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Potential 2014 Front Office/Staff Combination

Discussion in 'Miami Dolphins Forum' started by RoninFin4, Oct 29, 2013.

  1. RoninFin4

    RoninFin4 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    If you read my "3-4 Thoughts" thread, you know that I'm an advocate of Stephen Ross cleaning out the front office. Whether it's soon, later, or never, remains to be seen. But, if Stephen Ross does pull the trigger on a house-cleaning, I think zwave21 started a pretty solid thread on potential combinations of candidates to be General Manager and Head Coach. You can find that thread here: http://www.thephins.com/forums/showt...not-a-RE-BUILD

    He highlights 5 steps that would work for a potential house-cleaning. They are:

    1) Fire Jeff Ireland, Joe Philbin, and staff. For fun, let's assume this step has already been done.
    2) Identify a General Manager.
    3) Hire a Head Coach who has chemistry with the General Manger.
    4) Put together an experienced coaching staff.
    5) Trim the [roster] fat and add pieces.

    If you read back through the thread, there are some very interesting names and combinations that were put forth. I think there's one combination that was slightly overlooked, despite several of the names being mentioned. Eric DeCosta was a name mentioned in that post as a possible General Manager candidate. David Shaw was also on the Ravens' staff under Brian Billick, meaning he also was there with DeCosta. I think that might actually be a name worth following closely.

    Going by his 5 step process, let's assume that Stephen Ross has already fired Jeff Ireland, Joe Philbin, and the coaching staff. That was step 1.

    ***For the record, I would advocate Miami cleaning house 100%. I don't think you can fire either Jeff Ireland and keep Joe Philbin, or vice-verse, and expect to hire someone who is willing to work with one or the other. I mean, Ross may very well be in the midst of getting burned doing just that having not fired Ireland when he got rid of Tony Sparano; but that's for another thread.***

    Step 2, let's assume Stephen Ross hires Eric DeCosta on the premise that he's a young, up-and-coming guy from a team that's had consistent talent, drafts really well, and for the most part is competitive year in and year out. Seems reasonable to me, right? DeCosta is hired and if you're Stephen Ross, you've completed steps 1 and 2. Onto step 3.

    Step 3 - Hire a head coach who has chemistry with the GM. That brings us back to David Shaw. He, like DeCosta, were both together on the Ravens staff from 2002-05. I think that jives with having at least some form of chemistry, and I could get behind that hiring if DeCosta thinks Shaw agrees philosophically with him. Shaw's ripped off a 29-5 record at Stanford following in the footsteps of Jim Harbaugh. I think it's worth hiring, and for the record, that's probably the one college coach I would consider if I were Stephen Ross. That takes you to step 4.

    Step 4 - Put together an experienced and disciplined staff. Well, coaches tend to hire guys they're familiar with. And, you're probably going to hire coordinators first off and build your staff out from there. Well, starting on the offensive side, which is Shaw's background area, he cut his teeth in the NFL with the Oakland Raiders from 1998-2001 under Jon Gruden. Shaw was on the offensive staff under then offensive coordinator Bill Callahan. Callahan, who could be a coaching casualty this offseason if Dallas cans its staff, could be a likely connection, and he's got a wealth of experience for Shaw to draw from.

    Moving onto the defensive side of the ball, we know David Shaw was with the Ravens while Rex Ryan was their coordinating their defense. Rex Ryan was considered by most to be a lame duck heading into this offseason, and if the Jets continue to struggle, the Jets may not bring him back - I believe his contract is up at season's end. That's a logical connection for Shaw, who has employed a 3-4 style of defense at Stanford, much like Rex Ryan runs, and if you've followed some of my posts, I think Miami would do well to bring back the 3-4.

    AND, as a bonus, Rex Ryan and Bill Callahan were on the Jets staff together from 2008-11, where Callahan was the Jets OL Coach (a very good one at that), and Associate Head Coach. That, to me, is a pretty nice circle of General Manager, Head Coach, Offensive Coordinator, and Defensive Coordinator. 3 of the 4 - DeCosta, Shaw, and Ryan worked together, and you've had various combinations of Shaw & Callahan and Ryan & Callahan.

    I think with that, you can put together a pretty sound philosophy that filters from DeCosta and Shaw on down through Callahan and Ryan, where lines of communication are bolstered due to familiarity. There's a lot of experience to be had on both sides of the ball for David Shaw as he can draw from Callahan and Ryan. I think that certainly allows you a more clear vision of the franchise that you can take into Step 5 - trimming the fat.

