Who would you want as defensive coordinator?
by MtnExile on Jan 1, 2009 2:21 PM CST
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PrintI think it's pretty obvious that if there's a member of Da Chronic who doesn't want Gary Gibbs gone, that person doesn't know how to type...because we haven't heard from him.
But on the supposition that criticism isn't valid unless you can think of a way to fix things yourself (I don't believe that, personally), who would we choose as defensive coordinator to take his place as Joshua to Payton's Moses?
I'm assuming that a horizontal movement is impossible. Why would Steve Spagnuolo, for instance, want to move from New York to New Orleans in order to fill the same position? The only candidates who would consider such a move would be like Cleveland coordinator Mel Tucker--fleeing a bad situation. Why would we want to take on another team's problem? Besides which, I believe NFL rules allow teams to interview coaches under contract if the job being offered constitutes a promotion.
So what we have to choose from is a pool of fired coaches (mainly head coaches) and defensive assistants and position coaches. I don't want to limit the discussion by posting a poll, so I'm just going to list a few of my own thoughts, and hopefully others will join in and an eventual consensus will develop.
Then, I'll call Sean and Mickey and let then know what we think.
HEAD COACHES
Mike Nolan. This is the guy at the top of my list of former head coaches. He has experience working with one of the best defensive units in the NFL, the Baltimore Ravens. He's well-thought of, and I don't hold against him the inability to make functional one of the most dysfunctional franchises in the league. The only strike against him is that both the Ravens and the 49ers play a 3-4. I have absolutely nothing against the 3-4 (in fact, I prefer it), but I doubt we have the personnel for it to work.
Rod Marinelli. Another highly-regarded defensive coach victimized by a dysfunctional franchise. Marinelli got his team to play hard (at times)...they just weren't any good. He's a disciple of the Tampa 2 of Tony Dungy and Monte Kiffin, which means at the very least that we'd have a coherent system and not the mishmash of Gibbs Gumbo. (A useful phrase which, still and all, insults gumbo.) The knock on Marinelli is, of course, "0-16"--coupled with the fact that he was promoted to head coach without ever going through the defensive coordinator phase (he did serve as "assistant head coach," whatever that is). His "guys," like Warren Sapp and Simeon Rice, swear by him.
Romeo Crennel. Crennel served as DC under Bill Belichick--and whatever you may think of Bill as a video director, as a defensive mastermind he is almost without equal in NFL history in his ability both to plan for an opponent and to prepare his players. But how much did Crennel really have to do with that? Well, the real glory years of the Patriots were when Crennel was there. He also worked as defensive line coach under Bill Parcells for many years, so we know at least that he believes in discipline and accountability. But then why couldn't he instill that in Cleveland?
All in all, I have to say that after long thought, I'm not convinced that hiring a former head coach (an available former head coach, at any rate) is the way to go. That leaves the defensive assistants.
DEFENSIVE ASSISTANTS
Sean McDermott, Philadelphia Eagles, secondary. One of the first names mentioned whenever this subject comes up. His unit is currently the real strength of Philadelphia's defense, but he also has experience coaching the linebackers. His secondary is known especially for the play of its safeties--and he is himself a former safety. Sounding like a Messiah yet? Let's finish the disciple part first: he's a follower of Jim Johnson, one of the all-time great defensive coordinators, and the man who gave Steve Spagnuolo his start. Thus, he's steeped in the philosophy that a defense's primary job is not to react, but to attack, to punish the offense--and most importantly, to get turnovers.
The downside is: he's a young hotshot named Sean.
Dave McGinnis, Tennessee Titans, linebackers. Got his start coaching the Bears linebackers under Dave Wannstedt: Mike Singletary, Wilbur Marshall, and Otis Wilson, among others. He's also been a defensive coordinator and head coach--for the Arizona Cardinals, another dysfunctional franchise, so he gets a pass for his failure (although his defensive units produces some good players, like Simeon Rice and Aeneas Williams). Currently responsible for coaching up Keith Bulluck.
Jim Washburn, Tennessee Titans, defensive line. Another longtime position coach who has developed great talent. He's the man who made Jevon Kearse a superstar, then resurrected his career when he was cut by the Eagles. His current unit is maybe the NFL's best. He has coordinator experience, but only on the arena football and NFL Europe levels.
