Scouting GM and coaching candidates past 2009
by Brian Galliford on Feb 11, 2009 12:00 PM EST
in Buffalo Bills Opinion
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We here at Buffalo Rumblings have spent every spare second of our time over the past couple of months looking forward to the 2009 off-season. When it comes to the Buffalo Bills, the best a fan of the team can usually do is look forward. So, naturally, we've discussed nearly every potential free agent, draft pick and trade opportunity at great length - and rest assured that we'll continue to do just that, particularly as the action heats up here in a couple of weeks.
Most Bills fans considered 2008 a "make or break" year for the Bills. Clearly, a third straight 7-9 finish left the Bills in the "break" category, yet head coach Dick Jauron and his staff were retained for a fourth season, much to the chagrin of the vast majority of the fan base. Many folks believe that the reportedly three-year extension that Jauron signed will keep him in his current post past 2009. I consider those folks pessimists, and consider the notion false. I remain adamant that if Jauron and his Bills can't, at a very minimum, throw together a winning record in 2009, owner Ralph Wilson will pull out his dynamite and blow the whole operation apart.
I'm the type of guy that loves looking toward the future, and I also enjoy the process of scouring front office and coaching talent. I find the chemistry, relationships and inner workings of front office personnel and coaching staffs fascinating. There are always a glut of outstanding coaches and personnel men ripe for the picking, ready to run the show. Rest assured that I'll be pulling for the Bills' current regime in 2009 as hard as I've pulled for them every year. I'm not one of those fans that roots for a guy to lose just to see change. But I am a fan that likes to know more about guys that might potentially be able to turn this franchise around should the current regime fail in their second straight "make or break" season. Therefore, I've got thirteen names for y'all that I'll be paying close attention to as the 2009 season unfolds...
The One-Man Show
Bill Cowher :: CBS Analyst
- Put this name in the "duh" category. Cowher is one of four "big-name" head coaching candidates for 2010, leading a pack that includes Mike Shanahan, Mike Holmgren and Jon Gruden. Cowher's the only name in that group that I'd be comfortable employing, because all four would want a degree of personnel power, and I don't like the way the rest of these guys build teams. Keep an eye on the situation in Carolina - John Fox is on the hot seat, and without a playoff win next year, he'll likely be fired. Cowher would jump at the chance to coach in his home state. If Carolina isn't a destination, however, it's not completely out of the question to rule out a Cowher-to-Buffalo scenario.
Top NFL Personnel Men
These are four names (and I'm sure they're all familiar to you) of men ready to take over GM responsibilities for an NFL franchise. They'll be the hot names on the market next season.
Eric DeCosta :: Director of College Scouting, Baltimore Ravens
- Ozzie Newsome gets all the credit in Baltimore, but the Ravens have had an outstanding scouting department for years, and DeCosta heads it up. He's just 37 years old and has a sharp mind. He tops my list of potential GM candidates for 2010 because he's a part of an outstanding organization and has a great drafting track record.
Marc Ross :: Director of College Scouting, New York Giants
- Ross has ties to the Bills, as he was a National Scout here for three years. He's also got vast scouting experience with the Eagles and Giants. It was Ross that helped bring in a Giants rookie class that sparked a Super Bowl title for the team in 2007. He's a bit greener prospect, but he's got future GM written all over him.
Greg Gabriel :: Director of College Scouting, Chicago Bears
- In case you can't tell, I limit my GM list to guys that deal with the college game. It's ultra-important to have ties to college, because as you're all well aware, the best teams are the most consistent (good) drafters. Gabriel is from Buffalo and has been mentioned as a potential GM here on more than one occasion. He'd be a good fit, though by no means is he an elite name out there.
Chris Polian :: VP of Football Operations, Indianapolis Colts
- Polian is the heir apparent to his father, Bill Polian, in Indianapolis. The Colts have actually denied other teams the opportunity to speak with Polian about their GM openings; only one team has received permission, but the Falcons eventually went with Thomas Dimitroff as their selection. Polian's going to be a great talent evaluator and he's been around the NFL his entire life, but it's extremely unlikely that he makes it out of Indy. Still, he deserves mention on this list.
Top NFL Assistant Coaches
I've got the names of eight assistant coaches from around the league who are ready to run the on-field operations of an NFL franchise. Most of these names are recognizable, and in some cases, it's hard to figure how they haven't landed jobs to this point in their careers.