    The biggest thing with all of that theory, is that I would hope that DeCosta, Shaw, and Callahan believe that they can work with Ryan Tannehill and put a good staff around him to bring out the maximum ability in Tannehill. I believe that Jeff Ireland registered what is potentially a very big hit with Tannehill, but the staff and supporting cast that's currently surrounding him is handcuffing him. I think it was convenient to have Sherman, Taylor, and even Jim Turner around Tannehill to prep him for his rookie year and get him acclimated to the NFL. I don't think they've really moved along with him in taking that proverbial "next step". However, I believe if you're honest with yourself in watching Ryan Tannehill play, you can see that he can be really, REALLY good. I think a new staff could very well be the thing that helps get him there.

    Have at it.
     
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  2. Rocky Raccoon

    Rocky Raccoon Greasepaint Ghost Staff Member

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    Thanks for the effort, but this thread is way too premature. Season isn't even half way over yet. So much can change between now and January.
     
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  3. RoninFin4

    RoninFin4 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I labeled the title "Potential" and prefaced it at the beginning. If you don't like it, don't click on the thread. It's merely an exercise that's trying to generate discussion. It's better than talking about the refs screwing us, how Ryan Tannehill sucks, Jeff Ireland, etc. At least contribute something to it. I think you're a pretty reputable poster and I hope you realize that the change you mention, can very easily also be unfavorable change (to many on here) just as easily, if not more so IMO, than change for the better, namely Miami ripping off four consecutive wins.
     
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  4. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    I can't go there until Thursday nite Ro..

    But I'll say this, I don't ever have good convictions about potential GM candidates because I don't feel comfortable knowing what their true track record is over a period of time..

    Shaw would be an excellent candidate, following a coach of that caliber is truly a feat..to keep them playing at such a high level, with such an identity, is very attractive..

    Shane Skov is on the draft list at this point, I'll say it over and over, we must draft players that are intrinsically motivated and super tough..
     
  5. RoninFin4

    RoninFin4 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    That'd be the rub with DeCosta. I'd like to think he's at least learned something about the structuring of a team working under Ozzie Newsome. Two Super Bowls, three Hall of Fame Draft Picks (Odgen, Lewis, Reed) and some otherwise outright successes drafting. I think that's certainly going to carry some weight.
     
  6. Rocky Raccoon

    Rocky Raccoon Greasepaint Ghost Staff Member

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    Jersey
    I just rather wait until the end of the season to see what happens. I wasn't trying to piss on your thread, and my apologies if I came across that way. I was just giving my opinion on it.

    I'm just saying man, it's hard for me to look at this stuff right now because in my mind, it's way too early to think about coaching changes. GM, sure, because it's been a huge question mark for a few years now. But Philbin? Nah, I don't agree that he needs to be fired, at least not right now.

    Again, I'm sorry if you thought I was trying to dismiss you for starting this thread. It wasn't my intention at all.
     
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  7. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Yeah maybe some administration stuff, but to think evaluation talent rubs off is hard for me...I guess on another note, if Ozzie thought he sucked at the most important part of the job he wouldn't have a job..

    I wish that all acquisitions were public record..lol
     
  8. RoninFin4

    RoninFin4 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    No worries.
     
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  9. Lee2000

    Lee2000 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    It is interesting to think about, but the human element of keeping Ireland may be too much for Ross. He has demonstrated a high degree of patience given his financial losses here. Maybe it is the fan in him. If the Dolphins don't make the playoffs however, it is got to ring in his ear. I think you have to consider a blowup. But these contracts are multiple year contracts for these new players. There is a part of me that has been disappointed with almost all of the new additions, except for Gibson and Grimes.
     
  10. CrunchTime

    CrunchTime Administrator Retired Administrator

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    I agree with the gist of your post but I do think its premature .Many fans still have hope at this stage so dont expect much support ...yet.
     
  11. RoninFin4

    RoninFin4 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    It's funny, reading through the "Is It Over?" thread, most people who said no, agree that it will be over should Miami lose Thursday night.
     
