One more picture of Lucy Pinder, just in case you need more visuals to make a proper judgment.

Thanks to the blog, www.theputdown.com, I learned of the wonders of Lucy Pinder. The picture is further proof that Lucy is Super!

This month's Playboy cover girl!! Absolutely incredible!!

A question for "daddy3dogg." Now, in your next life do you want to come back as a Nikki's chair or as Nikki's bathtub!!?

Maybe most of you already know about this site, but I just recently discovered its greatness!
http://www.hollywoodtuna.com/

Cubs and White Sox fans unite!? White Sox fans should be rooting for the Cubs this weekend as the North-siders play the Detroit Tigers! Go Cubs! Go White Sox!!

Just so I don't forget, I want to wish everyone a great weekend and a Happy Father's Day!

For UIC Badger, another Nikki Cox picture!

More on J.J. Redick: http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/si_blogs/sioncampus/vent/2006/06/choir-boy-is-arrested.html#comments

For all you Duke haters out there, enjoy: http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/draft2006/news/story?id=2482061

In light of Ben Roethlisberger's motorcycle accident:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2481292

The most underrated player in the Amercan League right now, J.D.- Jermaine Dye!

Florida State or Miami? I think the decision is pretty easy, don't you?

Alex Cintron! Alex Cintron!

In my humble opinion, the best drama on TV right now may be "Rescue Me." This week's episode was one of the most entertaining hours of TV for me in a long time.

For those of you who watched "Sopranos" last night, here's more pictures of A.J.'s new girlfriend, who is also in "X-Men 3"

Since I am depressed about another White Sox loss, I decided to post some pictures of Jessica Alba from the MTV Movie Awards, in hopes of cheerign myself up!

This summary is not available. Please click here to view the post.

Since I just read the rumor that Jenny McCarthy and Jim Carrey may be romantically linked (Jenny responded "No Comment" when asked!), that was enought reason for me to post pictures of my fellow Southwest Sider! Jenny, please stay single and choose better acting roles!!!

A Big Happy 28th Birthday to Nikki
Cox. One of The K-Line's favorites has starred in such classic television shows such as "Unhappily Ever After", "Nikki" and "Jake Effect." With her engagement/mariage to Jay Mohr, this girl is in desperate need of a guest shot on "Entourage" or even better a Playboy shoot before she totally disappears.

Sorry that it has taken so longer for me to post. I have been searching the country for "johnnycakes." I have also been podering the question: Why can't the Marlins draw more fans to home games?

Please let me rant for a moment. What team has the best record in the majors? The White Sox. What team is the defending World Series Champions? The White Sox. So what baseball story does ESPN lead Sportscenter with? Barry Bonds. Okay, I guess I can understand that. But then what game do they cover next- of course, the Red Sox- Yankees. It was not until 30 some minutes into Sportscenter that ESPN finally provided highlights of the White Sox domination of the L.A. Angels.

NBC "f-ed up" one of the best shows on TV years ago, so I guess it is only fitting that NBC screws up the series finale. http://tv.yahoo.com/news/ap/20060509/114722748000.html

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20060505/ap_en_ce/people_denise_richards;_ylt=AsujZfwSfTWRf2mANYFJPhK2GL8C;_ylu=X3oDMTA3YXYwNDRrBHNlYwM3NjI-
Maybe there is a chance for a cat-fight!

Paris Hilton & Matt Leinart?? http://www.azcentral.com/ent/celeb/articles/0502parismatt.html

Another Hollywood Beauty, this time Donna D'Erico (I believe she also was a Playboy Playmate) has filed for divorce! With Donna and Paris Hilton both back on the market, which one do I pursue!?!

