets the job.
That's because there is likely to be some maneuvering behind the Bidwill palace doors that could have an impact on the direction of the franchise.
In past years, team Vice President Michael Bidwill has been the chief adviser to his father, Bill, on matters large and small, and especially when it came to hiring coaches.
Michael was at his father's side when they interviewed Vince Tobin before hiring him. He was there when Dave McGinnis replaced Tobin.
And Michael and Rod Graves, the team's vice president for football operations, directed the hiring process that resulted in Green coming to Arizona.
Meanwhile, Michael's older brother, Bill Jr., stayed in the background and apparently had little say in matters, even though he's a team vice president.
But according to several NFL sources with knowledge of the Cardinals organization, Bill Jr. might want to assert himself when it comes to hiring Green's replacement.
The brothers' relationship has been strained by Michael's ascendance to power in the organization. Bill Jr. has spent his professional life in football, working in the team's scouting and personnel departments.
But his power has waned in recent years while his brother has taken over. Since then, Bill Jr. has stayed in the background while Michael has played a big role in hiring coaches, drafting players and negotiating contracts.
And according to sources, Bill Jr. is not happy with the direction the club has taken in recent years and might start lobbying his father for changes. It should be interesting to see whether he has a say in the hiring of a new coach.
Why do I have a bad feeling about this?