Clancy fired

[Zeno]

I'm kind of surprised but pleased. His defense was maddeningly inconsistent. Looked terriffic for half agame, disappear for a quarter and then play hot for a series or 2. Often I wondered when we made a big play if it was more a matter of our players making plays or the playcalling.

I trust Whisenhunt to make the right hire to replace him. Another question though, who will be a hold over from the defensive staff?

 

[Gandhi]

This is getting ahead of myself but is Berry or Okeafer the kind of LB's that a Pitt style 3-4 D would use?

I'm more concerned about the nose tackle. Although I like Robinson, he's not exactly at the level of Casey Hampton. Neither is Watson or Branch for that matter.

 

[joeshmo]

I'm more concerned about the nose tackle. Although I like Robinson, he's not exactly at the level of Casey Hampton. Neither is Watson or Branch for that matter.

Who is at the level of Hampton?

But Watson can play that spot and play it well.

Also if it isnt Butler, Jurecki brought up the Name of Billy Davis for an in house promotion.

 

[WisconsinCard]

What about Jim Haslett, not sure if he is a 3-4 guy or not. I don't think he is but I do believe he is a good DC.

 

[Redsz]

This needed to be done. We had no idea which D would turn up on any given day and then 'the drive' in the super bowl just topped it all off.

As far replacements... Please let it be this guy:

Keith Butler enters his sixth year on the Steelers’ coaching staff after joining the staff prior to the 2003 season. He remained on staff following Mike Tomlin’s hiring in January, 2007.
Butler and Tomlin previously worked together at Memphis in 1996, where Butler was the linebackers/defensive ends/special teams coach and Tomlin served as the Tigers defensive backs coach.

Butler was named the Steelers’ linebackers coach Jan. 28, 2003, after serving the previous four seasons in a similar capacity with the Cleveland Browns (1999-02).

Butler has been instrumental in the development of the Steelers’ highly regarded linebacking corps. The unit includes two Pro Bowl players, James Farrior and James Harrison. Under Butler’s tutelage, Farrior has led the Steelers’ defense in tackles for the past two seasons. Butler has also helped groom one of the team’s defensive surprises of 2007 in Harrison, who was elected as a Pro Bowl starter after the 2007 season. Harrison was originally a rookie free agent with the Steelers in 2000 that re-signed with the team just before training camp in 2004 after a year’s absence.

In 2006, Butler’s linebacking crew helped the Steelers rank second in the AFC and third in the NFL in rushing defense. The unit allowed just 88.3 rushing yards per game and helped the defense to not allow a 100-yard rusher the entire season.

In 2005, Butler’s linebackers helped the Steelers lead the AFC and rank fourth in the NFL in total defense. The sack tandem of Joey Porter (10.5) and Clark Haggans (9.0) ranked as the best for a linebacker duo in the entire NFL.

Prior to joining the Browns’ staff, Butler spent nine years coaching in the college ranks, beginning his coaching career at his alma mater, Memphis, where he coached linebackers from 1990-97 and also coached defensive ends and special teams (1995-97). He then served as defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Arkansas State in 1998.

 

[Gandhi]

Who is at the level of Hampton?

I think there are some pretty good nose guards out there, but that is really not the point.

But Watson can play that spot and play it well.

I hope you are right. If you are, this could be a pretty good defense, with Dockett, Watson and Campbell as the starters and then, you know, all the others in a rotation.

 

[Redsz]

http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/02/06/butler-could-be-candidate-to-replace-pendergast/

Speculation from NFL.com

 

[WildBB]

I'm more concerned about the nose tackle. Although I like Robinson, he's not exactly at the level of Casey Hampton. Neither is Watson or Branch for that matter.

Watson has made significant strides the last two years. He's an awsome person as well.

 

[BigRedArk]

I am dumbfounded. I never dreamed this would happen. DG brought Clancy to the Cards in his first year. It was probably time for a change. Get a new focus in there. Hopefully it is someone good. If we do go to the 3-4 are we gonna spend the 1st quarter or half of the season adjusting to it? I hope not. Plus w/ a new OC will there be much adjustment needed to his style?

