coaching interview restrictions explained (?)

[cliffie3d]

Maybe I've got this figured out now. Check me out! I'm the featured question of the day:

middle of page, click on "Mick's Mail"

If a team can restrict a coach's interviews with another team, I had been wondering why in the heck Dallas would have let Sean Payton go last year. (You're right though, Tommy; some weren't exactly crying.) Also, I know defensive coordinator Zimmer's contract was expiring, but why didn't they resign him before Atlanta came calling?

At first I thought it had to do with lateral moves vs. a promotion move. But as explained in the response to my question, I guess an assistant coach has no restrictions as long as he's interviewing for head coach. Why would any team, though, grant permission if they've got a coach under contract and he's interviewing for anything other than head coach (Miami and Jason Garrett)?

Man, coaches are jumping around team to team as much as players now!