Hello. My name is Bobby Davis. I recently took over as Head Coach of the NFL C Falcons. I have just had confirmation from Danny McConnell that I will be taking over as Head Coach of the Chicago Bears. I know the league runs this Thursday, so I will see the roster then, but I am itching to see it now. Is it possible for anyone to email me a copy of the current roster? Thank you.

It's all right now. Graham Beaton has emailed me a copy. Thank you, Graham. Oh, blimey, the team is a mess!  

Could somebody please email me a copy of the current league standings and the free agent list? Thank you.  

good luck bobby but the bears are pretty much done for this season but you will have 1/2 a season to prepare the squad for next season and experiment around a bit to see what works

That's the best way to take over a team if you are new, I reckon. With no pressure on you focus on getting a good gameplan in place by the start of the next season and as you progress you'll probably end up stealing a few wins against good teams, or giving them an uncomfortable shock at least.
Chicago are 5 games behind the division leaders, so turning them around would be a struggle for even an experienced coach, good luck and if you need any help let us know.

A_F_C_ _E_a_s_t_ W L
New England Patriots (Greg Salmon) 6 1
New York Jets (Jon Gick) 3 4
Indianapolis Colts (Derek Barton) 3 4
Miami Dolphins (Eddie Lawson) 2 5
A_F_C_ _C_e_n_t_r_a_l_ W L
Tennessee Titans (Norman Goetz) 5 2
Cincinnati Bengals (Tom Richards) 4 3
Houston Texans (Martyn Williams) 4 3
Pittsburgh Steelers (Marc Bradbrook) 1 6
A_F_C_ _W_e_s_t_ W L
Kansas City Chiefs (Dave Flesfader) 5 2
San Diego Chargers (Paul Gorner) 4 3
Oakland Raiders (David Weeks) 3 4
Denver Broncos (Mark Gamble) 0 7
N_F_C_ _E_a_s_t_ W L
Philadelphia Eagles (Alexander Coombe) 7 0
Arizona Cardinals (Mike Thorp-Potter) 4 3
Dallas Cowboys (David Coltherd) 4 3
Washington Redskins (Arnie Kitching) 3 4
N_F_C_ _C_e_n_t_r_a_l_ W L
Detroit Lions (Mike Parr) 5 2
Green Bay Packers (Graham Beaton) 5 2
Minnesota Vikings (Paul De Kievit) 2 5
Chicago Bears (Colin Buckle) 0 7
N_F_C_ _W_e_s_t_ W L
Carolina Panthers (Danny Slavin) 5 2
Atlanta Falcons (Alan Horton) 4 3
St Louis Rams (P.Denyer & I.Gibson) 4 3
San Francisco 49ers (Kevin Sweeney) 1 6

100 QB 5 2 OPS 20
101 DL 3 2 DBZ 20
102 QB 2 3 OPL 30
103 QB 5 4 OPS 40
104 OL 5 2 OQB 20
105 QB 4 3 OPS 30
106 QB 3 4 OPS 40
107 LB 8 3 DRI 30
108 DL 3 3 DBZ 30
109 QB 2 3 OPL 30
110 RB 4 2 ORO 20
111 DB 5 2 DPL 20
112 DL 4 3 DBZ 30
113 TE 8 3 OPS 30
114 QB 1 3 OPS 30
115 TE 6 2 OPS 20
116 KK 6 1 OFG*1 12
117 QB 3 4 OPS 40
118 QB 1 3 OPL 30
119 OL 3 1 OQB 10
120 PN 2 1 OPN*3 20
121 RB 1 1 OPS*1 12
122 DB 1 1 DPL 10
123 TE 1 3 OPS 30
124 RB 2 1 ORI 10
125 WR 6 2 OPL 20
126 RB 3 1 ORI 10
127 DL 1 2 DBZ 20
128 PN 1 1 OPN*2 16
129 LB 8 3 DRI 30
130 QB 2 2 OPS 20
131 PN 1 1 OPN*1 12
132 QB 2 3 OPS 30
133 RB 2 2 ORI 20
134 QB 2 3 OPS 30
135 QB 1 4 OPS 40
136 LB 3 1 DRO 10
137 QB 3 3 OPS 30
138 PN 3 1 OPN*4 24
139 KK 1 1 OFG*1 12
140 -- - - --- --
141 PN 3 1 OPN*1 12
142 WR 2 1 OPS 10
143 OL 5 1 OQB 10
144 TE 6 2 OPS 20
145 -- - - --- --
146 TE 5 1 ORO 10
147 QB 8 3 OPS 30
148 LB 6 2 DRI 20
149 WR 2 1 OPS 10
150 DL 4 2 DBZ 20
151 PN 9 1 OPN*3 20
152 LB 3 1 DRI 10
154 LB 3 2 DRO 20
155 LB 4 2 DRI 20
156 RB 3 2 ORI 20
157 LB 5 2 DRI 20
158 PN 5 1 OPN 10
159 -- - - --- --
160 LB 2 2 DRO 20
161 TE 2 1 ORO 10
162 LB 6 1 DBZ 10
163 -- - - --- --
164 TE 3 1 OPS 10
165 QB 4 3 OPS 30
166 TE 5 1 OPS 10
167 RB 4 3 ORI 30
168 WR 2 1 DPR 10
169 TE 7 2 OPS 20