Maybe I should be glad that my friend, Johnny Vee, never got a guest shot on "The Sopranos"!
http://popwatch.ew.com/popwatch/2006/05/the_sopranos_ra.html

More on Leinart and Paris! http://tmz.aol.com/article2/_a/playing-the-field-with-paris/20060502154909990001

Thanks you Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Indians fans for making it extremely easy for me to HATE you! Classy treatment "welcoming back" Jim Thome. Bad enough you boo Thome at his first at bat, but then you cheer when Thome is almost hit by a pitch when a fair ball almost hits him in the dugout! Not only do you hit A.J. with a pitch (question-what did A.J. do to the Indians? Is it A.J.'s fault that the Tribe choked at the end of last season?), then you tackle him as he is running the bases! Hey Tribe fans, accept the fact that the White Sox won the World Series and your precious team failed to make the playoffs. Watch how a team plays with class and professionalism. Oh yeah, Cleveland, one more thing- Eat Me!!

There's alot of sports news today. The story concerning Reggie Bush (whom I predict will still be the first pick in tomorrow's draft) is greater stranger and stranger. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2424883

I can't believe that it has been thirteen years today since Jim Valvano died. Back in 1988, I was in Kansas City for the Final Four (Duke lost to eventual national champion, Danny Manning and the Miracles) were I saw Jim Valvano at the airport. It had just been reported that Valvano had turned down the UCLA job. He was walking around the airport in a sweatsuit, eating popcorn. I walked up to him, shook his hand and told him,"Coach, I'm glad that you are staying at State, even though I'm a Duke fan and you always give Duke trouble." He smiled back and said, "Not always, son, not always." I remember watching the ESPY awards and hearing the famous "Don't give up, don't ever give up!" speech afterwards he had to be literally carried back to his seat by Coach K and Dickie V (for those of you who think Coach K is an a-hole, I offer that evening and Coach K's friendship with Jimmy V as an example). Today, and any any day for that matter, is a good day to consider giving to the Jimmy V Foundation: http://www.jimmyv.org/ DON'T GIVE UP, DON'T EVER GIVE UP!

Today's birthday girl-Jessica Alba!! Happy Birthday!
http://www.hollywoodtuna.com/?p=1144

USC backup QB Sanchez was arrested on charges of alleged sexual assault
http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/9399420

The "Help Wanted" sign remains out the North Carolina State as no one wants the NCSU basketball job: http://cbs.sportsline.com/collegebasketball/story/9399359

Another example of what I dislike about the NBA:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/playoffs2006/news/story?id=2422069

I was going to post something about the White Sox, but I decided to post this e-mail that a friend forwarded to me instead. Not sure why. Hopefully it will lead to more interest in my blog.

I am sure you will not see this story on espn.com since all of its attention must be focused on the Duke campus: http://www.charlotte.com/mld/charlotte/sports/colleges/14391028.htm

Here is an extremely well-written story by a female Duke student concerning the "Duke Lacrosse Team Rape Allegation" story. http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/sioncampus/04/19/duke.reaction/index.html

Not only is life great in Chicago if your name is Ozzie Guillen, but your life is just as golden if your name is Ozzie Guillen Jr.! Jr. is co-hosting a party tonight with Playboy's Miss May 2006!!! Damn, if only my dad had managed a World Series Champion team!! If you can make the party at Reserve tonight, enjoy!!

http://www.sportsline.com/collegefootball/story/9379109
Gee, I wonder why this story doesn't get one-tenth of the attention that the "Duke Lacrosse" story is getting.

It was a Happy Easter for Chicago Sports fans! The Bulls beat the Miami Heat to clinch a spot in the playoffs. The White Sox, Cubs and even the forgotten Blackhawks joined the Bulls in the win column.

Forget about Tax Day, it's a Mega-Birthday day for friends and fans of the K-Line. Starting with the most important, it's my dad's birthday, Happy Birthday, Pop, I'm proud to be your son. Next Peter and Jennifer Garner were born on this 33 years ago. Apparently Peter no longer dreams of marrying Jennifer Garner, but since they were born on the same date, he will alsways have a special place in his heart for her (too corny, Pete?). Next, my man, Tommy hits the big 10 years old today. Tommy (that's Thomas Zachary, of course!), thanks for letting me to be one of your adopted uncles. Finally, but not the least, Brett Favre's #1 fan, Willie, is 9 years old as of today. Willie, all of us in Chicago know that you are a secret Bears fan! Have a good birthday and talk your dad into coming out for a White Sox game!! Happy Birthday to all, especially to Jennifer Garner!!

