For those calling for Philbin's head today over this, answer me this. Would the franchise be better off long term making that move today? Whether you thought Philbin should have been fired after the season or not, it doesn't matter right now. Philbin is here today, what long term positives would there be to say fire him tonight?
It is very late in the process to start head coach hunting, and no big time candidate would probably want to tie their future to Hickey at this point. Ross set this season up that if the team fails again that it likely would be a clean sweep next January. Three non-playoff seasons for Philbin would put the nail in the coffin and Hickey's two year contract tied his fate to Joe. Instead of trying to piece together a front office late in the game, ride another season with Philbin. If we do well, great! If not, clean sweep.