In America, the winner takes all.

Chapter 333 "Angel" Arrives

"There may be a lot of changes in the NFL next year, and many coaches are also looking for job opportunities. I would say that the most popular among them is Brian Billick, who was the offensive coordinator of the Vikings last season. The contract expired. He grew up in Redlands, California. California is his hometown. Why not have him as your head coach?"

Last season, the Vikings scored a full 556 points, which was much higher than the league average. If Ethan had not led the Cowboys to emerge, the Vikings would definitely be the No. seed in the National League. In fact, At the end of the regular season, more people were betting on the Vikings making it to the Super Bowl than the Cowboys.

All of this, of course, would be inseparable from the guidance of the offensive coordinator.

"Including the Green Bay Packers, many teams are currently contacting him, hoping to hire him as the head coach next season, but he himself prefers to work in California, but Bill Walsh (49ers general manager) Manager) didn't like him, so he decided to stick with Steve Mariucci. Ethan, this is a great opportunity for you, a sharp quarterback, paired with an equally sharp Offensive head coach, think what happens?”

"No, I don't want to hire him. You'd better talk to someone else." Ethan picked his ears and refused directly.

Of course he knows that Brian Billick has two skills in offense. The problem is that the price for such a sought-after coach must be high, and in terms of coaching, Ethan's budget is not high.

It's not that Brian Billick can't afford it, but that other coaches are more cost-effective.

"Okay, do you really not consider him? Forget it, I have several other potential candidates here."

"Ray Rhodes, the head coach and general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles last season, he had a losing season with the Eagles and he was fired by the Eagles the day after the regular season ended. He was a 49er The defensive backs coach who won the 29th Super Bowl four years ago, his coaching style is more defensive, and in his first season coaching the Eagles, he also won the honor of the NFL's best coach that year."

All in all, this is a coach who once had an excellent record but is currently at a low point in his coaching career. He is cheap enough to come by.

"The next guy I'm going to talk about has a big background. Mike Holmgren, he coached the Green Bay Packers for six years and made the playoffs in all six years and went to the Super Bowl twice. , and even won a Super Bowl championship!”

"Oh, I said, I won't consider famous coaches for the time being." Ethan shook his head.

"He is different from others. He wants to settle in California in the future, and he is also old. Compared to a high salary, he prefers a long-term, stable contract. The contract must be for at least six years, and no less than five million a year. US dollars! If you are willing to talk to him, you may be able to lower the price further. This can be said to be cheap for a coach of his level."

Five million a year is not high for him according to current market conditions, and there is still room for further exploration...

Seeing that Ethan neither agreed nor refused, Dave continued to introduce:

"Before becoming the head coach of the Green Bay Packers, he also worked for the 49ers for six years. During the Bill Walsh period, he was the quarterback coach and personally coached Stephen Young and Joe Montana. The latter two He was promoted to offensive coordinator in 49. He was responsible for the 55ers' 10- Super Bowl victory over the Denver Broncos ten years ago, which was the largest Super Bowl margin in history."

Ethan was really moved after hearing this. Just having personally coached Stephen Young and Joe Montana was enough to attract him, not to mention the stable performance as a guarantee.

By letting him come over, you don't even need to hire a quarterback coach, and you can save money.

"As for the last one, he may be a bit mediocre, but he may be the most cost-effective one. The offensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers last season was a colleague of the one I just mentioned. You also know the results. , and before joining the Green Bay Packers, he served at multiple universities. After his contract expired this year, he was unemployed. His name is Andy Reid..."

"What's his name?" Ethan was stunned.

"Andy Reid, what's the problem?"

"No problem, where is he? I want to meet him today." Ethan suddenly said.

The previous Mike Holmgren was very attractive, but definitely not as good as Andy Reid.

Mike Holmgren only had one Super Bowl as a head coach, but the latter had three. At the time of Ethan's time travel, Andy Reid was the best head coach in the NFL, bar none. Considered famous.

