The Dolphins hired another coach to their staff, Zac Taylor. Taylor has been hired on as the Assistant QB Coach. Taylor is only 28 years old and may best be remembered as the quarterback of Nebraska under HC Bill Callahan. Callahan ran his West Coast offense and Taylor adapted nicely his last 2 seasons. Taylor is married to Mike Sherman's daughter which will cause some to question this move.
My first thought on this hire is...the fact that the Dolphins are hiring an "Assistant QB Coach" is exciting. Look around the league, this is not a normal title on the majority of staffs. This sends a message to Dolphins fans - they are serious about the QB position. So much so, that they will assign more than one person to this all important position. No word yet on who will be the QB Coach. Some have thrown out the name Tom Rossley - maybe this is coming. I have doubted it due to Rossley's age. Rossley was on Sherman's staff but as a Senior assistant. Which tells me he is probably beyond the point where he wants to give the same hours and energy of a full-time coach. So maybe we will see something similar here with Rossley. Taylor was also on Sherman's staff a year ago, which means they would have already worked together.
I'm not sure which direction they are going here - we have seen that Christensen is no longer available as he will be remaining on the Indy staff. The only other name I have so far is Pete Vaas who is currently the QB coach at USF.
Stay tuned!
Tuesday, January 31, 2012
Edwards back with Dolphins
The Dolphins have hired George Edwards as their LB coach. As most know, this is Edwards 2nd stint with the Dolphins. To me this hire is a little disappointing but it does make a lot of sense. Disappointing to me because I was never greatly impressed with Edwards work in Miami. With that being said, Edwards is obviously well respected around the league and in college football. Edwards has been hired by Nick Saban, Urban Meyer, Marvin Lewis, Steve Spurrier, Chan Gailey and Butch Davis to name a few.
The reason this makes sense is the fact that Miami's new DC Coyle has spent his last 11 seasons under Marvin Lewis. While Edwards never worked under or with Coyle, he was on staff with Lewis. Edwards was given the unique title of Assistant Defensive Coordinator in 2002 under Lewis as DC in Spurrier's first staff with the Washington Redskins. A year later when Lewis was hired as HC in Cincy, Edwards was promoted to Def Coordinator for the Redskins. He has served the past 2 seasons as DC for Gailey in Buffalo. He actually was hired away from Miami as DC for the Florida Gators but only stayed in that position for a couple of weeks before Gailey lured him away back to the NFL.
While I would have enjoyed seeing someone different in this position, I certainly cant say that this is a bad hire. He is well respected and it is always a good thing to have position coaches on your staff that have previously served as coordinators. Edwards experience with both 4-3 and 3-4 certainly is a good thing with the Dolphins plans to run a hybrid defense. Edwards cut his teeth in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys from 1998-2001. This means that Edwards also would have been on the same staff as Mike Zimmer which again connects him to what Coyle is used to running on defense.
So far, the Dolphins staff is pretty impressive and so I will trust Philbin and Ireland on this hire as well.
The reason this makes sense is the fact that Miami's new DC Coyle has spent his last 11 seasons under Marvin Lewis. While Edwards never worked under or with Coyle, he was on staff with Lewis. Edwards was given the unique title of Assistant Defensive Coordinator in 2002 under Lewis as DC in Spurrier's first staff with the Washington Redskins. A year later when Lewis was hired as HC in Cincy, Edwards was promoted to Def Coordinator for the Redskins. He has served the past 2 seasons as DC for Gailey in Buffalo. He actually was hired away from Miami as DC for the Florida Gators but only stayed in that position for a couple of weeks before Gailey lured him away back to the NFL.
While I would have enjoyed seeing someone different in this position, I certainly cant say that this is a bad hire. He is well respected and it is always a good thing to have position coaches on your staff that have previously served as coordinators. Edwards experience with both 4-3 and 3-4 certainly is a good thing with the Dolphins plans to run a hybrid defense. Edwards cut his teeth in the NFL with the Dallas Cowboys from 1998-2001. This means that Edwards also would have been on the same staff as Mike Zimmer which again connects him to what Coyle is used to running on defense.
