A Big Interview Question
January 4th, 2012
As Team Glazer and rockstar general manager Mark Dominik search the globe for a head coach and parade candidates through One Buc Palace, surely they will develop a key set of interview questions.
There are plenty to ask (Have you ever dropped an F-bomb to the media? Or been beaten by your uncles?), but Joe has to think one priority is getting a damn good answer on how this new head coach will develop the Bucs’ defensive front seven.
The Bucs invested two first-round picks and two second-rounders in the defensive line over the past two years. Like the picks or not, they can’t afford to miss on the D-line. Plus, the Bucs surely must grab at least one impact linebacker in free agency and likely draft one with one of their higher picks in 2012. So there’s no doubt the Bucs will have a load — financially and draftwise — invested in that front seven. There’s no way it can be an afterthought in any way.
In Joe’s mind, any head coaching candidate is going to have to show up at One Buc with something very concrete on developing the Bucs’ defense, including names of assistant coaches so they can be scrutinized.
Presumably, head coaching candidates show up prepared. But Joe hears offensive names like Mike Sherman and Mike Mularkey, and the first thing Joe wants to know is how they plan to stop having the Bucs gashed and gutted consistently by opposing running backs.
January 4th, 2012 at 1:08 pm
I’d improve the front 7 by replacing Black and Hayes with school children. Really, improving isn’t the issue. SIGNIFICANTLY improving is the issue.
If we go with Sherman we had better have one hell of a DC.
January 4th, 2012 at 1:11 pm
Please no Sherman. Horrible coach, can’t even coach in college. Billick, Fisher, or Chip Kelly.
January 4th, 2012 at 1:12 pm
if they dont get a big name coach they better spend spend spend in free agency or every game will be blacked out again next year
January 4th, 2012 at 1:22 pm
MIKE ZIMMER !!
January 4th, 2012 at 1:23 pm
I really like Vontaze Burfict for a MLB (moving Foster outside), not sure about at #5 though. I would leave our front four alone and work on the LB’s and DB’s.
January 4th, 2012 at 1:25 pm
Gregg Williams.
January 4th, 2012 at 1:26 pm
Burfict is possibly going to be there in the second round. He is not going in the top half of the first round in any situation, especially not at #5. I might take Kuechly at #5, but that’s reaching about 5 spots.
January 4th, 2012 at 1:27 pm
What happened to Kieth Millard, defensive line coach par excellence? I thought he was the guy who was going to improve our D-Line! Can anyone help?
January 4th, 2012 at 1:30 pm
Millard is fired. Every coach was.
January 4th, 2012 at 1:34 pm
Joe Philbin as HC and Tom Clements as OC. They know each very well! Good coaches.
YOUR THOUGHTS?
January 4th, 2012 at 1:36 pm
Philbin is an interesting choice, but he doesn’t call the plays in green bay. Makes it hard to tell how much of that success was because of him vs. McCarthy/Rodgers. I’d be fine with him being in the mix and he deserves some interviews, but I think there are better candidates.
January 4th, 2012 at 1:38 pm
To win in our division, you have to play solid defense.
OC’s are a dime a dozen.
Coach defense first, defense always.
Please get away from all these offensive coaches!
Gregg Williams would be a nice hire, but he was such a mess in Buffalo, I would be worried. Second chance? maybe, just because it would hurt NO so much.
January 4th, 2012 at 1:41 pm
I would be interested in a gregg williams / mike martz combo…..? Only if martz would run the ball a little.
January 4th, 2012 at 1:47 pm
Mike zimmer has to have a interview.
January 4th, 2012 at 1:51 pm
Williams ran a very disciplined team in Buffalo but just couldn’t get it done.
He has all the credentials and has been successful.
I wouldn’t argue with that kind of hire as long as a strong OC was brought in with him. Clements?
January 4th, 2012 at 2:09 pm
Green Bay and the Pats have the top two teams in their conferences. Neither has a defense ranked ahead of our bucs.
Whats that tell you?
Its a passing league and we have few to pass to.
If OC’s are dime a dozen why havent we ever had a really good one?
Who can come in here and get Josh and company lighting up the scoreboard is the big question, IMO.
January 4th, 2012 at 2:12 pm
Mike Sherman … Now that man has charisma
January 4th, 2012 at 2:18 pm
Here is the biggest interview question from the Glazerhouses;
If we give you the head coaching position, are you willing to let Mark Dominic have final say on coaches and personnel ?
