Front Office/HC/OC/DC who do you want?

[popanot]

I tell you, even though they lost, I was pretty impressed with Brian Schottenheimer Monday night. He seems to have developed a good scheme and game plan even with a rookie QB. I know they have a good OL and RBs (better than ours, at least), but he calls a good game and seems to have a really good sideline demeanor. You could tell Ryan has given him full control of the offense. Can't really question his pedigree either... I'd certainly put him on the interview list if I'm McNair and looking next year.

[barrett]

Are you thinking Schottenheimer as a head coach?

The Jets are 24th in offense and 20th in scoring. Not to mention he has a total of 5 games experience as a coordinator. He would challenge Raheem Morris for least qualified NFL head coach. He's actually far less qualified than Shanahan, who many on this board think is not qualified to be the OC.

I know that sometimes you hit it out of the park with a young guy but far more often you don't. I think I'd open the wallet and pay for someone with a track record long enough to tell me what I am getting. Especially since so many franchises are trying to save money by not paying big named coaches. It means that a team that is willing to can get it done. Why not make a huge offer to Bill Cowher or Tony Dungy?

Why try to catch lightning in a bottle and risk getting burned when you can just open your wallet and buy the same lightning with a gaurantee.

[popanot]

Of course I'd prefer they hire a big-name coach and have stated such in this very thread. I think Holmgren or Gruden would be the most likely big-name coaches that would be willing to come to Houston that would be within McNair's price range. I just don't think it will happen. Certainly not Cowher or Shanahan who will probably have much better choices of location and money elsewhere. You really think McNair is going to outbid Dallas, Washington, Oakland or possibly Carolina (where Cowher lives)? I don't. I'm not even including Dungy because I think he's done coaching.

As for Schottenheimer, I'm throwing his name out there because he's a young assistant with NFL experience and someone who I can see being a potential HC candidate that would interest McNair. Schottenheimer was considered for the HC job in Miami when Saban left and was also a candidate for the Jets HC job before they hired Ryan, so his name is out there amoung HC candidates. I don't think it's all that crazy to have his name in the mix. I can certainly see him being a hot candidate if the Jets make the playoffs with a rookie QB.

EDIT: BTW, I think he's been OC for more than 5 games and I'm pretty sure has a little more experience than Raheem Morris... Maybe he doesn't have the one of best offenses in the league, but they haven't been all that bad and they can play both finesse and smash-mouth. That's something that's sorely lacking at Reliant.

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by Nconroe

Texans chick has some interesting info.

http://blogs.chron.com/texanschick/2...texans_as.html
.

"Though I mentioned this in the comments, I think it is worth discussing the other teams that have as little average age as the Texans (age 26 yo average):

Hou 2-3
Phi 3-1"

The one thing that jumped out at me was the fact that the Eagles were the only "young" team with a winning record.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by barrett

Are you thinking Schottenheimer as a head coach?

The Jets are 24th in offense and 20th in scoring. Not to mention he has a total of 5 games experience as a coordinator. He would challenge Raheem Morris for least qualified NFL head coach. He's actually far less qualified than Shanahan, who many on this board think is not qualified to be the OC.

He has a rookie QB, and almost no WRs until this past week. Also with Ryans scheme on defense the offense is expected to not loose games more so than win them.

As for experience, his resume is sound, and his pedigree is also tops.

[Roy P]

Okay, instead of Fassell I want Jeff Davidson. Just a couple of tidbits on the current Carolina O.C. He has coached the Saints, Patriots, and Browns before his current gig. I've posted some of my thoughts on how we could tailor an offense around our multiple TEs to create mismatches, and it appears he is of a like mind.

http://www.kffl.com/player/11532/nfl

Browns | New offense more tight end-friendly
Fri, 03 Nov 2006 08:50:17 -0800

The Cleveland Plain Dealer reports one of the most noticeable changes in the Cleveland Browns offense under new offensive coordinator Jeff Davidson has been the use of three tight ends.


http://www.panthers.com/team/coaches...c-d3248bea5e13

Carolina's offensive accomplishments in 2008 included team records of 2,437 rushing yards, 30 rushing touchdowns, 118 rushing first downs and 5.96 yards average gain per play and gaining at least 400 yards in six games. Additionally, the Panthers amassed 5,595 yards, tallied 414 points and scored 47 touchdowns, all of which rank as the second-highest totals in team history.

With the Patriots, he contributed to five playoff appearances, four division titles, three conference championships and three Super Bowl wins as the tight ends/assistant offensive line coach from 1997-2004.

Meanwhile, New England's tight ends, under Davidson's tutelage, accounted for 11 touchdowns and nine pass plays of 20 yards or more.

[nunusguy]

If the season bombs and McNair has to can Kubiak, he's got to make a splash in the offseason to avoid blackouts in 2010 and one of the few ways to do that is to hire a well-known HC with a successful resume, not an obscure Coordinator no matter how much his potential.