Thank you, Greg and Alex (and Mike via email). All your help and kind words are very much appreciated.  

I think there are players there at the moment that I could make use of. I wonder if Danny will let me bid for a free agent, even though I don't know how many losing points I will have...  

Thank you again.

Quote :

bobbyd wrote : I wonder if Danny will let me bid for a free agent...

Unfortunately, he said no, that it wouldn't look fair to other coaches. That makes sense, I suppose.

Yep its his standard policy not to let coaches make any changes until they are introduced to the league. We've all tried to convince him to make an exception I'm sure!
Don't worry there's plenty of time, and I doubt one week or one FA would make much difference at this stage. Settle in, scope out the competition and have fun working out the new directions for your team!

Quote :

bobbyd wrote : Could somebody please email me a copy of the current league standings and the free agent list? Thank you.

sorry Bobby, I've just read the email you sent me requesting this - which is why i never got back to you sooner.

Thank you, Alex. You are probably correct.  

That's all right, Graham. You have been very helpful and kind. As has Mike. It is appreciated, guys.    

well now an official welcome bobby as you can now see you have your work cut out for you for this season you are in a tough division (though there are no easy ones in this league with beats and mike parr (though divit seems to be pulling out due to a long term overseas trip) the positive here is that mike parr joined in a similar position last season and concentrated on getting his team ready for the long term and got the #1 draft pick even and you can see how he's going this season so a good chance being thrown to the sharks this season will really help to pick up the trade fast
 

--Last edited by greg salmon on 2007-03-30 10:08:05 --

Hello and thank you. It seems we have been given the chance to set the team up nicely for next season, so this is the plan. That doesn't mean we won't try and win this year, because we will, but I think 4-4 in the back 8 would be good going. But, yes, I think if we are going to challenge (and I would like to think we can!) it will be next year. I just hope we don't give away too many of our "secrets" this year...
                     

--Last edited by bobbyd on 2007-03-30 12:33:00 --

Quote :

obviously mixed feelings on this one
 

--Last edited by greg salmon on 2007-03-30 23:43:17 --

Quote :

bobbyd wrote :

I love to see the enthusiasm a new coach brings to our wonderful league, welcome Bobby in what should be a challenging, interesting and ultimately fullfilling half-season. Help is only a question away in the Coach's Filmroom. I'm eager to see what you come up with, your division is one that has seen more topsy turvy turmoil in my time here than any other. The Bears used to be a collossal force in NFC football, but went into decline when teams started to explore ways to combat the Blitz-heavy defences and the pass oriented attacks. The Pack have been the closest to the new division heir, though they gave up the title last year to the mercurial Vikings, who rise and fall in performance like the tides, and the Lions, who were in your exact position last year, have shattered everyones expectations and actually lived up to their own hype to plant the flag as a solid contender in the NFC playoff picture and division favourite.
NFC central teams have one of the most varied styles around, the Packers and Vikings can on any given day grind the ball out 3 yards at a time for 60 minutes or spread the field and go all the way in 5 seconds flat, you never know what to expect and in intense heat are the strongest blades forged- so we'll all watch your rise with fascination. The Bears have nowhere to go but up so good luck.
PS expect a sig soon!

Quote :

greg salmon wrote : [quote] obviously mixed feelings on this one

Yes, just a little bit.  

Thank you, Alex.    And thank you for the mini-history. I have been operating a basic system in the C with my Falcons , and I don't know whether to continue that here. Initially, I had intended to make use of a "Run & Shoot" style of offence,    but given some of the things I have read about it I'm not sure I should.    I think I have a good idea of what it is that I want to do, it's more a case of whether I can do it.    I fully expect the first few weeks to be tough, but once I have the team set up, hopefully we can push some teams all the way.    That probably means next season, simply because I have to use the plays already trained this season. So, as long as we come through the draft in one piece...      

--Last edited by bobbyd on 2007-03-31 06:20:28 --