So far, the Dolphins staff is pretty impressive and so I will trust Philbin and Ireland on this hire as well.
Saturday, January 28, 2012
Christensen Out in Indy
Well, that was quick. Colts have hired Bruce Arians as OC...which means Christensen is now available. Will be interesting to see if Miami looks to add him as QB coach.
Rumor is the Bears are already looking to move in and add him as QB coach - this would make sense since Christensen spent majority of his time under Tony Dungy and this would give an obvious connection to Lovie Smith.
Stay tuned!
Rumor is the Bears are already looking to move in and add him as QB coach - this would make sense since Christensen spent majority of his time under Tony Dungy and this would give an obvious connection to Lovie Smith.
Stay tuned!
More Coach Talk
A couple of more coaches that are most likely on their way to joining Miami's staff:
1. Jim Turner - OLine. Turner is currently on the staff of Texas Tech. He just joined this staff a month ago after losing his position on Texas A & M's staff when Mike Sherman was fired in December. He chose Texas Tech over Ohio State after being Urban Meyer's top choice for his OLine coach. Not only was Turner with Sherman at Texas A & M, but Turner was also with Philbin at Northeastern in the mid 90's. Once again, add Turner to the other coaches hired as a great teacher and technician.
2. Lou Anarumo - DB Coach. Anarumo is the DB coach at Purdue and has been since 2004. Prior to coaching at Purdue, he had three other stops that will connect him to the current coaching staff.
a. he coached at Syracuse in 90-91. This would have put him there for a year with Kevin Coyle.
b. he coached at Harvard from 95-00. This would have put him on the same staff as Philbin.
c. he also spent a few years at U.S Merchant Marine Academy. While not the same years, this is the 3rd new coach that coaches at this Academy. Philbin and Coyle also had a cup of coffee there.
Since we are looking at coaching possibilities, here are a few more names to keep in mind:
1. Pete Vaas - Current QB coach at USF. Vass has been all over...a lot of experience with QB's. Vaas was also HC at Allegheny college where Philbin coached.
2 & 3. Robb Smith & Bob Fraser - both are possibilities since they were most recently on the Rutgers staff. With Schiano moving on, these guys could be ready to move as well. Of course they could be moving with Schiano but if not, they may be available for Philbin to target. Smith has coached lb's, cb's and special teams. Smith was a GA at Iowa when Philbin was there and also played at Allegheny College from 93 to 97 while Philbin was on staff. Fraser has been DC for Schiano at Rutgers and has coached the position of LB's for many years. Fraser spent many years on staff at Allegheny in the early 90's along with Philbin.
4. Dave Ungerer - Spec Teams Washington State. Probably not as likely since keeping Rizzi, but could be room for him as Asst Special teams or possibly involved in strength and cond. Ungerer was on staff at Holy Cross in late 80's and also followed Duffner and Coyle to Maryland.
5. Jethro Franklin - DLine at Univ of Miami. Franklin has many connections. First, he coached DLine at Fresno State under Kevin Coyle. He later coached DLine for G.B from 2000-2004 under Sherman and with Philbin. Being in Miami already could make the transition easier if Miami decides not to keep current coach Kacy Rodgers.
6. Lee Hull - current WR coach at Maryland. Lee Hull coached Torrey Smith who had an excellent rookie season for Baltimore. Hull has been moving up the college coaching ranks. he started his college coaching career at Holy Cross but more importantly he played collegiately at Holy Cross under Mike Sherman.
That should be enough for now!
Hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did putting it together.
Now if you see these names in an article or blog for the Sun-Sentinel, Palm Beach Post or Miami Herald, I at least hope a reference is made to this site!! LOL!