[Roy P]

That's kind of funny considering how the Broncos canned their big name Super-Bowl winning Head Coach and hired some Coordinator with potential. That dude even ran off their Pro-Bowl QB in the process. Let's ask Colorado Dude if he can see the Broncos on t.v. on Sundays or if they are blacked out. If said this before, but I guess I'll have to repeat myself, Winning is what puts asses in the seats.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by painekiller

He has a rookie QB, and almost no WRs until this past week. Also with Ryans scheme on defense the offense is expected to not loose games more so than win them.

As for experience, his resume is sound, and his pedigree is also tops.

I'm not blaming him for a mediocre offense with mediocre weapons. But I am also not rewarding him for it.

He has been a QB coach until this year and has been the OC of a mediocre offense for 5 games. Maybe he is lightning in the bottle but the cost is 2-3 wasted years if we are wrong. Why chance it when money can buy you a sure thing.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by barrett

I'm not blaming him for a mediocre offense with mediocre weapons. But I am also not rewarding him for it.

He has been a QB coach until this year and has been the OC of a mediocre offense for 5 games. Maybe he is lightning in the bottle but the cost is 2-3 wasted years if we are wrong. Why chance it when money can buy you a sure thing.

From the jets.com

Brian Schottenheimer was retained by Rex Ryan as offensive coordinator after one of the best offensive seasons in franchise history. He was originally named the Jets’ coordinator on Jan. 30, 2006, coming to the team after serving as quarterbacks coach for the San Diego Chargers for four seasons (2002-05). Schottenheimer’s offensive scheme features multiple sets and flexibility as well as a no-huddle component.

He has been the OC for 2007, 2008 and now 2009. He was the one calling the plays for Brett Farve. It was his offense, they were ninth in the league in scoring last season, And only 26th the season before when they were forced to played Clements. Now he is training his 4th QB in his system in 3 years, and they are in 1st place in their division.

[coloradodude]

Originally Posted by Roy P

That's kind of funny considering how the Broncos canned their big name Super-Bowl winning Head Coach and hired some Coordinator with potential. That dude even ran off their Pro-Bowl QB in the process. Let's ask Colorado Dude if he can see the Broncos on t.v. on Sundays or if they are blacked out. If said this before, but I guess I'll have to repeat myself, Winning is what puts asses in the seats.

ughh...it's true. Every Sunday they're on tv and there's not even a hint of the word "blackout".

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by barrett

Why chance it when money can buy you a sure thing.

There are no sure things in coaching. Jimmy Johnson went to Miami and he did not equal his Dallas years.

Only a handful of HCs have won in more than one city. Parchells being one of those exceptions.

As Ken Loeffler said : “There are only two kinds of coaches — those who have been fired, and those who will be fired.”

[barrett]

Originally Posted by painekiller

There are no sure things in coaching. Jimmy Johnson went to Miami and he did not equal his Dallas years.

Only a handful of HCs have won in more than one city. Parchells being one of those exceptions.

As Ken Loeffler said : “There are only two kinds of coaches — those who have been fired, and those who will be fired.”

Very wise. But there is no denying that you have a far better idea what you're getting with Cowher/Dungy than with some young guy.

I see Roy is ready to annoint McDaniels as the answer in Denver. I will wait longer than 5 games. Either way like I said, it's a huge roll of the dice. Notre Dame, Cleveland, Jets, and Cleveland again have all hired New England coordinators with sterling resumes and bombed. Denver may have gotten the real deal. And they may not have.

Either way there are so many proven coaches unemployed right now and so few teams willing to pay in the economic climate, that anyone who opens the wallet can have one (if not their pick). If Bob McNair is willing to spend Billions but draws the line and goes cheap on the single most important thing to an NFL franchise, we can only hope to get lucky.

[NBT]

I know I will get hit on for saying this, but it needs to be said; if Kubiak had allowed Greg Davis to be hired as the new DC, instead of another of Kubiak's favorites, frank Bush, he could just run his offense, and let Greg Williams carry the defense, ala NOLA!! We would not be awash in mediocrity at this time of the season.

[Roy P]

Originally Posted by barrett

Very wise. But there is no denying that you have a far better idea what you're getting with Cowher/Dungy than with some young guy.

I see Roy is ready to annoint McDaniels as the answer in Denver. I will wait longer than 5 games.

First, I will repeat the wise words: 'there's no such thing as a sure thing' because it is true.

Just because Cowher and Dungy have had success, there's no guarantee that their good fortune would be a certainty here. There have been SuperBowl winning coaches who have not repeated that accomplishment with new teams. Remember Dan Reeves in Atlanta after winning in Denver? Holmgren didn't win the Big Game in Seattle. Dick Vermeil couldn't get much done in K.C. Joe Gibbs couldn't rekindle the magic in D.C. Ditka was good enough in Chicago, but not New Orleans. Even as much as I respect Parcells, his only SuperBowl came when he was with the Giants, none with the Cowboys.

