From today's observer:
Assistant again hints at retirement
HOUSTON - Carolina Panthers special teams coach/assistant head coach Scott O'Brien has talked before about leaving the NFL rat race. Wednesday, O'Brien dropped his strongest hint yet at retirement.
"We'll see what happens Sunday" when the Panthers play New England in the Super Bowl, O'Brien said. "If we win this game, I'll evaluate it Monday. I just want to win this ... game."
Several special teams players, including Brian Allen and Jarrod Cooper, said O'Brien had raised the subject of retirement in recent meetings, and had hinted strongly that he would retire if the Panthers win.
O'Brien is 46, but has long said he wants to retire to his 55-acre spread near Iron River, Wis. He has plans to build a log home on a lake and raise horses.
"Maybe do a little bird hunting in the fall," O'Brien said. "I will stay in (football), but it won't be what I do now. I may consult somewhere. I love going to universities, talking to staffs about techniques. Not full time, but there may be something in personnel."
O'Brien is the league's only special teams coach with the title of assistant head coach. He makes about $300,000 a year. His duties include administrative details, such as helping coach John Fox with practice and travel schedules.
-- PAT YASINSKAS