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One part of the dynamic equation: Offensive Coordinator - The Search Begins

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by vt_dolfan, Nov 20, 2010.

  1. vt_dolfan

    vt_dolfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

    There has been some great discussion goin on regarding our coaches. We've talked about who should be replaced....from Ireland as GM, to Sparano, to our Offensive Coordinator. Even our QB's and WR's coach deserve to be critiqued.

    The one seemingly unanimous opinion, or as close to unanimous as you can get at TP.C, is that the Phins needs a new Offensive Coordinator.

    So....lets take a closer look at that coaching position, who is available, and what kind of system do they run.

    Heres a look at some of college football's best OC's....as rated by The Sporting News in May.

    1) Gus Malzahn-

    Here’s what makes this ranking even more remarkable: In four previous seasons as a Division I assistant coach, Malzahn used quarterbacks running his system for the first time (Chris Todd at Auburn, Paul Smith and David Johnson at Tulsa) and one playing as a true freshman (Mitch Mustain at Arkansas). Junior college transfer Cameron Newton makes it 5-for-5 this fall at Auburn. The previous four quarterbacks combined to throw 125 touchdown passes.

    Read more: http://www.sportingnews.com/ncaa-fo...e-coordinators-college-football#ixzz15pd5cT61

    Malzahns Playbook:

    Malzahn's No Huddle Goals, paraphrased

    Speed up the game - Accomplished by snapping the ball within 5 seconds of spotting it. This makes the offense the aggressor and takes the defense out of their routine of reading and adjusting to the formation.

    Lengthening the game - Making the game take longer to finish, and subsequently testing the conditioning of the defense. In his words, a 48-minute high school game involves only 7-8 minutes of actual playing time (a few seconds for each play). If you can lengthen this by 2-3 minutes, you are effectively making it a 5-quarter game. You go for it on 4th down, try onside kicks, and do anything you can to get the ball to your offense's hands.

    Mentally and physically wear down the opponent - a 5th quarter of game play plus the pressure of having to line up correctly within a few seconds will wear your opponent down both ways. The defense must maintain concentration for that extra quarter.
    You set the tempo of the game.

    Coaches can reset the play after noting the defensive alignment - meaning they'll line up and make you show what youre running, and change the play.

    Defenses cannot simulate it in practice - Your scout team is not going to be able to run at this pace and prepare your defense. Thus, your defense will need to spend extra time to prepare for it.

    More snaps for the offense means more possibilities for scoring, finding weaknesses, etc


    http://www.shakinthesouthland.com/2010/7/21/1555582/auburn-a-primer-on-the-gus-malzahn

    2) 2. Bryan Harsin, Boise State. Seems like a natural progression for Boise State offensive coordinators: Dan Hawkins replaced Dirk Koetter as head coach when Koetter left; Chris Petersen replaced Hawkins when Hawkins left. But Harsin, maybe the most talented of the bunch, likely won’t continue the trend. Petersen isn’t going anywhere, but Harsin—whose scoring offenses have been ranked first, 20th, fourth and second in the nation in his four seasons—will be a hot coaching candidate this winter.

    Bryan Harsin's Playbook:

    In four seasons leading the Bronco offense, Harsin has continued to build upon the high octane attack that Boise State fans have become accustomed to. Harsin helped put together the most potent scoring offense in the country in 2009, as the Broncos averaged an NCAA best 42.21 points per game. As a unit, the Bronco offense finished the season ranked 10th in total offense (450.21 ypg), 26th in rushing offense (186.07 ypg) and 29th in passing offense (264.14 ypg). Perhaps most impressively, however, was Boise State's Division I leading five sacks allowed through 14 games.

    3. Norm Chow, UCLA. Forget about UCLA’s struggles the past two seasons; much of that was inexperienced personnel, poor protection and limited difference-makers on the outside. Coach Rick Neuheisel has upgraded the talent in Westwood, and if QB Kevin Prince plays with confidence, Chow, the game’s best play-caller, will get it rolling again.

    Norm Chow: The Air-Raid Offense...

    "Way back when, Norm Chow devised a sinister plan to shock the College football world.

    The offense that he wanted to use would not require insane running backs, tricky motions, or overly athletic quarterbacks. And it wasn't the A-11, or the victory formation.