 

[joeshmo]

I think there are some pretty good nose guards out there, but that is really not the point..

Ones that are available?

 

[joeshmo]

I am dumbfounded. I never dreamed this would happen. DG brought Clancy to the Cards in his first year. It was probably time for a change. Get a new focus in there. Hopefully it is someone good. If we do go to the 3-4 are we gonna spend the 1st quarter or half of the season adjusting to it? I hope not. Plus w/ a new OC will there be much adjustment needed to his style?

I dont think there will be that much adjustment to the full-time 3-4 for us. We have already implemented and played in some 3-4 alignments the last two years, now not full time but it will make the transition easier hainvg already an understanding and practicing of the main principles. I think the biggest transition would be to teach the DL different technique, utilizing more of a 2 gap system rather then the 1 gap system we currently use.

 

[RugbyMuffin]

WOW!

I can't believe it.....ugh, spent hours thinking about a 3rd saftey but we won't need one now!

This shake up means A LOT. More than just firing our DC.

Whiz is putting his stamp on this team.

I wouldn't hold my breath on Boldin, at this point he is good as gone, IMO. Yes, just based off this move.

As for a replacement ? Kevin Butler ? Sure.

I would think they would look at Remeo Crennel as well.

Both are 3-4 guys and good coaches.

This makes a couple guys very expendable, and actually may save Fransisco's job. No 3rd safety means we can have a saftey for pure ST purposes.

But we now are going to be looking for a CB in the draft and FA without a doubt. NB becomes a big priority.

What does Dansby think? I bet he is more likely to sign with the team. A traditional 3-4 would open him up to make even more plays, and take on less offensive linemen.

I am still shock. This was the last thing I expected to read when I stopped by tonight.

 

[Chopper0080]

i love this so much.

by the way. If I was going to take a year to reload, I would do it the year after I lost in the Super Bowl when teams historically drop off.

 

[jw7]

If I never see a 3-man rush again it will be too soon.

 

[Kel Varnsen]

WOW!

I can't believe it.....ugh, spent hours thinking about a 3rd saftey but we won't need one now!

This shake up means A LOT. More than just firing our DC.

Whiz is putting his stamp on this team.

I wouldn't hold my breath on Boldin, at this point he is good as gone, IMO. Yes, just based off this move.

As for a replacement ? Kevin Butler ? Sure.

I would think they would look at Remeo Crennel as well.

Both are 3-4 guys and good coaches.

This makes a couple guys very expendable, and actually may save Fransisco's job. No 3rd safety means we can have a saftey for pure ST purposes.

But we now are going to be looking for a CB in the draft and FA without a doubt. NB becomes a big priority.

What does Dansby think? I bet he is more likely to sign with the team. A traditional 3-4 would open him up to make even more plays, and take on less offensive linemen.

I am still shock. This was the last thing I expected to read when I stopped by tonight.

I keep getting the names messed up, too.

You must be registered for see images

 

[ThunderCard]

If I never see a 3-man rush again it will be too soon.

What a great move !! A+++++. Those 3 man rushes killed us so many times.

 

[Crazy Canuck]

My thought was the defense played great in spite of CP. Let's face it, he's not a 3-4 coach and wasn't he here in the Dave McGinnis year as well? Or did DG bring him in. Either way,it was time to go. You know Whiz had to be pissed that the Pendy prevent cost him as SB title and that was the last straw.

If sending 4 and 5 in the final drive is "prevent"... then Pendy ran a prevent.

As pointed out: Ben was at relatively 60% against a so-called prevent... 118 when we pressured.

That said: Looking forward to the new DC

 

[Southpaw]

Helluva offseason. No DC. No OC. Boldin going. Edge gone. Should be interesting.

 

[Gandhi]

Ones that are available?

