Cam CameronFor as much crap as Cam Cameron got in Baltimore, Ravens fans have to respect how he handled losing his job in December. The former offensive coordinator recently told Scott Cacciola of The New York Times that he understands why he was left go and he thinks the Ravens are better for it.

It was a brilliant move,” Cameron said Wednesday at his home outside Baltimore. “Everyone on the team took a look in the mirror after that.”

Cameron, 51, said he learned long ago that being fired was part of football. At this stage of his career, he has a dispassionate view of his profession. In his den, he has a framed photograph of his stepfather, Tom Harp, when he was an assistant coach at Army in 1958. In the photo, Harp is standing next to Earl Blaik, the legendary coach known as Red, and Pete Dawkins, the Heisman Trophy-winning halfback. Army went undefeated that season.

Coaches typically are hired to be fired. Very few ride off into the sunset. It’s an unfortunate truth to the job. I’m glad Cameron doesn’t hold any grudges. Of course, I’m also glad that Jim Caldwell is calling the plays in Super Bowl XLVII.