1. Jim Turner - OLine. Turner is currently on the staff of Texas Tech. He just joined this staff a month ago after losing his position on Texas A & M's staff when Mike Sherman was fired in December. He chose Texas Tech over Ohio State after being Urban Meyer's top choice for his OLine coach. Not only was Turner with Sherman at Texas A & M, but Turner was also with Philbin at Northeastern in the mid 90's. Once again, add Turner to the other coaches hired as a great teacher and technician.
2. Lou Anarumo - DB Coach. Anarumo is the DB coach at Purdue and has been since 2004. Prior to coaching at Purdue, he had three other stops that will connect him to the current coaching staff.
a. he coached at Syracuse in 90-91. This would have put him there for a year with Kevin Coyle.
b. he coached at Harvard from 95-00. This would have put him on the same staff as Philbin.
c. he also spent a few years at U.S Merchant Marine Academy. While not the same years, this is the 3rd new coach that coaches at this Academy. Philbin and Coyle also had a cup of coffee there.
Since we are looking at coaching possibilities, here are a few more names to keep in mind:
1. Pete Vaas - Current QB coach at USF. Vass has been all over...a lot of experience with QB's. Vaas was also HC at Allegheny college where Philbin coached.
2 & 3. Robb Smith & Bob Fraser - both are possibilities since they were most recently on the Rutgers staff. With Schiano moving on, these guys could be ready to move as well. Of course they could be moving with Schiano but if not, they may be available for Philbin to target. Smith has coached lb's, cb's and special teams. Smith was a GA at Iowa when Philbin was there and also played at Allegheny College from 93 to 97 while Philbin was on staff. Fraser has been DC for Schiano at Rutgers and has coached the position of LB's for many years. Fraser spent many years on staff at Allegheny in the early 90's along with Philbin.
4. Dave Ungerer - Spec Teams Washington State. Probably not as likely since keeping Rizzi, but could be room for him as Asst Special teams or possibly involved in strength and cond. Ungerer was on staff at Holy Cross in late 80's and also followed Duffner and Coyle to Maryland.
5. Jethro Franklin - DLine at Univ of Miami. Franklin has many connections. First, he coached DLine at Fresno State under Kevin Coyle. He later coached DLine for G.B from 2000-2004 under Sherman and with Philbin. Being in Miami already could make the transition easier if Miami decides not to keep current coach Kacy Rodgers.
6. Lee Hull - current WR coach at Maryland. Lee Hull coached Torrey Smith who had an excellent rookie season for Baltimore. Hull has been moving up the college coaching ranks. he started his college coaching career at Holy Cross but more importantly he played collegiately at Holy Cross under Mike Sherman.
That should be enough for now!
Hope you enjoy reading this as much as I did putting it together.
Now if you see these names in an article or blog for the Sun-Sentinel, Palm Beach Post or Miami Herald, I at least hope a reference is made to this site!! LOL!
Thursday, January 26, 2012
If you really want Manning, you really want Clyde Christensen!
Here are a couple of quick notes/thoughts.
1. Coyle and Sherman are as good as done - Coyle DC and Sherman OC. This still leaves an opening for Asst HC Position. I am assuming that Philbin would like to get Duffner at this position. Someone mentioned that Duffner is still under contract, but the Asst HC position would be considered a promotion. Of course, Jacksonville could decide to not let him out of his contract but since they have a new head coach in Mularkey, there is a decent chance they would let him go if he made it clear this was his desire.
2. If you do not know much about Coyle or Sherman, please take time to read my earlier posts. And I strongly encourage you to read the letter Mike Sherman wrote to high school coaches after being fired from Texas A and M. May be the best thing I have ever seen from a college or professional coach.
3. There is a lot of talk about Peyton Manning. Quckly, I will give my 2 cents.
I am of the group that truly believes Manning may be "done" playing professional football for any team. I am sure that Manning doesnt believe that, nor does he want that. Much like how Marino's career came to an end. He almost had to be pushed out before he finally realized that his health just wasnt good enough to do it anymore. Most likely, Manning is done playing for the Colts and probably anyone at all.
