Raheem Morris Won Over Jimmy Johnson
August 26th, 2011
Don Shula, Howard Schnellenberger, Bobby Bowden, Steve Spurrier, Urban Meyer. Those are just some of the giants of football who made their mark on the state of Florida.
For some reason, Jimmy Johnson is forgotten.
Before Johnson won three Super Bowls with the Dallas Cowboys, Johnson took over an upstart program from Schnellenberger and transformed the Miami Hurricanes into a dynasty.
So it was interesting to learn of Johnson having developed an admiration for current Bucs coach Raheem Morris, so Johnson told Dan Sileo on WDAE-AM 620 earlier this week.
“I was really surprised,” Johnson said of how Morris came within a whisker of winning a playoff berth tiebreaker to the eventual Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers. “From Day 1, I was a little bit skeptical [of Morris’ hiring]. I thought he has done just a fantastic job. They really played well [last year].
“Raheem has had a lot to do with [last year’s success]. He coaches them with such confidence. He brings out the best in those players. I have been very impressed with what Raheem Morris has done.”
Yes, it’s easy to feel good about what Morris has done. There’s no denying how quickly he rebuilt the team from woeful in 2009 to near-playoffs last season.
Now whether the Bucs can duplicate that success this year and make the playoffs, well, that’s why they play the games. We will all know the answer to that in four months.
But if the Bucs don’t make the playoffs, what then? As Jerry Glanville famously said, the NFL means “not for long.” If the Bucs do not make the playoffs this season, meaning that would be three seasons under Morris the Bucs have not played in the postseason, does that make 2012 a make or break year for the Bucs head coach?
August 26th, 2011 at 9:03 am
If year 4 after not making the playoffs is a make or break year, then what is this year to Gary Kubiak???
August 26th, 2011 at 9:12 am
I think you have to take into account the division a team plays in before setting hard year counts on a new HC/GM team.
August 26th, 2011 at 9:41 am
Not at all…although I think the media will do their best to spin it that way, especially with blackouts happening.
It might be his 4th year, but he’s still rebuilding and that doesn’t happen overnight. Year one was poorpy handled…a repeat of that would have gotten him fired. But since then he’s been doing awesome.
No other coach would have been able to turn this team around faster, regardless of what Thomas or Eric might say. Morris pretty much had to start from scratch…which is more of a challenge then Dungy had because the core was already here on defense when he was hired.
I say he gets this year and next at the minimum, unless Dungy says he wants to coach again and takes his job (and that will not happen).
And, bear in mind…Morris and Dominick may have to start rebuilding our offensive line next year. Aside from Barber, they are the oldest unit on hte team…and the ones we have are not impressive anyway.
August 26th, 2011 at 9:43 am
poorpy…new word 😉 Meant Poorly of course.
August 26th, 2011 at 10:01 am
Just bought my tickets for opening day. 108 row D. It’s on! Can’t wait to watch them destroy the lions.
August 26th, 2011 at 10:57 am
Go Bucs,
@Dutcher
You are quite right about OL and DB being the next two rebuilders.
August 26th, 2011 at 11:24 am
Not to be a dick or anything but jimmy johnson only won 2 superbowls
August 26th, 2011 at 11:42 am
Why are we talking about the postseason when we’re not even out of the preseason yet? What the hell?
August 26th, 2011 at 11:58 am
@ FLboyinDallas – Because it’s the preseason, bro. It’s the time for dreaming big. Everyone has a chance at the title as of now. It’s the best time of year. Full of hope. Despair and reality will come soon enough. Just ask Washington. : )
August 26th, 2011 at 12:53 pm
I think if the wins detract consecutively the next two seasons from last, he is on the hot seat, though not sure he would get fired.
If you told me when Raheem started it would take 3-4 years to win 8-9 games, i wouldnt think that was completely out of the question.
Does anyone listel to Farrell on Sirius? Kyle Turley was on last night raving of how great of a home field advantage and a 12th man we have. He obviously hasn’t been in our building in a while. Probably since 2002 with the Saints (ahh would can forget that terrible OT loss we had in week 1 against the saints back then).
August 26th, 2011 at 1:08 pm
Heck, the bloggers won’t even allow another pre-season loss and you guys are talking the next 2 years without a playoff appearance.
SURE!!!
August 26th, 2011 at 3:36 pm
Not make or break. I’d set the marker at being competitive in the division and showing substantial progress in areas like pass rush and run defense. If they won’t bring in proven free agents, then I wouldn’t set the bar too high immediately.
August 26th, 2011 at 4:01 pm
Sure, but we still need a defensive coordinator though… because Rah just can’t call a game.