Nobody seems to notice but I did make an apology to the Czechs yet they seem much more forgiving than the people from my country even though their team had nothing o do with the match.

The good news is we have several very good USA coaches interested in and wanting to represent us. I'm glad to see this. I'm not sure how I feel about the campaigning. I found it entertaining at first but now I'm not sure how I feel about it. Hopefully the mud slinging is handled in fun and no hard feelings are created. Personally, a lot of what I looked at with my voting was to first determine which of the candidates I felt would give us the best shot to win. I also looked at if they had the opportunity before, and if so, how long ago. When I looked at this I had my choice down to 2 managers. In the end I gave Flames extra credit for last year when he wasn't elected he took the initiative to take on another country and make an impressive run.

I really don't expect Flames to get elected. I think his approach in all his posts rub too many people the wrong way and I think that hurts him. My view is it's a maturity level. I didn't hold it against him and gave him my vote but I suspect that won't happen enough to get him the nod.

Good luck to whomever gets the job!

Since most people who will vote for NT coach have likely already voted, I feel safe in speaking up a bit on this subject now. I'm not a campaigner, I added myself to the list, because I like it, and feel I could do a decent job. If the USA managers want me, great, if they want somebody else, great. I'm OK with whatever is decided.

Flames, it would do you some good to learn a little bit of humility. What you did in the last World Cup did speak volumes in your favor. Your campaign has spoken volumes as well. Whether for or against, we will see, but I'd tend to say it's more against than for. Even if you do win the job, I'm betting the vote will be a lot closer than it would have been otherwise.

You keep pointing out the win against the USA as your main credentials. And doing your best to dismiss the fact that you botted in the championship. The win in the semi-finals was a great accomplishment, but the bot lineup is also a factor, whether you like it or not.

I could have easily stated from the beginning that a big reason for the USA loss to you was because we didn't have our best WR for the game, but the injury happened and that's part of the game. I made adjustments and hoped it was enough, it wasn't. Oh well. I gave my best effort, but at least I gave an effort. You're not going to hear me complaining about it or using it as an excuse. It is what it is.

Your bot lineup was a mistake. You messed up, no point in denying it. Just like I messed up with my lineup against you. Own up to your mistakes and people tend to forgive you a bit quicker and easier. Deny your mistakes and people will ride you about it for much longer than it deserves.

Good luck to whomever gets the USA NT coaching position.


(I wasn't planning to post this until Sunday night, but I have to work all weekend and thought I might forget, or worse, be so tired that I might come across as grumpy)