DawgTalkers.net Forums DawgTalk Pure Football Forum For those of you wanting to put the blame on RAC .... read this.

I know this could have potentially gone into an existing thread, but thought that it was worthy of it's own so I put it here....

This article has two good points, the first being how difficult it is to change coaches and the second being the impact it has on an organization.

I thought this was a good read and am wondering what most of you think, if Cowher does walk and a 4-3 coach comes into Pittsburgh, maybe we could nab some of their players who would fit into the Crennel defensive scheme...

Whaddya 'all think?!

Interesting huh?

easy about making a coaching changeBy Len Pasquarelli
ESPN.com
Archive

For nearly 20 years now, beginning with the last few seasons of the Chuck Noll Era and continuing through Bill Cowher's entire 15-year tenure, the Pittsburgh Steelers have employed the 3-4 defense.

Pittsburgh scouts scoured colleges for undersized defensive ends, guys like Greg Lloyd, Joey Porter and Clark Haggans, that they could convert into linebackers. They sought out defensive tackles who possessed the size and speed components needed to move outside to end in the 3-4. And they always placed a priority on unearthing cornerbacks who would come up from the secondary and support against the run.

You look at the composition of the Pittsburgh defensive roster and it screams 3-4.

But let's say Cowher departs after this season, walks away with one season remaining on his contract and takes a year or so off to recharge his batteries. And let's say the Steelers replace him with a new coach whose philosophies and personal preferences run completely counter to those established in Pittsburgh over the past two decades, a guy who absolutely abhors the 3-4 concepts.

What happens to the Steelers' current defensive personnel? Or to current coordinator Dick LeBeau and his trademark 3-4 zone-blitz schemes? Heck, what becomes of the 3-4 defense in Pittsburgh, period, under a new guy who might demand the more conventional 4-3 front?

"Now you see some of the reasons it's so hard to let a coach go and to pick a new one," said one longtime NFL executive whose team is not considering a coaching change in the coming offseason. "It means an upheaval at a lot of levels. It changes people's lives. It changes personnel and [schemes]. It changes just about everything you do. It really is a traumatic event. Which is why you agonize so much over it."

The time of agonizing for owners who are considering a coaching change begins with the conclusion of the regular season this weekend. Because there were 10 coaching changes after the 2005 campaign -- the average since the 1970 merger has hovered around seven -- there figures to be significantly less attrition during this year's firing-and-hiring cycle. Unlike last year, there probably won't be blood running through the NFL's streets within a few days of the season's end.

Yet there will be change, for sure, and owners and general managers in some league precincts will have to go through the process of identifying the best fit for their franchise.


"Different [coaches] do it different ways. But the most important factor in success is finding a coach who has something compelling about his nature. Something that compels guys to play hard for him. There has to be that kind of connect."
-- Former NFL QB Hugh Millen, who played for seven different head coaches during his nine-year career. "
And, make no mistake, fit does make a difference in the hiring end of things.

Not all that long ago, the process operated this way: If the coach you were dumping had been known as a "players' guy," you hired a hard-ass to replace him. If the guy handed his walking papers was a martinet during his tenure with a team, his successor was typically someone with a more benign approach. OK, so that's oversimplifying the process, we agree. But there was an element of a white hat-black hat mind-set that existed in the league.

The emphasis now is on finding a coach for whom the guys in the locker room will play, a sideline boss for whom the charges will fall on the spear, if need be.

"Different [coaches] do it different ways," said former NFL quarterback Hugh Millen, who played for seven different head coaches during his nine-year career. "But the most important factor in success is finding a coach who has something compelling about his nature. Something that compels guys to play hard for him. There has to be that kind of connect."

But there also has to be a philosophical connection, too, and some sense of how a new coach will handle the old leftovers, the residual players, the old offensive and defensive systems, the scouting staff and just about everything related to football. That's where things can get pretty tricky for both sides at the interview table.

In an age of instant gratification when every owner's ego drives him to want to be the guy standing on the riser and clutching the Vince Lombardi Trophy after the final game of the year, no one wants to hear from a candidate that it might take three seasons to retool a team to the coach's desires. Coaches also understand that the average shelf life in the league for their profession has been diminished because of the pressure to win as quickly as possible.

But change begets change in the NFL. And casting off one head coach and hiring another means that the die has to be smashed and a new design forged in the image of the replacement.