Mike Zimmer, Cincinnati Bengals, defensive coordinator. Don't laugh...the Bengals weren't all that bad on defense this year. Besides, Zimmer is best known for his work on the Cowboys, and he has a Super Bowl ring to show for it. He's the only DC I include, because how can anyone be happy working for the Bengals? Don't know what the contract situation would be, but it's worth looking into, if only so that we don't wait until the only person left to hire is Joe Barry.
There's gotta be more, and I've been long-winded enough, so I'm going to throw this open now. One last point, though: I haven't mentioned college coaches, because I don't know enough about any of them. But that's another possibility.
This FanPost was written by a reader and member of Canal Street Chronicles. It does not necessarily reflect the views of CSC and its staff or editors.
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I like...
Sean McDermott… especially after watching the beating the Eagles put on Dallas last week!
"For us, there is no spring... only the smell of fresh wind before the storm."
-Conan of Cimeria
I just checked into a few perennially strong defensive teams asst coaches lists (Carolina, NY, Pittsburgh, Baltimore, Indy, Jax)
And came across this name: Mike Trgovac, DC, Carolina
He’s been with the team since 2002, and has no other title besides DC, so we could get him if we offered an extra title with our DC job, like asst head coach or something.
I just don’t know if he’s any good or not.
While watching Rose Bowl I’ll see if I can find any resources on ranking/evaluating of current NFL DCs or position coaches…
The Detroit Lions are on the clock!
My thoughts
Romeo – probably would have to play mostly 3-4, which Vilma hates, so he’s out.
Nolan – I think Payton would be threatened by a guy with significant HC experience.
Tennessee guys – don’t know much about them, but the Titans D is periennially good so they’re possibilities.
I’ve been touting McDermott from the get go, he’d be my top choice. Marinelli is intriguing though. We have some personnel which could be well suited to the cover 2 (Jason David, anyone?) and he would bring a knowledge of the teams in our division having been at Tampa recently. Even though he’s been an HC, 0-16 means Payton couldn’t be too threatened by him.
I'm with you
McDermott is my choice. I figure we have to hash out all the possibilities, though, before I call Sean.
Gary Gibbs Must Geaux!
Fantastic Write-up
This should be in the TPic…
Of the available ex-head coaches, I’d prefer Marinelli. If Sapp and Rice like him, that says alot. And he’s Ex-Military. Get some freakin toughness and nastyness in that defense.
But any of those DA’s would be good with me. McDermott stands out, based on our needs, of course.
BTW, did anyone see Taylor Mays’ hit tonight? That what I’m talking about!! I’ll take the occasional 15 yard penalty in exchange for an ENFORCER in the secondary. I’m tired of us getting bullied in the secondary. Its time for us to start doing some bullying! I hope we can get that guy. I’ll be watching Mizzou’s Moore tommorow…see what he has too…
All I want for Christmas are two new Safeties...
Good Right Up!! Hell in the Times Pic, It should be in the NY Times.....
I’m with you guys. Almost anyone would be an upgrade. I’ve been on Marvin Lewis, but the more and more I think about it he wouldn’t fit…. 1) He would clash with SP 2) He mainly uses a 3-4 defense. Hands down I REALLY wanted Steve Spangnuola but this write up made me realize and understand why he wouldn’t. I also love all the DA’s. I think all have a nasty streak in ‘em. My choice now is Rod Marinelli. If he could focus solely on the "D" he would excel. I think he would come to the Big Easy for several reasons. But would SP hire him? Would he get rid of Mr. Gibbs Everyone deserves a second chance; hell I’m sooooooo tired of Gibbs. I honestly think we got talent on that side of the ball and he’s not making ‘em play up to their level……….
So as of now
it seems a consensus is developing in favor of the young hotshot McDermott, or the no-nonsense disciplinarian Marinelli.
Gary Gibbs Must Geaux!
my view.
3-4 4-3 HUGE difference between these . We are not built for a 3-4 at all.
If you bring in a DC who tries to put that into place we are going to blow chunks all over the field next year, unless we totally revamp the D
Cover 2. Do we have the personnel for it? Or do we have to totally revamp the D?
Right now I think we can get buy with 1 new player in the secondary and improve it dramatically. Get a CB to play opposite Porter. Move MM back to S with Harper.
Then you get a OLB to play with Vilma and Fujita. Yah hes not a superstar but he can get the job done I think.