But if Manning is able to play again, and that is a big IF, I would doubt that Manning would end up in Miami. I still believe that it would be Philbin's desire to bring in a younger QB who he can plan on "attaching" himself to for the next 3-5-7 years, if he should be so fortunate to be around that long.
And as of right now, there is nothing to make Manning want to finish his career in Miami. I'm sorry, the report that he plays golf in the offseason with Marino just isnt enough! I'm sure Peyton plays golf with a lot of people. Obviously, it would make far more sense for Manning to join the NYJ where his favorite OC Tom Moore is involved.
For those who really want to see this happen - Manning to Miami...here is the only glimmer of hope I see that could make it possible:
The Colts just hired their new head coach - Chuck Pagano. With Pagano coming in, like in Miami, the Colts coaching staff is in limbo. While many in Indy think that the plan is to keep many of their offensive coaches, who knows how it will end up. The Colts OC Clyde Christensen's status is up in the air. If the Colts were to fire Christensen (who Manning has gone to bat for and made it clear that he was responsible for much of their success even when Moore was OC) and he would happen to end up in Miami, this could be the gateway to Manning bringing his talents to South Beach.
So, what are the odds of Christensen coming to Miami. Well, if let go from Indy, I could very easily see Christensen coming to Miami. Count Christensen in as another NFL head coach that was on the staff at Holy Cross in the late 80's. That's right - Croyle, Christensen, Sherman all under Duffner! What a freakin staff for a small college! Christensen was wr's/te's coach for one season and then was promoted to offensive coordinator the second. Then when Duffner went on to Maryland as HC, Christensen like Coyle joined him there on staff.
So, if you really want to see Manning in Aqua and Orange (and not Gang Green), then watch Indy's staff moves these next few days very closely!! If you really want Manning, then you really want Clyde Christensen!
1. Coyle and Sherman are as good as done - Coyle DC and Sherman OC. This still leaves an opening for Asst HC Position. I am assuming that Philbin would like to get Duffner at this position. Someone mentioned that Duffner is still under contract, but the Asst HC position would be considered a promotion. Of course, Jacksonville could decide to not let him out of his contract but since they have a new head coach in Mularkey, there is a decent chance they would let him go if he made it clear this was his desire.
2. If you do not know much about Coyle or Sherman, please take time to read my earlier posts. And I strongly encourage you to read the letter Mike Sherman wrote to high school coaches after being fired from Texas A and M. May be the best thing I have ever seen from a college or professional coach.
3. There is a lot of talk about Peyton Manning. Quckly, I will give my 2 cents.
I am of the group that truly believes Manning may be "done" playing professional football for any team. I am sure that Manning doesnt believe that, nor does he want that. Much like how Marino's career came to an end. He almost had to be pushed out before he finally realized that his health just wasnt good enough to do it anymore. Most likely, Manning is done playing for the Colts and probably anyone at all.
But if Manning is able to play again, and that is a big IF, I would doubt that Manning would end up in Miami. I still believe that it would be Philbin's desire to bring in a younger QB who he can plan on "attaching" himself to for the next 3-5-7 years, if he should be so fortunate to be around that long.
And as of right now, there is nothing to make Manning want to finish his career in Miami. I'm sorry, the report that he plays golf in the offseason with Marino just isnt enough! I'm sure Peyton plays golf with a lot of people. Obviously, it would make far more sense for Manning to join the NYJ where his favorite OC Tom Moore is involved.
For those who really want to see this happen - Manning to Miami...here is the only glimmer of hope I see that could make it possible:
The Colts just hired their new head coach - Chuck Pagano. With Pagano coming in, like in Miami, the Colts coaching staff is in limbo. While many in Indy think that the plan is to keep many of their offensive coaches, who knows how it will end up. The Colts OC Clyde Christensen's status is up in the air. If the Colts were to fire Christensen (who Manning has gone to bat for and made it clear that he was responsible for much of their success even when Moore was OC) and he would happen to end up in Miami, this could be the gateway to Manning bringing his talents to South Beach.
