Looking at some of the non-playoff news in the NFL, I have a hard time believing that either Tom Coughlin or Marvin Lewis will wind up coaching the Cincinnati Bengals. Both are marquee names. Given the litany of witness protection program-types that have roamed the sidelines since Sam Wyche's departure (and I include Shula Jr. in that list), it's hard to see someone with actual gusto on the sidelines. It's even harded to see either Coughlin or Lewis having the leeway over personnel that is needed to turn the team around. In reality, Mike Brown should be locked in a room so he doesn't get near the draft board.

If nothing else, though, getting Coughlin or Lewis on the sideline would greatly increase the odds that the Bengals could draft and sign Carson Palmer. Left to his own devices, Brown would probably stick with Kitna and draft Charles Rogers, making him the next Darnay Scott (or Carl Pickens, your choice).