1) Metro size - Denver is clearly larger with 2.8 million, but KC and Cleveland are pretty similar in size (1.8 million and 2.2 million respectively). Also, KC is (my guess) a much more regional draw grabbing people from all of the surrounding states that don't have NFL teams. While Ohio is more populated than MO or KS, Cleveland is also competing with Cinci, Pittsburgh and Detroit outside of its DMA.

2) Owner - This one is a bit of a toss up because we don't know too much about Clark other than he steps back and lets his football people run the show. This is probably attractive. Denver is probably more attractive here as well, but I don't know that Cleveland is.

3) Stadium - Arrowhead has a great reputation and should be even better as a revenue generator once the remodel is done. I don't know that any team has an advantage here, but I would suspect that with everything coming online KC would have an advantage over Cleveland.

4) How many pieces are in place - KC is way behind here, but they have a high draft pick and a lot of space under the cap to work with. KC also has lowered expectations so a new GM will have more of a honeymoon period than the other two cities you've mentioned.

5) Franchise reputation - All 3 cities have great fans. Much of the negative associated with KC walked out the door when Carl was canned. I don't think that any team has an advantage here.

Looking at it all, Denver is probably the most attractive scenario with KC edging out Cleveland. I'm sure a Browns fan would counter my thoughts, but thats the great thing about being a fan.

Good take, but I tend to think Cleveland is a better destination.

It's impossible to prove that Cleveland having a larger regional population but also more crowded with NFL teams makes it better or worse, but I think it's better. That's a much bigger audience for endorsements, advertising deals, TV and radio shows, etc.

As for the stadium (I should have included other facilities too), in a few years Arrowhead will be up there with Cleveland and Denver but as of right now they have the more recent modern facilities. That will be an issue for some free agents as well as revenue potential.

As for reputation, I was thinking more of the league reputation. KC is known for being cheap, stingy, and a little cold on the player front as Brian Waters recently pointed out in an interview. Sure, all that can change with Carl's replacement but it will take a few years to undo that impression that's out there. As for fans - well right now KC had a lot of low turnout and you can probably expect some of that to happen next year too.

What KC has in it's favor is cap space and draft position, but pieces already in place trumps those in my opinion. I'd rank the current GM opportunities like this:

1) Denver
2) Cleveland
3) KC

The Broncos definitely have areas of need and are more than just a coach or a few players away from being a true SB contending team, but with that being said ... they're not that far away.

We saw teams like ATL and MIA turn it around in less than a year with much less talent - I don't think that's a stretch. But, just b/c those 2 teams were able to do what they did in 2008 shouldn't make anyone think that it will easily happen in Denver.

The AFCW is weak and aside from SD... there's a lot of work to be done still in OAK and KC. So, from a competitive division standpoint, taking the HC job in Denver is truly one of the better (if not the best) openings right now.

The core on offense is young and very talented - that is appealing.

The owner is very dedicated and willing to spend $ - that is appealing.

The city, franchise history, the stadium, the fans - those are all appealing.

There really aren't any big negatives that come to mind, other than the obvious holes that need to be filled... but, that's going to be the case with any open HC gig.

I think if you look at the open positions right now in DEN, STL, OAK, SEA, NYJ, CLE, DET... who am I missing ... of all those openings, while several of them have stable pieces to the puzzle in place, I think Denver is the most attractive - by far.

So, we'll see how it goes. I think this is good for Denver. Shanahan did amazing things, I'll always hold him in the highest regard, but all good things come to an end.

Reputation shouldn't be a factor for a new GM. Prestige, maybe, but not reputation. The rep was caused by Carl, not by the rest of the team. The new GM brings his own rep with him, and the players will recognize the rep of our new coaching staff and GM. That's why i think it's important we land recognized, established coaches that players want to play for.

As for the Fans, KC is known for having some of the most dedicated fans. That's what KC's reputation is, having loud, dedicated fans. It's well known why the fans weren't showing up to games last season. But if we bring in a known coach and draft a franchise QB, arrowhead will be packed again in no time. If history tells us anything, it should tell us that even a 7-9 type of ball club will pack the stadium

Owner is most important. The rest, not so much.

Shefter: Pioli Update
 

http://blogs.nfl.com/2008/12/31/brow...ould-end-soon/


Browns’ search for GM could end soon
Posted: Adam Schefter | Adam Schefter |

Cleveland’s search for a general manager is heating up and could be wrapped up as early as today.

Those within the league say the Browns would like an answer from the leading candidate, Scott Pioli, today. The Browns are meeting with Pioli in the New England area today. If Pioli takes the job, the Browns general manager search is over and the one for a new head coach will commence. If the Browns fail to lure Pioli to Cleveland, they then would turn to Falcons president Rich McKay, who is next on Cleveland’s wish list.

Many thought McKay would be on the Lions’ wish list to complete the triangle of power in Detroit with Tom Lewand and Martin Mayhew. But Cleveland is the team that has requested and received permission to interview McKay.

But the next move looks like it belongs to Pioli.

McKay wouldn't be a bad idea.

I thought Pioli was in KC today? Or at the least, meeting with Clark?

if he signs with Cleveland without even meeting with Kansas City and seeing what they have to say, he was never seriously considering the Chiefs anyway.

Take notes Clark...

This is how you aggressively pursue a top GM candidate.

Of course we wouldn't want the Chiefs GM search (or "Chiefs Duty" as I'm sure Clark would call it) to interfere with Clark's holiday vacation.

:spock:

jesus christ.

forget collecting information and making a well thought-out decision, lets just throw a bag of money at the biggest name.

duh, of course.

Yep.

Somehow I really, really doubt Clark is ignoring the GM search so he can kick back and relax right now.

It may just be that Pioli values the Browns job more highly than the Chiefs. It sucks to hear a bit, but let's take off the rose colored glasses and realize that KC probably isn't the top job available.

Also, I think there really are a number of qualified candidates for the spot. More candidates than there are open spots right now actually.