So, what are the odds of Christensen coming to Miami. Well, if let go from Indy, I could very easily see Christensen coming to Miami. Count Christensen in as another NFL head coach that was on the staff at Holy Cross in the late 80's. That's right - Croyle, Christensen, Sherman all under Duffner! What a freakin staff for a small college! Christensen was wr's/te's coach for one season and then was promoted to offensive coordinator the second. Then when Duffner went on to Maryland as HC, Christensen like Coyle joined him there on staff.
So, if you really want to see Manning in Aqua and Orange (and not Gang Green), then watch Indy's staff moves these next few days very closely!! If you really want Manning, then you really want Clyde Christensen!
New Coach Rumor
The latest rumor in our coaching staff search is WR coach Jim Hostler of the Ravens. Not sure if his contract is up or not. If not, they would have to give him a promotion and not sure what that would be. Dont believe he is up for OC - as that should go to Sherman, especially with TB making their selection of Schiano. Hostler would be a great addition as a WR coach - unless they choose to split the OC responsibilities into "run" and "pass" coordinators...then maybe this could work.
Hostler was with McCarthy in 01 and 02 in New Orleans. Moved to SF, and was later promoted to off coordinator. His year as an OC didnt go so well under Mike Nolan - of course, the whole staff was fired at the end of that season. Since, he has been with John Harbaugh and the Ravens. Sounds like another really good technician and would be a nice hire for Miami if they can find a way to make this work!
Stay tuned!
UPDATE: Hostler is not under contract. He was given a 1 year deal last year so he could make the move from Baltimore to Miami as WR coach. Rumor is Miami has already made him an offer!
Hostler was with McCarthy in 01 and 02 in New Orleans. Moved to SF, and was later promoted to off coordinator. His year as an OC didnt go so well under Mike Nolan - of course, the whole staff was fired at the end of that season. Since, he has been with John Harbaugh and the Ravens. Sounds like another really good technician and would be a nice hire for Miami if they can find a way to make this work!
Stay tuned!
UPDATE: Hostler is not under contract. He was given a 1 year deal last year so he could make the move from Baltimore to Miami as WR coach. Rumor is Miami has already made him an offer!
Wednesday, January 25, 2012
Sherman Cant Go To Tampa!
One of the coaches that I believe Philbin wants on his staff is Mike Sherman. Sherman and Philbin go back a long way and it was Sherman who brought Philbin to G.B when Sherman was the Head Coach. As many know, Mike Sherman is currently interviewing for the HC position with Tampa Bay. I cant see Sherman actually ending up in Tampa Bay. While I actually think he would be a good hire for them (very few coaches available who have previously coached in the NFL and have a better winning percentage, as many division championships and playoff berths as Sherman), I cant imagine they will actually choose him in the end.
Two reasons:
1. He was just fired from his HC position at Texas A & M. It is always a difficult sell to your fan base when you are hiring someone that was just told by another organization 2 months ago that your not wanted. How do the Bucs fans get excited about a guy that couldnt hold down the job at Texas A & M, and yet he is supposed to be the guy to turn this program around. Instead, I see Tampa hiring Rob Chudzinski. A far easier sell to fans that we are hiring the offensive guru who coached Cam Newton to the Rookie of the Year status. Plus he's younger and fits their "youngry" roster.
2. When you think about Mike Sherman's HC career in G.B, what comes to mind? As I said earlier, he was actually far more successful than people realize. Still, there is one moment that stands out for me - it was Green Bay vs Tampa Bay. It was the game where Warren Sapp de-cleated and almost be-headed OL Chad Clifton on an interception return. Sapp took a cheapshot on Clifton (nowhere near the action of the play) and Sherman decided to confront Sapp after the game.