    The offense that he described was originally meant for the split back offense. Of course, the split back is easily converted into the I, split wide Shotgun, Dual Back Shotgun... etc. The first play I found that illustrated it well was this one. "


    [​IMG]


    http://www.bruinsnation.com/2009/10/25/1100115/norm-chows-airraid-offense
     
  2. vt_dolfan

    vt_dolfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

    In looking at what is available at the NFL ranks....it is kind of difficult. To take a look...first you need to understand the rules in hiring an NFL Offensive Coordinator:

    The only possible coaches that can be hired with no delay are the coaches that are currently unemployed. If you are looking to "steal" away a coach from another NFL team, there are restrictions that limit what you can do. It's not as cut and dry as locating a candidate, offering him more money, and hiring him. If the coach is under contract with another NFL team there are rules that teams must follow.

    * You can't hire a coach away from another team if it's a lateral move. You can only hire a contracted coach away if he'll receive a promotion.

    You can't hire one team's offensive coordinator to be your offensive coordinator. If the Bears wanted to steal away a team's offensive coordinator, then he could only be hired as Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator. For those of you thinking the Bears already have an Assistant Head Coach in Rod Marinelli so they couldn't possibly go this route, you may be mistaken. The Houston Texans currently have two coaches on staff with the Assistant Head Coach title. I'm not sure how many you can have, but apparently two is allowed.

    If the Bears wanted to hire away a team's contracted quarterbacks coach to run their offense, there would be nothing that could stop them, because going from a QB Coach to an Offensive Coordinator would be a step up.

    For example; If Chicago had their eye on Pittsburgh Steelers QB Coach Ken Anderson, they could hire him to be their new Offensive Coordinator, but not as a QB Coach (no lateral moves). Another example; If the Bears were interested in Kyle Shanahan, current offensive coordinator of the Houston Texans, they wouldn't be able to hire him as their new OC unless they added the Assistant Head Coach title in addition to his coordinator duties. Now if either of these two have their contracts expire after the 2009 season they'd essentially be free to sign with any team for any position.

    * Lateral moves are only permitted if both teams agree.

    If the Bears really wanted to hire away an offensive coordinator currently under contract they could always work out compensation with that team. Either with some draft picks or some money changing hands. But with the limited supply of draft picks the Bears have next year and with everyone knowing how cheap they are, this isn't really an option.

    * Hiring away a coach under contract to a college is permitted.

    On the NFL end there is no rule disallowing this, however if a contracted college coach chooses to interview with an NFL team it could very well piss off the school. Former Boston College head coach Jeff Jagodzinski interviewed with the N.Y. Jets last year and was subsequently fired by B.C. athletic director Gene DeFillippo. Hiring away a college coach that is a position coach or a coordinator usually comes with less drama, but you never know.

    For example; If the Bears looked to a successful college program, like USC, and wanted to interview someone on their staff, like Jeremy Bates the Assistant Head Coach of the Offense/Quarterbacks Coach and former QB Coach of the Denver Broncos, they should probably inform the school of their intentions (to avoid drama), however there would be nothing that would stop them from making such a hire.

    From:

    http://www.windycitygridiron.com/2009/11/25/1173920/rules-on-hiring-nfl-coaches
     
    the 23rd likes this.
  3. the 23rd

    the 23rd a.k.a. Rio

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    timely & informative
     
    djphinfan and vt_dolfan like this.
  4. jw3102

    jw3102 season ticket holder

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    College ball is far different then Professional football. Perhaps you forgot that Chow was the offensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans for a few years. That was until Fisher determined that Chow was in over his head and fired him. Chow is now back in college ball where he belongs. I don't see him getting another opportunity in the NFL. As far as the other two coaches you named. I remember when the Redskins thought that Steve Spurrier and his offense would open up the game in the NFL. That didn't work out too well either and now Spurrier is back in the college ranks where he belongs. I have no idea if Malzahn or Harsin would be good offensive coordinators in the NFL. But based on the track record of college colleges who bring their systems to the NFL. I would prefer that if the Dolphins are going to bring in a new OC next year. They pick someone who is already an offensive coach in the NFL. Just remember. Saban is probably the best college coach in America. But he was a terrible head coach in the pros. Success at the lower level, (college football), does not very often translate into success at the higher level, (the NFL).
     
  5. Daben

    Daben Well-Known Member

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    Thanks for the info, was a nice read.

    I think the issue though is we have a head coach with an offensive background with a strong idea of how he wants the offense to be run. So its doubtful that an OC with their own system would be brought in whilst Sparano is here (and for the record I think Sparano deserves at least another season). The biggest issue this offseason is for Ireland to get players to better fit that approach, especially to strengthen the 2 TE sets which worked so well the first year Sparano was here. I'm not saying I like the philosophy, but if thats the way they want to play they need interior OL who can move and quality and depth at TE to get it done.

