Brian Billick Talks To Joe
February 9th, 2012
Joe ran into Super Bowl-winning coach Brian Billick at Media Day during Super Bowl week. The current NFL Network/FOX analyst gave Joe his thoughts on the current state of the Bucs. While Billick likes new Bucs coach Greg Schiano, he stated blaming Raheem Morris for the grotesque 10-game collapse is unfair.
JoeBucsFan: Your thoughts on Greg Schiano as the new Bucs coach?
Brian Billick: Yeah, I have known Greg a long time, back when he was in the NFL. Hopefully that is the thing that will distinguish himself. College guys coming into the NFL of late have not done real well as of late, Jim Harbaugh notwithstanding, but I think that led a little bit to that. “Well yeah, this could be a good thing.” But you have to remember Jim Harbaugh had 15 years in this league. So he had a different perspective [than other college coaches]. But I think the time Greg Schiano’s experience in the league will help his approach and transition than typically college guys have.
Joe: It seems like Schiano is a big fundamentals guy…
Billick: … yes…
Joe: … and he probably got that from Joe Paterno…
Billick: … oh, absolutely …
Joe: … and this is something the Bucs sorely need, fundamentals.
Billick: Well, [the Bucs] are an excellent young team. We saw that two years ago. Obviously, that didn’t quite turn out this year. I think you have to be careful that once you make a change, “Oh, now we are going to be fundamentally sound.” You know what; they were fundamentally sound under Raheem.
Joe: Really?
Billick: Oh, sure. Raheem is a good coach. The thing is to believe just because you make a change, “Oh, now we are going to be OK.” Then five years down the line if things don’t work out you make another change and then again say, Oh, now we’re going to be OK” – so I don’t know if that is a fair criticism. But there is no question in my mind Greg will do a good job and [fundamentals] will be a priority.
Joe: Can you put a finger on what triggered the Bucs collapse? They were 4-2 with wins over two division foes, both playoff teams.
Billick: I think what we saw last year is what we expected two years ago. If that happened two years ago, we would be saying, “Oh, yeah, that makes sense. They are a young team, they are transitioning.” And then to have the year two years ago and 10-6 and maturity shows up and not turning the ball over. Then last year it kind of got juxtapositioned. I don’t know the specific reasons why so I can’t point to it but this is a very good young team that has a chance to come together and now mature as a young team and be pretty good.
Joe: Do you think then that wins over the Saints and the Falcons and jumping out to a 4-2 record were a mirage?
Billick: No, there is no such thing as a mirage in the NFL. You earn every win you can get. It showed their capability. The ability to sustain it over the season, that is when you show the maturity of your team.
February 9th, 2012 at 2:00 pm
I don’t know the specific reasons why…
#93 and #34 going down.
February 9th, 2012 at 2:06 pm
Joe ,I know what you wanted to ask.did you ??
February 9th, 2012 at 2:07 pm
I am assuming he wouldn’t talk about it anyway
February 9th, 2012 at 2:10 pm
My question – alluded to my Northend – is Coach B interested on getting back in the sidelines…and specifically would he come run the O for the Bucs?
Heard he interviewed for the OC role with ATL….
February 9th, 2012 at 2:11 pm
“You know what; they were fundamentally sound under Raheem.”
Thanks Joe, you may have just ruined my man crush. LOL
Really though, fundamentals weren’t too bad, it was the discipline within. And now that it comes out that Raheem had a party life, et al, and wasn’t leading by example, it’s no wonder we were out of control. Knowing such, I would have never backed him so long. Hind sight is 20\20.
Did you ask Billick if he interviewed or had any conversations with the Bucs about the HC, or any other (OC?), opening?
February 9th, 2012 at 2:17 pm
For all those asking if/why didn’t Joe ask if Billick interviewed with the Bucs, it wasn’t a pressing concern for Joe and in fact, a non-issue.