January 4th, 2012 at 2:19 pm
Please heed these words Mr. Glazers.
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/1009732-rich-bisaccia-is-the-man-the-tampa-bay-buccaneers-need-to-hire
I am in full agreement with this article and I believe all of you should be too! If so please spread the word and maybe there will be strength in numbers.
My thought is as HC, not DC or OC, but just a head knocking-get the attention of-work hard or sit type HC. Bring in talented OC and DC to take care of the particulars on those sides and PLEASE offer up 3 or more years as an appetizer to those that are wanting to come, but need solidity. I believe this can happen financially! (which is what it boils down too right? Don’t worry about free agency and the such…2013 they have to SPEND!)
January 4th, 2012 at 2:23 pm
Joe,
just wanted to say that I Love this site.come here many times a day. dont always agree with you,but respect your insight.I think that we need an experienced person to coach this team.someone with experience.one that wont be wondering how to set up for practice,go to press conferences,and basic things that head coaches already know.I want our head coach to focus on making us a better team,not wondering what the hell is the press going to ask me.this is what this team needs . not some one year wonder that everybody thinks is going to be the next vince lombardi. we also need to have some better players,(ones that do not give up) but the biggest thing we need is for the team to go in the right direction.I was not for Raheem when he was hired, but wanted to beleive, that maybe I was wrong about the direction the Bucs should be going.(experience). but now I think although we are headed in the right direction,(Draft core Players sign free agents) we need some veteran leadership(veteran free agents)and experienced coaching to see us through this. anyways, thats my 2 cents
January 4th, 2012 at 2:28 pm
Two words: Ron Meeks.
Dungy’s last disciple completely turned around the Indy defense and then they collapsed the last two seasons when he left. He made Carolina’s defense really good again, then he got moved back to DB coach this past season and they went back to being below average. Ron Meeks consistently had the Colts defense among the league leaders despite the Colts never being able to spend much on that side of the ball.
January 4th, 2012 at 2:29 pm
Eric – it tells me that a team that plays strong defense will blow them out. It also tells me that you really don’t know that much about building a football team
Don’t you remember the Rams back in the day?
A great Buc defense took them apart.
Great defense ALWAYS beats great offense
Great defense never goes away and is ready in any weather.
As far as OC’s here: we’ve never had a HC that would let go of the offense (Dungy/Gruden) or ownership that would pay top talent to come in and coach (Glazer)
They are out there, but they cost money and demand control.
January 4th, 2012 at 2:31 pm
As for LBs, no non-pass rushing LB is worth a top 5 pick… ever. See AJ Hawk and Aaron Curry. I like Kuechly a lot but only if we trade down to 20 or so to get him. Burfict will be there in round 2. There are too many holes in his game and questions about his character for him to be a 1st rounder.
January 4th, 2012 at 2:31 pm
CC: if the guy says “yes”, the interview should be over right there.
(a) that’s the guy the fans DONT want
(b) but that’s the guy that will get the job
The great coaches demand and need control. Right or wrong.
The puppets will just be happy to get the job.
January 4th, 2012 at 2:35 pm
@Hillbilly Heaven,
I believe the Rams ended up winning a Super Bowl, as did the Packers last year.
Have you seen the Saints play sir?
The days of Dungy ball have long since passed. Even the Steelers adapted and throw it all over the place.
Of course we gotta shore up the D. Its pathetic. But, the main question to me is actually utilyzing our franchise QB to light up the scoreboard. Thats why you drafted the guy. Hes got the tools to do it.
January 4th, 2012 at 2:39 pm
I will be so drained of this football team if they hire Mike SHerman .. I just wouldnt have the excitment
January 4th, 2012 at 2:46 pm
Butch:
Thanks so much for the kind words and by all means tell your Bucs friends about Joe.
Hey, Joe doesn’t expect anyone to agree with everything Joe writes. That’s cool. Joe’s just a passionate Bucs guy who tries to bring all the Bucs news that’s floating around in the interwebs and the radio and TV airwaves that Joe thinks is both important and interesting for Bucs fans.
Again, thanks for the compliments!