I never expected that Andy Reid, who would coach the Chiefs in the future, would also be facing unemployment. Listening to Dave's tone, you knew that he was greatly underestimated at this time. If he can be brought to a new team at a low price, it will be a huge profit.

Hearing Ethan's great interest, Dave Campo cautiously reminded: "He is indeed very cheap, but this guy... is a little weird, I mean in terms of character. In addition, he is very stubborn. He demands that he must be the master." Coach, not assistant coach or offensive coordinator.”

"No problem. If it satisfies me, I will agree to his condition. As for the two people just now, I also want to meet."

"Choose one of the three. It doesn't matter if you choose more. I will contact you right now." Dave Campo said.

These coaches are in the same association and have some relationship with each other. Today you help me and I will help you tomorrow. It is normal to introduce job opportunities to each other.

Ethan hung up the phone and felt happy. No matter which one of these three coaches could bring him great help, although he is not a head coach who is used to obeying the coach's tactical arrangements, a team does not only have him. , and the physical test camp will start soon, followed by the draft, training camp, and preseason. These links must have the assistance of coaches.

Dave Campo acted quickly, and that afternoon, Ethan met Ray Rhodes at home, who came to visit.

Contrary to Ethan's expectation, the head coach and general manager of the Philadelphia Eagles is actually a black man.

Black head coaches are even rarer than black quarterbacks in the NFL, and including the one in front of you, there are only four in total.

In front of him, Ray Rhodes was the only black man to win the NFL Coach of the Year. He led the then-bottom Philadelphia Eagles and relied on a group of mediocre players to forcefully break into the playoffs.

"I like players with fighting spirit, like you, Ethan O'Connor. The current Philadelphia Eagles are a bunch of softies, and they will feel scared when they hear your name. Including the management, the personnel director is Philadelphia I've had enough of you idiots." Ray Rhodes said with a cold face, cursing the Eagles where he worked before.

It was obvious that he had a bad temper.

Ethan was very interested in his 1995 NFL Coach of the Year award. And Ray Rhodes patiently talked about how he rebuilt the fighting spirit of those players.

"In terms of tactical choices, I prefer defense, especially pressing defensive tactics with a lot of running, which puts high physical demands on the players. In terms of physical training, my team exceeds the average training volume by two to three times. times..."

Ray Rhodes speaks very slowly, speaks clearly and logically, and his language is very organized. Clearly a thinking black man.

When he was a child, his family had seven brothers and sisters and life was very difficult. If it weren't for football, he would probably be on the streets.

"I am very grateful for everything rugby has brought to me. When I was a child, I didn't have sneakers, so I could only run barefoot. My mother made gloves for me. But I was the only rugby player in my hometown who came out. I deeply You know, if you don’t have the same material conditions as others, you can only work harder than others.”

Ethan admires his tenacious spirit, and he is good at transforming mediocre players, which can ensure that the lower limit of performance is not too low.

"So let's talk about salary. What is your inner salary expectation?"

"A minimum two-year contract with an annual salary of no less than two million U.S. dollars."

This salary requirement is almost at the mid-range level of the current market.

Ethan immediately shook his head: "This is too expensive. I have better candidates with this budget."

"Ethan, we are all in the league to make money to support our families, let's be honest. The first priority of the new team is to ensure certain results, which I am very good at."

"You are right, as the head coach, you are indeed worth the price, but I already have other candidates for the head coach, and I hope you can be the defensive coordinator. Therefore, your price must be within $100 million a year."

"No, I have been working on the defensive end for too long. Out of planning for my professional coaching career, I only accept being the head coach." Ray Rhodes refused.

"Rhodes, think about your current situation. The Eagles' record last season was 3-13, tied for last with the Bengals and Colts. Which team do you think would hire you besides me? I graduated from college. Bringing in a top-notch defensive coordinator will only cost you a few hundred thousand dollars a year." Ethan reminded him to understand the situation.