While I'm not going to annoint McDaniels, nobody is looking for his replacement at this point in the season. There have been plenty of young no-names who made names for themselves. John Madden and Mike Tomlin come to mind. So, hiring a new head coach is simply hit or miss.

Joe Walsh, Bill Cowher, Parcells, Gruden, Dungy and Belichick didn't have Super Bowl rings when they were hired by their original teams. In fact, Dungy and Belichick were fired as head coaches before another team took a chance.

There are innumerable reasons for a team's success, and a head coach is but one.

[painekiller]

Originally Posted by NBT

I know I will get hit on for saying this, but it needs to be said; if Kubiak had allowed Greg Davis to be hired as the new DC, instead of another of Kubiak's favorites, frank Bush, he could just run his offense, and let Greg Williams carry the defense, ala NOLA!! We would not be awash in mediocrity at this time of the season.

You still Frank Bush Hating? The total defense is up to #20 in YPG, #24 against the rush, #19 against the pass.

I hate when guys do this, but I am going to any way. Take away 4 plays and this defense is in the top half of the NFL. Is this as good as New Orleans, no but they also where smart enough to sign a real Safety Darren Sharper who now has 5 INT and 12 passes defensed. Studly numbers.

We have one of the youngest teams in the NFL, our defense is lead by two 5th year guys. And now a rookie is our biggest playmaker. Bush is doing OK with these guys.

[Joshua]

Originally Posted by painekiller

You still Frank Bush Hating? The total defense is up to #20 in YPG, #24 against the rush, #19 against the pass.

I hate when guys do this, but I am going to any way. Take away 4 plays and this defense is in the top half of the NFL. Is this as good as New Orleans, no but they also where smart enough to sign a real Safety Darren Sharper who now has 5 INT and 12 passes defensed. Studly numbers.

We have one of the youngest teams in the NFL, our defense is lead by two 5th year guys. And now a rookie is our biggest playmaker. Bush is doing OK with these guys.

I would say Bush has made some progress these last couple weeks and the D looks much better. Cushing, in particular, has really made a huge impact. Not only is he putting up big numbers, he's making plays that actually impact the game. This is something we've lacked for years. As the Morlon Greenwood experience taught us, just piling up tackle numbers doesn't mean you're doing anything to help us win.

To play Devil's Advocate for a moment, I will point out that the other 2 teams whose defenses were just about as terrible as us last year were NOLA and Denver. Both brought in new coordinators this year and both came out of the gates balling and are now undefeated. It's great that our defense is improving, but the NFL season is too short to give away the first month trying to find your legs. Not being ready to go in September may ultimately cost us a chance at the playoffs.

[nunusguy]

Originally Posted by painekiller

We have one of the youngest teams in the NFL, our defense is lead by two 5th year guys. And now a rookie is our biggest playmaker. Bush is doing OK with these guys.

Actually 2 4th-year guys, but you're right PK, after some of those early gaffs involving the Titans Johnson and D-J for the Jags, Bush's D is looking much steadier.

[barrett]

Originally Posted by Joshua

I would say Bush has made some progress these last couple weeks and the D looks much better. Cushing, in particular, has really made a huge impact. Not only is he putting up big numbers, he's making plays that actually impact the game. This is something we've lacked for years. As the Morlon Greenwood experience taught us, just piling up tackle numbers doesn't mean you're doing anything to help us win.

To play Devil's Advocate for a moment, I will point out that the other 2 teams whose defenses were just about as terrible as us last year were NOLA and Denver. Both brought in new coordinators this year and both came out of the gates balling and are now undefeated. It's great that our defense is improving, but the NFL season is too short to give away the first month trying to find your legs. Not being ready to go in September may ultimately cost us a chance at the playoffs.

I think that had more to do with Rick Smith and Kubiak than Bush. Bush's defense would have looked a lot more ready to play in September with Dawkins or Sharper. Even someone at Bernard Pollard's level has made a difference. It is criminal that Smith and Kubiak thought we were fine at Safety entering the year.

[Joshua]

Originally Posted by barrett

I think that had more to do with Rick Smith and Kubiak than Bush. Bush's defense would have looked a lot more ready to play in September with Dawkins or Sharper. Even someone at Bernard Pollard's level has made a difference. It is criminal that Smith and Kubiak thought we were fine at Safety entering the year.

Fair point. I also think losing Reeves, along with having a rusty Dunta, were also significant problems for the D early on. Having said that, there is no disputing that the D was simply clueless on many occasions to start the year (preseason and regular) and had an unacceptable amount of mental mistakes and missed assignments. This does fall on Bush, IMO.