    I think Henning retires, chances are at least for next year however that Sparano will appoint someone he knows to replace him. Of course I could be wrong, and Sparano decides to take a step back and allow someone with new ideas on offense to come in. I hope i'm wrong :)
     
  6. ATLFINFAN

    ATLFINFAN Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    If what FFG has posted as rumor is actually true............Henning HAS TO GO. He is an example of the good ol boy network at play. Hire an old friend, even though he is no good. He was terrible as a HC, and is no better as an OC. I didnt like the hire when it was announced.

    As for who should replace him...........I dont have a name to submit, but I would rather it be a young guy with fresh ideas that could POSSIBLY shake the cage. The league is set up to pass the ball now. We should use the rules to advance the team.
     
  7. finfaninilinois

    finfaninilinois Active Member

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    JUNES JONES for OC
     
  8. finfaninilinois

    finfaninilinois Active Member

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    JUNES JONES for OC
     
  9. Southbeach

    Southbeach Banned

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    If he can bring a Boise State type schedule with him, Harsin may be OK. :)

    Otherwise, if we choose to replace Henning, Lee is the choice.
     
  10. Merauder

    Merauder Perseverance

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    Whats the over/under on when Henning will try and defend himself through the media again? This guy is a clown. Just like Ross.
     
  11. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    so long as sparano is head coach we will run either a coryell or perkins erhardt run heavy time possession offensive system. so if you're going with the premise that sparano stays you need to confine your search to those coaches who bring that philosophy. if henning retires the odds on favorite will be david lee who will basically run the same offense just with less experience at it
     
  12. gilv13

    gilv13 Well-Known Member

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    No College coaches please.
     
  13. Jaj

    Jaj Registered

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    I think it almost has to be Perkins since Henne can't hit some of the timing routes out of the Coryell offense. The best QBs in that offense were far more accurate than he is.

    On the other hand, if you trade your 1st, another 1st, and even Henne to get Luck you can run whatever you want really.

    At your best what you have are:

    - 3 good WRs that are not slow as a group, but lack some speed to be sure.
    - One excellent blocking TE, without much speed.
    - No RBs next year.
    - A franchise LT who should be shelved to recover from injury.
    - An overall solid C, especially for a passing attack.
    - A good young guard.
    - A veteran RT that should be probably be moved to RG soon.

    If you keep Henne, support him with the best you can find. I would suggest drafting Gabe Carimi, signing Micheal Bush, re-signing Ronnie Brown and drafting a scat back in the third round or signing one. Perhaps in free agency you can also pick up a seam-stretching TE and Jacoby Jones as a #2 WR. A young innovative offensive coordinator in the Ehrardt Perkins can make something of that.
     
  14. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    very intelligent post. you might be right about the coryell/ perkins comments. i was thinking DeMarcus Love from Arkansas more than Carimi. I also am thinking AJ Green if he's available when we draft
     
  15. Jaj

    Jaj Registered

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    To add on we'll see what path they choose this time around. This reminds me of 2006 although the team is younger and a 2007 isn't in store. However, the team has to decide whether they want to invest on the offensive side of the ball and create something very solid or go towards the defense to take it to the next level. I would invest in the defense if I were them, but that's just me.

    I have rarely seen a great defensive team not make the playoffs. VERY RARELY
    Take the entire off-season budget and spend it on a David Harris and draft a Quinn in the first round and you are frightening. Not impressive, frighteningly good. They'd be better than the f'in New York Jets on defense, the Ravens, they'd match the Steelers if not beat them overall. They'd have to make due on offense though.
     
  16. adamprez2003

    adamprez2003 Senior Member

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    thats true. if you can get a defense that gives up less than 17 points per game its very difficult to miss the playoffs if not impossible. interesting choices we have to make this offseason. i really would like to add at least one playmaker to the offense to lessen the attention to marshall. whether its WR, TE or RB I dont care but someone who is a threat to take it to the house. still, i would love to build a ravens 2000 defense
     
  17. texanphinatic

    texanphinatic Senior Member

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    Gary Kubiak! If the Texans don't can him I would be shocked, this season was heralded as a "playoffs or bust" and they are busting at the seams. But the guy runs a great offense and develops QB talent. Ideal!
     
  18. Jaj

    Jaj Registered

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    Kubiak's OL scheme is ill suited to the guys here. Henne isn't his kind of QB either. Bess is a bit too small. Fasano isn't the kind of TE he uses.
     