For those you you who want to feel old today, Seka turn 52 years old today. Apparently she no longer lives in Chicago, so it is unlikely that you will spot her at any more Cubs or Sox games.
http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0782790/

Jim Thome- Future Hall of Famer? Barring injuries, he should finish with over 500 career home runs.

Thankfully, Rebecca Romijin looked much better in the second episode of "Pepper Dennis" than she did in the pilot episode (did she have to gain weight for "X-Men 3"?). Unfortunately, the presence of Rebecca Romijin, Brooke Burns, and Lindsey Price may not be enough to overcome the predictible formula storylines of the this "WB" series, set in Chicago but filmed in LA.

Some local fans may recall Maggie Dixon from her days as an assistant to Doug Bruno at DePaul. Just a sad story. http://sports.espn.go.com/ncw/news/story?id=2400335

Hopefully the Cubs' pitching situation will not be as bad as it seems right now.

The baseball season has not even started yet, and things are already looking bad for the Cubs. Kerry Wood and Mark Prior have been placed on the DL: http://chicago.cubs.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060328&content_id=1365834&vkey=spt2006news&fext=.jsp&c_id=chc

Espn.com is reporting that Kelvin Sampson will leave Oklahoma for the job at Indiana University. Good luck! Hoosier fans will be all over him if he doesn't win immediately.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncb/news/story?id=2387372

You heard it here first- next year's George Mason, the Loyola Ramblers!

While most people outside of the SEC had never heard of LSU's Tyrus Thomas prior to the NCAA tournament, his inside play along with teammate, Glen "Big Baby" Davis, has apparently shown even flashes of his potential that his NBA draft stock has gone soaring, all the way to the #1 pick in this year's draft according to www.NBAdraft.net.

"Let's win this one for all the small schools that never got a chance to get here"
-Hoosiers

You are going to have to convince me that George Mason's victory over UConn is not the greatest upset in NCAA tournament history. The last time that a #11 seed made the Final Four was 20 years ago when LSU also defeated a #1 seed, Kentucky. But at least LSU was from one of the so-called "power conferences" while George Mason is from the Mid-major, Colonial Conference. In fact GMU was a team that some thought would not even make the NCAA tournament. Instead the Patriots defeated the tourney's prohibitive favorite to make the Final Four, providing hope to every Mid-Major team in the country.

The Minnesota Vikings have just signed QB Mike McMahon. What- the Vikings couldn't wait for Joey Harrington?!

More bad news for Duke, er I mean more good news for Duke haters: http://www.newsobserver.com/122/story/421494.html

While the Cowboys' signing of Terrell Owens will hog the headlines, the signing of K Mike Vanderjagt is a much better signing. Although his extremely wide right miss in last year's playoffs is fresh in everyone's memory, Vandy's still one of the most accurate kickers in NFL history. And while is may not be the perfect teammate (but then again was what he said about Peyton Manning a couple of years ago worse than what Manning said about his offensive line after the loss to the Steelers in the playoffs?), I'm pretty sure we will not be seeing Vanderjagt getting suspedned during the middle of the season.

For a Duke fan like myself, nothing sums it up better than the headline on the www.dukebasketballreport.com website: "Well, that Sucked..." As great a player as J.J. Redick has been for Duke these past four years, he has been far from a great tournament player for the Blue Devils. That's why I cannot rank him ahead of Dukies like Christian Laettner, Bobby Hurley, Grant Hill, Jason Williams and Shane Battier. Well, now I can focus on my brackets, hopefully win some money and root for ABC- Anyone but Conneticut!!

Did Northern Iowa's Greg McDermott accept the Iowa State job too quickly? If Steve Alford goes to Missouri (Why?) then McDermott could have been a contender for the University of Iowa opening.