January 4th, 2012 at 2:53 pm
I would personally like to see some damn offense for once! I know defense wins championships but offense puts asses in the seats! And also wins championships! When was the last time we saw the Bucs light it up? Let alone do it consistently. We’ve got LGB, Freeman, Williams and pretty decent O line including Trueblood, he won’t be that easy to replace! He might be a bonehead but I like his intensity! And you people who wish for Dungy, please get over it! And please no one from his staff in Indy!
January 4th, 2012 at 2:54 pm
The focus should be on defense but offense certainly has to be addressed. We need probably 6 new starters on defense and we really only need a RT WR and RB on offense. Still, my pick at #5 would be offense if Blackmon or Richardson is there. That would be even if Claiborne is there too. We need to put more points up to keep up with the other teams in the NFC.
January 4th, 2012 at 2:58 pm
@Hillbilly
That was my point. I was being flip.
January 4th, 2012 at 2:59 pm
Eric
I know where you are coming from.
You are from another generation. Recent years make it look like the NFL is basketball with pads, but true dominant franchises are always built on a strong defense.
Sure, if you have a HOF QB you can get away from it for a while, but when he’s gone…you have the Manningless Colts.
I can’t believe you mentioned the Steelers to try and make your point. That team is as defense first as it gets.
January 4th, 2012 at 3:00 pm
Please stop with the martz nonsense!!!R.Bwould be a very viable choice.still like gray and what he brings to the d.thats our life blood,our swagger,i would rather our team punch someone in the mouth .
January 4th, 2012 at 3:01 pm
CC – i know, I share your fear
January 4th, 2012 at 3:03 pm
im taking Marty Schottenheimer over Sherman and Murlakey. He can at least get us to the playoffs, and hopefully he has a grudge on his shoulders to get us to the superbowl.
January 4th, 2012 at 3:04 pm
How the first interview should go:
*phone rings*
Dominik: “Hello?”
Caller: “Yeah, I’d like to apply for the Bucs head coach vacancy.”
Dominik: “Is your name Mike Sherman?”
Caller: “Well, yes it is.”
Dominik: “Please leave your name and number after the beep.”
January 4th, 2012 at 3:15 pm
@ bucboi I agree I think Schottenheimer is due, bring him in with the understanding he’s grooming his replacement. He’s a damn good coach and he could bring good assistants with him.
January 4th, 2012 at 3:42 pm
@ Eric
Look at points allowed. GB and NE gave up 21 and 22 points per game. Middle of the pack. They score so damn quick and often,opponents yards and points come at the end of a game. Garbage points and yards. The Bucs on the other hand gave up 30.9 points per game(worst in the NFL) and they mainly came in the beginning of games. Absolutely putrid defense.
January 4th, 2012 at 3:43 pm
I don’t want any coach with 14 letters in his name. How are the players on our team ever going to learn that??………
January 4th, 2012 at 3:59 pm
I have a question… reading all the assistants who got fired… i didn’t notice Kieth Millards name up there… Did he get released also or is he still apart of the team as the D-Line Coach?
January 4th, 2012 at 4:01 pm
sorry missed that the question was already answered above.
January 4th, 2012 at 4:02 pm
Maybe Fabulous Sports Babe was right as posted earlier today. Nowehere in this just posted article is Tampa’s name:
http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2012/01/04/the-jeff-fisher-leverage-game-begins/
But yet there is a great article on Yardbarker.com about what Tampa NEEDS to do with a college (and maybe ultimately Dominik) and what WON’T fly with fans in Tampa.
January 4th, 2012 at 4:15 pm
Joe would you please not call him Rock Star. That’s so unequivocal to his real stature in the NFL.
January 4th, 2012 at 4:15 pm
I don’t understand why this hasn’t been brought up sooner… I was a HUGE Rich Biascia fan and was deeply saddened when he left. The guy was the fire on the team, a great teacher, and a disciplinarian. With a good OC and DC, I fully believe Rich would be a great HC and a fan AND player favorite. Plus i feel he truly deserves a chance. I know we want an experienced HC. But i wouldn’t be unhappy if we brought Rich in as Hc and get him experienced coordinators .
January 4th, 2012 at 4:19 pm
As long as we get a LEADER as the HC who brings in STRONG, DISCIPLINARIAN Coordinators.
January 4th, 2012 at 4:22 pm
If u go back and watch Biascia with the Bucs over the years. He was THEIR leader on special teams… Hell the man even ran the pregame huddles and fired up the team… As stated above in the link. He also commanded respect and accountability. Players have loyally followed his whim where ever he has been and have GREAT respect for him as a leader… I honestly believe he would be a perfect candidate.
