Head Coach Candidates Interview Schedule Thread

[Redsz]

I'm starting to re-think Rivera. While I was originally for him, I think the points made about him recently are valid.

We are not a smash mouth football team and his comment about turning us into such a team scares me. I certainly believe we are physical, but we are not geared to be a Steelers or Bears type of football team.

I like everything that has been said about Sherman. This team will be far more prepared than we have seen in the Green 'era'. I think we end up with Chow, but Sherman isn't a bad choice.

 

[Stout]

I'm starting to re-think Rivera. While I was originally for him, I think the points made about him recently are valid.

We are not a smash mouth football team and his comment about turning us into such a team scares me. I certainly believe we are physical, but we are not geared to be a Steelers or Bears type of football team.

I like everything that has been said about Sherman. This team will be far more prepared than we have seen in the Green 'era'. I think we end up with Chow, but Sherman isn't a bad choice.

It's being blown WAY out of proportion. You can easily be a smash-mouth team while still being a top passing team. You simply put in place a run-blocking scheme and play your running game to run downhill at the defense. You can still have a vertical passing attack.

Don't go too crazy about this, guys. I think you're reading waaay too much into one little comment.

 

[Evil Ash]

It's being blown WAY out of proportion. You can easily be a smash-mouth team while still being a top passing team. You simply put in place a run-blocking scheme and play your running game to run downhill at the defense. You can still have a vertical passing attack.

Don't go too crazy about this, guys. I think you're reading waaay too much into one little comment.

Not to mention, he's not the one calling the offensive plays. Its really a matter of finding out what his new OC's coaching strategy is.

If his scheme is similar to the Bears current OC then there will still be plenty of pass plays

 

[conraddobler]

It's being blown WAY out of proportion. You can easily be a smash-mouth team while still being a top passing team. You simply put in place a run-blocking scheme and play your running game to run downhill at the defense. You can still have a vertical passing attack.

Don't go too crazy about this, guys. I think you're reading waaay too much into one little comment.

No I'm not, it's a stupid comment, it's lame and it'd devoid of any thought, it's a cliche and that's what scares me.

It's utterly unoriginal, moronic and was singularly unimpressive.

Now I may well be blowing it out of proportion because I'd have dumped the guy when he said that, most hiring decisions come down to something like a feeling you get from a comment or two, in that context in my fantasy GM
world the guy was dead to me when he uttered those words.

Our team is plenty tough enough, plenty, what they aren't is plenty smart about anything, the last thing I want is some guy who thinks just being meaner is going to work, that's what he's saying, and while I agree a mean streak is good, hence my name, I think almost all our problems are from simply not playing the game in a smart fashion.

Why does everyone like this guy so much? Our offense humbled these guys in the preseason and in the regular season only to lose to Brian Ulracher and our turtle up job. For 3 quarters we kicked their ass and should have humbled them on national TV with a rookie QB.

Now if he want's to play smashmouth we've got the line for him, it's the biggest in football but it's unathletic so while he's getting all new linemen because only 2 of them are that mean and while his installing his defense we don't have the players to run, well exactly how well does anyone think that's going to go?

 

[Stout]

No I'm not, it's a stupid comment, it's lame and it'd devoid of any thought, it's a cliche and that's what scares me.

It's utterly unoriginal, moronic and was singularly unimpressive.

OMIGODOMIGODOMIGODOMIGO, HE SAID SMASHMOUTH!!!!! 'TIS THE WORD WE CANNOT HEAR!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!!!!! THE SKY IS FALLING!!!!! THE SKY IS FALLING!!!!!

*read as overreacting*

 

[az jam]

I like Rivera. If he gets on the "short" list, the Cards will bring him here for a hands on interview after the Bears playoff season ends. He will then have a press conference like those others that interviewed here. Hearing a person in an interview is a lot better than reading a few comments in the newspaper. However, remember that he played under Ditka and his philiosphy was that it all starts in the line. I heard Ditka in an interview with MJ and Bickley this past season. He said the biggest problem with the Cards was that they didn't have a tough line on either the offense or defense.

 

[lobo]

I'm leaning towards Sherman now too, for many of the same reasons that en fuego stated. Sherman also seemed to desperately want the job, which is a big plus IMO.

Right now, I'd list my favorites as:

1. Sherman

2. Chow

3. Rivera

it's a "good" interesting to see how many of us are seeing the value and contributrion sherman can make to this team.....sometimes you need a coach who has the expertise and talent to essentially play the hand he is dealt...in our case i think that is what a coach faces....a pretty good 53 that needs a few holes patched, but not a major overhaul...how many of us (you) would trade the skill position pllayers we have with the rosters ofmost of the playoff teams??

 

[conraddobler]

OMIGODOMIGODOMIGODOMIGO, HE SAID SMASHMOUTH!!!!! 'TIS THE WORD WE CANNOT HEAR!!!!! AAAAAAAAAAAAARGH!!!!! THE SKY IS FALLING!!!!! THE SKY IS FALLING!!!!!