So.. why do i say all this on this page? Well the new DC is not going to get the money to replace everyone. We did that a couple years ago and it didn’t prove useful (Gibbs to blame?) so Rita wont say yes to that.
So.. why do i say all this on this page? Well the new DC is not going to get the money to replace everyone. We did that a couple years ago and it didn’t prove useful (Gibbs to blame?) so Rita wont say yes to that.That means whoever does come here… has some work to do .
- Convince the Powderpuffs to play to their salary.
- Convince Big Sed that yes its ok to dine on opposing QBs. And if a Oline is in the way well, every fine meal needs an appetizer.
- Convince the LBs that yes. Hitting so hard that the poor fool that came in front of you needs a TV timeout to get his wind back.. Thats ok.
- Remind the CBs that their job is to make sure the wimpy WR doesn’t come down with the ball. He is allowed to go up for … but better not have it when he returns to earth. And a special lesson.. 4th down is not interception time. If you do, you can run laps with a boot applied repetitively.
- and finally teach the S to play S again note.. there is no C or B in S. They dont need to catch the ball (bonus if they do) but if they dont, then noone around them is either. (bonus points if a WR needs a break after a play to get his wind back)
Who is going to be able to do all this?
Sean McDermott, Philadelphia Eagles, secondary. Thus, he’s steeped in the philosophy that a defense’s primary job is not to react, but to attack, to punish the offense—and most importantly, to get turnovers.
Sean the Offensive
Sean the Defense
its Sean all the time!
MT
Reward: Have you seen my Defensive Line? If so please contact the front office.
AGREED
trying to get a 3-4 on this team right now would be one of the worst ideas ever. I like the 4-3 zone blitz insanity that Philly runs, and i think we could do that here. So the guy from philly is definitely welcome here. I wouldn’t mind a cover 2 either though. With a cover 2 we could actually use JD in a place where he’s comfortable and actually decent corner. He’s pretty good in the flat, so a cover 2 with him and porter in the flats wouldn’t be too bad at all.
Whatever we do though, make sure it isn’t try to run a 3-4
Spanguolo
may be the key to this situation. He’s going to be hired as a head coach somewhere—which means the Giants will have to replace him. There’s a chance that Jim Schwartz will get a head coaching job, too, which would mean two teams will have to replace top-notch defensive coordinators. Both the Giants and the Titans have a tradition of strong, attacking defenses—they’re not going to replace their guys with just anyone. Sean McDermott may wind up going to the Giants; McGinnis may get the promotion in Tennessee. That’s two of the best candidates off the table, pretty damn soon.
This needs to be done soon. Not after some leisurely off-season evaluation period. If we don’t have a new defensive coordinator by the first couple of weeks after the Super Bowl, I don’t see it happening.
Gary Gibbs Must Geaux!
unpopular an opinion as it may be
I think Gary Gibbs is the right man for the job as DC. Additions to the personnel, a consistently healthy secondary and fiery, young position coaches are what the Saints need. Kaesvahairn & McKenzie are well past their prime and Gay, Young, & David are not anywhere near starting calibre corners. The injuries this past season were just unfortunate and unlucky, it is the breaks of the game, but i think it is unrealistic to expect success if there is no consist\ency in the secondary. The players are not interchangeable parts, and need time playing together in order to excel, similar to an o-line. (quick tangent: for all our injuries on offense this year, not many on the line. i think that is one reason why we were able to have the top rated offense while having many injured skill position players during the season.) and my final point, in hindsight, it is pretty obvious that Orgeron was just collecting a paycheck, and the DL seemed to be a reflection of that: smith and grant just seemed to be following the lead of their coach, and just going through the motions. bring in a young & hungry positional coach for these guys. a few upgrades via the draft or FA, and i think this defense will be serviceable. our offense is kick-ass and we dont need to shut teams out, we just need a defense to not lose games. and i think a steady hand and consistency is the way to get there.
by in the 9th on Jan 5, 2009 9:55 AM CST reply actions 1 recs
I'm afraid I have to disagree
There is much to be said for retaining a man who has the trust of Payton and Loomis and the support of the players. I assume that is the case here. There is also certainly a case to be made for getting better position and unit coaches, and better players as well. And yes, injuries certainly played a part in the Saints’ demise(s) this season.
All that said, the defensive coordinator is the man who establishes the character of his defense. The character of the Saints’ D is passive and reactive. They put very little pressure on opposing offenses—and one curious aspect is that, knowing they get little pressure from their line, they have been unable to find ways to apply pressure in different ways. Is this purely a personnel issue?
