[edo783]

Originally Posted by cland

I've read and watched quite a bit about this coaching decision, based on all that this is my opinion on how the whole decision came down:

-Somewhere in the mid-season--after dropping the game against Minnesota in particular--the players lost faith in Richard's defense. A couple comments from Dunta, DeMeco, and Wilson speak to this, criticizing the game plan and the lack of aggression. Mario gets in the act also, his proclamation of 'I'm going to go then react to the play, rather than read first.' after having his most productive game.

-Kubiak takes a much closer look at the defense, and uses his sounding board and original choice for DC more than ever. He definitely relies on Bush's influence and the defense takes a turn that was obvious to all of us. My guess is that Bush's opinion in forming the defensive gameplan suddenly outranked Smith's. Whether Bush called the plays or not, the gameplan was his and Kubiak enforced it.

-Kubiak is very pleased with the turn-around on defense...and game score. After a few impressive games, Kubiak has already made his mind up: "Frank Bush is my new DC."

-That being said he has two reasons for not implementing this change during the season. First, Richard Smith is his friend, he brought him into this franchise, gave him the position, and feels somewhat responsible for the eventual outcome. He decides to make the change in a classier fashion. Second, as John Mclain mentioned in one of his video's, "the McNairs'" wanted to interview more than one candidate.

-After talking to all of his players his decision is reinforced, Kubiak makes the call and terminates Richard Smith. He also lets go of Hoke--likely due to Dunta's comments--and Jethro Franklin...Mario's handiwork.

-So Bob and Cal aren't ready to just hand over the DC crown to anyone, but in typical fashion they do listen to their coach. When he announced Richard Smith's firing, Kubiak has a bit of a sly grin when he was asked if Frank Bush would be interviewed for the DC position. I thought the slyness was just out of respect for both Smith and Bush, but I now think this was due to the McNairs' request/boss's demand.

-So Kubiak--mind already made up--calls some coaches he would like to interview and accepts some additional coaches thought up by Rick and the McNairs. Frank Bush says in a video that he was "one of many" who interviewed. I'm sure that Jerry Gray originally agreed to come in to interview, but I'm betting they talked to several others who had other plans. Once Jerry Gray's interview was denied, the McNair's discovery period was satisfied and Kubiak was free to make the announcement.

-This explains why position coaches continued to be interviewed without an official DC. In my opinion, David Gibbs is already hired we'll probably hear that tommorow. My guess is that they have a target on the DL coach as well and I'm betting that person is in the playoffs right now. Kubiak made the comment in his most recent video..."It could take awhile. [team wins] It could happen in the next day or so. [team loses] I’ll keep you up to date."

Nice job. Good analysis and the only nit I would pick would be in regards to Franklin's firing being somehow tied to Mario. My take is that it was likely tied to a lack of development by several players and possibly he was a supporter of the read-react mindset group.