Veterans Day Always Special For Military Mike
November 9th, 2012
Joe just wants to call attention to a cool ESPN.com feature on Bucs offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan that posted today.
NFC South Blogger Pat Yasinskas got to cozy up to Sullivan and chat about his days at West Point and as a young Army officer. The entire piece offers good insight into Sullivan, as the Bucs prepare to host the Chargers and numerous military appreciation happenings at the game Sunday, which is Veterans Day.
Sullivan’s not sure if all the lessons he learned in the military are the reason he quickly climbed the ladder through the college ranks and on to the NFL, where he quickly is developing a reputation as one of the league’s best young offensive coordinators. But Sullivan, 45, knows his background didn’t hurt.
“I know that I’ve relied upon it heavily, and that it steers and directs how I approach things and how I try to be very disciplined and also maintain a level head when things are going crazy,” Sullivan said. “I learned that early on in Ranger school, when I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off and a Ranger said, ‘Hey, you’re trying to do well, but you’re nervous. You’ve got to just settle down here and keep a cool head.’ When you keep a cool head, the people around you will keep a cool head.”
As Joe wrote yesterday, if Sullivan’s stunning success as Bucs offensive coordinator continues, his background will make him a hot head coaching candidate this offseason. And a national feature like this only adds to the potential hype.
November 9th, 2012 at 3:54 pm
So far I am a huge Mike Sullivan fan. Everythig that comes out about this guy is great. I would definateley hate to lose this guy to another team as a head coach, but this guy has head coach written all over him. We probably have this year and next with him. And that doesn’t make me upset, this guy deserves a shot to be a head coach. I just hoe it doesn’t come down to a Schiano vs. Sullivan battle between the fans.
November 9th, 2012 at 3:56 pm
I immediately recognize I should edit my typing before hitting “submit.” The problem is the phones can be a pain in the ass for lazy people such as myself.
November 9th, 2012 at 4:00 pm
Who was the OC for games 1-4?
That guy sucked.
November 9th, 2012 at 4:02 pm
I’m so lazy my eyes don’t move in R.E.M.
November 9th, 2012 at 4:07 pm
ElRaton
I see you figured the avatar out.
BTW its called still learning and evaluating the offense plays and offensive players.
November 9th, 2012 at 6:20 pm
Actually, Freeman went 1-4 in the first 5. He needed to learn the system.
November 9th, 2012 at 6:41 pm
Thanks Oar, you”re the best!
November 9th, 2012 at 7:20 pm
While I think Sullivan will probably get mentioned for openings, with him only having a one year track-record as an OC, a few teams will probably have some apprehension. Definitely think he’s a HC candidate, hopefully he’s here for a few more years at least. Rod Marinelli had some similar characteristics but proved to be a better DC/DL Coach than HC though. Wade Phillips, & Norv T
November 9th, 2012 at 7:28 pm
Since he’s under contract, wouldn’t the Bucs have to give permission for him to go elsewhere? If they stick to what they’ve done in the past, they probably won’t let him go. To be honest, if I was running the Bucs, I wouldn’t either.
November 9th, 2012 at 8:18 pm
I don’t believe you can block a coach from interviewing for a head coaching gig elsewhere….
November 9th, 2012 at 8:19 pm
An assistant that is…
November 9th, 2012 at 9:24 pm
Yeah, I wasn’t sure about that. I thought that may be the case.
November 9th, 2012 at 9:28 pm
Freeman will get his 3rd OC in as many years if this vision comes to pass.
Wonderful.
Amazing piece on Sullivan, he would be a top choice candidate if I were the Cleveland Browns.
November 9th, 2012 at 9:29 pm
Freeman will get his 3rd OC in as many years if this vision comes to pass.
Wonderful.
Amazing piece on Sullivan, he would be a top choice candidate if I were the owner of the Cleveland Browns.
November 9th, 2012 at 10:28 pm
Somebody hired Raheem. Sullivan will at least get interviews if the Bucs don’t tank it. You could probably do a hell of a lot worse.
November 10th, 2012 at 6:11 pm
I think Sullivan would be wise to stay put for another couple years. Getting promoted before you ate ready can be the kiss of death.
I’m excited for the game tomorrow and hope the Bucs go wild again on offense.