A nearly ideal example of a pressure defense working correctly occurred last night in Minnesota. As the Eagles pulled away in the fourth quarter, and the Vikings were forced to pass more and deeper in order to cut the deficit, Jim Johnson dialed up the pressure. The Eagles responded, as they always do, forcing hurried incompletions, false starts, holding penalties, and finally a turnover. Is their success purely a matter of better personnel? I think not: they’re so good at it not only because the individual players are better at their jobs, but also because their job descriptions are so different from those on the Saints. Their philosophy is to put pressure on the opponent; they relentlessly practice doing so; and as a result, they’re very good at it. The Saints aren’t good at anything on defense.
Why?
Gary Gibbs Must Geaux!
apples to oranges
we aren’t the eagles. who have had consistency in their DC position. and who also are no slouches with talent in the secondary: brian dawkins, lito sheppard, assante samuel, sheldon brown and quintin mikkel are all better than anyone the saints have.
to be realistic, we are not going to bring in sean mcdermott or steve spangnulo or any other coordinator, and suddenly be able to blitz effectively and force turnovers with the talent we have. our talent (or money) is in the d-line. i think the idea was to generate pressure with a 4 man rush, which would help forgive the DBs for their lack of talent. but the line did not create that pressure and we were bad on defense. moving forward, and on to next season, a line that creates more pressure and upgrades and competition for starting DB spots, and you will see a defense that probably wont win any games, BUT will not lose nearly as many.
"will not lose nearly as many"?
Is this the standard of success you’re looking for? That sounds like the very essence of Gary Gibbs’ philosophy.
Granted we’re not as talented as the Eagles’ secondary—few teams are. But few teams have as much invested—in terms of both money and philosophy—in the success of their defense. The Saints have very little invested in their defense, except wasted money.
And no: changing defensive coordinators won’t, by itself, result in instant success. But it’s a start. More than that: it’s the proper start. Gibbs isn’t capable of crafting or directing a dominating defense because that’s not his philosophy.
Personally, I don’t want to have a world-class offense and a defense that just gets by. I want a defense that scares the bejesus out of people. The great teams of the past—the Steelers, the 49ers, the Cowboys—were complete teams. That’s what I want: for the world to speak of the New Orleans Saints with reverence. Winning a Super Bowl isn’t enough. Maybe I’m just too demanding.
Gary Gibbs Must Geaux!
Oh hell I'm not that demanding
I"ll take a bend a little but don’t break defense. They don’t have to scare anyone, just instill some respect and don’t lose the game. THE game. Not “don’t lose too many games”. That is SO Gary Gibbs. He’s toast. He’s Carl Peterson. Here is his picture, if you see him around town, tell him his defense sucks. I want the Saints to have to hire security for him.
dome patrol
was an intimidating defense. 4 Linebackers in the pro-bowl with some decent d-lineman and a bad ass safety. i dont recall them having more success than sean payton’s saints. our defense only has to “not lose games” similar to the role of qb that delhomme has with carolina, collins has with tennessee and manning has with the giants. none of them are great qb’s but they manage the game and their teams win. that’s how i see the saints defense, and given our investment in offense, i dont think that it is selling it short to expect that. to expect a head cracking intimidating defense, given what we have, is only setting yourself up for a let down. now, if the D-Linemen (looking at you, grant and smith) play to the level of their salaries, and can generate pressure with out blitzing, then i think our DBs will begin to look a little better. im no gary gibbs apologist, however, i dont think he was counting on will smith and charles grant simultaneously having the worst years of their career.
Hey 9th you pushed my button. One of several.
You can post freely, I won’t attack you. But it’s open season on Lito Sheppard:
rotoworld.com:
Dec. 10, 2008 – 12:02 p.m. ET
Eagles CB Lito Sheppard has been relegated to special teams duty with CB Joselio Hanson taking over the nickel back role.
While the loud-mouthed schnook Sheppard roared all off-season about not starting, Hanson quietly went about improving his game — and its paid off. The Eagles pass defense has allowed just 5.99 YPA and a 53.3 completion percentage since Hanson took over for Sheppard seven games ago.