In Atlanta, a new coach might not want to retain the zone-blocking schemes installed three years ago by Alex Gibbs, techniques that rely on smaller, quicker linemen, but which have yet to demonstrate an ability to consistently protect the passer. Two summers ago, New York Giants coach Tom Coughlin decided he wanted more quickness at defensive end, so he moved Osi Umenyiora into the starting lineup and had Michael Strahan drop his weight into the area of 255 pounds. If Coughlin is fired, his successor might not want such smallish players on the flanks of his defense.

Should Dennis Green be fired in Arizona, his successor might want a more run-based offense, so what does he do with prolific receivers such as Anquan Boldin and Larry Fitzgerald? The Cleveland Browns invested a lot of time and money transitioning to the 3-4 front Romeo Crennel preferred, and he could be dismissed after only two seasons. Does that mean sacking the 3-4 defense and divesting the Browns of some players acquired specifically to play it?

"It's the age-old question," said the team executive who earlier cited the agony of changing coaches. "Are you looking for a new coach who can fit with the players and systems already in place? Or do you junk what you've got, just cash out the human inventory, and try to find players who fit better with what he wants to do?

"There's really no easy answer."

This is JMHO, but I think people screaming for a coaching and FO change after the second season is shortsighted, foolish, and kneejerk reactionary... Can't even call it thinking. <img src="/images/graemlins/rolleyes1.gif" alt="" />

This is my major problem with changing coaches right now. We've spent 2 drafts getting players to fit the 3-4, so what happens if RAC is fired? The answer is probably another 2-3 years of 4 or 5 win football teams, and that is not something I'm willing to accept. Despite our awful season, there has been some bright spots on defense. It looks like we've found players in Wimbley, Jones, Williams, Pool, Jackson, and Holly. Let's stay the course, keep our fingers crossed, and see what happens next year.

If we go 0 for the division and win 4 games in 2007, then we can tell RAC adios.

I don't get how there are so many people here that can't even fathom a coaching change. If RAC stays, I'm fine with that, but some people don't seem to want to even begin to think of a change. I'm really curious as to why that is. Do you really see some progress that I don't, or are you just scared that a change will mean another year or two without any hope of success, whereas, if we keep our coach, at least there's some hope.

I agree with you here, a change from a 4-3 to a 3-4 or back is a huge one and involves most of the defensive players. If we do change coaches, I hope they look specifically for a 3-4 coach

The ideal scenario is to give RAC another season. If we fail to show definite improvement then he gets canned and we hire Cowher. He is a 3-4 coach, has Cleveland roots and best of all it would really [censored] off all the Steelers fans. <img src="/images/graemlins/naughtydevil.gif" alt="" />

i havnt seen progress in the w/l collumn yet, but i see more talent here than before and if RAC cant get this team on its feet next year, THEN its time

Your answer lies within the article at the top of this thread.

Browns fans have been victimized by constant change ever since the team re-entered the league.

Top brass have tried everything under the sun, except for one thing-trying for some sense of consistency. The only thing that's been consistent is the perennially poor play by this <supposed> professional team... and that's no coincidence.

Some Dawgs have seen this all along, and have been screaming (unheard) for a chance to see what someone- ANYONE can do with a little time to work with.

Someone once said that the definition of insanity is doing the exact same thing repeatedly, and expecting different results. What we've been forced to endure with the Browns certainly fits that definition.

I can only answer your question from my own point of view... namely, that I'm not afraid of change, because that's all I've ever seen from this bunch since 1999.

It's time to see what consistency might accomplish.

I mean, geez... could it be any worse than what we've already had?

I can't speak for others, but it's not that I can't fathom a coaching change, I've been through many changes, from the Karidak Kids, to the Shottenloser years to the loss of the team and on through three coaches in six years up to present day. Change for change sake is meaningless and counterproductive. Until this current administration has an opportunity to put together a team of talented players within their structured scheme I believe we as fans need to have faith that they know as well as we do the state of this team, and that they are doing their jobs and working diligently to put together a cohesive and productive unit. Given the talent level of this team two years ago, I say yes, I do see progress, especially given the fact the we completely coverted our defensive scheme and had basically no talent at all on offense when the current administration took over this team. The 3-4 is starting to work, even though we're about 4-5 players shy on that side of the ball, and we do have a couple offensive weapons that have shown the potential to be effective playmakers, (K2 & Joe J for example,) as well as real improvement in special teams. (Which by the way would be the first place to expect improvement on a rebuilding team.) I've always preached execution, and still feel much of what we lack lies in that arena, but I also believe that we're about 8-10 starters away, talent-wise, from being able to compete on a level playing field within our division, (and the rest of the league,) and until the FO has had the chance to put real talent on the field, within a continuous system, it is unfair to judge them as being inadequate. Change for change sake, or because fans aren't happy with the way this season went, is simply shortsighted, and has nothing to do with fear of change, IMO.