I love the fact that Sherman was willing to go to bat for his player and stand up to Sapp. Of course, Sapp responded with "put a jersey on" so he could whip Sherman too!
Anyway, these two reasons, obviously the former more than the latter I believe keeps Sherman out of Tampa Bay.
With that said, expect Sherman to be named Miami's offensive coordinator very soon. Sherman is a good coach and a class act. He was far more successful than people give him credit for. He was offensive coordinator and asst HC for Gary Kubiak in Houston before getting the HC post at Texas A & M. And if you would like to see how much of a class act he is - read this letter he wrote to high school coaches after being fired as head coach at Texas A & M. (warning- it is lengthy).
Two reasons:
1. He was just fired from his HC position at Texas A & M. It is always a difficult sell to your fan base when you are hiring someone that was just told by another organization 2 months ago that your not wanted. How do the Bucs fans get excited about a guy that couldnt hold down the job at Texas A & M, and yet he is supposed to be the guy to turn this program around. Instead, I see Tampa hiring Rob Chudzinski. A far easier sell to fans that we are hiring the offensive guru who coached Cam Newton to the Rookie of the Year status. Plus he's younger and fits their "youngry" roster.
2. When you think about Mike Sherman's HC career in G.B, what comes to mind? As I said earlier, he was actually far more successful than people realize. Still, there is one moment that stands out for me - it was Green Bay vs Tampa Bay. It was the game where Warren Sapp de-cleated and almost be-headed OL Chad Clifton on an interception return. Sapp took a cheapshot on Clifton (nowhere near the action of the play) and Sherman decided to confront Sapp after the game.
I love the fact that Sherman was willing to go to bat for his player and stand up to Sapp. Of course, Sapp responded with "put a jersey on" so he could whip Sherman too!
Anyway, these two reasons, obviously the former more than the latter I believe keeps Sherman out of Tampa Bay.
With that said, expect Sherman to be named Miami's offensive coordinator very soon. Sherman is a good coach and a class act. He was far more successful than people give him credit for. He was offensive coordinator and asst HC for Gary Kubiak in Houston before getting the HC post at Texas A & M. And if you would like to see how much of a class act he is - read this letter he wrote to high school coaches after being fired as head coach at Texas A & M. (warning- it is lengthy).
Tuesday, January 24, 2012
Ferentz to Miami?
Ok, I will drop another name. Unfortunately, this probably will not happen...but would love to see Miami add coach Ferentz! No, not Iowa's HC Kirk Ferentz, but his son Brian Ferentz. Ferentz played oline for Iowa and Philbin was his line coach for 2 seasons.
Problem is...we wouldnt be able to hire him away unless we gave him a promotion. Hard to find a spot for this young coach. He is too young to give a coordinator position or Assist HC position. Therefore, would probably be just a lateral move.
Another reason this would be a great hire...Ferentz is currently the TE coach for the dreaded N.E Patriots. He certainly has done a decent job this year with those 2 TE studs in Gronk and Hernandez!
If this is even on Philbin's radar at all, it obviously couldnt happen until the Super Bowl is over!
Come on Joe, go get him and tick Bill off!!
Problem is...we wouldnt be able to hire him away unless we gave him a promotion. Hard to find a spot for this young coach. He is too young to give a coordinator position or Assist HC position. Therefore, would probably be just a lateral move.
Another reason this would be a great hire...Ferentz is currently the TE coach for the dreaded N.E Patriots. He certainly has done a decent job this year with those 2 TE studs in Gronk and Hernandez!
If this is even on Philbin's radar at all, it obviously couldnt happen until the Super Bowl is over!
Come on Joe, go get him and tick Bill off!!
New Coaching Staff
Well, let's get to work. While its always disappointing as a fan to have a season (or seasons) in which the end result is a HC getting fired, there is something about it that many fans enjoy. Maybe its the idea of a clean slate. Not just the fact that we are all 0-0 again...but truly a clean slate where coaches are fired and the staff is built back up again from ground zero. For some reason, I have always loved this process. The first new coach that I saw installed as a Miami fan was Jimmy Johnson. Few years later, again with Dave Wannstedt. Then Nick and Cam and Tony. Ok, it has gotten a little out of hand. Now Joe!
