Brian Billick said yesterday that he still has never been given an explanation for why he was fired as Ravens coach by owner Steve Bisciotti on Dec. 31, a day after the Ravens finished their 5-11 season.
In his first expansive local interviews since being fired, Billick told two Baltimore radio stations - WBAL and ESPN 1300 - "it was a shock" to be dismissed because he got a commitment from the team that he would return for the 2008 season.
"It did change, and it changed in a day," Billick said. "Don't know why. Haven't had that conversation, and don't know that I ever will. But I certainly respect that Steve Bisciotti has that right, and it did catch me off-guard because of what had been said before both privately and publicly. But I will very much understand that that is the right of an owner, and he's doing what he thinks is in the best interest of the organization."
The Ravens gave him indications he would come back even during the days leading up to the final game, Billick said.
But a day after the season ended, Billick said he recognized "what was going on." His final meeting with Bisciotti was "relatively short."
"Once I saw the resolve in Steve's mind - and he knows what he wants - there was no use in going round and round," Billick said. "Steve has been a good partner and will be someone that I'll want to interact with going forward. I have no hesitation about that whatsoever."
In the midst of the Ravens' nine-game losing streak last season, a high-ranking team official told The Sun that Bisciotti had informed Billick he would return, saying the owner understood injuries and poor quarterback play were the reasons for the dismal season.
Asked whether he specifically told Billick he would come back, Bisciotti said after firing his coach: "There were indications but no promises."
In speaking for five hours yesterday, Billick laid out a busy future.
He is co-writing a book about the state of the NFL. He is looking at television and radio opportunities. And he just returned from visiting U.S. troops in Iraq.
Billick also seems inclined to return to coaching in 2009, though he doesn't need to do so financially. After signing a new contract with the Ravens before last season, he has three years remaining on his deal that will pay him $15 million to $18 million.