  12. PhinGeneral

    PhinGeneral PC Texas A&M, Bro Club Member

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    Part of me thinks that if Ireland were to go he would be replaced by Brian Gaine to keep a certain level of continuity, meaning that Philbin would stay. There were a number of reports a few years back that Philbin was the guy Ross really wanted, and if true I don't know if Stephen's ready yet to admit it was a mistake after only 2 years. Elevating Gaine would probably be contingent on just how much blame could be laid at his feet in terms of player acquisition mistakes. I might also suspect that if Philbin were to keep his job that Sherman (and possibly Coyle) might have to be shown the door if the questionable playcalling and underperforming continue.
     
  13. vt_dolfan

    vt_dolfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

    The effort and thoughts are sound..I really do not know much about either. But..just taking your hypothetical approach...if Philbin is deemed not adequate, that makes what 4 straight coaches now with no head coach experience? No..maybe more. Wan, Sabon, Cam, Sparano, Philbin..5.

    At this point, I would go for a known commodity. Do what ever you need to do..to get Jon Gruden.

    For the record..I believe we are on the right track...and think another offseason where the line is addressed will bear that out.

    Blowing everything up right now is the worst...absolute worst thing we could do. ..IMO.
    Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
     
  14. schmolioot

    schmolioot Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    When you make firing coordinators a prerequisite for the HC keeping his job it's already over. It almost never works. The coach resents it and they end up making a mediocre hire.

    Staff changes need to be the coach's decision.

    As for the post Shaw is an excellent candidate. I think Sumlin and Art Briles are great college candidates as well.
     
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  15. vt_dolfan

    vt_dolfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

    I said its over once we lose more then 6 games.

    Sent from my SPH-L710 using Tapatalk 2
     
  16. schmolioot

    schmolioot Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Why should we trust Ireland to fix the oline when he's been unable to do so for 5 years? And why should we trust this staff to coach them up?
     
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  17. MikeHoncho

    MikeHoncho -=| Censored |=-

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    Coach X. He will be our next 3 year savior.
     
  18. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

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    What is any of that based on?
     
  19. SICK

    SICK Lounge Moderator

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    [​IMG]


    [​IMG]
     
  20. schmolioot

    schmolioot Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    History. Last example I can think of, Joe Banner and Jeff Lurie force Andy Reid to fire his friend Sean McDermott, who he had groomed for years under Jim Johnson.

    Reid completely goes off the rails and hires Juan Castillo as DC. 2 years later the organization is completely blown up. A coach needs full autonomy over his staff.
     
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  21. RoninFin4

    RoninFin4 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Sadly, those gifs are about how I feel when watching Dolphins games.
     
  22. Fin D

    Fin D Sigh

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    Wait, so one example of Reid going off the deep end is your proof? I would venture to say there were a myriad amount of issues over the years that lead to that blow up.

    For what you're saying to be true, then all HCs have the exact same reactions to things.

    Also, coordinators leave all the time. The reason they have to leave is irrelevant.
     
  23. SICK

    SICK Lounge Moderator

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    Me too. It sucks right now. But blowing up the FO is a bit premature at this point in October.
     
  24. RoninFin4

    RoninFin4 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    If Miami lost Thursday, would that change your mind any? Honest question.

    I think it is clear some are taking this thread in a context that I didn't mean for it to be taken in.
     
  25. SICK

    SICK Lounge Moderator

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    Yes it would. Because 5 losses, 4 of them being to division or conference opponents means we have an uphill climb that its probably impossible.
     
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  26. RoninFin4

    RoninFin4 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Boik and/or Crunch, perhaps it is best to close this thread for now. I trust SICK as he seems to have a pretty good handle on the mood of many posters, and as Crunch you said, this thread may have been launched too soon.
     
  27. Boik14

    Boik14 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Assuming (at this point praying) JI gets canned, the short list of coaches Id be looking at would be:
    Lovie Smith
    David Shaw
    Jay Gruden
    Adam Gase (darkhorse)

    The executives Id be looking at are:
    Eric De Costa
    Omar Khan
    Marc Ross

    Id try and pair the executive with the coach. For instance, Ross only has experience drafting for a 4-3 scheme so Im not sure Id want him hiring a coach running a 3-4. So if Marc Ross were hired Lovie Smith is a coach Id strongly consider. Shaw is a 3-4 guy so Id want someone with 3-4 experience making Omar Khan or DeCosta great fits. Gruden and Gase are offensive guys so Ross and De Costa are the guys who have shown they can find offensive talent...ross in particular as he identified Ahmad Bradshaw and Victor Cruz as UDFA/late round guys. He probably never imagined they would become stars as they did but some people have a better eye for talent then others obviously.
     