You are right CalDawg but it sure is hard to be patient. All these years without a team then with such a [censored] poor team is frustrating and really wears on you. It's sad that we consider a lucky break being so bad that we get a shot at the top LT who is actually a decent prospect unlike most years when we have a top pick.

First a reply to the article.

Len you are an idiot. There is probaly 100 assistant coaches in the NFL that are fully involved in the 3-4 defense. IF an owner or GM cant find one to run their scheme then they are as bright as Pastabelly.


This is JMHO, but I think people screaming for a coaching and FO change after the second season is shortsighted, foolish, and kneejerk reactionary... Can't even call it thinking

Foolish is a poochpunt instead of a 44 yard FG attempt. Boy that 7 yards of field position really had Tampa shaking in their shoes.

Shortsighted isnt that when you see a running back 2 yards into the endzone and challenge the call.

kneejerk reaction well cant accuse Romeo of that, in fact if he died no one would notice until he started to stink up the joint.

Thinking well that something I sure well never accuse Romeo of doing, the same as motivating, disciplining and coaching.

Mour, I understand your frustration, I hate to see us lose and have a season like this as much as anyone, in fact some days I'm just plain furious about it all, but do you honestly think the things you've listed are what cost us this season, and do you really feel a coaching change is the answer at this stage?

IMO, RAC is clearly embattled, with little to nothing going right starting on the first day of training camp when LCB went down. Injuries, poor execution, lack of talent on the lines, decimated secondary, close loses, inexperience within the system and a bunch of young players and quite a few backups, dropped balls, poor routes, missed blocking assignments, tyrades, dissent, OC change, a hostile media and a bitter fan base all play a part in this seasons debacle, yet RAC still manages to show up to work every day, work with what he has, and still keep the team focused on moving forward. I think his calmness and focus on the mission is something we've lacked, and given all the problems of this season, there were still some pretty interesting things happening on the field. Some things you can hang your hat on for the future. This is a young team and they've made plenty of mistakes on the field which hopefully they learn from and that coupled with the additional experience and continued coaching will help them improve. I'm not saying he's perfect or hasen't made his share of mistakes along the way, but I do think he's done a credible job given the circumstance, and I also think we can expect to see a more demanding, disciplinary coach with a better understanding of what it takes to win because of what he has been through this season. Personally, I hope he sticks around. I'd miss him if he died. JMO

Yes, and the reason, IMO, that this season stings so badly is because of the high expectations we had at the beginning of the season, because as fans we realized that there was a plan in place and an extreme infusion of talent. Sadly circumstances didn't pan out, (thing like the loss of our top two FAs from the past two season being just two,) but that does not change the fact that this team is moving in a forward direction, whether we like the results of this season or not. Patience is key because there is real hope for this team, I truly do believe that. I still believe in Savage and I still believe in RAC. Does anyone now think the Ravens should have been dismantled and a new coaching staff installed like they did at the end of last season? What about the Steelers, should they [censored] everything and start over? What about Cincy? There looking a little anemic lately and may not make the playoffs, maybe they need to start over too. The Colts lost to Houston, should they fire Dungey? Point is, not everything is measured in the W/L column. This was a tough season to be sure, but maybe we do get that left tackle, and maybe he's one of the difference makers that turns this team around or maybe it's Brady Quinn, or a FA, or someone else but whatever the case, we need to stay the course, IMO.

RAC is safe.. He should be safe for atleast 4 - 5 years... IMO!!

He's a great coach.. He does his job.. His resume says that... RAC does not throw bad passes... RAC does not drop the ball... RAC does not fumble... RAC isnt the one out there getting injured...

ITS THE PLAYERS!!!

the 3-4 defense is perfect for this team.. and the personel is already there...

if we had to switch to 4-3 again.. wow.. that would be crazy...

Wimbley back to DE? lol... NO!! keep him at LB..

and keep the 3-4 installed....

all this nonsense needs to stop.. Post asking what type of coach do u want when RAC is gone?? WHAT!! R U SERIOUS!! i couldnt even open up that thread b/c of how ridiculous i thought it was...

stay positive.. positive things will happen...