While this is clearly the time of college basketball, it has been a busy off-season for the NFL. With Dante Culpepper being traded to the Dolphins, it means that Drew Brees will probably sign with the Saints. If Drew Brees does sign with the Saints, that will have major reprecussions on the NFL Draft. The Saints will not need a QB and will either trade the #2 pick or draft someone other than Matt Leinert. If Matt Leinert does not go with the #2 pick, then he will probably go to Tennessee with the #3 pick, whom many assumed who be drafting Vince Young. In that case which team drafts Vince Young? The Jets? The Raiders? Or maybe the Dolphins as insurance in case Culpepper is not fully recovered from injury.

Not only will the Big East Conference get 7 or 8 bids to the NCAA tournament, but a former Big East member, Boston College, will be playing for the ACC tournament championship. While the majority of the state of North Carolina (Wake Forest, NC State and UNC fans) would usually be rooting agaisnt DUKE in today's championship game, I bet that alot of old-liners and tradionalists would not be happy with a newcomer, especially one from the Big East, winning the ACC tournament.

At this time of year, the top 25 is not as important as automatic bids and RPIs. For example Michigan State is out of my top 25 but that team is more than capable of making run into the Sweet Sixteen if not better.

1. UConn- despite a close game with Louisville, the best team in the nation.
2. Villanova
3. DUKE- better right the ship quick.
4. Memphis
5. Texas- playing for a possible #1 seed
6. Ohio State- a Big Ten Tournament chanpionship could translate into a #1 seed
7. Gonzaga
8. George Washington- got lucky agasint Charlotte
9. Illinois- like UNC, much better than anyone expected them to be.
10. UNC- Tyler Hansbrough is an incredible freshmen!
11. Pittsburgh
12. Tennessee- Bruce Pearl is the Coach of the year!
13. Boston College- best Jesuit team in the land!
14. Washington
15. UCLA
16. West Virginia
17. Kansas- here's hoping for a Kansas- Illinois match-up in the tournament
18. Florida- anyone who beats Kentucky is okay with me!
19. Georgetown
20. LSU
21. Oklahoma
22. N.C. State
23. Iowa
24. Nevada
25. Marquette

Congrats to the Florida State basketball team for defeating Duke tonight (although Fla. State may have the dumbest fans in the ACC despite some of the hottest co-eds!). The Seminoles should make the NCAA tournament and UConn should move into the No.1 position in the polls. Now on to more important things for the Blue Devils- GO to Hell, Carolina, Go to Hell!!!

In case you were wondering, the Sports Illustrated 2006 Swimsuit Issue will be hitting the newstands, and your mailboxes, in the near future!

THE POWER OF BRENT MUSBURGER!!
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2006/sioncampus/02/09/cowgirl.fsu/index.html
I remember watching this game and recall being at least a little surprised by Musberger's comment. Althought I was in complete agreement with the sentiment.

Now Mike Martz has accepted the offensive coordinator job with the Detroit Lions!!
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2323226

Following up on a previous K-Line post, Dennis Erickson has accepted the head coaching position with the University of Idaho. Go Vandals!!
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2323160

The Great One's wife, Janet Jones Gretzky, is being linked to a gambling scandal that is sure to heap bad press to the NHL (for those of you that realize the NHL is still in existence after last season's lockout). Reason enough to add a picture of Janet Jones.

This story will not interest most of you, but I was very surprised to read that former NFL coach Dennis Erickson may return to coach the University of Idaho Vandals!
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2323160

The new Monday Night Football line-up. While I am looking forward to Tony Kornheiser being part of the announcing team, do we really need two female sideline reporters during a football game? http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2323121

It is time for this week's college basketball top twenty-five. The top three stay the same, while Louisville (now officially a "bubble team"), Wisconsin and Syracuse all drop out of the top twenty-five.
1. UConn
2. Duke
3. Memphis
4. Villanova
5. Illinois
6. Gonzaga
7. Texas
8. Pittsburgh
9. Florida
10. West Virginia
11. Michigan State
12. N.C. State
13. George Washington
14. UCLA
15. Boston College
16. Washington
17. Ohio State
18. Georgetown
19. Indiana
20. Tennessee
21. Oklahoma
22. Bucknell
23. Northern Iowa
24. Iowa
25. Colorado
UNC
UAB