If that question was asked, it may p!ss him off (let’s say he was interviewed, well, he clearly didn’t get the gig). Joe isn’t into ambush journalism, not to mention p!ssing off a guy like Billick could have resulted in Joe’s credentials being yanked.
Joe didn’t spend all the time and money to go to Indianapolis just to pull a Stuttering John and get banned from all future NFL events and thrown out of Lucas Oil Stadium and the NFL Media Center.
February 9th, 2012 at 2:22 pm
The fact that he did the interview and answered what he did tells me he is NOT in contention for the OC.
I have a feeling the OC and DC will be announced tomorrow.
February 9th, 2012 at 2:24 pm
I love that “really” question.
February 9th, 2012 at 2:30 pm
I’d get another running back to pair with Blount for sure, but we should keep Graham as the 3rd back. When healthy he’s very good. Saw he still had it in him early last season.
Cut Pumpkin.
February 9th, 2012 at 2:31 pm
Billick is 100% on the money with this quote:
“No, there is no such thing as a mirage in the NFL. You earn every win you can get.”
You don’t just stumble into a 10 win season, it’s not all luck and it’s not because of a cupcake schedule. Just like it’s not the harder schedule that resulted in the late season collapse. The schedule might work in the college game, but not in the NFL.
February 9th, 2012 at 2:37 pm
Nice stuff Joe. Encouraging that Brian still thinks we have a talented young team, and his take on last years collapse.
I believe this team has a lot of talent. I still think they can win. I believe it requires a total revamp of LBers and secondary, but think we are in real good shape elsewhere
I hope he’s right about Shiano. I want him to be, but still think he doesn’t have enough NFL experience for this team- due entirely to it’s youth.
Time will tell
Would have felt much better if you were interviewing him, as the Bucs head coach- not an outsider looking in.
February 9th, 2012 at 2:41 pm
“didn’t quite turn out this year”……………………..
February 9th, 2012 at 2:42 pm
“You know what; they were fundamentally sound under Raheem.”
…aaaaannnnnd Thomas’ head explodes.
“Oh, sure. Raheem is a good coach.”
…aaaaannnnnd the rest of Thomas explodes.
February 9th, 2012 at 2:42 pm
They were fundamentally sound in 2010. That wasn’t the real issue. It was discipline and maturity, because that’s what made the fundamentals go out the window. They weren’t held accountable so they stopped focusing on the fundamentals.
Over time they just got worse and worse this year because, just like a classroom full of kids, if you let them get away with something they’ll keep testing to see what else they can get away with, thus providing us with our downward spiral of 2011.
As long as our coordinators know what they’re doing, and that’s a big “IF,” we’ll have a quick turnaround. The talent is there, even for the guys who looked like crap. I’m not saying 10-6, but 7-9 or 8-8 wouldn’t surprise me. I can even see 9-7 if we get a couple of the lucky breaks we got in ’10.
February 9th, 2012 at 2:47 pm
I sure didn’t think we were ‘fundamentally sound’ under Morris. I thought we tackled like a bunch of blind one armed girl scouts once the runner broke the initial line of scrimmage. I thought our secondary gambled way to much on interceptions and came up empty while the scoreboard came up full for the opposition. I thought our offense looked confused with WR’s running all over the place trying to see where they lined up as Winslow yanked them into place and Freeman burned timeouts. But I suppose if Billick says we were ‘fundamentally sound’ then he must be right…..
February 9th, 2012 at 2:52 pm
Actually I agree with the premise that we can turn it around quickly. Winning ten games cant be a fluke.
Offensively we just need a couple of pieces to the puzzle. Defensively is more of a challenge but thats usually fixable much faster. Exhibit A to that is the Texans.
As long as we get something resembling 2010 Free I can see a wild card opportunity. Maybe even more if that D-line really all blended in at the same time.
The two times we won the NFC South post SB it was a rebound from a very crappy season.