  19. ToddsPhins

    ToddsPhins Banned

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    If our team remains this unhealthy, we may very well be staring at AJ Green come draft day. How nice of a silver lining would that be?! :lol:

    Although I wouldn't mind trading back our 1st round pick 2 times and luck out with something like: RB- DeMarco Murray, TE- DJ Williams, and WR- Jerrel Jernigan (potential DeSean Jackson 2.0) or Justin Blackmon in the 2nd round.... and I'd take WR Greg Little in the 4th no matter who's available or what receivers we have on our team.

    It sickens my stomach to think NE has 4 picks in the 1st 2 rounds. If we had those 4 picks we could easily grab those 3 guys as well as BPA with Oakland's 1st pick. They could afford to throw away a 1st rounder to groom a QB behind Brady. :lol:
     
  20. Jaj

    Jaj Registered

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    What do you guys think of Jack Del Rio as a HC? I don't think he's been given the greatest personnel during his tenure and I think his division is unbelievably tough but somehow with arguably one of the least talented defenses, an OL that isn't much to speak of, two good WRs, a good TE, a good RB and a good QB he's 5-4. In 2007 his team did well against that New England undefeated team. I think he's a guy that could turn it around the second time, much like Bellicheck but I might be wrong. Thoughts?
     
  21. jw3102

    jw3102 season ticket holder

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    I don't see Del Rio being available after this season. He has done a very good job this season in getting his team to play at a high level. Week in and week out. I tend to think that he will still be the coach of the Jacksonville Jaguars when the 2011 season comes around. Unless the Dolphins are willing to pay the big money needed to hire Cowher or possibly Gruden. If the team makes a change at head coach. It appears that they will be left to hire someone who has never been a head coach in the NFL before. Just as they did with Sparano and Cameron. It is always a crap shoot when a team hires a coach who has spent most of his years as an a coordinator or a position coach. If Ross is looking at replacing Sparano. He should have already been on the phone with Cowher to see if he has an interest in the Dolphins job and how much money it would take for him to be the teams next coach.
     
  22. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    No thank you to the RnS.
     
  23. ckparrothead

    ckparrothead Draft Forum Moderator Luxury Box

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    Bill O'Brien and John Ramsdell are my favorites so far.

    I think a little too much is being made about the differences in the systems. Most systems have blended together and it boils down to the coordinator's style and adaptability. Ramsdell is known for not changing everything that a quarterback is doing but fine tuning it and adapting. The New England system is adaptive by its very nature. Every year they come up with a new playbook to fit the personnel.
     
  24. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Iam for David Lee..
     
  25. Jaj

    Jaj Registered

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    It's a bit off the subject but KB was on point in another thread. If Sparano really is given a year to turn it around, he'll stay with one of his own guys since I doubt a possible lame-duck coach can get a top OC. As such it'll probably be David Lee.

    Regardless I see them blaming the OL and the RBs for the season and no one else publicly (privately perhaps Henne but they have little choice but to start him again or go after a regressing Carson Palmer). I see some combination of two big signings and a 1st round pick going straight towards the offensive line and RB core this off-season. It won't matter too much who the OC is, they'll be pounding the rock next year.

    Perhaps something like a new RT with Carey cut, Logan Mankings, Mark Ingram, and a re-signed Ronnie Brown.
     
  26. Third Man

    Third Man Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Ramsdell is an interesting name but it gives me pause that even with all the dynamite offenses he's been around and the success some of his pupils have had that he's in his mid 50s and no one has ever made him a coordinator before now. Now, coordinator jobs are rare, of course, but it's odd. They even passed him up for promotion within the Chargers organization after Cameron left (Turner calls the plays now with another guy as the coordinator in name only). Sometimes there's a reason some of these guys have always been a bridesmaid and never a bride. If it's "just one of those things," though, and not a reflection of the guy, he would bring a really solid resume.

    Bill O'Brien makes a ton of sense from a familiarity and coaching tree sense.
     
  27. Fin4life

    Fin4life New Member

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    i would give childress the opportunity

    Starting next week. If we do Not win this week I say bring him in and start evaluating etc.
     
  28. Desides

    Desides Well-Known Member

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    You’re joking. You have to be.
     
  29. alen1

    alen1 New Member

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    Childress does not thrill me. For all the hoopla he gets as an offensive mind, he's probably the most vanilla guy out there.
     
  30. Roman529

    Roman529 Senior Member

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    If we would go after a college coach to become our OC, I would take former Texas Tech head coach Mike Leach.
     

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