Good article. I find it very interesting as this team was one really screwed up call from a playoff shot in their third year. This was done by botch while using the core of players from the team that palmer and policy built. We were 9-7 in year 4, then botch scrapped the team to rebuild it in his vision. After two years of botch failing miserably, we get to the Crennel era.

We've tried changing coaches, GMs, changing owners and changing philosophies. I think it's time for consistancy.

We now have a talented core of players on defense, and some talent on the offense. This next draft and FA period should fill more holes with picks than with FAs. This will be third year of players in the same or similar system. I would like to see if the first two years of this coach have been wasted or not.

LOL........I love how you all rewrite history.

First of all..........Palmer and Clarke left Butch a lot of talent??? <img src="/images/graemlins/saywhat.gif" alt="" /> LOL...I remember everyone commenting on how Butch was bringing in his own players the first two years.


Secondly, Butch didn't scrap the playoff team to rebuild it in his image. We were in cap hell because of Policy....and mainly because he gave that stupid extension to Timid, making him the third highest paid player in the NFL. Brilliant!

The 2004 draft I saw what Butch was building and honestly it would have worked but Butch made the mistake of letting players call out other players and it tore the team apart. I knew he would never recover and I wanted him gone.

RAC allowed the crap with Edwards and you see the results on the field. Hell RAC isnt the coach that Butch was and Butch you know my opinion on him.

I didnt think Romeo was the right choice then and I still dont. He is simply not head coach material. he is a players friend and not their leader. I honestly think keeping him on is a complete waste of another year.

A change is going to be made either this year or next and you might as well make it this year when there are some talented coaches looking for a job.

Butch didn't turn a 3-13 team into a 7-9 team with good coaching. He didn't fall into a good situation, but he certainly had a better core than when Crennel stepped in.

We were in cap hell when he dismantled that growing squad...but Davis did a great deal to fuel his own destruction. I think he deserved more time like Crennel does...but for all of Palmer and Clarke's gaffes...they didn't leave Davis high and dry to begin with. They were working on something, and while I can't approve their disasters, I can't deny them some credit for heading in a positive direction.

Who are these talented coaches looking for a job that you would like to see as the Browns HC?

Man, I hope you're wrong. I do see him exerting more control and discipline, and you may say too little too late, but I think better late than never. Not that I'm familiar with the inner workings of the organization, but it does seem to me that even RAC has grown in the sense that he has stepped up to the plate and sat Braylon on the bench, (for being late or whatever,) and that he will be considerably less tolerable of any type of infractions in the future. I don't believe he has lost the team, and have heard several players, (young players like K2 and Jones & vets like JJ & Russell,) take on the responsibilty for what happens on the field. And while RAC's sophmore season as head coach may be less than desirable, I do see growth in his style as well as a steady hand and demeanor. Whether he steps up and fills the HC shoes completely or not, he definitely seems to be a character guy, something Butch knew nothing about when it came to dealing with the players. If anything is to be learned from the current administration this year is that they do not throw the baby away with the bathwater. I expect we'll see them stand behind RAC, and we'll hear a lot about adding talent around him to allow him to do a better job. New WR coach? OC? An O-line? A D-line? All the above? I do think RAC gets the players to play for him, maybe not as consistently as they should, but that could be due in a large part to the lack of talent at key positions. In any case, I think there will be a scramble to add another infusion of talent this offseason in addition to any support coaching changes. I'll be real suprised if RAC is canned this year though.

[color:"orange"] Head Coaching Prospects 2007


Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator Mike Martz By Adam Caplan
Senior NFL Reporter
Posted Dec 28, 2006

This coming Monday signifies what those inside the NFL call "Black Monday." That is the day after the official end of the regular season. But this Monday is better known as the day when some head coaches lose their jobs along with some or all of their assistant coaches.

As we did last year, we'll delve into the coaches who are viewed to be on the hot seat or who may choose to leave on their own accord.

And as we did last year, we'll also take a look into this year's hot coaching prospects list. At this time last year, scout.com had Brad Childress and Eric Mangini heading that list.

Although there won't be nearly as many as last year's coaching changes (10), there will certainly be some and there are plenty of qualified candidates.

Job Openings?

Arizona Cardinals - A league source told scout.com this week that head coach Dennis Green already has boxes lined up in his office which signifies he could know about his pending fate. Possible replacements with ties to the team or the Arizona area are Jim Fassel and Mike Martz. A league source points out that Martz likes his receivers to be smaller and faster so he may look at other possibilities as well as Arizona if any others open up.