Ok, Joe, here we go. As I said, I love to begin looking through the archives and finding what connections he has and who may make be his assistant coaches.
So, for now I will mention two coaches that have already been mentioned through the media.
1. Kevin Coyle. Coyle has been a DB coach for 11 years with the Bengals. This means he has been working under DC Mike Zimmer and HC Marvin Lewis. Coyle has been well respected around the league. Of course, last season Philadelphia wanted to interview him for their DC position but were denied. While Coyle has been with Zimmer and Lewis (which are good sound defensive coaches), I am more intrigued by the fact that he was first hired into the NFL on Dick Lebeau's staff when he was named HC for Cincy. Obviously, Lebeau is as good as it gets (when it comes to defense) and the fact that he would hire Coyle as his db coach speaks volumes. Coyle came to Cincy from Fresno State. Fresno was always known for excellent pass defense. Belichick has spoken often of Fresno State's dbs and in fact has drafted and acquired some of their alumni. Remember for many of those years Fresno's coach was Pat Hill - who coached with BB in Cleveland. So, as you can see - when we mention Coyle we are mentioning names like Dick Lebeau and Belichick. This is good news! The fact that Coyle has been given permission to talk to Philbin and the fact that this is the first guy Philbin is interviewing and trying to acquire speaks volumes in my book.
2. The other name that has been mentioned tonight is Mark Duffner. You may remember that Duffner was the HC for the University of Maryland in the mid 90's. While he wasnt real successful in that post, he was extremely successful before that at Holy Cross. As the Head Coach at Holy Cross for six seasons, his teams record was 60-5-1. After coaching at Maryland, he came to the NFL as an assistant with the Bengals. He moved his way up to Defensive Coordinator also under Dick Lebeau. While they didnt have much success in those 2 seasons, any man that earns DC post under Lebeau must be a heck of a defensive coach. As you can see, both Coyle and Duffner were together in Cincy. Which is a connection that began long before this. Coyle was also an assistant coach at Holy Cross under Duffner and later came to Maryland to be Duffner's DC. Duffner became G.B's linebacker coach in 2003 and was on the same staff with Philbin under Mike Sherman for 3 seasons. Duffner currently is the linebacker coach in Jacksonville.
Obviously, Sherman is another name that I assume we have all been hearing already. It seems that if he doesnt get the HC position with T.B, it would be a slam-dunk that he comes to join Phibin. Sherman, Coyle and Duffner were all on staff together at Holy Cross and hopefully will be again.
As I stated earlier, it seems to me that Philbin is looking for intelligent, well respected coaches that are hungry and still looking to make their "stamp" on a team. I'm excited to see these kinds of coaches coming our directions instead of retreads who dont necessarily have the same hunger as these coaches do!
Ok, Joe, here we go. As I said, I love to begin looking through the archives and finding what connections he has and who may make be his assistant coaches.
So, for now I will mention two coaches that have already been mentioned through the media.
1. Kevin Coyle. Coyle has been a DB coach for 11 years with the Bengals. This means he has been working under DC Mike Zimmer and HC Marvin Lewis. Coyle has been well respected around the league. Of course, last season Philadelphia wanted to interview him for their DC position but were denied. While Coyle has been with Zimmer and Lewis (which are good sound defensive coaches), I am more intrigued by the fact that he was first hired into the NFL on Dick Lebeau's staff when he was named HC for Cincy. Obviously, Lebeau is as good as it gets (when it comes to defense) and the fact that he would hire Coyle as his db coach speaks volumes. Coyle came to Cincy from Fresno State. Fresno was always known for excellent pass defense. Belichick has spoken often of Fresno State's dbs and in fact has drafted and acquired some of their alumni. Remember for many of those years Fresno's coach was Pat Hill - who coached with BB in Cleveland. So, as you can see - when we mention Coyle we are mentioning names like Dick Lebeau and Belichick. This is good news! The fact that Coyle has been given permission to talk to Philbin and the fact that this is the first guy Philbin is interviewing and trying to acquire speaks volumes in my book.
