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Chris Havel column: As NFL starts up, Bates 'starting to miss it'
The reality of the situation is beginning to sink in.
For the first time in 37 years, Jim Bates isn't spending late July gearing up to coach another football season.
"I'm starting to miss it now," he said. "I've always enjoyed the preseason and training camp. It's a grind, but it's a fun time, too. You're putting in a system, the players are coming together and there's the challenge of it all. This time of year everyone is full of optimism and anything's still possible."
Bates, 60, was in serious negotiations with an NFL team about a coaching position as recently as last week. Bates declined to offer details, saying he's preparing to make the most of his season away from coaching.
His long-range plan is to study the NFL inside and out, consider his options and be prepared to return to coaching next season. His short-term goal is to travel, get in tip-top shape and enjoy the free time while it lasts.
He plans to accept Lloyd Carr's invitation to attend a Michigan game in Ann Arbor.
"I grew up 60 miles away (in Pontiac, Mich.) but in all my coaching experience and travel I've never been to The Big House," he said.
"I also plan to take the boat ride, tailgate on the river and attend the Tennessee-Florida game."
Bates, who coached at Tennessee (in 1968) and Florida (in 1990), also plans to attend several Denver Broncos games. His son Jeremy is an assistant coach under Mike Shanahan. His other son, James, recently moved to Fort Collins, Colo., where he'll be the TV play-by-play announcer for the Mountain West Conference. He'll also host a cable TV show there.
Meantime, Bates can't help but think about what might have been. The defensive coordinator helped the Packers rank seventh in yards allowed in 2005, but GM Ted Thompson chose Mike McCarthy to replace Mike Sherman as the Packers' head coach.
Bates pursued other jobs to no avail. He said he has no hard feelings.
"From what I've seen with the addition of several players, you can't help but feel optimistic about the defense," he said of the Packers.
"Last year, we got off to a good start, and now they're bringing in some playmakers. (A.J.) Hawk should be a playmaker. (Charles) Woodson's a playmaker. (Ryan) Pickett is very athletic and he's a hard worker. I see the defense as a much, much stronger unit, and I see more confidence within the unit.
"They're fired up, and they should be. There's going to be some quality depth, and it should be interesting to see players fight for positions during training camp. I also think Bob (Sanders) is going to do a terrific job, as will (defensive line coach) Robert Nunn."
Bates and his wife, Beverly, still live in Oneida.
"We don't go out a whole lot, but when we do, it's been great," he said.
"The Green Bay Packers have special fans. This is a unique place, and I feel fortunate to have had a chance to coach here."
The reality of the situation is beginning to sink in.
For the first time in 37 years, Jim Bates isn't spending late July gearing up to coach another football season.
"I'm starting to miss it now," he said. "I've always enjoyed the preseason and training camp. It's a grind, but it's a fun time, too. You're putting in a system, the players are coming together and there's the challenge of it all. This time of year everyone is full of optimism and anything's still possible."
Bates, 60, was in serious negotiations with an NFL team about a coaching position as recently as last week. Bates declined to offer details, saying he's preparing to make the most of his season away from coaching.
His long-range plan is to study the NFL inside and out, consider his options and be prepared to return to coaching next season. His short-term goal is to travel, get in tip-top shape and enjoy the free time while it lasts.
He plans to accept Lloyd Carr's invitation to attend a Michigan game in Ann Arbor.
"I grew up 60 miles away (in Pontiac, Mich.) but in all my coaching experience and travel I've never been to The Big House," he said.
"I also plan to take the boat ride, tailgate on the river and attend the Tennessee-Florida game."
Bates, who coached at Tennessee (in 1968) and Florida (in 1990), also plans to attend several Denver Broncos games. His son Jeremy is an assistant coach under Mike Shanahan. His other son, James, recently moved to Fort Collins, Colo., where he'll be the TV play-by-play announcer for the Mountain West Conference. He'll also host a cable TV show there.
Meantime, Bates can't help but think about what might have been. The defensive coordinator helped the Packers rank seventh in yards allowed in 2005, but GM Ted Thompson chose Mike McCarthy to replace Mike Sherman as the Packers' head coach.
Bates pursued other jobs to no avail. He said he has no hard feelings.
"From what I've seen with the addition of several players, you can't help but feel optimistic about the defense," he said of the Packers.
"Last year, we got off to a good start, and now they're bringing in some playmakers. (A.J.) Hawk should be a playmaker. (Charles) Woodson's a playmaker. (Ryan) Pickett is very athletic and he's a hard worker. I see the defense as a much, much stronger unit, and I see more confidence within the unit.
"They're fired up, and they should be. There's going to be some quality depth, and it should be interesting to see players fight for positions during training camp. I also think Bob (Sanders) is going to do a terrific job, as will (defensive line coach) Robert Nunn."
Bates and his wife, Beverly, still live in Oneida.
"We don't go out a whole lot, but when we do, it's been great," he said.
"The Green Bay Packers have special fans. This is a unique place, and I feel fortunate to have had a chance to coach here."
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