Atlanta Falcons - Head coach Jim Mora had immediate success taking his team to the NFC Championship game in his first year at the helm. They missed the playoffs last season and could do so again in 2006 so owner Arthur Blank could pull the plug on him. And his well publicized, ill-fated radio interview in Seattle didn't help either. Still, the team has been through a pretty bad injury situation this season so Mora can't be totally at blame for some of the problems. But the passing game continues to be a major issue yet they've spent two first-round picks on receivers and also traded for WR Ashley Lelie and haven't received any meaningful results.

Cleveland Browns - Head coach Romeo Crennel certainly can't be blamed for the brutal injury situation that the team has incurred this season nor does he sign or draft the players but the team will have a worse record in 2006 than they did in 2005. There's been no indication that a change is coming but it wouldn't be a shock either if a one is made.

Dallas Cowboys - If head coach Bill Parcells decides to quit, offensive coordinator Tony Sparano could get a shot at the job. A league source who knows Parcells well said the legendary coach likes his team but isn't better than 60-40 to stay around for next season. The source points out that Parcells likes to leave his team in better shape than he had when he took it over, which he clearly has done with Dallas.

New York Giants - Head coach Tom Coughlin will lose his support system next week when general manager Ernie Accorsi's retirement becomes official. Most incoming general manager's will want to pick their own head coach so Coughlin's status as the head man could be in trouble and his team's slide this season doesn't help either.

Oakland Raiders - While head coach Art Shell replaced Tom Walsh as offensive coordinator, the offensive line has been a disaster this season and there have not been any signs of real improvement. You have to wonder who would be crazy enough to take this job if Shell gets canned. At least they have a decent defense.

Pittsburgh Steelers - Head coach Bill Cowher is expected to announce next week whether he's coming back for 2007 and beyond although some within the team believe he'll decide not to come back because if he wanted to come back, he would have made that decision known much earlier.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers - After Sunday's game against Seattle, Tampa Bay will have missed the playoffs in three out of the last four seasons. Head coachJon Gruden will have only made the playoffs in two out of five years as head coach.

Top Head Coaching Candidates

Top-10

1) Mike Martz/Offensive Coordinator/Detroit Lions - He wants to be head coach again and he's seen as the the top or one of the top offensive minds in the NFL. Those who know him well say for him to be successful as a head coach again he must stay out of personnel decisions and has to just coach the offense.

2) Ron Rivera/Defensive Coordinator/Chicago Bears - He was a finalist for the St. Louis Rams head coaching job earlier this year and also interview for the Green Bay job. Rivera is seen in league circles as the top head coaching candidate beside Martz.

3) Bobby Petrino/Head Coach/University of Louisville - He turned down the Oakland Raiders last year more than once to be their head coach. Petrino was the offensive coordinator for one year with the Jacksonville Jaguars so he has experience at the NFL level. It's not a secret that Petrino was the first choice of Raider senior personnel executive Mike Lomarbi to be their head coach, not Art Shell.Petrino has done a great job at Louisville and is seen as an innovative offensive mind.

4) Gregg Williams/Assistant Head Coach-Defense/Washington Redskins - He signed a three-year extension earlier this year but that doesn't preclude him from taking a head coaching job with another team. Williams didn't do a good job the first time he was a head coach with the Buffalo Bills but those who know him well say he's learned from his mistakes and is ready to be a head coach again. He's seen as one of the top defensive minds in the league.

5) Jim Haslett/Defensive Coordinator/St. Louis Rams - Despite his problems with the New Orleans Saints in the last years in his tenure as head coach, Haslett is well respected in league circles. He interviewed for the Detroit Lions head coaching opening before Rod Marinelli got it and Haslett also received interest from the Buffalo Bills about their opening but he never interviewed with them.

6) Ken Whisenhunt/Offensive Coordinator/Pittsburgh Steelers - He interviewed with the Oakland Raiders for their head coaching opening earlier this year but Whisenhunt wanted full control of his coaching staff and personnel so Oakland wound up not offering him the job. It's believed that he has the edge on Russ Grimm if head coach Bill Cowher decides not to return.

7) Mike Sherman/Assistant Head Coach-Offense/Houston Texans - His detractors say that he did a bad job as the general manager of the Green Bay Packers but it should be pointed out Sherman did a very solid job as their head coach. However, Sherman's other knock on him is that his players seemed to tune him out in the end because of his demanding style.