February 9th, 2012 at 2:52 pm
Wait, Billick said we were fundamentally sound under Radio? Ahhh, now I see why Billick didn’t receive a phone call during our HC search.
February 9th, 2012 at 3:06 pm
Joe do you happen to have a picture of the look on your face when you asked the “really” question?
Hilarious.
“when did you go completely insane?” likely came to mind, but your a true professional.
February 9th, 2012 at 3:10 pm
Man, when things get juxtapositioned, it’s Katy bar the door!
Did someone write a story about Coach Raheem’s party lifestyle? If so, anybody got a link?
February 9th, 2012 at 3:17 pm
@ERIC
“Actually I agree with the premise that we can turn it around quickly. Winning ten games cant be a fluke.
Offensively we just need a couple of pieces to the puzzle. Defensively is more of a challenge but thats usually fixable much faster. Exhibit A to that is the Texans.”
I agree the ten games was not a fluke.
I agree they can turn it around quickly.
A little speed on offense, a better game plan, and a leap forward by Freeman, who has shown he can do it, would turn the entire team around.
It would rest the defense more and not put them in as many holes.
The defense is a challenge because of the LBs and DBs, but even there I think they can turn it around inside 2 years because I really believe they have the D-Linemen to do it with.
As far as the texans, they didn’t turn it around so fast. It was much like the Bucs. They were putting together a D-Line and pieces for 3 years then it finally came together. Same with SF.
With freeman and the D-Line getting the right game plans I think they could be a .500 team next year.
They defeinately need an outside weapon and change of pace RB. Though. Can’t coach speed.
February 9th, 2012 at 3:21 pm
LOL @ eric
Billick is in the Fraternal Order of NFL Coaches. He knows not to put his own brethren down.
Rah lost this team plan and simple. You can’t be in the gray area with NFLers. It’s ALL Yeah or Ney.
The errors:
Firing proven coaches. (Huge mistake)
Cutting Ruud replacing him with a rookie, out of position no less.
Resigning and giving more money to a practice squad player in QBlack.
Not controlling Talib. (Having a good ol’ time on the sideline while we were getting our teeth kicked in. Sapp would have jerked him out his shoes.)
Going into the season with no major FA signings.
Not upgrading the secondscary. Rah knew good and well Biggers isn’t an NFLer.
These are just major errors on the surface. Who knows what went on behind Oz’s curtain.
It’s like whatever Rah could do to not WIN he did. So I guess he is a good fundamental loser.
February 9th, 2012 at 3:30 pm
eric, I have mixed feelings regarding your 2:52 post. I agree that it can be turned around, and I hope they do. The bucs have talent, it was just not used properly. Raheem was trying to fit a square peg in a round hole with his defensive philosophy. You can’t draft Cover 2 corners and ask them to be Man Cover guys. The same with the linebackers they were drafted for the Cover 2 not a Man defense.
If the bucs do make it to the playoffs next year and that is a big if, I don’t want to hear anybody and I mean anybody say that Greg Schiano won with Raheem’s team.
February 9th, 2012 at 3:41 pm
I love Bill. Come join the Bucs
February 9th, 2012 at 3:52 pm
@rdbucfan….if the Bucs make the playoffs next year I think the only thing you’ll hear anyone saying is “WTF??!! Schiano is a genius!”
February 9th, 2012 at 3:57 pm
Billick was not close enough as us fans to see the disorganization and lack of leadership at the top. When you start letting the Talibs and Winslows become your team “Lead Dogs” you are in deep deep trouble and Rah tied himself to those thugs. Raheem was a terrible unorganized, undisciplined leader who dealt punishment unevenly to those who did not deserve it. Do we need to analyze this further. Worse defense in Buccaneer history??? He was the D coordinator and terrible.
February 9th, 2012 at 4:02 pm
Below is from Rotoworld. Where does Pete get that the Bucs are interested? Presumption, insight or nothing?
CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco expects free agent DE/OLB Mario Williams to become the highest paid defensive player in the NFL if he hits the open market.