Chris Penn found dead in his home. A couple of weeks ago I saw an episode of "Law & Order: Criminal Intent" which starred Chris Penn. He looked awful. I would rather rememeber him from "Footloose," "All the Right Moves," and "Reservior Dogs."
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/20060125/people_nm/penn_dc

Michael Alexrod decides not to sue Antonio Davis and his wife.
http://cbs.sportsline.com/nba/story/9183649

Will Kobe score 100? http://cbs.sportsline.com/nba/gamecenter/recap/NBA_20060122_TOR@LAL

And then there were none. The last 3 remaining undefeated Division I college basketball teams all lost on Saturday. So it's time for a new K-Line college basketball top 25:
1. UConn
2. Duke
3. Memphis
4. Texas
5. Florida
6. Villanova
7. Illinois
8. West Virginia
9. Gonzaga
10. Michigan State
11. Pittsburgh
12. Indiana
13. Washington
14. N.C. State
15. George Washington
16. Wisconsin
17. Ohio State
18. Louisville
19. UCLA
20. Boston College
21. Syracuse
22. Georgetown
23. Maryland
24. Oklahoma
25. Tennessee
25. UNC

Congrats to the Georgetown Hoyas (and of course, my friend, Pete) for defeating #1 ranked and previously undefeated Duke. Georgetown employed a key element in defeating Duke- double team Sheldon Williams. Williams is awful at passing out of the double-team and will pick up fouls out of frustration. Go ahead and let JJ Redick (who in my opinion solidified his status as the leading contender for Player of the Year despite the loss) score 40, as long as Williams scores about 5, you got a good chance at beating Duke.

For more on the Antonio Davis incident, I once again recommend my friend's blog at
www.hoopramblings.blogspot.com . Specifically the article entitled: "Mrs. Antonio Davis=Mrs. Doug Christie??????" Of course, while you are there you may want to read his other ramblings and rants.

Antonio Davis has received a five game suspension from the NBA.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2298096

Yesterday I ran into someone who asked if I was still celebrating the White Sox World Series Championship. What do you think!?! Thanks again, White Sox!

First of all, I was in attendance at the Chicago Bulls- New York Knicks game (in case you are wondering, I was two sections over from the "incident.") It is unfortunate that "the incident " marred what was probably the most exciting non-playoff NBA game that I have witnessed in person. Bottom line, for whatever reason he may have had, Antonio Davis crossed the line, literally and figuratively. He MUST be suspended by the NBA. In my opinion for a minimum of two games. Make sure you read the version of the facts from the fan who was allegedly threatening Davis' wife:
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=2298240

You gotta love this story: http://entertainment.tv.yahoo.com/entnews/ap/20060113/113717346000.html

Bruce Sutter starts his MLB career with the Cubs, wins a Cy Young with the Cubs, but he's going into the HOF as a Cardinal!http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20060111&content_id=1294207&vkey=news_mlb&fext=.jsp&c_id=mlb

Don't mean to state the obvious, but it looks like Marcus Vick's draft stock is sliding downward as quickly as a Vince Young dash for the endzone.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=2285819

Form your own conclusions on this one- I don't want to get in trouble with the "PC police"!
http://www.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/stories/010806aag.html

Should he stay or should he go? The question applies to Vince Young as he single-handedly defeated USC. Does he return to Texas for his senior season or does he declare for the NFL draft?

Si.com is running a poll asking readers to vote on the 2006 College Football Preseason No. 1. The choices- a) Notre Dame; b) Ohio State; c) Penn State; d) Texas; and, e) USC. Hey, what about West Virginia or LSU? Still, no respect for West Virginia, which finished 11-1 by beating Georgia in Atlanta! West Virginia return its starting quarterback and running back, both of whom were freshmen this season. While I don't expect West Virginia to be the preseason No.1, a little respect would be nice!! Another team that should be good next season- Oklahoma.