8) Tony Sparano/Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line/Running Game - Although the team doesn't have a title of offensive coordinator, a league source points out that head coach Bill Parcells handed over the play calling duties to Sparano this season. Sparano, despite the team's recent offensive struggles, has done a solid job of orchestrating their offense as well as helping QB Tony Romo make the transition from backup to start this season. The league source also points out that Sparano was a very successful collegiate head coach on the division II level and his offenses averaged over 30 points/game.

9) Russ Grimm/Assistant Head Coach-Offensive Line/Pittsburgh Steelers - The Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers, and New Orleans Saints all requested permission to interview him for their then vacant head coaching job earlier this year. Grimm is seen as one of the best offensive line coaches in the league but the knock on him, as it is with many offensive line coaches whether it's correct or not, is that they're not good play callers.

10) Mike Singletary/Assistant Head Coach-Defense/San Francisco 49ers - He interviewed for the vacant Detroit Lions head coaching job earlier this year. Singletary is well thought of by many in the NFL but he just started coaching in the league in 2003 (Baltimore Ravens).

Other Possibilities

Bob Bratkowski/Offensive Coordinator/Cincinnati Bengals - NFL owners love offense and Bratkowski is seen as one of the top-five offensive play callers in the league. He's done a great job also with QB Carson Palmer and has made small adjustments to play to his strengths.

Cam Cameron/Offensive Coordinator/San Diego Chargers - He has done a great job of designing and scheming their offense with a combination of a power rushing attack and a solid intermediate passing game. Cameron has also done a terrific job with current starting QB Philip Rivers and former starting QB Drew Brees. Cameron has head coaching experience from the college level with five seasons at Indiana University.

Jim Fassel - The former New York Giants head coach and most recently offensive coordinator of the Baltimore Ravens probably has seen his star tarnished a bit after being fired in both of those positions. Fassel interviewed for the St. Louis Rams and Kansas City Chiefs head coaching openings earlier this year. He did take the 2000 New York Giants to the Super Bowl. Fassel is best known for his work with veteran quarterbacks Kerry Collins, Boomer Esaison, and John Elway.

Hue Jackson/Wide Receivers Coach/Cincinnati Bengals - As a league source pointed out this week, Jackson has done a remarkable job with the Bengals' top receivers Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh and Jackson is known as a really good teacher of position. He also was the Washington Redskins offensive coordinator in 2003 under then head coach Steve Spurrier. Jackson also an offensive coordinator for five seasons at the collegiate level.

Jim Schwartz/Defensive Coordinator/Tennessee Titans - He's seen as one of the top defensive assistants who many in the league feel will be a head coach some day. A league source points out Schwartz doesn't get enough credit because it's head coach Jeff Fisher's scheme.

Wade Phillips/Defensive Coordinator/San Diego Chargers - Phillips has done a very good job with their defense the past few years and has plenty of head coaching experience with the Denver Broncos and Buffalo Bills. His critics say he did a poor job in Buffalo with the quarterback controversy between Rob Johnson and Doug Flutie and is a better assistant than head man. He interviewed for the Green Bay Packers head
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web page

I agree, nice call Fargo!

Here is the odds on favorite.


Heading for top job?
Ryan might be next Ravens defensive assistant to become head coach
By Jamison Hensley
Sun reporter
Originally published December 29, 2006
Ravens linebacker Ray Lewis concedes he has a fear for the next couple of months, and it has nothing to do with LaDainian Tomlinson or Peyton Manning.

It's the prospect of losing defensive coordinator Rex Ryan after the season.


When teams begin their search for a new head coach after this weekend's final regular-season games, Ryan could be the next in a line of Ravens defensive assistants to leave.

"I've lost Marvin [Lewis], I've lost Jack [Del Rio], I've lost Mike Nolan. ... I ain't losing Rex," Lewis said while shaking his head.

Lewis might not have a choice.

In Ryan's second season as coordinator, the Ravens rank atop half of the NFL's 12 major defensive categories, including fewest yards per game (264.8) and fewest points (12.9).

This is the first Ravens defense to rival the team's historic 2000 group in dominance, which is why Ryan's name is beginning to circulate throughout the league as a potential head-coaching candidate.

"You know how long I thought about it? Not for five seconds," Ryan said. "I signed up to do the best job possible and my focus is on the next opponent. When it's all said and done, the teams that win, their coaches move on."

After having 10 new hires last season, the NFL is expected to have more coaching upheaval this year.