Williams has the No. 1 overall pick pedigree, the measurables, the age (just turned 27), the versatility, and the production to incite a feeding frenzy once the cap-strapped Texans pass on the franchise tag at $22.9 million. SI.com’s Don Banks suggests the Bills, Jags, and Bucs as the top three suitors, with the Packers as a wild card. We’ve also seen the Chargers and Raiders connected to Williams.
February 9th, 2012 at 4:03 pm
I meant Don, not Pete.
February 9th, 2012 at 4:05 pm
I love the Bucs and will always hope for the best. BUT…
…THERE IS NO WAY THEY TURN THINGS AROUND IN ONE YEAR.
Anyone who thinks so may as well jump off the bandwagon now so we don’t have to see your whining for a year.
They can address all of the holes on offense in free agency…every one of them.
Both WRs and RBs are deep in free agency this year. There is even offensive line.
There isn’t much worthwhile on the defensive side though, at least that won’t get franchised.
We need LBs and CBs. Period. You want to see the team turn around quickly? Continue to develop the def line and get some good pass coverage in here. We can even put off safety for one year (might have to).
But our offense will not get us winning unless they can outscore the opponents, and we are not going to see that happen much without good pass coverage on defense and pressure on the opposing QB.
I believe our Def Line has the potential to be great, and under a good coach will be. We need LBs to stop the run and CBs to stop the pass.
THAT’s how you will see a team turn around fast.
February 9th, 2012 at 4:15 pm
Hey Joe,
Did you ask “really?” in your best Ace Ventura voice?
February 9th, 2012 at 4:30 pm
Billick has a point, but he also tends to be careful with the criticism he dishes out. I would have been very happy if the Glazers made Billick our HC. We’ll see how it goes, but the Glazers have not made any moves recently that have IMPRESSED me. I would start Schiano’s odd pretty long. At least they will have plenty of time to work things out before the Games start. Everything the Glazers have done with this team since the Superbowl, points to their being Cheap. It’s not just the perception of them being cheap, the numbers don’t lie. You want to give the Glazers the benefit of the doubt, but the more the Duck quacks, the more it smells like dead fish.
February 9th, 2012 at 4:34 pm
What aspect was sound when the Falcons put up 42 by second quarter, or the 41 unanswered vs. jags.
Imagine if we were unsound.
80 by halftime?
February 9th, 2012 at 5:01 pm
@ Chris FWC
The errors:
Firing proven coaches. (Huge mistake)
Cutting Ruud replacing him with a rookie, out of position no less.
Resigning and giving more money to a practice squad player in QBlack.
Not controlling Talib. (Having a good ol’ time on the sideline while we were getting our teeth kicked in. Sapp would have jerked him out his shoes.)
Going into the season with no major FA signings.
Not upgrading the secondscary. Rah knew good and well Biggers isn’t an NFLer.
These are just major errors on the surface. Who knows what went on behind Oz’s curtain.
I wasn’t aware Raheem had the power to fire or hire anybody thats the job of the GM. Also when did he replace Barrett Ruud? He fought for Ruud to stay, another decision by the GM. Resigning free agent Quincy Black, whether or not raheem agreed with this, still a decision by the GM. No FA signings thats a decision of the GM and the owners. Not upgrading the secondary also a decision of the GM and owners.
Out of all these there is only one you can blame on Raheem, not controlling Aqib. I’m not defending Raheem, though I do think he is a good coach who still has a lot to learn, but if you are going to list the failures give him credit for the things he did wrong not stuff he had no control over.
For example
Error:
Lack of player discipline
Lack of Coach discipline (including himself getting fined by the league and getting penalties)
Poor Game Planning
Bad decision making
Lack of professionalism
Unequal treatment of players
Taking on the role as DC
All of these were things he did wrong which contributed to the collapse of this team. Did Raheem fail? Yes, but I’m tired of people throwing all the blame on him when there were others who contributed to this mess.