Of course not. I think the position is the most important in that system, and if any coach agree with me, they are not letting there elite players go.

My point was, it might be worth looking towards in the draft. That is, if Watson isn't the answer which I honestly have no idea too. He could very easily be.

 

[JeffGollin]

1. Be careful what you wish for.

2. I find it curious that - more than 12 hours after the news broke - there's been no corroboration on the official Cardinal website. (Maybe they want to announce jointly that Clancy is gone and Butler is here?).

3. To paraphrase Jim Mora Sr. "We may think we know..." We don't know if Wiz was upset by the inability of 3 guys to cover Holmes. We don't know who actually called the coverages. We don't know Clancy's role in coaching position-techniques and whether their was disatisfaction over this. We don't know if there was any friction between Clancy and any of his players. We don't know if Clancy gave Wiz, Rod and ownership some sort of ultimatum (i.e. promote me or give me a raise) that got them annoyed. We don't know if too many defensive players didn't develop fast enough according to the team's timetable.

4. My concern is that - just when we feel we can take a deep breath after a successful season safe in the expectation that we have a consistent foundation to build on without making major changes -

- We lose our OC
- We lose our DC
- Keeping Boldin is by no means a certainty.
- Nor for that matter is our #1 QB.
- Our main RB is reported outtahere.
- Our defensive players may have to adjust to playing well together under a new system.
- Play calling may once again move from the press box to the sidelines.

I can't rid myself of recalling in my mind when Cardinal ownership dismantled another team at the brink of success and let guys like Larry Centers and Ken Harvey get away. It makes me nervous.

If you were from Mars and happened to land inside the Cardinal training complex, your impression would logically be that "Cardinal ownership/management was in the midst of "blowing up the team." This after we were within 2-inches and 4 points of winning the freakin' Super Bowl.

I'm keeping the faith, but have to admit I'll feel pretty antsy til we know more.

 

[lobo]

"small stuff"

Don't sweat it. Top notch chess players see every move far in advance. If you think they are sitting there wondering what to do next.....wrong!! I am certain they have there list of candidates for every possibillity as for Haley, they knew a long time ago this was going to happen and became a sure thing one the KC job was filled. My guess is Carthon (90%) and if Butler can't be gotten then Romeo...a 3/4 guy. Both sports filled within the next five days.

 

[joeshmo]

1. Be careful what you wish for.

2. I find it curious that - more than 12 hours after the news broke - there's been no corroboration on the official Cardinal website. (Maybe they want to announce jointly that Clancy is gone and Butler is here?).

Actually there was a paragraph about it in Urbans blog on the main site last night. The blog is still there but the paragraph about Pendy is not. It was in the blog labeled "A few quick thoughts". The paragraph was replaced with this nugget instead,

"A lot is going on (or is about to go on). I have been trying to track down Rod Graves for a couple of days for a story (funny, but he seems really busy right now ... I wonder why) "

 

[joeshmo]

4. My concern is that - just when we feel we can take a deep breath after a successful season safe in the expectation that we have a consistent foundation to build on without making major changes -

I think the foundation is still there. That foundation being Mikey B., Graves, Kiem and his scouts, Wiz, and Grimm.

I think thats what is the difference between 1999 and today if we indeed do in fact lose some core players/coaches.

 

[football karma]

Actually there was a paragraph about it in Urbans blog on the main site last night. The blog is still there but the paragraph about Pendy is not. It was in the blog labeled "A few quick thoughts". The paragraph was replaced with this nugget instead,

"A lot is going on (or is about to go on). I have been trying to track down Rod Graves for a couple of days for a story (funny, but he seems really busy right now ... I wonder why) "

I do find that incredibly curious --

the team may not wanted to have announced it when the news broke, but usually the local newspaper running the story will usually illicit some comment --

nothing but crickets from the Cardinals thus far...

 

[joeshmo]

http://www.azcardinals.com/news/detail.php?PRKey=2897

Its now officially on the web site.