Happy birthday to Cory Everson!

It appears that former Ohio State running back Maurice Clarrett chose an unorthodox way to celebrate the New Year. Talk about a waste of talent. http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/news?slug=ap-clarett-robbery&prov=ap&type=lgns

A Major League Baseball team with cheerleaders!!? The few fans that actually attend Florida Marlins' home games not only get major league baseball but entertainment from the Mermaids. Two World Series championships in very recent memory and cheerleaders- and this team still has trouble drawing fans!?

For a moment I thought that the signing of Jon Garland would be the biggest news today in the Chicago area. Not so, as a downtown Chicago institution, the Berghoff, has announced it will be closing its doors in Feb, 2006. I have taken many an out of town friend who visits Chicago to the Berghoff. Christmas shoppers flock to this restaurant, a one-time mens' only bar. To show how famous the Berghoff is, I was once in Jonesboro, Arkansas and met a guy who upon learning that we were from Chicago, excitedly began describing a great restaurant that he went to in Chicago. Yes, the Berghoff. At the very least, visit the Berghoff's website, or if at all possible visit the Berghoff and have a Berghoff beer or a Berghoff brew root beer before it closes its doors.

More good news for the White Sox and for White Sox fans, as Jon Garland has signed a three year contract with the White Sox.

Here's a column from the Sun-Times' Doug Elfman re the "Best of TV in 2005." I will give you my comments later.
http://www.suntimes.com/output/entertainment/cst-ftr-elf28.html

The AP has voted the White Sox Championship season as the top sports story of 2005!!
http://chicago.whitesox.mlb.com/NASApp/mlb/news/article.jsp?ymd=20051227&content_id=1287497&vkey=news_cws&fext=.jsp&c_id=cws
And by the way, one of my New Year Resolutions will be more frequent posts on the K-Line!!

Maybe he's mad because he couldn't scalp his own tickets?
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2266174

Welcome back, Mr. Grossman!

The Love Boat continues to sail: http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=2260019

For those of you who don't know (and why would most of you), the University of Idaho and Boise State University are bitter football rivals. The University of Colorado has reportedly hired Boise State coach Dan Hawkins to replace Gary Barnett. Colorado's AD, Mike Bohn, who is hiring Dan Hawkins is the former AD at the University of Idaho.

Is Tejada on his way to the Southside?

One of the many great things about college basketball, you get great match-ups at any time in the season. Today we get to see #1 Duke vs. #2 Texas. The Blue Devils have greatly underwhelmed me this year, so I have to go with Texas as my pick to win.

The brilliance of FIFA! Just in case FIFA needed something extra to attract viewers to the World Cup pairings draw, soccer expert, Heidi Klum, was hostess for the live event.

Having failed to signed free agent Rafael Furcal, the Cubs have traded for Juan Pierre ( a player that the World Series Champion White Sox were rumored to be interested in). Pierre will take over the lead-off spot, but maybe more importantly for most Cubs fans he will play center field, meaning that the "Corey Patterson era" should finally be over on the North Side.

Lovie Smith the NFC Coach of the Year (Tony Dungy looks like the runaway choice in the AFC)?
It looks like I may have been right about Lovie, as seen from this K-Line article I wrote back in January, 2004. Now, just so you realize that while I am bragging a little, there are plenty of sport predictions I have been wrong about. Even in this article about Lovie Smith, I was excited about the possibility of Terry Shea as the Bears' offensive coordinator- Yuck!!
How about some love for Lovie and Jerry?