Source: Philadelphia Inquirer & Daily News
lito sheppard
is a 2x pro bowler, as recently as 2006. the saints would be lucky to call their nickel corner a 2x pro bowler. i know you arent a fan, the point i was/am making is that the eagles can run blitz schemes and complex coverages because of the personnel, the immortal lito sheppard included.
hush
We dot not want that man here
We do not want talk about that man here
WE DO NOT irritate Stujo and MT with talk of that man.
Unless of course you goal is to get a rise out of the two of us.
MT
Reward: Have you seen my Defensive Line? If so please contact the front office.
haha
no i am not saying bring lito sheppard here, but i am saying his resume on the field is better than anything any CB the saints has to offer. gay, young, mcckenzie, david and glenn are not even in the qualtiy of lito shepperd. he may be an ass, and he may be a shit team mate, but shepperd is more talented than any player on the saints defensive backfield.
and no, i am not trying to get a rise out of anyone. although i did get banned from a spurs website during the playoffs last year.
Good points, but....
I think I have to continue siding with the majority on the dire need to replace Gibbs. To get anything closer defensively to the high level of performance the Saints offense musters each week would seem to require a change at the top—Gary Gibbs. He’s had three years to develop a dominating defense and it simply hasn’t happened. You’re right in that a lot of it has to do with the personnel we have and the many injuries sustained this past season, but the overall defensive failures still seem more like a failure of scheme than anything else. Most any other team in the NFL would definitely replace their DC after the past two seasons of poor defensive performance and the 2006 season of mediocre performance. I do have to say that the run defense was definitely improved this year compared to last. There can be no debate about that. I don’t have enough football smarts to know the exact remedy for our sub-par defense, but getting new leadership at the top seems like the first place to start.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Jan 5, 2009 1:29 PM CST up reply actions
About that improved run defense
Actually, in 2008 we averaged 117.8 yards per game given up on an average of 27.8 rushes with a YPC of 4.2. In 2007, we averaged 102.9 per game, on an average of 25.5 rushes with a YPC of 4.0. We actually got worse in 2008, despite those few games (like Minnesota) where we held in check a Pro-Bowl caliber running back.
Incredibly enough, it was our pass defense that improved this year. In 2008, opponents passed on us an average of 32.9 times a game, gaining an average of 221.7 yards. That’s an average of 6.73 yards per attempt. In 2007, they passed on us at the nearly identical rate of 32.8 times a game, but gained 245.2 yards a game. That’s an average of 7.47 yards per attempt. We were 30th at stopping the pass in 2007; in 2008, we were 23rd.
Gary Gibbs Must Geaux!
Really????
I stand corrected. I’ve never really been one to actually look up statistics. The D just seemed a lot better this year at containing opposing RBs like AP, Gore, Portis, and Turner. I don’t quite get how the numbers you cited could possibly apply to this season. It doesn’t seem to mesh with what I remember from each game. Maybe it’s just the big breakout runs by opposing RBs (or lack thereof) that I’m remembering. WIth the exception of DeAngelo Williams, I can’t remember anyone gouging our D for big gains on the ground.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Jan 6, 2009 9:30 AM CST up reply actions
not buying it
Saints’ D is passive and reactive
This cannot be denied. Watch any other top ranked NFL defense on TV and see the difference.
The Saints aren’t good at anything on defense.
I’ll say “great” instead of “good”. This is unfortunately true also.
If you accept only these 2 points as true, then you must accept that 3 seasons of Mr. Gibbs’ guidance and judgment of player talent is enough. He needs to be replaced. It’s a shame and I mean that most sincerely. But we as fans can’t take a 4th year of this. Can’t do it.
Another team fires their DC
The National Football Post reports that the Packers have fired defensive coordinator Bob Sanders.
The NFP has close ties to the Green Bay organization, so we trust them here. Injuries crushed the Packers’ defense in 2008, but someone had to pay for their drop from the league’s No. 11-ranked unit in 2007 to 20th in 2008. The Pack was especially woeful against the run, which made them easy to game plan against late in the year. They’re unlikely to replace Sanders in-house. Jan. 4 – 6:34 pm et
To my count that’s two teams that have decided to go in a different defensive direction this past week, when also counting the Texans. Should we be preparing ourselves for the retention of Coach Gibbs? I know Payton and everyone took the week off last week and will be determining these things starting today, so they may still look to go in a different direction defensively. With other non-playoff teams already making moves, I’m not so optimistic at this point of seeing a Saints DC change.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Jan 5, 2009 11:01 AM CST reply actions
Payton is stalling
And it will cost Payton his job. It’s a matter of time. I wish I had friends like Sean Payton who would take a bullet for me. But I think, as a fan, I would rather have a despised rat bastard head coach who treated his staff like cheap whores on Sunday morning and won a championship. Being a nice guy is overrated sometimes.
