Hey Packer fans!! In this article I am going to cover 2 things. #1 the coaching changes and #2 important upcoming NFL events by date. All the empty head coaching vacancies are filled with Steve Marriucci taking over in Detroit Marvin Lewis in Cincinnati, and probably the 2nd most puzzling choice in this year's off-season (Parcell's in Dallas is still my #1) Dennis Erickson takes over the 49ers.Let's start with Detroit. The Lions handed over the controls to the worst team in the NFC North to former 49er Head coach Steve Marriucci. I think of the coaches that were available Mooch was the best fit for Detroit. He brings with him more knowledge of the "west coast" offense then his predeccessor Marty Mornhingweg ever had. If he can add a few new pieces to the Lions puzzle and get the remaining players to buy in to his system look for the Lions to roar once more.The bad thing about this is it kills "The Dream" of Marriucci coming to Green Bay.(see my last article). Now on to the Bengals.With defensive genius Marvin Lewis at the controls the Bengals could actually get out of the basement of the entire AFC. Lewis was the architect of the vaunted Ravens defense that won the Super Bowl a couple of years back. He has a great running back in Corey Dillon and if he can convince him to stay a great Linebacker in Takeo Spikes. His only big problem could be at quarterback. Is Kitna the #1 guy? Will his being African-american put the troubled and much maligned Akili Smith at ease and bring out the best in him? Only time will tell but it could be fun to watch a few Bengals games this year. This brings me to the hiring of Dennis Erickson in San Francisco.If you will recall in his only other NFL Head Coaching job in Seattle Erickson was 31-33 in his 4 seasons with the Seahawks.His teams looked like very well coached College teams which isn't very good when you're playing with the caliber of NFL talent.Not many players are going to buy into any kind of his NCAA rah-rah horse hockey mentality.If John York thinks Erickson is the answer than he dosen't understand the question. Maybe he thinks Erickson won't ruffle his feathers the way Marriuci did. That's what happens when you let ego get in the way of common sense. Just ask Jerry Jones.

Now on to some important dates. A reader e-mailed the site and wanted to know when the free agent list comes out. Well Maybe I can clear up some of what is going on from now until training camp.

Feb.18-24 Scouting combine. This is the time when all NFL coaching staffs can check out the current college players available for the upcoming draft.

Feb. 20 Franchise and transition tags. Also waiver system begins.

Feb.27 Final tenders to free agents. This is the last day for teams to submit their final tender offers to restricted and exclusive-rights free agents.

Feb.28.Free agency begins./ trading period begins.

Mar.23-26 annual Owners meeting in Phoenix.

April 26-27 NFL Draft. (Packers pick at#29)

June 1 Cut day. this is the best time for teams to release overpriced veterans from their rosters without having to take the full salary cap hit for the upcoming season.

July 22 Free agency ends (sort of)

For more complete information on all the above dates go to ESPN.com and click on"busy sked"

That's all for now gang. See you soon!!