Targeting Chris Ballard?
December 30th, 2013
A Chiefs architect is being mentioned as part of a Lovie Smith package
Rumblings of the Buccaneers’ targets for a new head coach and general manager are everywhere.
Joe’s not on board the Lovie Smith-Rich McKay, time-machine train, which is one of the hot rumors as the Bucs compete with at least six teams for top candidates. But Jason La Canfora added an interesting new wrinkle to that combination on CBSSports.com.
New Chiefs personnel director Chris Ballard, per La Canfora, could be part of that mix.
Several league sources noted the very strong relationship Smith had with personnel director Chris Ballard when both were in Chicago, and Ballard is viewed by many as an emerging young executive. Ballard is currently the director of player personnel in Kansas City, and if the Smith-McKay pairing happens in Tampa, as expected, he too could be part of that group.
Ballard is in his first season with the Chiefs, going there as part of the Andy Reid/John Dorsey management team that took over the franchise in 2013.
Here’s some background on Ballard from his days with the Bears.
The former Chicago Bears personnel staff member spent 12 seasons with Chicago, including one season as the Director of Pro Scouting (2012). He spent the previous 11 seasons as the Bears Southwest Area Scout (2001-11). During that time, Ballard helped Chicago draft Pro Bowlers Matt Forte, Johnny Knox, Charles Tillman, Tommie Harris and Nathan Vasher.
Prior to his time with Chicago, Ballard spent seven seasons as a coach at Texas A&M-Kingsville (1994-2000). Ballard started his coaching career in 1994 tutoring the wide receivers. From 1995-99 he was the secondary coach. In his final season at Texas A&M-Kingsville, Ballard served as defensive coordinator. During his time with the Javelinas, Ballard helped mentor future NFL players including current Chiefs Defensive Assistant/Secondary Coach Al Harris.
Now Joe doesn’t claim to know this guy Ballard, but it says something that Andy Reid, a noted personnel man, would add him to his regime.
December 30th, 2013 at 3:27 pm
I just cannot express what a disaster Lovie Smith would be as a hire. We would have basically swapped out one defensive coach who did poorly with offense for another defensive coach who did poorly with offense. If they’re seriously going retread, at least give Gruden a call and see if you can beg him back. Lovie is about as “meh” as a hiring could get.
December 30th, 2013 at 3:28 pm
Whats funny is, LaCanfora is reporting this like its a foregone conclusion. McKay’s not coming back to the scene of the crime, and if we’re lucky neither will Lovie, sure it’s the top of HIS list, because no other team wants him.
December 30th, 2013 at 3:28 pm
The guy who gets hired will probably come out of left field, with almost no one predicting it ahead of time (perhaps one or two sources at best).
The Glazers simply cannot be stupid enough to hire Rich McKay for anything beyond cap management and public relations.
December 30th, 2013 at 3:30 pm
Eric stokes
December 30th, 2013 at 3:32 pm
Stokes seems like a talented candidate for GM, but there’s no way the Glazers are going the inexperienced route again. No way whatsoever. Look for experience at both the GM and HC positions for sure in these hires.
December 30th, 2013 at 3:35 pm
Why the Lovie Smith hate?
Excellent record at Chicago.
Forget who is offensive or defensive. This is like the NFL draft, pick the best available coach.
No “hate,” just not the choice. Better to have offensive guy paired with new quarterback. –Joe
December 30th, 2013 at 3:38 pm
Hey if we do a time machine thing then chud should get the call. Bill bilicheat was fired by the Browns and now look at him. Lol
December 30th, 2013 at 3:39 pm
December 30th, 2013 at 3:35 pm
Why the Lovie Smith hate?
Excellent record at Chicago.
Forget who is offensive or defensive. This is like the NFL draft, pick the best available coach.
_______________________________________________________________
Except well here’s the thing: Offense is the primary issue with the Bucs. So hiring a defensive minded coach is a horrible mistake. We saw how Lovie handled offense in Chicago, namely, that it was horrible. We don’t need another defense coach, sorry.
December 30th, 2013 at 3:42 pm
I have no clue… These are some huge decisions ahead… This roster is not great but not bad. Could be in playoff contention with the right hires here.
December 30th, 2013 at 3:43 pm
Hopefully they go Offense with the HC, experienced GM, and the sooner the better so that we can prepare for the upcoming OTAs and draft.
December 30th, 2013 at 3:44 pm
Need a Head Coach with a solid understanding of Offense and Defense.
December 30th, 2013 at 3:47 pm
If your name isn’t Mike Holmgren; you weren’t the architect in Kansas City.
[emphasis on “.”]
December 30th, 2013 at 3:48 pm
Bill Polian is our guy
December 30th, 2013 at 3:48 pm
Oh well. Time to move onto another possible stupid Glazer hire. Does anyone really have faith in the owners to get the right GM and HC for us?
December 30th, 2013 at 3:48 pm
Hey Joe, buccaneers.com is showing the Bucs opponents for 2014. I’m pretty sure it’s the same schedule we had when we won the Superbowl. Outside of our division games we play Cincinnati,Cleveland, Baltimore,Pittsburgh, Detroit,Chicago,Green Bay,St.Louis, Minnesota, we are just swapping Philly (02) for Washington (14)..Should be interesting
December 30th, 2013 at 3:48 pm
Jon Gruden and Rod Marinelli.
December 30th, 2013 at 3:51 pm
I’ll be happy with Lovie, Schotty, or any other former coach that has a strong winning record. I want a former NFL HC though. No up and coming assistants…screw that route. Go proven or gtfo Glazers.
