Facing Future Shock Erickson’s Fate Mirrors Seahawks’ Final Games

Three weeks ago, Dennis Erickson coached the playoff-caliber, 6-4 Seattle Seahawks. He smiled often, joked on occasion.

Today, Erickson coaches the playoff-watching, 6-7 Seahawks. He remains cordial to the media, but clearly is stressed.

“Obviously there’s a lot of speculation and opinions,” said Erickson, whose Seahawks visit Baltimore this morning.

“As far as my future here, I’ve got to worry about these three (remaining) games and that’s where my concentration and focus has to be.”

Three wins would give Seattle a 9-7 record, equaling its best mark since 1990. It also would nurture Seattle’s needle-in-haystack playoff hopes and obviously strengthen Erickson’s chances of returning for a fourth season.

Even 9-7 isn’t a guarantee Erickson will be back. Anything below 9-7 might lead to a pink slip.

“I’d be lying if I said I don’t read about it or hear about it, and sure it bothers me a little bit,” Erickson said. “We’re all competitors. I’m just as competitive as anybody and I don’t like to lose.

“I’m not happy with what’s happened the last few weeks by any means. That’s the way things are now, so that’s just kind of how it goes in this business.”

Erickson has two years remaining on his contract. He was never fired as a head coach in college. Seattle is Erickson’s first pro job.

There are several variables at work. What are the intentions of new owner Paul Allen and Bob Whitsitt, Allen’s right-hand man? Seattle wants to hire a general manager, who likely will have a say on Erickson.

“When the season is over, then obviously we’ll sit down and talk and decide a lot of things in this franchise,” said Erickson, adding that he hasn’t had discussions with Allen or Whitsitt.

“I think the biggest thing is the improvement in the franchise over the last couple years, decide where we’re at and what direction we need to be going to get better,” he said.

Erickson hopes that future includes him.

Back to the bench

Former Idaho quarterback Doug Nussmeier is again lost in the shuffle in New Orleans.

Coach Mike Ditka alternated Heath Shuler and Danny Wuerffel most of the season. Then Shuler was injured and Wuerffel showed he wasn’t ready for regular snaps.

Enter Nussmeier, who made a surprising late-game appearance against Seattle three weeks ago and started the following week versus Atlanta.

Nussmeier, in only his second NFL start, was 10 of 19 with three interceptions as Atlanta won.

Ditka immediately signed exWashington Husky Billy Joe Hobert, who started in the Saints’ 16-13 win over Carolina.

Hobert remains the starter. Nussmeier is in the final year of his contract and he wonders if New Orleans is in his future.

He bluntly evaluated his performance against Atlanta.

“I did some good things, I did some bad things,” he said. “One interception got tipped at the line. I made poor reads on the other two. I had two touchdowns dropped and I was leading rusher in the game… .

“I’ve got three games left here and I don’t know how I’ll stack up in the free-agent market. If that’s my last shot (in New Orleans), so much for a shot, really. I was hoping they’d hand me the ball for a couple games and then evaluate.”

, DataTimes MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: Hawks vs. Ravens The game: 10 a.m. at Memorial Stadium, Baltimore. Coaches: Seattle - Dennis Erickson, 21-24, third season. Baltimore - Ted Marchibroda, 8-20-1, second season; 79-87-1, 11th overall. The records: Seattle is 6-7, Baltimore is 4-8-1. The series: First meeting. The line: Ravens by 1-1/2.

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