The echelon building of the American sports industry is not limited to players, but also includes coaches. In theory, he can even spend tens of thousands of dollars a year to get a defensive coordinator, and then go out and turn around and there are many coaches in high schools waiting for him.

Rhodes was caught up in the long exam, and finally looked up and looked at Ethan in an almost pleading tone: "I have four children to raise, one of whom is in college and the other is in graduate school."

"The goal of the new team is not to linger in the playoffs. If possible, we can go further. The goal of the team in the second year is to reach the Super Bowl. With this resume, you can definitely find a new boss. Coach, this is investing in the future, which will make your value higher and higher." Ethan reminded.

Ethan's words would make Ray Rhodes think it was nonsense to any owner in the NFL, but Ethan was different.

In Ray Rhodes' view, Ethan has the ability to single-handedly lead the team into the playoffs. In other words, Ethan is not a fool.

"..." Ray Rhodes did not respond and fell into deep thought again.

"I will be interviewing other coaches frequently during this period. I can give you time to think about it, but only for these few days." Ethan poured him a cup of coffee.

Rhodes raised his head at this time, and after some struggle, he made a decision: "Sign the contract before next month."

"Sign within this week, welcome to join..." Ethan paused, the new team has not yet determined its official name.

Since Ethan chose to meet these three people separately, he naturally wanted to have them all. These three people each have their own advantages, so there is no need to make multiple choice questions. But when the three of them are combined, they are extremely competitive in the entire alliance. Coaching staff!

The next morning, Ethan met with Holmgren, Green Bay's head coach last season.

Compared with Rhodes, he is significantly taller, approaching two meters in height. He also has a stocky and muscular build, a thick beard under his nose, and short light blond hair sticking to his forehead, making his round face look particularly honest.

Harry Potter's Muggle uncle. Ethan came up with this idea as soon as he saw him. The coach in front of him was 90% similar to the movie character.

Holmgren did not come alone. There was a middle-aged man in a suit and tie who came with him.

"I'm Holmgren's agent, I'm from ICM." The other party enthusiastically handed Ethan his business card.

Ethan looked at the business card with Armstrong's name on it, but he didn't expect that this agent was actually Lisa's colleague.

Ethan invited the two of them in. Holmgren looked at Ethan's home and took the initiative to chat with Ethan.

Beyond that Super Bowl game, I have a lot of admiration for Ethan's choice to be involved in running the team.

"I couldn't figure out why you left the Cowboys at first, but now I know why, Ethan, you set an example for all players." Holmgren grinned, then took out his cigar and smiled at Ethan. Mori lit it after saying he didn't mind.

"My wife has always wanted to settle in California. She has followed me back and forth for decades, and this time I want to make her wish come true." Holmgren sighed.

"If you need to buy a house, I can recommend some places for you."

"Of course." Holmgren himself also showed great interest in joining Ethan's new team.

He even commented on the Cowboys' mistakes in that Super Bowl, saying how he should have played the first three quarters if he were the head coach of the Cowboys. The implication is that if you can do better yourself.

"I have professional scouts on my team. Who should be selected among those expected to participate in the draft this year and who is the most cost-effective? These are not problems. Including the subsequent training camp, Green Bay's training camp process last year was personally formulated by me. ." Holmgren continued.

As a well-known and experienced coach, it can be said that there is nothing wrong with Holmgren except that he is expensive.

The problem also arises here.

After hearing that Ethan was only willing to pay a maximum of two million a year, and that Holmgren could only serve as offensive coordinator, the negotiations immediately reached a deadlock, and the agent around Holmgren was particularly difficult to deal with. In the end, the quarrel was so unpleasant that the two of them walked out of the room.

After the other party left, Ethan called Lisa directly.

"Armstrong? Oh, I remembered. He just switched jobs from WME at the end of last year. What happened?" Lisa asked.