The list of potential openings at the end of the season could include: the Cleveland Browns (Romeo Crennel has 10 wins in two seasons), Miami Dolphins (constant rumors of Nick Saban leaving), Oakland Raiders (team hasn't responded to Art Shell), New York Giants (late-season collapse could be costly for Tom Coughlin), Atlanta Falcons (continue to regress under Jim Mora) and Arizona Cardinals (Dennis Green has not lived up to expectations).

Under NFL rules, assistants on teams in the playoffs can interview once with each club interested in them for a head coaching job but cannot participate in a second interview or be hired until their season is over.

"I think Rex is as ready to be a head coach as anybody I've been around," Ravens coach Brian Billick said. "We'll do everything we can to help him through that process."

In some ways, Billick has already helped Ryan by association.

Billick's first defensive coordinator, Marvin Lewis, has turned around the Cincinnati Bengals. His second one, Mike Nolan, has improved the San Francisco 49ers in his second season. And former Ravens linebackers coach Jack Del Rio has led the Jacksonville Jaguars to the playoffs.

Ryan, 44, is the last of the Ravens' defensive coaches left from the Super Bowl team.

"Obviously, you want that opportunity, especially if you believe in yourself," Ryan said. "And people want that Brian Billick tree. They know the organization part of it. The things you learn from him, it gives you an advantage over other possible candidates."

Ryan could also draw interest for being the son of former NFL coach Buddy Ryan, although they are much different coaches.

Buddy Ryan had a brash, in-your-face approach that sometimes rubbed people the wrong way. Rex Ryan is the exact opposite, an affable coach who is considered one of the most popular people on the Ravens' staff.

"He's the ultimate players' coach," Lewis said.

Ryan frequently laughs and jokes with players during practice. He even allows them to have input on game plans, discussing which calls work best with them throughout the week.

Heading for top job?
Ryan might be next Ravens defensive assistant to become head coach
By Jamison Hensley
Sun reporter
Originally published December 29, 2006
<< Previous

"He's on our side. He's not your typical coach," defensive end Trevor Pryce said. "When Rex starts talking, everyone is quiet because what's going to come out of his mouth is going to help you. And it's not going to come out as typical coachspeak. You want to hear what he has to say. It is a breath of fresh air."

Asked whether he thought Ryan would make it as a head coach, Pryce said, "If he becomes a head coach, I'm going to find out and I'm going with him."

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The defense also carries a chip on its shoulder, which Ryan has been known to do.

Early in the season, Ryan was quick to defend a defense that was allowing some big plays. Now, despite playing six games against top-10 offenses, the Ravens have separated themselves as the NFL's elite defense.

"I told everyone to wait until the end of the season before they make any judgments," Ryan said, "because I knew I wasn't going to be the one looking stupid."

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Ahem:

At the end of 2000 ..... our QBs were Couch, Peterson, Thompson and the immortal Spurgon Wynn.

At the end of 2000, our RBs were ..... Marc Edwards, Travis Prentice, Errict Rhett, and Jamel White.

Our WRs were the incredible KJ, the astonishing Darrin Chiaverini, the ... oh the hell with it ..... Northcutt, Dawson, and David Patton before he was a star.

At TE we featured Mark Campbell and Aaron Shea. (when he could get on the field)

Here's what looks to be a fairly accurate roster for 2000.

LB Rahim Abdullah
DB Rashidi Barnes
T Brad Bedell
WR Bobby Brown
DE Courtney Brown
T James Brown
C Jim Bundren
LB Chester Burnett
TE Mark Campbell
T Roger Chanoine
DB Lamar Chapman
WR Darrin Chiaverini
DE/DT Stalin Colinet
LB Doug Colman
QB Tim Couch
WR JaJuan Dawson
K Phil Dawson
WR Damon Dunn
FB Marc Edwards
S Percy Ellsworth
FB Chris Floyd
CB Todd Franz
CB Corey Fuller
P Chris Gardocki
LB Michael Hamilton
DT Darius Holland
WR Lenzie Jackson
DB Raymond Jackson
WR Kevin Johnson
LB Lenoy Jones
DT Ryan Kuehl
T Noel LaMontagne
G/C Everett Lindsay
S Earl Little
DB Anthony Malbrough
CB Daylon McCutcheon
DE Keith McKenzie
DE Arnold Miller
LB Jamir Miller
LB Marty Moore
WR Dennis Northcutt
T Roman Oben
C Shaun O'Hara
WR David Patten
QB Doug Pederson
RB Travis Prentice
C Jim Pyne
LB Wali Rainer
RB Errict Rhett
LB Tyrone Rogers
DT/DE Orpheus Roye
LB/RB Tarek Saleh
CB/S Lewis Sanders
TE Aaron Shea
DB Marquis Smith
DT Marcus Spriggs
LB Ryan Taylor
QB Kevin Thompson
DT Mike Thompson
RB Jamel White
C/G Dave Wohlabaugh
QB Spergon Wynn
G/T Steve Zahursky