Either you treat your staff like cheap whores
or you treat the fans like cheap whores. God knows, we ARE cheaper. Hell, we even pay THEM.
But I think stujo has hit the nail on the head here. If Gibbs stays, Payton will eventually be fired, and his failure as head coach will be directly traceable to the failures of his defensive coordinator.
I called him last night on this, but he answered in some weird fake Jamaican accent and claimed to be the houseboy. “Mista Payton nah ta tome,” that sort of thing. Not fooling anyone, Sean. Do I have to call Sean McDermott for you?
Gary Gibbs Must Geaux!
Jan. 6, 2009
T-Pic:
NO DECISION ON COACHING STAFF: Loomis and Payton remained non-committal on the future of defensive coordinator Gary Gibbs and the rest of the coaching staff Tuesday. "Sean and I will talk about all our coaches’ evaluations this week, offensively and defensively, " Loomis said. The entire coaching staff returned to work Tuesday to begin thorough player evaluations after assistants were given the week off. Loomis and Payton also took some time off during the past week.
Reality
Gibbs has lost the fans.
Gibbs appears to have lost the defensive players
Gibbs must go.
Our D blows.
SOMEONE must go.
Coach P has 2 options. Gibbs or himself.
MT
Reward: Have you seen my Defensive Line? If so please contact the front office.
Actually
it’s Gibbs, or Payton and Gibbs. Because there’s no way Gary Gibbs survives Payton being fired.
The only thing that can save Gibbs is the unlikely event of a championship season fueled by defensive dominance. I don’t see that on the horizon. Maybe it’s tunneling from underneath.
Gary Gibbs Must Geaux!
Dominance
umm I almost spewed my cola on my monitor there.
If somehow they have a defense that can be counted on to win games then maybe he could stay.
I dont want a defense that can not LOSE games anymore. We tried that .. FAILURE.
I want a D that steps up and says “Drew… baby we love you but you got the night off man. We gonna win this for you.”
Who is going to win the Superbowl this year?
I bet they have have a defense that has stepped up multiple times and pulled victory out of a piss poor offensive game.
MT
Reward: Have you seen my Defensive Line? If so please contact the front office.
The reality is
if Gibbs isn’t gone by the end of the week, then he’s going to be here next year. If he’s here next year then we will have another sorry ass D with an Offense that spawns another pass happy coach who’s playing from behind who has to abandon the run, who will probably bring in another receiver in the draft. That list of D all pros, Lito (yeah I said his name), Ray Ray, Dawkins, Ed Reed; please do you think any of them cats are coming here? And if they did it would be an end of a career money move and we’d all be on here screaming they aren’t worth the money we paid for them. Really, how do you turn around a passive, big play giving up D like ours in one season? You would have to replace Gibbs with someone with a will strong enough to turn around that passive ass culture they’ve established. Can the ego absorb Payton do that? I think he’s a frustrated ex QB trying to prove too many points and Defense ain’t one of them.
Too bad...
I agree that if Gibbs isn’t gone in the next few weeks, he’ll stick around. I hope that Payton really sees the need for a new philosophy on defense. I know he said in his last interview that the organization was going to look at all aspects of the team, which I would assume coaching staff.
But I also think we have a legitimate chance @ 1 top tier FA signing. OJ Otogwe is someone I’d like to see and I would consider him a team changing FA signing. I think we have a legit shot at him and even Dunta Robinson from Houston.
Pick those two guys up, draft a top tier LB or FS, find someone who can get Grant and Smith to play to their potential and we’ve got something.
"For us, there is no spring... only the smell of fresh wind before the storm."
-Conan of Cimeria
Dude, it is 2009
Lito was an “all pro” in 2006. That was a long time ago. Ed Reed is no spring chicken either, btw. Or Dawkins. And Ray Ray is a grandfather. Or could be. We’re going to have to evaluate talent and get the future version of these guys. Don’t look at me, I don’t know who they are. Do you think maybe Coach Payton does? Or Coach Gibbs?
