What is common knowledge is that ML nor Tom Benson were ever in favor of firing a HC MID-SEASON. It's been reported by Underhill that he thought that ML was going to fire DA at the end of the season. Yes DA needed to go. Looking back just what did firing DA mid-season accomplish? All it did was give Rizzi and maybe Brian Young an audition. Woods was abysmal as DC. The D played worse after DA left except in the 1st game or so.