What players would you consider "core" players out of this bunch? <img src="/images/graemlins/crazy.gif" alt="" />

You guys repeat this BS so much that you actually believe it.

The talent that Butch left was way better than the talent he inherited. Savage chose to get rid of the that talent, and I don't blame him. He wanted to remake the Browns w/his kind of players. Smart move. However, Butch inherited pure garbage. We were two years removed from being a "true" expansion team.

Butch had his faults, and believe me...I was about the first one to point them out on the boards........but, his teams played hard and were competitive. The melt-down during the last year is what people remember, but that was after Junior and Damien leaked that Butch was going to be fired.

If you look at the overall picture, Butch's teams played way harder than the Savage and RAC's teams. And it ain't even close.

Okay, so you're in favor of replacing a defensive coordinator with a defensive coordinator. The reason I asked is while there appears to be a lot of people clamoring for RAC's head at the moment, the rub appears to be (and not necessarily by you) we need someone with NFL head coaching experience. Damn the coordinators, full steam ahead.



Also isn't this one of the axe's that RAC's detractors are currently swinging? He's not a strong enough disciplinarian and too much "one of the guys"? Again this is not necessarily your opinion and I do not intend to put words in your mouth but more from the standpoint of the general flavor of threads I've been reading the last couple of days around here.

Personally I like the look of this guy myself, not only from what he's done with the Ravens as it's hard to argue their defensive success but from a "homer" point of view. Not only is he from my state and "watch out people", so was Butch, but he was the D coordinator of my beloved Sooners in 98, the year before he joined the Ravens. He's also got a great pedigree to draw on but he's still just a coordinator with no head coaching experience at any level.

So to people in general, if RAC gets axed (and I really don't believe he will) are you looking for the best "potential" person available or we flat out need someone with NFL HC experience? Roll the dice on another DC or possbily an OC, or stick with a proven commodity in experience? I liken HC's to fruit in the grocery store. Good when they're ripe but fungas will grow on their butts over time.

Jim Bundren, of course <img src="/images/graemlins/tongue.gif" alt="" />

j/c

I want a guy who has been a head coach in the NFL.

I would take Jim Haslett in a heartbeat...possibly even Steve Mariucci. I would definitely go after Haslett.

I wouldn't be happy with a Fassel or Coughlin...or most ANY guy who has not been an NFL HC before...

To paraphrase Whitney Houston........Rac is Wack! <img src="/images/graemlins/rofl.gif" alt="" />

yeah because haslett sure has shown his coaching genius. if we do can RAC we should extend offers to the likes of mike sherman, jim mora, jimmie johnson ect...

Next years' teams will consist of

NFC West
AFC South

There is no reason why we can't win 9 games next year. The team has more than enough talent and if savage picked 'em like he picked 'em last year. We'll look like a powerhouse. If we stay healthy, we might have one hell of a chance.

What I'd like to see if anything, is that if Jeff Davidson decides that he wants to be on the Sidelines... I want to see the same type of enthusiasm that Grantham has. If RAC is the rock, you need barking dawgs yanking at the chain.

Agreed. Awfully hard to make him responsible for season ending crap. IS responsible for things he MUST address to stay. But I feel he is not the problem.
Da Browns! Da blues! Wait til next year (again)! <img src="/images/graemlins/rolleyes1.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/rolleyes_devil.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" />

We need a purge, a major one. we need another mass of talent, and some of our hopes to be called busts and shown the door. Pronto. we need to hang with the character thang. Then we need wins. RAC stays. But results. If I were him, I would want another year to fix it, to show improvement. Robiskie goes. A true OC arrives. After another year of this crap, he may not want to stay. But he will help himself if he plays D differently and flushes a few problem brats.
Da Browns! Da blues! Wait til next year (again)! <img src="/images/graemlins/rolleyes1.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/rolleyes_devil.gif" alt="" /> <img src="/images/graemlins/thumbsup.gif" alt="" />