Allen2McVay
Legend
- Joined
- Mar 29, 2020
- Messages
- 9,092
- Name
- Jim
We are so on the same page.
When I got older, I pointed out to my father that Lombardi left in '59; and Landry in 1960 ... and the initial success of Sherman. I got the Death Stare! Then I got my father's explanation.
Lombardi, despite the Brooklyn, Fordham and Army connections was not going to get the Giants' job; and his Italian heritage had much to do with it. I think this is accurate, having read biographies and seen documentaries that support it. However, after Lombardi's success, the Giants did indeed want him back.
Less certain about Landry ... whether the Giants wanted him or passed-him-over. Perhaps he wanted to be in Texas (born there and played college ball at Texas), and/or preferred to be with an expansion team.
As to Sherman's initial success, my father credited that to the roster that was in place before Sherman got the job. Once some of those guys got old/retired, Sherman couldn't re-build a roster. Dad also blamed Sherman for getting rid of players too early (still had 'something in-the-tank' he would say). Players like Rosey Grier to the Rams and Sam Huff to Washington.
By-the-Way, I believe Jim Lee Howell moved to the Front Office in 1961, so I don't know that Sherman was making all the personnel decisions back. I chose not to mention this to my Father, as I did not want to receive another Death Stare!