*read as overreacting*

How overreacting should I be when we hire the wrong guy again, do you have any idea how long 3 years in football terms?

I do so I'm a bit twitchy about the prospect of this team screwing it up again.

 

[slanidrac16]

The resumes of each look dazzling.

But what wins games will be the unique set of personality traits key to the job.

Few if any of us have ever met any of the current 8 individuals nor do we have an inkling about how each of them relates to players or management, deals with adversity, plans for success, knows what buttons to push (or not push) etc.

It will be an interesting search - how do you rate the "sage wisdom" of 60-year old Norm Chow (with his stellar backround in education) with the energy and of a younger and possibly more energetic guy like a Jim Bates?

How do you compare and rate the sweat & grit of playing in the NFL trenches (like Rivera and Grimm) with the cerebral and theoretical skills of a Cameron, Chow or Whisenhut?

Which of these guys is a screamer? Which a coaxer? Which thinks more long-range? which one is a "do it now!" guy? Who believes in fitting the system to the available players? Which ones believe in making the players conform to the system?

Those are the things that will determine whom we hire, and I suspect this will be as valuable as a learning experience for MB and RG as it is an important proicess for making the right decision.

Very well said!!

 

[Stout]

How overreacting should I be when we hire the wrong guy again, do you have any idea how long 3 years in football terms?

I do so I'm a bit twitchy about the prospect of this team screwing it up again.

LOL Sorry to give you the Chicken Little, but the beginning of your post was more than a bit over the top.

I agree that hiring the wrong coach again would be bad. I just think a few people are taking some things far, far too out of context and too serious.

Also, how do we know Rivera didn't just use the players and his HC's directives to decide which defense to run? Can't he be smart enough to use or design a system to get the max out of our guys?

 

[hafey]

I think Conrad makes a wonderful point. The Cardinals are plenty tough enough. It is the undisciplined play, stupid play, poorly coached play that has been killing the Cardinals. It has been poor scheme and poor preparation that did the Cardinals in under Green. I want a coach that will instill discipline, make adjustments, and out coach the other team. I can't say one way or the other if Rivera is this guy.

I too have concerns with Rivera messing too much the offense. Also, I worry about what kind of defense he will be running. I don't like the cover 2 scheme to start with and we don't have the personal to play the cover 2 well right now. Is Rivera going to try and put a square peg in a round hole?

 

[football karma]

I think Conrad makes a wonderful point. The Cardinals are plenty tough enough. It is the undisciplined play, stupid play, poorly coached play that has been killing the Cardinals. It has been poor scheme and poor preparation that did the Cardinals in under Green. I want a coach that will instill discipline, make adjustments, and out coach the other team. I can't say one way or the other if Rivera is this guy.

I too have concerns with Rivera messing too much the offense. Also, I worry about what kind of defense he will be running. I don't like the cover 2 scheme to start with and we don't have the personal to play the cover 2 well right now. Is Rivera going to try and put a square peg in a round hole?

Prior to Chicago -- Rivera wasnt a cover 2 kinda guy -- he was from the Jim Johnson school of blitz-o-rama.

I suspect that if he does come here, the Cards are going to get his own version.

As for being prepared, apparently Rivera's strength is taking complicated schemes, and condensing them down to concepts that players can quickly understand and execute.

I dont have a problem with Rivera.

 

[Stout]

Prior to Chicago -- Rivera wasnt a cover 2 kinda guy -- he was from the Jim Johnson school of blitz-o-rama.

I suspect that if he does come here, the Cards are going to get his own version.

As for being prepared, apparently Rivera's strength is taking complicated schemes, and condensing them down to concepts that players can quickly understand and execute.

I dont have a problem with Rivera.

I SLOBBER at the idea of a blitz-o-rama defense!

 

[hafey]

I agree. I was happy to hear that he coached under Jim Johnson.

 

[joeshmo]

Chris Mortenson, in an interview this morning with John Kincade on 680 The Fan in Atlanta, reported that the Falcons could name a new head coach as soon as Monday.

According to Mortenson, Falcons owner Arthur Blank was most impressed with Steelers Offensive Coordinator, Ken Whisenhunt. He said that the Falcons might try and hire him before he interviews with the Steelers for their vacancy.

ProFootballTalk.com, however, speculates that the Falcons might hire Mike Singletary, who, according to them is a favorite of Blank's.

All of this is muddied even further by reports the last day or two that say that Blank liked Whisenhunt, but Falcons GM Rich McKay liked Singletary.

 

[arthurracoon]

any news of how the cameron interview went?

 

[JerkFace]

Chris Mortenson, in an interview this morning with John Kincade on 680 The Fan in Atlanta, reported that the Falcons could name a new head coach as soon as Monday.

According to Mortenson, Falcons owner Arthur Blank was most impressed with Steelers Offensive Coordinator, Ken Whisenhunt. He said that the Falcons might try and hire him before he interviews with the Steelers for their vacancy.