I am also ok with the idea of Russ Grimm Idea.
January 4th, 2012 at 4:33 pm
@cc
Good points. I hadn’t considered the points against numbers, and your right a lot of it is garbage time by other teams.
As opposed to the game long butt kickings we have been getting.
January 4th, 2012 at 4:48 pm
Well, like Sapp says, Defense doesnt win championships, but it gives you the chance too!
January 4th, 2012 at 5:09 pm
941-Bucs:
I brought up Rich Bisaccia earlier as the Man for the job! Thank you for agreeing with me. The Spec Teams Coach addresses the entire team every game and practice. He takes the rookies, who usually play spec teams first before they start at their position, to task with discipline and focus. He is one of, if not the, best in the league. Harbough in Baltimore was a special teams coach i believe before having all the success there. Finally, he’s 1 year removed from here and knows who to keep and who quit this year. I bet all former players would give a thumbs up for him as HC (not because he was thier Buddy! but they had enough respect to bust a$$ for him). I don’t know who to name as OC and DC, but there could be a great trio here to turn our ship around!! GO BUCS!!!!!!!!!!
January 4th, 2012 at 6:05 pm
Joe do you block people from going to your website. If you had a problem withmy question than im sorry
January 4th, 2012 at 6:25 pm
Jarrett:
Not sure what you are asking. Only time people are banned are those that lie about Joe or continually throw rocks at him.
That’s not to say you cannot disagree with Joe.
January 4th, 2012 at 6:29 pm
This has been true through the entire NFL history…until now.
I’m part of the last generation and even I can see the writing on the wall. The NFL wants to sell tickets. Offense sells tickets, defense wins championships…unless the game is rigged to favor the offenses.
And the game is moving toward favoring offenses. Secondaries are more hindered than ever before.
Go offense because that is our strongest unit at present, but get a guy who comes from a team with a history of both. Offensive coaches can build teams with good defenses…this happens less often the other way around.
That’s why Dungy never built a good offense. Not here and not with the Colts. When he was hire there, he was told not to mess with the offense.
And, speaking of the Colts…they had a really good run off Manning…I would take a run like that any time.
January 4th, 2012 at 6:30 pm
Jarrett, sometimes posts get caught in the spam filter.
January 4th, 2012 at 7:29 pm
I’m not a racist, I hate everybody.
Although I do feel the Redneck is less likely to be pulled over at 3AM than the Dreadlocked Rastamaan because….. there is a chance the Rasta may have a handgun that he holds sideways to shoot, and misses everything….. and the redneck may have an entire cache of weapons, arsenal, all loaded…. and being a self proclaimed redneck from Texas, I learned to shoot my first 22 when I was 7 years old. I have fired pretty much everything under the sun since. This is the primary reason the Japanese in WWII would not attack the US mainland because so many Americans are/were marksmen and armed to the teeth.
January 5th, 2012 at 12:34 am
@Bucs4755 Yep, I know you posted about him first. Hence why i said i cant believe his name hasn’t been brought up before. If there was 1 single coach out there WITHOUT HC experience the Bucs fan base would actually welcome with open arms, It’s R.B.
As for the DC and OC. Most of the names people are clambering for as a HC, Are geniuses in their respective fields of being an OC or DC. So any combination of those very experienced coaches tied with R.Bisacia. (in my opinion) would be well suited for the job of turning this ship back around and giving them the much needed experience.
These are just my opinions, but i am NOT an expert in anyway. Just a hardcore football fanatic and die hard Bucs fan. Personally i only want whats best for the team. The politics i can give 2 sh!ts about.
January 5th, 2012 at 12:45 am
The only plus side to signing a Big name coach is simply to sell tickets. I honestly feel there isn’t that many HC candidates out there with a rock solid resume in which ALL fans would agree is best suited for this job. Same thing goes for the NFL players.
lets take last couple years as an example. Fans begged for us to get:
09=Haynesworth-turned out to be a bust that year
10= Randy Moss-Turned out to be a bust that year and retired shortly after
This off season Namdi Asomauh- Not a full bust, but never lived up to the expectations.
Let this be a lesson, Just because they are (what the media calls) the biggest name out there, Guarantee’s you NOTHING! ( i know these aren’t coaches) but the coaches also have similar track records… Shanahan in Washington is a perfect example of that =)