A Change Coming?
November 19th, 2011
Might Bucs rock star general manager Mark Dominik push for a hiring of a defensive coordinator next year?
Bucs coach Raheem Morris loves to say “stats are for losers.” When it comes to the calculator crowd in baseball, which loves to tout a second baseman’s OBGYN, Joe wholeheartedly agrees.
And while Morris is right on when, really, the only stat that counts is the scoreboard, Joe recently has wondered if the savvy Morris is creating a smokescreen?
When the heinous Jim Bates Experience was jettisoned by the Bucs and Morris took over as the Bucs defensive coordinator, real change for the better appeared right away.
Since, to be frank, Morris’ defenses haven’t been that good, in fact, they have ranked amid the bottom of the NFL. Granted, one could argue he has little to work with.
OK, fine. But the numbers in this case don’t lie, which has made Joe in the past, and now, wonder if Morris has too much on his plate?
This thought was passed on to eye-RAH! Kaufman of the Tampa Tribune in a TBO Bucs. Q&A.
Q: What do you think the chances are of Mark Dominik hiring a new defensive coordinator to help Raheem out? That way Raheem could focus on more basic technical aspects of the game; i.e., penalties.
Jose Cuadra, Greenville, S.C.
A: Raheem Morris is not eager to give up his dual responsibilities as head coach and defensive coordinator, but you can argue he has taken on too much. The defense has slipped to 31st in the league and the Bucs are equally vulnerable against the run and the pass. It wouldn’t be unrealistic to suggest Morris will be asked to relinquish some of his defensive responsibilities next year.
– eye-RAH! Kaufman
Now in theory hiring a defensive coordinator makes all the sense in the world. Joe strongly believes that Morris may be pulled in too many different ways. A head coach has a ton of responsibilities alone, much less adding the tasks of being a defensive coordinator.
But Morris’ contract is through 2012 (currently). Just what kind of a defensive coordinator would be willing to uproot his family to Tampa just for one year? No man.
So Joe is of the mind that the Bucs should hire an outside consultant, say, Brian Billick or Bill Cowher or even Dan Reeves to come in and have full access to every corner of the Bucs on-field operations and give his two cents into how the Bucs can improve.
A fresh set of eyes never hurts and NFL teams hire consultants all the time.
November 19th, 2011 at 1:12 pm
@Joe
The only person the Bucs would ever consider hiring as a consultant is Tony Dungy. And that might be a good move.
But I don’t believe a consultant is in the future at all.
You make a good point about hte contract of Morris, but here’s the thing…his contract length could be extended and the Glazers could still fire him after anther year. It’s not like they are paying him huge numbers, and Gruden will be off the books next year.
They fired Gruden with a lot more on the books.
Frankly, I believe they need to work on getting a DC within a couple weeks. I don’t think it’s fair to young defensive players that their DC cannot go over to them during a game and talk them through issues. That’s not coaching.
November 19th, 2011 at 1:26 pm
I am sure that in the next month. The Rock Star GM will be scouring all high school Defensive coaches.
November 19th, 2011 at 1:33 pm
Let’s get us a REAL head coach! Someone qualified for the job, unlike Morris.
November 19th, 2011 at 1:36 pm
http://www.worldstarhiphop.com/videos/video.php?v=wshho3e4DN97c600Ow6r
HAHA this has nothing to do with this topic but it’s a little kid Jet fan crying cus there season is over, he breaks it down lol.
November 19th, 2011 at 1:41 pm
what is this a discounted slogan…
by Monday morning….errrr 3:55 PM 20 Nov 2011….the word Hope will be thrown in to…..in is perfectly clear the 53 and coaches have accepted the role of a “turd that won’t flush”…
“can you hear me now ?”
November 19th, 2011 at 2:03 pm
at this point i have completely lost faith in morris. even with a new d-coordinator i wont feel comfortable going into next season with him in charge. i think he’s nothing more than a puppet at this point anyway and dominik sets the roster and lineup.
November 19th, 2011 at 2:29 pm
After the Bucs go 6-10 it will be time to clean out the garbage over at One Bucs Place.
November 19th, 2011 at 2:52 pm
^^^Mr. Lucky, what kind of comment is that? Just another tool, ugh.
I see no problem hiring a defensive coordinator. It’d be a blow to Raheem’s ego, just as it’d be to anyone else, but oh well. Let’s see how the defense finishes out the year. The biggest problems are our softies at outside linebacker, not the coordinator.
November 19th, 2011 at 2:54 pm
And Pete, what makes you think Raheem doesn’t talk them through problems on the side lines? Seriously, some of you guys really think you’re on the sidelines during games or something. Pulling things out of thin air like that is just ridiculous.
November 19th, 2011 at 3:18 pm
I bet Raheem’s defense would improve if he would focus on just that and give his coaching duties to someone else.
November 19th, 2011 at 4:23 pm
I bet Rah’s defense would improve if he was fired.