ProFootballTalk.com, however, speculates that the Falcons might hire Mike Singletary, who, according to them is a favorite of Blank's.

All of this is muddied even further by reports the last day or two that say that Blank liked Whisenhunt, but Falcons GM Rich McKay liked Singletary.

hopefully they go with singletary.......it will give the cards more options off their list

 

[Stout]

Chris Mortenson, in an interview this morning with John Kincade on 680 The Fan in Atlanta, reported that the Falcons could name a new head coach as soon as Monday.

According to Mortenson, Falcons owner Arthur Blank was most impressed with Steelers Offensive Coordinator, Ken Whisenhunt. He said that the Falcons might try and hire him before he interviews with the Steelers for their vacancy.

ProFootballTalk.com, however, speculates that the Falcons might hire Mike Singletary, who, according to them is a favorite of Blank's.

All of this is muddied even further by reports the last day or two that say that Blank liked Whisenhunt, but Falcons GM Rich McKay liked Singletary.

Add to this that I heard a rumor just now on ESPN Radio that the Falcons were near selecting a coach, and that Blank would give him the power to decide Vick's future with the team. Speculation said it would be Wisenhunt.

WOW. Can you imagine if the Falcon's made Vick available? I'd laugh my rear off.

 

[Zeno]

Add to this that I heard a rumor just now on ESPN Radio that the Falcons were near selecting a coach, and that Blank would give him the power to decide Vick's future with the team. Speculation said it would be Wisenhunt.

WOW. Can you imagine if the Falcon's made Vick available? I'd laugh my rear off.

Al Davis would be falling over himself to get him if he became available and I am sure he wouldn't care what his new coach says about it.

 

[ItsInTheCards]

Al Davis would be falling over himself to get him if he became available and I am sure he wouldn't care what his new coach says about it.

and thats why they are getting quality candidates like John Shoop to become coach

 

[MastersofCombat]

It would be nice to see a coach with the philosphy of understanding a good lineman when he sees one. Develop a scheme like the broncos have for pass protection.

 

[JeffGollin]

Whizenhut Still in Play

Falcons are reported to have signed Bobby Petrino (U of Louisville) to a 5-year contract.

Howerver, Whizenhut will be part of the Steeler interviewing process that includes Russ Grimm and possibly some candidates outside their organization.

 

[SunCityCarl]

Dolphins add Carroll as candidate

Wow, an owner flying out to a guy on vacation for an interview. Ya think if Cards wanted Pete Carroll they'd do this? LOL


Dolphins add Carroll as candidate
Click-2-Listen
By Greg A. Bedard

Palm Beach Post Staff Writer

Monday, January 08, 2007

The Dolphins have added Southern California coach Pete Carroll to their list of head-coaching candidates, a source said Sunday, and team officials might already have talked to Carroll.

Carroll, according to a Los Angeles Daily News report, is on vacation in Costa Rica, and a plane owned by Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga was in Costa Rica on Saturday.

Huizenga's plane, which has a Dolphins logo on its tail, was used to take the owner to interviews in Atlanta, San Diego, Chicago and Pittsburgh.

The Dolphins interviewed six candidates on Thursday and Friday: former Atlanta Falcons coach Jim Mora, Georgia Tech coach Chan Gailey, San Diego Chargers offensive coordinator Cam Cameron, Chicago Bears coordinators Ron Rivera (defense) and Ron Turner (offense), and Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt.

Messages left for Carroll's representatives were not returned.

Carroll, 55, recently completed his sixth season as head coach of the Trojans. He has a 65-12 record and has led USC to two consecutive national championships.

Before heading to the college ranks, Carroll was an NFL head coach with the New York Jets (1994) and New England Patriots (1997-99), compiling a 33-31 regular-season record, 34-33 overall.

Carroll spent an additional 12 years in the NFL as a defensive backs coach and defensive coordinator with four teams.

Huizenga has long been intrigued by Carroll, according to a source.

However, Carroll is a defensive-minded coach and the Dolphins want to change to a more offensive-minded approach. Also, Carroll has recently said he is happy in the college game, and Huizenga is replacing Nick Saban because Saban preferred to coach in college.

The Dolphins will speak with Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Tomlin on Monday in Minnesota. The Dolphins are also expected to interview Jim Bates, who once served as Dolphins defensive coordinator and interim head coach, and current Dolphins coordinators Dom Capers (defense) and Mike Mularkey (offense) early this week before quickly settling on a list of finalists.

Interviews with Rivera and Tomlin would satisfy the NFL's "Rooney Rule," which requires teams to interview at least one minority candidate before hiring a head coach. That should allow the Dolphins to move quickly on making a final decisiion.

 

[D-Dogg]

The Cards don't want Carroll.

 

[john h]

Falcons are reported to have signed Bobby Petrino (U of Louisville) to a 5-year contract.

Howerver, Whizenhut will be part of the Steeler interviewing process that includes Russ Grimm and possibly some candidates outside their organization.

Petrino is reported to have signed a $24 mil, 5 year deal. That seems strong for a college coach but if he produces?