February 9th, 2012 at 5:18 pm
@OccasionallyRight,
This is one time where you’re “Usually Wrong.” There is no way to tell how the Bucs will do this coming season. They could go 4-12 again, they could go 7-9, or they could shock the world with their last place schedule and go 11-5. Nothing would surprise me.
They pound the rock a little more this coming year and keep the defense off the field longer, they might no need to overhaul the defense all in one year. Think positve buddy. Otherwise, go to hell.
February 9th, 2012 at 5:41 pm
@Buc_The_World I said ‘The Errors’. Did I attribute them all to Rah? No. I said ‘The Errors’. Rah goes down with the ship like it or not.
February 9th, 2012 at 5:50 pm
Brian Billick makes absolutely no sense in those comments. He’s full of hyperbole and like most media people, refuses to tell the truth about Raheem because it may affect him down the road. It’s all the same with the media. For instance, they will never be truthful when it comes to just how much of a rip off publicly financed stadiums are for the taxpayer. They need $$ and the are dependent upon sports. Instead of doing their job, they refuse to expose the scam of professional sports. They are all corrupt from the media, to the owners, to the players
February 9th, 2012 at 5:57 pm
@Wade….daaaaaamn! to the heart!
February 9th, 2012 at 6:49 pm
@BigMacAttack
“but the more the Duck quacks, the more it smells like dead fish.”
Huhhhhh?????????????? That sounds like something Yogi Berra might say.
February 9th, 2012 at 7:04 pm
LOL @ Bobby. “Cash , which is just as good as money”.
February 9th, 2012 at 7:11 pm
I never hear coaches criticize other coaches. Billick was likely just being nice. You never know……Billick may coach again someday and him and Raheem might coach together.
February 9th, 2012 at 8:01 pm
I hear we got Butch Davis as our defensive assistant
February 9th, 2012 at 8:03 pm
Bucs hired Butch Davis per Alex Marvez of FoxSports.com. Joe is at work. Story wil be posted when he gets in front of a computer
February 9th, 2012 at 8:08 pm
Assistant and not DC….. interesting. Hrmmmm
February 9th, 2012 at 8:23 pm
First time in months Joe has to work away from a computer and look what happens. 🙁 Joe is sorry for the delay in posting a story.
February 9th, 2012 at 8:28 pm
BUTCH! WOO HOO!!!
February 9th, 2012 at 8:31 pm
The Bucs have been having a hard time hiring key assistants for new coach Greg Schiano’s staff. They’ve finally landed one of the men Schiano coveted.
Peter King of SI.com reported last month that Schiano wanted to hire Butch Davis, either to be the team’s defensive coordinator or to be an assistant head coach. Alex Marvez of FOXSports.com now reports that Schiano has hired Davis.
Per Marvez, Davis will be the team’s senior defensive assistant.
Davis was defensive line coach for the 1992 Cowboys and defensive coordinator for the 1993 edition of the team. Both won the Super Bowl.
He thereafter spent six seasons as head coach at the University of Miami, before jumping to the Cleveland Browns. Fired after four seasons in Cleveland, Davis resurfaced in Chapel Hill. He was out of coaching in 2011.
In 1999 and 2000, Schiano worked for Davis at Miami, as the team’s defensive coordinator.
February 9th, 2012 at 8:32 pm
Now we need a solid OC and we will be set..
February 9th, 2012 at 8:33 pm
Maybe Brian proped up Raheem a little because he knows that the implosion was as much on the Glazers and their decision not to bring in mature football talent will all their cap space money, and as there is also a code for a potential coach to never publically criticize a owner, that was about all he could say in that regard.
February 9th, 2012 at 8:35 pm
Nice. But not coordinator???
February 9th, 2012 at 8:51 pm
“You know what; they were fundamentally sound under Raheem”
I hope this interview has opened the eyes of those who were pining for this guy to be our coach.