"Absolutely, he represented a coach's business, and the other party refused to negotiate even though he interfered. It was obvious that the coach trusted the agent very much." Ethan went on to talk about the situation in detail.

"I think...since this coach trusts him so much, let's start from this aspect..." Lisa proposed a plan.

"Would that agent agree?"

"You have to agree even if you don't agree, it's just a phone call away." Lisa snorted: "Leave this matter to me."

As soon as Ethan hung up the phone, the doorbell rang again. This time, a middle-aged man wearing a peaked cap appeared outside the house. He was similar in stature to Holmgren, but younger. He was wearing a loose and baggy T-shirt and jacket. , sports trousers, and a pair of sneakers, the dress is very casual. He has the same beard and potbelly as Holmgren. It's just that his beard has been neglected, and the whole person looks a bit unkempt.

None other than Andy Reid. When he was coaching the Kansas City Chiefs, he was nicknamed "The Cardinal" because he loved to wear loose and baggy red clothes, the team's main color.

Ethan looked down and saw that he was holding a book that was almost five inches thick.

Ethan lets him in.

"Is this a gift from you?"

He handed the book to Ethan without comment.

When Ethan opened it, he found that it was full of handwriting, describing how he would manage the team if he got the job of head coach.

It can be said that everything is detailed, and I wrote a full book.

"It is fully qualified for publication." Ethan closed the book.

"Thank you, Ethan." He clasped his hands, looking a little unsure.

Compared with Redes and Holmgren before him, he was the youngest and most nervous, and Ethan had to take the initiative to find topics.

"Yes, if Edwards, Yang Baihan's coach at the time, had not given advice, I would have tried to become a writer." He talked about his early years.

As a player, the native from Glendale, California, did not have many playing opportunities. Compared with playing, he is better at analysis. As a natural coach, he carefully studied the head coach of the team during his college days. and offensive coordination tactics. After graduation, he successfully stayed at the school and then moved to many universities.

In 92, he was officially hired by Holmgren as one of the coaches of the Green Bay Packers. He was initially responsible for training offensive linemen and tight ends, then served as quarterback coach, and finally became the offensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers. , the importance of these three positions increases in order.

"Holmgren stopped me from jumping to the 49ers, and my relationship with him started to cool down after that. I had a big fight with him, and then I resigned. I felt it was time for me to really take charge. A team.”

"Then does anyone accept your request?" Ethan asked.

Andy shook his head: "Except for your willingness to see me, my ideas have been met with a cold reception."

Then he stretched his neck forward, hoping to get closer to Ethan: "I would like to know, who have you already met?"

Ethan told the truth, and when he heard Rhodes' name, Andy's face immediately sank a lot. And when Ethan said Holmgren's name again, Andy's expression became very ugly.

"I know." Andy nodded, as if he knew that he had been eliminated. In his eyes, these two people had more advantages than him anyway, and he seemed to have accepted his elimination.

"Anyway, thank you for giving me this opportunity." Andy nodded, not planning to stay any longer.

He claimed that he would try his luck with other teams, and it seems that he has not given up.

"But there is still room for an offensive coordinator here," Ethan said at this time.

"Sorry, I'm only accepting head coaching positions at the moment."

"What if no team chooses you in the end?" Ethan asked again.

Andy thought for a while, and seemed to have made some kind of determination and said: "In that case, I will go to college to seek opportunities. If I can't even serve as a college head coach, then I will go to high school or middle school."

No matter what, I have to be the head coach. Dave Campo is right, Andy is a stubborn man.

"Okay, since you insist so much, I can let you try it." Ethan looked at him.

Andy was stunned and couldn't even believe his ears for the first time.

"You heard that right, Rhodes has given the nod and is willing to serve as the team's defensive coordinator. As for Holmgren, I prefer him to become the offensive coordinator, and you will be the head coach."

