Ready your arguments. This would be the worst time to change head coaches. About 25% of the league is already looking to do so. That said I can’t imagine anyone watching last night’s game and concluding this was a well coached team.
I won’t belabor the point about wins and I know it sounds crazy to say it, but that’s not the only way to evaluate coaching. Here’s why you change, IMO.
- This coach does not construct effective game plans consistently. He did have a good plan against the Bears and ironically in 2 of the 3 games McCoy started. In too many other games, including the playoff game, he came up empty.
- Despite supposedly being an offensive guru, he has issues evaluating and developing QBs. He picked Murray who seems to lack leadership skills and poise. Murray has numerous technical deficiencies, which Kingsbury has only slightly improved. Murray’s comments on film study would seem to indicate either Kingsbury has no clue on development or Murray can do as he chooses. None of this means Murray can‘t be salvaged.
- Murray seems reluctant to run. I assume for fear of injury. This is Murray’s most reliable weapon. You have to use it. Kingsbury should call it more often. Force the issue.
- Murray kills too many drives by taking sacks. He simply holds the ball too long. In his third year he should have been coached out of this.
- Kingsbury has no clue on defense. If something needs to be adjusted on defense mid-game, Kingsbury has no credibility. This also means no one is holding the DC accountable.
- Common occurring situations, like a 2 minute drill, are undertaken. It’s like Kingsbury had not planned to deal with such situations. He has little sense of clock management or time out usage.
- The play calling is not adapted to the game situation. In the playoff game, for example, instead of letting Murray settle in with some simple throws Kingsbury once again threw a pass attempt far longer than needed for the first down. Kingsbury has done this too often throughout the season.
- Kingsbury takes needless gambles. I’m not opposed to going on fourth down as the stats support it, but not early in your own end of the field. He eschews taking a sure 3 points trying for a risky TD. He went for 2 point conversion way too early. He’s overly aggressive at the wrong times.
- Penalties have been allowed to kill too many drives. This is symptomatic of a lack of team discipline. There appears to be no consequences.
- Another obvious issue is having the team ready to play. Too often the Cards have appeared flat early in games. This is especially concerning in games that are important. It also seems the Cards play down to weaker opponents. They behave as if they just have to show up.
- He insists on being his own OC, which means only one POV is considered. I’m skeptical that even if you forced an OC on him that Kingsbury would let that coach do his job. I’m also not sure he’d allow a power QB coach.
I could keep going but what’s the point. This is more than enough to merit a change. Can anyone seriously believe most of these will be rectified? Whenever I post one of these everyone one asks, “Who would you hire?” Simple, I’d hire Todd Bowles. I’d also get a solid OC, who’d call plays and a QB coach. Bidwill should have a sit down with Murray. Murray would either get religion or be traded. I hate the idea of losing a player with Murray’s athletic ability, but he has to be willing to address his shortcomings and understand he’s not a star yet. In fact he never will be a star unless he improves. He’ll end up as one of those guys who you always ask, “why hasn’t that guy won it all? He has the tools.” It would be a setback to replace him, but there is talent available and this will be an attractive team to lead with the right personnel moves.
This late season collapse is sadly typical of Kingsbury’s career. I’m not convinced he’s willing to change his style enough to avoid that fate in the future. He didn’t do it in college and his career seemed on a downward trajectory when the Cards grabbed him. One of the board counterpoints I heard often was, “I’m just happy making the playoffs.” Well if you’re in that group, congratulations! You got your participation trophy. For me, if I were Bidwill, I’d be embarrassed by this game. I predict next year’s team will not make the playoffs unless there is a coaching change.
BTW, I’d previously written Kingsbury would be back. I still think he will but now it’s 75% yes, 25% no.