Todd Bowles :: Assistant Head Coach/Secondary, Miami Dolphins
- Any disciple of Bill Parcells is OK in my book. Bowles was nothing short of a miracle worker last season in Miami, turning a Dolphins secondary very average in talent into a cohesive, functional group. His resume isn't extensive or lengthy, but Bowles is just that type of coach - similar to guys like Mike Tomlin (Steelers) and Raheem Morris (Buccaneers) - who has a certain energy that makes him ready to jump to the top of the charts. I consider him the top assistant in the NFL in terms of head coaching worthiness.
Jason Garrett :: Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Coordinator, Dallas Cowboys
- It's bizarre to me that NFL owners and general managers would hold Garrett's handling of the prima donna-fest in Dallas against him. Todd Haley couldn't handle TO when he was Dallas' wide receivers coach, but he's got himself a head coaching gig, doesn't he? Garrett's got a sharp mind, and he's put together some solid offenses in Dallas. He's young, too. Garrett's going to be a good head coach when he finally gets his opportunity.
Russ Grimm :: Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line, Arizona Cardinals
- With Haley bolting for the Chiefs, Grimm is a candidate to become the next offensive coordinator in Arizona. Grimm has long been mentioned as a head coaching candidate in league circles, and very nearly got the Steelers gig that eventually went to Tomlin. He's one of the older names on this list, but age generally doesn't matter. He's got the right demeanor to lead a group of men.
Leslie Frazier :: Assistant Head Coach/Defensive Coordinator, Minnesota Vikings
- He's gotten ringing endorsements from several coaches, most notably Tony Dungy and John Harbaugh. However, Frazier's redeeming qualities - calm, intelligence and likability - may strike Bills fans as a little too "Jauron". I still rate him highly, because he's got the potential to be a good head coach, particularly if he's not taking notes on game management from his current boss, Brad Childress.
Ron Meeks :: Defensive Coordinator, Carolina Panthers
- This is just another guy that's renowned for being a great teacher. It helps that he's helped a team win a championship. I don't pigeon-hole Meeks as a strictly Cover 2 coach, but he's not on the top half of my list for a reason - he's made his name working under Tony Dungy and, in reality, behind Peyton Manning. Still, there is potential here.
Ron Rivera :: Defensive Coordinator, San Diego Chargers
- I've always liked the aggressive, hard-hitting style of Rivera's defenses. That's his personality and his coaching style, too. I'm of the opinion that Rivera should have been a head coach a long time ago, but there's a growing sentiment that Rivera may have hit his coaching peak at the defensive coordinator position.
Bobby April :: Assistant Head Coach/Special Teams, Buffalo Bills
- Special Teams coaches, in general, make good head coaches because they're familiar with the skill sets and strengths/weaknesses of every guy on the team. Some of the league's best coaches, including the aforementioned Cowher and Harbaugh, were special teams coordinators themselves. There isn't a better special teams coordinator in the league right now than our very own Bobby April. He's an energetic guy that captures the attention of his players. He's definitely a name to consider - and not just for the Bills, either.
Kyle Shanahan :: Offensive Coordinator/Quarterbacks, Houston Texans
- Ideally, Shanahan would come with his dad's mind and without his dad's baggage. Shanahan hasn't done a lot of play-calling in Houston - Gary Kubiak has been pretty protective of those responsibilities - but that's expected to change in 2009. I like young coaches, and Shanahan is definitely that. He's an energy guy, and he's got excellent bloodlines. He might not be a candidate in 2010, but he's certainly a coach to keep an eye on.
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I personally would like to see them (if it happens) grab a defensive guy and hire a good O coordinator. I know DJ is a defensive guy – but his speciality is DB’s. I want a “meat and potatoes” kind of coordinator. Someone who has ran successful defenses for years.
Also – Bobby April would be an excellent choice – he finds ways to motivate his players – which is always a good thing. And as Brian points out – he knows the strengths/weaknesses of his players. something that cannot be underestimated. he would be able to put players in a position to succeed.
my list – Cowher, April Rivera
Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider
Someone who has ran successful defenses for years.
Just off of this list, Meeks (kind of) and Rivera fit that list.
Personally, I have no preference for offensive, defensive or special teams-centric head coaches, because there have been successes and failures in each type. I just want a guy with energy, passion, and is a great teacher. I like a guy that comes out of a solid coaching tree, and he doesn’t necessarily have to have coordinator experience. That’s why Bowles tops my list – he’s smart, young enough to kick around for a while, and he comes from the Parcells tree. I think he’ll be a very hot commodity next off-season, particularly if Miami doesn’t suck next year.