Speaking of which, Holmgren is also Andy's "master", and having the master assist his apprentice sounds like a fantasy.

Although Ethan met his conditions, Andy did not agree immediately.

"In this case... maybe there will be conflicts among the coaching staff." Andy said cautiously.

"I know, but I don't mind. In other words, I think more of you than Holmgren."

As soon as he finished speaking, Andy's expression looked a little moved.

Speaking of which, he has visited many teams, but the results were not ideal. What he just said was not just talk.

After a series of disappointments, Andy finally found someone who recognized him.

He nodded heavily: "30W."

"what?"

You don’t want a signing fee, do you?

"I'm referring to the annual salary. Maybe the new club will meet the annual salary in terms of funds. I can give more salary space to the players and build a stronger lineup."

From his point of view, this is actually not necessary. The coaches' salary is not included in the salary cap.

It’s more about expressing gratitude to Ethan. Since Ethan trusted him, he reciprocated the trust.

"No problem. If you can enter the playoffs, I will give you a corresponding bonus and a salary increase the following year." Ethan nodded, not polite.

·

"These are the top five candidates with the highest votes."

In the evening, Grace handed a brochure to Ethan.

During this period, she sent people to conduct multiple surveys in English and Spanish in Los Angeles, San Diego, and San Francisco, and finally selected the five names with the highest votes.

"Apollo, Bobcats, Stallions, Californians and Wildcats..." Ethan read a few names and looked at the first drafts of LOGOs corresponding to several team names.

After thinking about it, these names really didn't interest him.

Regarding the naming of NFL teams, many times tend to be conservative, after all, the audience is too wide.

But when there are already 31 teams, as a new recruit in the league, it is very important to have a team name that is outstanding enough.

It must be unforgettable after hearing it once, and the theme color must be sufficiently recognizable.

Ethan turned his head and looked at the other two women.

"What do you two think of these names?" Ethan asked.

"I think...it suits you quite well." Kelsey said with a suppressed smile.

"Forget this name, I don't want to play with this name." Ethan immediately shook his head.

"To be honest, I personally don't think these names are recognizable." Catherine expressed a similar view to Ethan.

"Yes, we need a younger, more aggressive name." Ethan imagined.

The three girls and Ethan began to think hard and proposed several names, but Ethan rejected them all because they were either too complicated or too convoluted and niche.

"Since I can't think of a good name, why not just plagiarize it!" Ethan thought for a while.

There are too many teams with the same name in the United States. After all, English itself does not contain much information. In the end, it’s just cats and dogs.

After much thought, Ethan set his sights on the NHL. As a sport as violent as rugby, many NFL team names appear offensive enough.

"Colorado Avalanche!" Catherine blurted out.

"Carolina Hurricanes!" Grace offered another alternative.

"San Jose Shark." Kelsey bared her teeth.

"It doesn't snow much in California, and there's no monsoon, and San Jose is in California..." Ethan shook his head.

"Why don't we just call it..." Ethan paused.

Four people came up with the same name at the same time.

"New Jersey Devil." The four people said in unison.

"But the Jersey Devil is a legendary creature spread locally. There is no such legend in Los Angeles. I think the team name must be related to the city of Los Angeles." Catherine said.

"Besides, it sounds so weird." Grace repeated it several times, feeling that the name was also very catchy.

"Then there's only one option left..." Ethan said.

"But... MLB already has this name, and it's in Orange County, very close to us."

"Yes, when we talk about it now, people still think of that baseball team, but soon, when people talk about it again, they will only think of us." Ethan said.

This is not the first time he has done this, and he wouldn't mind doing it again.

"I agree with this name. I'm fed up with all kinds of polls and questionnaires." Grace shook her head. No matter what the team name is, as long as it can be confirmed tonight.

"Kelsey, what do you think?" Ethan noticed that Kelsey never spoke.

"I'm thinking about how to design the cheerleading uniforms if this team name is used..."