That's my point exactly
None of the aforementioned names should be considered. That’s why I said IF any of them come here it would be a money move. We need a total change of culture and attitude before we can even discuss bringing ANY FA’s over. if that soft warm and fuzzy feeling, acceptance of poor tackling, big game give ups, few to no takeaways, D pass penalties, it won’t matter who we bring in, it will be more of the same. Ellis, Grant and Smith could be beasts, and if we aren’t careful we will see them win rings with somebody else and go damn why couldn’t they do that over here. But on the real, even though I know he wouldn’t do it, I’d take Ed Reed in a heart beat, can you imagine what he could teach Porter and Young.
Mike Zimmer
worked with Payton in Dallas, ran a 4-3 before Parcells got there, then took the on-line course in the offseason and converted to a 3-4. The 4-3 got him the most kudos, and Saints should stay with it given their personnel. Would be tought to get
Senior Bowl, the unofficial NFL coaches convention, is here in Mobile in a couple of weeks. This is where Payton scooped up Orgeron last year, so don’t be surprised if there is no move on Gibbs for another week or so (if at all).
I think this is all moot and we are keeping Gibbs anyway. Dammit. Now I’m depressed.
Man I'm really interested in the Sean McDermot guy...
attack the offense!!! Attack, don’t react attack I say!!!!
Don't worry I got your back cuz...
rotoworld.com:
NFL.com’s Adam Schefter reports that Eagles secondary coach Sean McDermott has joined Mike Nolan and Gregg Williams in the race to be the Packers’ next defensive coordinator.
John Harbaugh brought obvious attention to the Eagles’ DBs coach position. He served in the role in 2008. Green Bay will likely ultimately lean towards the experience with either Williams or Nolan, but McDermott could easily still surface elsewhere. If so, he’ll owe a lot to Harbaugh and DeSean Jackson.
Jan. 11 – 9:36 a.m. ET
Source: NFL.com
Get me another beer, Dragon Lady!
rotoworld.com:
The Titans have reportedly already begun lining up replacement candidates for defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz.
Longtime Jeff Fisher pal Gregg Williams would be an obvious fit and gets an insider’s leg up after coordinating division rival Jacksonville in 2008. The Packers and Saints have both interviewed Williams, but Tennessee might be the most attractive option to him.
Jan. 11 – 2:44 p.m. ET
Source: Profootballtalk.com
Get me another beer, Dragon Lady!
ROMEO
with his personality, i dont see anyone offering him a head coaching job anytime soon. the best way to get back to the head coaching ranks would be to win a super bowl with the Aints.
he can prove himself in the 4-3 system, bring us the hardware in jan/feb next year, then move on to head coach the bengals or lions or someone else desperate.
plus, i want a guy named ROMEO!!!!!!!!!
problem
N.O. would be lucky to get any of the aforementioned coaches. I believe the Saints admin. will be hiring a young trying-to-make-a-name coach… maybe even pulling from the colege ranks. Some of these guys are marquee coaches (or at least marginally so) and New Orleans doesn’t have the “draw” that most NFL cities have or the money to compensate. Also, there is the likely scenario that if/when we get a young upstart that shows production, he is likely to be “romance” by another team with more apeal or money.
All this aside, McDermott would be my pick.
rotoworld.com:
The Green Bay Press-Gazette reports that Gregg Williams “appears likely” to become the Saints’ next defensive coordinator.
He can take the Saints job now, or wait to see if Titans DC Jim Schwartz gets a head-coaching gig. Williams seems to have lost interest in Green Bay.
Jan. 15 – 9:39 a.m. ET
Source: Green Bay Press-Gazette
There’s a bailout coming, but it’s not for you.
rotoworld.com:
Citing league sources, the Nashville City Paper confirms that Titans DC Jim Schwartz has emerged as the favorite to be Detroit’s next head coach.
No deal is said to be imminent because the Lions are still in the interview process. The competition is Ron Rivera, Leslie Frazier, and Todd Bowles.
Jan. 15 – 2:17 a.m. ET
Source: Nashville City Paper
There’s a bailout coming, but it’s not for you.
Still, we wait!
I’m convinced that everyone involved is simply waiting on the Lions to make a HC decision. Once that’s made, many other coaching hires will come soon after.
Go Saints!!!!
by David "Satch" Kelly on Jan 15, 2009 9:56 AM CST up reply actions
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