November 19th, 2011 at 4:46 pm
me too thomas a cardboard cut out of a d.c. is better than what we have now ..
November 19th, 2011 at 5:08 pm
How in the hell does hiring a DC going to let Rah “focus on penalties”?? What does that even mean? These are pro athletes. They know what a penalty is.
Typical fan speak
November 19th, 2011 at 5:10 pm
I think we HAVE to get a def coordinator. we have been one of the worst run defenses over the past three years and the pass def has drastically dropped. I dont see raheem turning it around in one season and thats what he has to do to keep his job. TWO new coordinators who are a little bit more strict than RAH and a few more vets would do this team good. The thing that gets me this year is we had ALL kinds of injuries last year, yea we have been banged up here and there this year but generally we have been pretty healthy and we are playing like absolute garbage, plain and simple these guys need a kick in the ASS by a coach who isnt afraid to do it, whether it be a head coach or a coordinator.
And if we do get new coordinators RAH cant baby the players, we have to get someone who is willing to make a statement to the players and sit someone for a game if that player shows up after curfew or shoos at someone (talib) or gets into a fight or plays like garbage
November 19th, 2011 at 5:27 pm
@ Thomas, I bet it wouldn’t.
November 19th, 2011 at 5:35 pm
Joe, the Consultant thing makes a lot of sense. I think you were the first person I saw advocating this concept for 1 Buc.
Steve White really slayed them the other night, but he made some real good points about pass rush games. You know, we hired this Line Guru Millard and they still won’t run pass rush games. Steve said Rod Marinelli has the Bears doing this with success, and it appears to be a part of the game the Bucs won’t even consider.
You have to wonder……… maybe Thomas 2.2 for DC
November 19th, 2011 at 5:45 pm
Whatever it takes to keep Morris and Dominik in a job. They will give Joe interviews. Not like that mean ole Jon Gruden, right Joe?
November 19th, 2011 at 6:15 pm
Actually, be careful. You’ll notice I’m mostly on your side…don’t alienate me.
Morris can’t be coaching them on the sideline. He is constantly standing in the same area wearing head phones and talking to the QB when the defense is off the field. That’s what HCs do.
Remember when Monte was here? You would see him over with the defensive players, breaking down plays and working things through with them.
That’s what the players lose when a HC plays the role of coordinator during games.
That’s why Gruden’s offense sputtered more than it started, and that’s why the Morris defense is sputtering now.
It is especially worse for young teams with barely any leadership. Ronde isn’t over there breaking down plays…not his job.
On offense, Olson SHOULD be doing it…normally a QB might, but Josh is too inexperienced right now.
Remember when the Colts were close to winning all their games and going undefeated? You saw shots of Manning with his offense on the sidelines, going over the play card, making sure everyone understood their duties.
I’m not blaming Morris for not doing that…he is the head coach, his place is where he’s at. But at the same time, the very young defensive players are missing out on some key teaching opportunities.
Even Dungy had Monte doing it.
November 19th, 2011 at 6:24 pm
@ Pete, part of what you’re saying is a fair assessment. The fact that Raheem is coaching and calling plays and thus can’t be with the players as much is fair to say. However, you can’t say that’s the primary reason for the struggles. Saying that’s why Gruden’s offense sputtered so much is just not true.
What you’ll mostly see are the position coaches having conversations with the players, and that goes for every team. When Jimmy Lake went down against New Orleans you saw Ronde on the side lines with the headset and going over plays. I really don’t think the coordinator having talks with the players is that huge of a deal.
November 19th, 2011 at 6:25 pm
Didn’t mean to jump on you Pete, it just bothers the hell out of me when people unfairly attack Raheem, and I didn’t realize you weren’t trying to do that.
November 19th, 2011 at 7:37 pm
Tampa will soon have a “Consultant” called a New Head Coach, who will clean house, and put his own people in.
He may retain some of Raheem’s staff, who knows ?
The Bucs are on pace to be the worst Tampa Football team in recent history, as far as stats go.
Raheem is done here in Tampa, and the only question that remains is who will replace him, and will Mark Dominick survive.
That may all depend on the new coaches opinion of Mark Dominick’s ability to provide the kind of talent he needs.
November 19th, 2011 at 8:54 pm
Apple RC, you are clueless, and the biggest flip flopper in here. One minute you love them and the next you hate them. Make up your mind. You have absolutely no idea what you’re talking about 95% of the time. At least Thomas and Eric are consistent.
If I need apples cleaned from my roof, I’ll call you.
November 19th, 2011 at 10:25 pm
Maybe Mark Dummynik can become the DC.
He clearly has plenty of extra time on his hands , considering he never signs anyone…
November 20th, 2011 at 1:14 pm
Dear Mark: The time has come to have Rah give up the DC job. He needs to spend his time being a HEAD COACH . It was a good idea at first, but you need to sit him down and let him know that he needs to give up the DC duties.
Bob