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  28. djphinfan

    djphinfan Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    No need to close it, Thursday is right around the corner...I might be right back here Thursday nite.
     
  29. Stringer Bell

    Stringer Bell Post Hard, Post Often Club Member

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    Trying to determine whom is a strong GM candidate is a pretty futile exercise IMO. Nobody really has any clue when it comes to these guys.

    In terms of coaches, I'd really take a hard look at Ken Whisenhunt.
     
  30. Clark Kent

    Clark Kent Fighter of the Nightman

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    Why Whisenhunt?
     
  31. Stringer Bell

    Stringer Bell Post Hard, Post Often Club Member

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    When he has had even a decent QB, his teams always near the top of the league at passing efficiency.
     
  32. KB21

    KB21 Almost Never Wrong Club Member

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    I can't stress this enough, but just because someone works for a well run organization doesn't mean that will translate if someone hires him away from that organization. We have already seen examples of this with people hiring executives and coaches from New England's staff. We have also seen it from Baltimore. Two executives that have been hired from Ozzie Newsome's staff in the past 5 years are Phil Savage and George Kokonis. Eric DeCosta is considered to be the heir apparent to Ozzie, who may retire soon. However, just because he comes from the Ravens doesn't mean the good decision making will also come.

    One name I will throw out there as a potential GM guy that is under the radar.

    Alonzo Highsmith.

    He was promoted from scout to a senior personnel executive position last year, but he has a great reputation for having an eye for talent. As an aside, he is a Miami native and played at the University of Miami.
     
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  33. KB21

    KB21 Almost Never Wrong Club Member

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    Oh, also, whether you decide to blow things up or bring in a new GM that will work with Joe Philbin, you have to give it time to work. You can't, in two years time, say we need to blow it up again. Hell, all we've done since Don Shula retired is make changes every 4-5 years, if not sooner.

    We had Don Shula for 25 years, and since he retired, we've had 6 different head coaches and 6 different personnel heads in the past 18 years. That's an average of making a change every 3 years. You can't build or sustain anything doing that.
     
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  34. RoninFin4

    RoninFin4 Season Ticket Holder Club Member

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    Highsmith works for the Packers doesn't he?
     
  35. TooGoodForDez

    TooGoodForDez Deion Sanders for GM

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    I have never seen a more weakarse list of suggestions for out team. You should all be ashamed for posting those weak names.


    Perhaps this thread is a passive attempt to be sarcastic. It has succeded. I want this regime to stay if those are the options.
     
  36. KB21

    KB21 Almost Never Wrong Club Member

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    Yes. He was the 2010 NFL scout of the year.
     
  37. maynard

    maynard Who, whom?

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    Outstanding contribution.
     
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  38. Muck

    Muck Throwback Uniform Crusader Retired Administrator

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    Here's the thing you need to know about David Shaw, via Peter King one month ago.

    And another from the same week.

    While there's always a chance, it's going to take a perfect situation and a ton of money to get that family. And I think there's a lesson there, as we went thru the same thing with Nick Saban. They didn't want to leave college or Baton Rouge, wife didn't want to leave. Huizenga eventually offered obscene money. But they were never happy living here. He wasn't right for the pros. And two years later, they're gone. The lesson is, you don't over-extend for a guy who doesn't want to leave his current gig and his reservations are family/geographically oriented. That's different than going after a coach who's looking and has other suitors.

    I personally wouldn't fire the entire staff automatically. I'd let the incoming coach make that determination. Especially when there are some good ones under contract (Kacy Rodgers, Dan Campbell, Darren Rizzi).

    As for Brian Gaine, David Canter is on record as a fan. That's an otherwise difficult hire because -- as mentioned -- you really don't know what they're responsible for.
     
  39. Muck

    Muck Throwback Uniform Crusader Retired Administrator

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    He gets a lot of high marks it seems.

    Tell you what, that guy won't hide in a bunker. That guy is out there and talking. He's not afraid of the media (traditional or social). And you can bet he'd scout South Florida.

    Would be quite a departure from Joe Bailey's "too hip hop" days.
     
  40. maynard

    maynard Who, whom?

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    Seems to me that when West Coast people define themselves as such, they are far less amenable to moving to the East Coast than vice versa. It seems like more of an outright dislike for the East Coast than just a preference
     

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