Potential 2014 Front Office/Staff Combination
44 replies
RoninFin4subscriberOPIf 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 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.
@KevinMD4
Rocky RaccoonmoderatorThanks 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.
RoninFin4subscriber"Rocky Raccoon wrote:
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.
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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djphinfansubscriberI 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..
RoninFin4subscriber"djphinfan wrote:
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..
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.
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Rocky RaccoonmoderatorI 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.
djphinfansubscriber"RoninFin4 wrote:
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.
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
RoninFin4subscriber"Rocky Raccoon wrote:
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.
No worries.
@KevinMD4
Lee2000subscriberIt 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.
CrunchTimeretired_adminI 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.
RoninFin4subscriber"CrunchTime wrote:
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.
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.
@KevinMD4
PhinGeneralsubscriberPart 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.
vt_dolfansubscriberThe 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.
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schmoliootsubscriberWhen 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.
vt_dolfansubscriber"RoninFin4 wrote:
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.
I said its over once we lose more then 6 games.
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"The more difficult the victory, the greater the happiness in winning"
Pele
schmoliootsubscriber"vt_dolfan wrote:
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.
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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?
MikeHonchosubscriberCoach X. He will be our next 3 year savior.
Headcoach material wouldn’t want to work somewhere they’re not trusted with actual football decisions.
Fin Dforum_veteran"schmolioot wrote:
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.
What is any of that based on?
schmoliootsubscriber"Fin D wrote:
What is any of that based on?
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.
RoninFin4subscriber"SICK wrote:
Sadly, those gifs are about how I feel when watching Dolphins games.
@KevinMD4
Fin Dforum_veteran"schmolioot wrote:
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.
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.
SICKforum_veteran"RoninFin4 wrote:
Sadly, those gifs are about how I feel when watching Dolphins games.
Me too. It sucks right now. But blowing up the FO is a bit premature at this point in October.
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RoninFin4subscriber"SICK wrote:
Me too. It sucks right now. But blowing up the FO is a bit premature at this point in October.
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.
@KevinMD4
SICKforum_veteran"RoninFin4 wrote:
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.
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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