·

"Everyone, welcome to the live broadcast on ESPN2. We are now at the end of Sunset Boulevard in Los Angeles. In half an hour, as the sun sinks into the horizon, the name, team logo and cheerleading image of the 32nd NFL team will be officially announced. Announcement!”

When the camera turned, the crowds of spectators standing on both sides of the street cheered and cheered. Everyone was wearing pure white tops.

Apparently, the new team's theme color is pure white.

At this moment, the sun has gradually set in the west, and the gorgeous sunset has dyed half of the sky red. Before the team name is officially announced, there is still a simple live performance.

Jennifer Love Hewitt, who was busy filming a movie, took to the makeshift stage at a T-intersection to sing a song.

Then several well-known Hollywood stars appeared, including Leonardo DiCaprio, who has a good personal relationship with Ethan, and of course Sarah Gellar, including Keanu Reeves and Charlize Theron, the male and female stars of "The Matrix" who are on the road show in the United States. Appearing together, Angelina Jolie, who was not yet famous at the time, was also among them.

She wasn't called by Ethan, but squeezed in through Catherine. She and Angelina Jolie had known each other for a long time, but then Angelina transferred to a special school, and the contact between the two became less and less. This time Catherine came back to attend a class reunion, at which Angelina Jolie listened. When the news came, Angelina was not famous at all at that time, so she shamelessly asked for a position.

The host played some interactive games with the celebrities present on the stage, and also interviewed a few people, imagining what would happen after the NFL team returns to Los Angeles, and finally did not forget to promote the Matrix movie.

Essentially, there are just a few people who are attracted to Bo's attention. Today's focus is not on these guests.

At this moment, the sky was gradually getting dark, and the lights were turned on. On the elevating stage, a special guest appeared on the stage. It turned out to be the popular pop singer Britney Spears.

Of course, Britney was happy to come to such a good opportunity to sell her album. She sang two songs at the scene, one fast and one slow. Her sweet and magnetic voice turned this place into her personal concert, and also pushed the atmosphere of the scene to its peak. .

In the end, Ovitz, Grace, Catherine and other team executives appeared on stage together with all the guests present, and unveiled the curtain behind them during the countdown.

An LA cursive logo outlined in gold emerges.

Below the logo is the team name - Angels.

Although Los Angeles is commonly known as Vice City, it is also known as the City of Angels. As a Los Angeles team, nothing is more appropriate than this.

Then a beam of light shot towards the sky, and a mythical angel actually descended on the scene.

Looking again, it turned out that Kelsey, who was hanging on a coercive wire, was slowly descending. Her legs were swinging slowly, and her arms were doing a movement similar to that of a bird spreading its wings. Her clothes were in a split style, and her top was also tied at the chest. , obviously referring to the design of DCC, with a layer of bird-feather-like decoration attached to the surface, making it look fairy-like and like an angel descending.

Below the stage, several cheerleaders wearing the same costumes appeared.

"There is no doubt that the Angels Cheerleaders will become the most beautiful scenery in the NFL and even the world!" the host said.

"Now, let us invite the first member of the Angels to appear!"

In the rising smoke, a figure dressed in white stepped out. The Angels' uniform was white with gold lines on the side. The platinum theme color was also Ethan's idea, and this part was copied from Real Madrid.

Because he was wearing a helmet, the audience did not recognize who it was for a while. After a while, the sharp-eyed audience discovered the problem.

As the discussion at the scene became more and more heated, Ethan took off his helmet.

Not to mention the live audience, even the host did not expect Ethan to appear here.

"It's unbelievable that Ethan actually chose to transfer and join the newly established Angels! This is incredible!"

This transfer is even more interesting than the establishment of a new team. Ethan has not announced it before, just for today.

And with his appearance, the Angels' attention will increase unprecedentedly. As for the doubts about the new team on the Internet, they were all wiped out with Ethan's appearance!

(End of this chapter)