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by Brian Galliford on Feb 11, 2009 1:38 PM EST up reply actions
Hopefully we won’t have to look for a coach because we’ll get 9+ wins next year.
the only reason i prefer a defensive head coach because I want that nasty gritty style of play to come to Buffalo. Smash mouth run team with big hitting D. Other than that – it is a crap shoot. I could see Wilson sticking with April if DJ was let go and that wouldn’t bother me one bit
Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider
by J2 on Feb 11, 2009 4:53 PM EST up reply actions
i see your point
Brian looking around the league at your top personnel evaluators and coaches. But let’s be honest here. There will be no GM coming in, the inner-circle is in tact for as long as Ralph is alive. At the end of the day, and this is something I’ve had burning a hole in my brain for a few weeks now, it comes down to “what’s the mantra of your organization?” And that mantra, that philosophy has to be cultivated not just in the GM and the HC, but in every single member of that organization. If you have a system in place, a philosophy, a code of conduct so to speak, then hiring people is easy, cuz you follow what your entire organization is about.
What the Chiefs are doing in KC, will be fascinating to watch over the next 5-10 years. Scott Pioloi, with bloodlines to Bill parcells and toutelege under Belichick, seeing him with Clark Hunt and now Todd Haley will be something to really look at intently to see if hiring the “right” people does indeed lead to winning.
While everyone here will bash Jauron, the coaching staff, the personnel evaluators and pretty much anyone they can think of, I don’t fault the Bills for trying. They got a plan in 2006 with Levy. You can argue all you want that he made mistakes, but the mantra has been in place, the winning just hasn’t followed. At the end of the day this regime will be defined by if Trent Edwards turns out to “the guy.” If he is, I hope to to spite all the haters, Jauron is around for a very long time
MARVelous
There will be no GM coming in, the inner-circle is in tact for as long as Ralph is alive.
I don’t think that’s necessarily the case, Marv. I think the structure surrounding himself (owner/president), Brandon (COO) and Overdorf isn’t likely to change while he’s alive. But I can easily foresee a situation where the scouting and pro personnel departments are abolished in favor of a GM-type (he might not have that exact title) to handle the entire football operation. That person would work either alongside or under Brandon and Overdorf.
Basically all I’m saying is that the entire front office structure isn’t etched in stone. I think Brandon is the only guy that’s got a permanent seat in the “inner circle”, alongside the title-less confidants that Ralph has known for years.
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by Brian Galliford on Feb 11, 2009 1:35 PM EST up reply actions
Interesting point in April's favor
Bobby April has coached as a position coach on both defense and offense – TE coach for Tulane (1979) and the Falcons (91-93); a secondary/DL coach for Arizona (80-86), a secondary/kicking coach at USC (87-90) and a secondary coach at Ohio State (1990).
That seems rather unusual – most position coaches don’t switch between offense, defense, and special teams. Levy was only ever a special teams coach or a head coach; nothing else.
Harbaugh, though, has been a position coach for RB, OLB, TE, and DB, besides the special teams post.
by Krenn on Feb 11, 2009 12:34 PM EST reply actions 5 recs
Good stuff, Krenn. Rec’d.
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by Brian Galliford on Feb 11, 2009 1:33 PM EST up reply actions
good post brian
As much as I bashed Jauron and Wilson for not firing him, I hope he leans from last year and performs well this year. Assuming that’s not the case, then blowing the whole thing up is the only way. Again, I don’t agree with the 3-headed monster that we have and I believe we need a real GM but given that this is the way that we are going into 2009, I’ll support it.
I like the combination of DeCosta/Grimm
Your ability to control the LOS is directly linked to your ability to win football games!
FEED the BEAST!
Section 336 Row 13
I just like DeCosta in general. His age and track record make him the ideal GM candidate for the long haul. Whoever gets him is going to be a lucky, lucky franchise. He knows where to find good players.
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by Brian Galliford on Feb 11, 2009 1:32 PM EST up reply actions
If DJ gets fired this year
My first choice would be Cowher my second would be Bobby April.
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
Why Cowher to April? I mean, I like April, but he’s seventh on my list for a reason… there are some quality assistants out there. So why go directly to April once you get past Cowher? (I’m genuinely curious.)
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by Brian Galliford on Feb 11, 2009 1:32 PM EST up reply actions
I know as a hater on Schonert
this is going to sound hypocritical but I kind of like the idea of keeping things in house when possible. While the other guys may be more desirable, if we have a potential head coach candidate who has been with the team for a while, and to much success as your post on us being in the top 5 in special teams rankings every year pointed out, I would like to give April a try unless he is passed over for a superstar candidate like Cowher. Main reason being we have a young corp on this team and they know April and April knows them. He’ll be able to get a lot out of our players me thinks.