2. The other name that has been mentioned tonight is Mark Duffner. You may remember that Duffner was the HC for the University of Maryland in the mid 90's. While he wasnt real successful in that post, he was extremely successful before that at Holy Cross. As the Head Coach at Holy Cross for six seasons, his teams record was 60-5-1. After coaching at Maryland, he came to the NFL as an assistant with the Bengals. He moved his way up to Defensive Coordinator also under Dick Lebeau. While they didnt have much success in those 2 seasons, any man that earns DC post under Lebeau must be a heck of a defensive coach. As you can see, both Coyle and Duffner were together in Cincy. Which is a connection that began long before this. Coyle was also an assistant coach at Holy Cross under Duffner and later came to Maryland to be Duffner's DC. Duffner became G.B's linebacker coach in 2003 and was on the same staff with Philbin under Mike Sherman for 3 seasons. Duffner currently is the linebacker coach in Jacksonville.
Obviously, Sherman is another name that I assume we have all been hearing already. It seems that if he doesnt get the HC position with T.B, it would be a slam-dunk that he comes to join Phibin. Sherman, Coyle and Duffner were all on staff together at Holy Cross and hopefully will be again.
As I stated earlier, it seems to me that Philbin is looking for intelligent, well respected coaches that are hungry and still looking to make their "stamp" on a team. I'm excited to see these kinds of coaches coming our directions instead of retreads who dont necessarily have the same hunger as these coaches do!
Miami Has The Dolphins
I finally am doing something I have long considered - to start a blog or journal for news, notes, updates, rumors and my personal opinions of the Miami Dolphins. I am making no claims with this blog and knowing myself, this could very well be my only post!
The main reason I have decided to take the plung is for my son. My son is only 8 years old but has already become a big football fan and of course he loves the Dolphins. I have chosen the title of this blog in honor of him. Because it isnt uncommon to hear him going around the house singing "Miami has the Dolphins, the greatest football team". LOL. I still to this day do not like that fight song, but somehow it sounds a little better when your own son is singing it!
Unfortunately, he has only seen one winning season in his short career as a Phins Fan. Of course, that was Sparano's first season and the year Chad Pennington led us to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth. Therefore, he and his older sister think the world of Pennington. He is starving to see them succeed.
So, I hope to make this a place where memories can be shared. While football is a small part of life (in the big picture) it is a special part that many fathers and sons and sometimes daughters get to share together. I hope to capture some of those along the way and possibly make this a place where he can go years down the road and reflect back. With this in mind, if no one else benefits from this site...that will be just fine...but if somehow you do visit and find it insightful or memorable than it will be considered a great success!
The main reason I have decided to take the plung is for my son. My son is only 8 years old but has already become a big football fan and of course he loves the Dolphins. I have chosen the title of this blog in honor of him. Because it isnt uncommon to hear him going around the house singing "Miami has the Dolphins, the greatest football team". LOL. I still to this day do not like that fight song, but somehow it sounds a little better when your own son is singing it!
Unfortunately, he has only seen one winning season in his short career as a Phins Fan. Of course, that was Sparano's first season and the year Chad Pennington led us to an 11-5 record and a playoff berth. Therefore, he and his older sister think the world of Pennington. He is starving to see them succeed.
So, I hope to make this a place where memories can be shared. While football is a small part of life (in the big picture) it is a special part that many fathers and sons and sometimes daughters get to share together. I hope to capture some of those along the way and possibly make this a place where he can go years down the road and reflect back. With this in mind, if no one else benefits from this site...that will be just fine...but if somehow you do visit and find it insightful or memorable than it will be considered a great success!
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