THE K-LINE

The morning after the Chicago Bears formally announced St. Louis Rams defensive coordinator Lovie Smith as the Bears’ new head coach, I received an e-mail from a friend, who was upset that the Bears simply chose the “cheaper” alternative- a common lament in this sports town. He said that the Bears were too cheap to pay the $3-$4 million per year needed to hire Nick Saban from LSU or someone like my friend’s personal choice, Dan Reeves, the former Atlanta Falcons head coach. Many in the local media likewise blasted the Lovie Smith hire and seized the opportunity to rip mercilessly on Bears GM Jerry Angelo. The criticism was that the choice of Lovie Smith was made because either the Bears were unwilling to pay the big bucks or Jerry Angelo was unwilling to yield personnel control to the head coach. Well, everyone should just take a chill- pill! Here’s one person who likes the choice of Lovie Smith and likewise supports Jerry Angelo and the job he has done as the Bears’ GM. Alright, admittedly, I’m partially kissing up, and I’m hoping that both Lovie and Jerry Angelo remember my thoughtful and well reasoned support when The K-Line requests a sideline media pass for Bears games. Hey, I have to do something- I’m still upset I didn’t receive a press pass to the Super Bowl!

Granted it would have been, if nothing else, exciting if the Bears ignored fiscal responsibility and hired a high profile coach. Even I was hoping that that the Bears would have at least checked to see if Jimmy Johnson was interested at all in becoming the Bears’ new coach. Or, what about hiring Mike Ditka as coach and Mike Singletary as the defensive coordinator/head coach-in-training. Unfortunately, hiring a high profile former NFL head coach or college head coach is far from a guaranteed road to the Super Bowl, or even a more modest goal like beating the Packers. For every example of it working, there is another example proving to be a failure. It was only two seasons ago that the Redskins opened up owner Dan Synder’s bank vault to lure a high profile college coach, Steve Spurrier, from the University of Florida with a salary of $5 million a year ...Okay, that didn’t exactly work out for the Redskins. Nor would hiring a former head coach like Dan Reeves or Jim Fassel have guaranteed success for the Bears. Several years ago, the Carolina Panthers hired George Seifert, hoping he would repeat the success he had with the San Francisco 49ers where he won two Super Bowl as a head coach. The result- he was fired after coaching the Carolina Panthers to a 1-15 record. The Carolina Panthers replaced Seifert with John Fox, at that time a little known defensive coordinator for the New York Giants. In two years, John Fox has taken that 1-15 team to the Super Bowl.

My point is simple- there is no one way to insure success when hiring a head coach. So, don’t automatically despair over the Bears’ future because they didn’t hire someone who was a college or pro head coach. Let’s look at the route taken by the four teams in this past weekend conference championship games: Philadelphia, Carolina, New England, and Indianapolis. Philadelphia’s head coach, Andy Reid, was an offensive assistant coach with the Packers. As already stated, John Fox was a defensive coordinator with the Giants. New England’s Bill Belicheck was a former head coach with the Cleveland Browns, but was serving as a defensive coordinator under Bill Parcells at the time he was hired by the Patriots. The Colts’ top man, Tony Dungy was a head coach with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Everyone points to the great job Bill Parcells did with the Cowboys. But you can be just as successful by hiring a defensive coordinator to be your head coach, as happened with the great job former defensive coordinator, Marvin Lewis did with the Cincinnati Bengals this year.

As soon as the Bears fired Dick Jauron, Lovie Smith was announced as one of the top candidates for the job. Other teams had also shown interest in him. His defense may have been more responsible for the St. Louis Rams success the past few years than the Rams’ offense. The thing that impresses me the most is that he had solid defenses on a team that passed more often that it ran the ball and often turned the ball over. Hopefully he will hire an offensive coordinator, like Terry Shea, who will bring some imagination to the offensive game plans and as a result who will be light years ahead of John “Screen Pass” Shopp! Terry Shea has recently worked with Pro Bowl caliber quarterback Trent Green as Kansas City’s quarterback coach. By the way, John Shoop has just become Tampa Bay’s quarterback coach, so watch Tampa Bay’s offense quickly sink to the depths of depression!...I expect the Bears to be improved next year under Lovie Smith and in the playoffs within two years. Now, if only Bret Favre would retire from Green Bay!