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
It’s good logic. I definitely wouldn’t mind April getting a shot at some point (though, again, I’m still pulling for Jauron). But I think bringing in a more qualified candidate is a smarter business decision. I really like Todd Bowles, and am still upset that the Bucs beat us to Raheem Morris.
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by Brian Galliford on Feb 11, 2009 1:57 PM EST up reply actions
I also like Ron Meeks as a third option
I know he got the benefit of coaching with the Colts but he was able to get a lot out of that defense and seems like a guy who can fire up players
Kawika Mitchell is a leader. He will help this young team develop.
April as interim if the Bills are 0-season between now and the bye week????
It’s a way to have your cake and eat it too
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Feb 11, 2009 2:26 PM EST up reply actions
Am I the only one that’s got some doubt about Cowher? I mean, I think a lot of the Steelers success comes from the strength of the organization as a whole…just something makes me not really comfortable with Cowher.
John Madden told me 90% of the game was half-mental...
by TheK-GunNeedsReloaded on Feb 11, 2009 1:25 PM EST reply actions
He’s not the sure-fire winner in any locale that most make him out to be. But that doesn’t make him a bad coach. His style of football, ideals and eye for talent would make him a natural fit in a city like Buffalo.
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by Brian Galliford on Feb 11, 2009 1:31 PM EST up reply actions
His demeanor fits Buffalo like it would not have in NYC
Playing Eternal Optimist at Buffalo Rumblings since 2008.
by MattRichWarren on Feb 11, 2009 2:26 PM EST up reply actions
I'm not saying he's a bad coach
And if he came to Buffalo, I wouldn’t be upset, I’m just not convinced he’s the demi-god he’s been made out to be at times.
I do think he’d be an improvement though.
John Madden told me 90% of the game was half-mental...
by TheK-GunNeedsReloaded on Feb 11, 2009 2:41 PM EST up reply actions
I’m just not convinced he’s the demi-god he’s been made out to be at times.
I completely agree. But that doesn’t mean he isn’t the best name on the market and easily the top target, either.
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by Brian Galliford on Feb 11, 2009 3:24 PM EST up reply actions
how many super bowls did Cowher win? Just one right?
Maybe now you'll never slime a guy with a positron collider
by J2 on Feb 11, 2009 4:55 PM EST up reply actions
Yep. Made it the Conf. championship game five times, I think. Won 2 (1-1 in the SB) lost 3.
And Brian, I’m with you- I think he’s the front runner (well, given the litany of assumptions necessary for such a thing, haha). If I was rating him in Madden, I’d give him a 90, not a 98. (Best. Analogy. Ever.)
John Madden told me 90% of the game was half-mental...
by TheK-GunNeedsReloaded on Feb 11, 2009 5:16 PM EST up reply actions
My afternoon with Greg Gabriel.
I sat on the beach with Greg Gabriel and talked football for an afternoon a couple years ago. (My uncle knows him pretty well) This was before JP’s big year, and so most of our discussion centered around him. I maintained that i liked what I saw from JP and that he could be a good QB in this league. He said he was positive that Losman couldn’t play in this league.
After JP played really well (this was the year before Trent was drafted) that season, I was pretty sure I knew football better than Gabriel did. Especially considering the revolving door of QB’s they’ve had in Chicago since…Jim McMahon?
Needless to say, he was right about Losman. That being said, he’s also been wrong a lot about players in Chicago.
His first round picks in the last 6 years, only 2 have been good:
Grossman and Michael Haynes in 2003, Tommie Harris in 04, Cedric Benson in 05, and Greg Olson in 07, Chris Williams in 08, though he missed almost the whole season with injuries and cant be called a bust yet.
Anyway, he’s a nice guy, and he judged Losman better than I did, but he also spent 1st round picks on Rex Grossman, Michael Haynes and Cedric Benson.
doesn't buy posluzny.
Russ Grimm
I think Russ Grimm would be the perfect guy to coach the Bills. The reason he doesn’t get mentioned that often for head coaching gigs, is his appearance. At his heart he’s a tough, former O-Lineman, biker… A lot of places with crazy TV media couldn’t hire him… In Buffalo, I think he’d fit into the Blue Collar mentality, and thrive…. The guy consistently puts together amazing O-Lines, and in the “right” situation where his leather coat, goatee, and chewing tobacco won’t be a problem he’d be a tough, demanding coach who always gets results regardless of elite talent, or not!
No question
Bobby April! Other comments make great points and arguments. This guy desearves a shot at a head coaching gig. I just hope its in Buffalo.
Why not Bobby April?
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