Ravens Fire Brian Billick

The Baltimore Ravens fired Brian Billick today after the Baltimore Ravens finished the 2007 season with a disappointing 5-11 record. The Baltimore Ravens finished 13-3 last year and had high hopes coming into this season. The high hopes were alive through the first six games of the season as the Ravens were 4-2. Unfortunately for Coach Brian Billick the Baltimore Ravens won only 1 game in their last 10. The coaching change is justified with such a poor season after such a successful season a year ago and with such high expectations going into this season.

This decision had to be a tough one for the Baltimore Ravens organization. Coach Brian Billick led the Baltimore Ravens to their only Super Bowl appearance and victory in January of 2001. The Baltimore Ravens defeated the New York Giants 34-7 in Super Bowl XXXV. In 9 seasons with the Baltimore Ravens Brian Billick had an 80-64 record and has led the team to 4 playoff appearances in those 9 years. Billick lead the Baltimore Ravens to the playoffs in 2000, 2001, 2003, and 2006.

The Baltimore Ravens hope their 2008 team has a record closer to the 20006 team than this year's team. Besides the changing of the coaching staff in Baltimore, there will probably be some personnel changes to match the scheme of the new coach. One benefit from the disappointing season is the Baltimore Ravens should have a great draft pick in the upcoming NFL draft. The Baltimore Ravens will probably act fairly quick to find a replacement before the April draft.

However, rebuilding may not be needed for the Baltimore Ravens. If players return from injuries, and if the Ravens don't lose too many players to free agency they should have a nucleus of players from the 2006 team still around. The Baltimore Ravens could use the draft, free agency and trades to tweak their roster to make them competitive once again.