December 30th, 2013 at 3:52 pm
Marty Schottenheimer HC, Norv Turner OC
December 30th, 2013 at 3:53 pm
The Glazers didn’t want McKay gone in the first place; Gruden did
December 30th, 2013 at 3:53 pm
BigMac,
I’m good with that.
December 30th, 2013 at 3:54 pm
Yes, Salary cap room and talented young players are enticing to potential GM’s and Coaches. But what about the Glazers. What if you don’t like the boss? I would point to the hiring of Rah and Schiano over more qualified and well-known coaches as proof that many people don’t want to work under the Glazers.
December 30th, 2013 at 3:55 pm
If your name isn’t Mike Holmgren; you weren’t the architect in Kansas City.
[emphasis on “.”]
Holgren’s only impact on KC is his ties to Andy Reid….
December 30th, 2013 at 3:57 pm
I want a head coach minded head coach
December 30th, 2013 at 3:57 pm
GM Eric Decosta
HC Darrell Bevel
DC JIM Schwartz
December 30th, 2013 at 3:58 pm
And perhaps a GM minded GM
December 30th, 2013 at 3:59 pm
Gruden, Marinelli and BigMacAttack as GM.
December 30th, 2013 at 4:01 pm
DeCosta is never leaving Baltimore.
Bevel is a stretch.
Schwartz is a d-ck that everyone hates, even some of his players.
December 30th, 2013 at 4:02 pm
In 2006 Lovie Smith’s offense finished 2nd in scoring in the NFL. Scored 39 in the NFC Championship game.
With bad Rex Grossman at QB.
And we got some good defensive players allegedly. His defense was in the top 4 in pro football six times during his tenure.
Get the man a good offensive coordinator and we got a shot.
December 30th, 2013 at 4:03 pm
“If your name isn’t Mike Holmgren; you weren’t the architect in Kansas City.
[emphasis on “.”]”
Mike Holmgren has never been affiliated in any way with the Chiefs.
emphasis on “never”.
December 30th, 2013 at 4:06 pm
@Dallas. A man can dream. And Schwartz can coach defense. A hole or not.
December 30th, 2013 at 4:08 pm
Proven winner, won NFC Championship, great career record…not talking about Andy Reid from last year…talking about Lovie Smith.
December 30th, 2013 at 4:15 pm
Brandon Says:
December 30th, 2013 at 4:08 pm
Proven winner, won Super Bowl, great career record…not talking about Andy Reid from last year…not talking about Lovie Smith….talking about Charles Gruden
December 30th, 2013 at 4:15 pm
I could not think of a worse choice than Lovie and McKay.
December 30th, 2013 at 4:18 pm
@BOb Says:
December 30th, 2013 at 3:57 pm
I want a head coach minded head coach
—————————–
Your comment sounds funny but I actually agree 100%. I don’t want a HC calling offensive or defensive plays, hire coordinators to do that. A HC should focus on the team as a whole so that his ego isn’t attached to the success of either the offense or defense like Jon Gruden. That was one of my biggest problems with Chuckie, since his ego was attached to the offense he strictly focused on offensive players in the first and second rd of most drafts while he was in Tampa.
December 30th, 2013 at 4:20 pm
I don’t like Lovie Smith or Bill Cowher for coach. They took a shot at a college coach, those don’t work out. I still would not be surprised if the Glazers chose a young, virtually unknown head coach.
December 30th, 2013 at 4:22 pm
@bob – thank you. Let’s let the coordinators do their jobs. If our hc is being judged by which side of the ball he came from then we’re not focusing on what it means to be a head coach. The top guy should be focusing on the whole operation. It doesn’t matter if he’s a defensive our an offensive guy. He should be strong in all of it
December 30th, 2013 at 4:26 pm
JON GRUDEN & WADE PHILLIPS 2014!!!
December 30th, 2013 at 4:26 pm
Lovie is a ruse. They have to abide by the Rooney Rule and cannot get a person to interview if they outright make it a meaningless jesture.
December 30th, 2013 at 4:32 pm
Bill Polian please!
December 30th, 2013 at 4:34 pm
Lovie as ruse is an interesting theory, but I don’t think so. They’re not going to bother interviewing him unless they’re interested.
December 30th, 2013 at 4:36 pm
It will not be lovie.
December 30th, 2013 at 4:37 pm
Smith is not employed. The new OFFENSIVE coach could bring him in as DC.
December 30th, 2013 at 4:40 pm
Is Bill Sheridan staying or is he gone too?
December 30th, 2013 at 4:41 pm
madmacskillz Says
“Lovie as ruse is an interesting theory, but I don’t think so. They’re not going to bother interviewing him unless they’re interested.”
You forget the Rooney rule.
December 30th, 2013 at 4:41 pm
Lovie’s name could be floated out there just to gage reaction. So far what I’ve seen is pretty mixed, some people definitely want it, some people definitely are against it.
December 30th, 2013 at 4:42 pm
If the Glazers are ruling out an up-and-coming coordinator, and ruling out a college coach, and sticking strictly to candidates who have proven they can win in the NFL, then our list becomes extremely short. But that’s a lot of “ifs”.
December 30th, 2013 at 4:43 pm
Seriously, anyone who thinks Jon Gruden would be asked by the Glazers, or would even consider the Bucs job is out of touch with reality. It’s never going to happen again.
December 30th, 2013 at 4:45 pm
My guess is they hire an experienced, proven GM first and then let the new GM hire his coach. We can’t realistically expect to predict the head coach until we first know who the GM will be, so personally I’m not going to try.
December 30th, 2013 at 4:45 pm
Patrick in VA Says
“If our hc is being judged by which side of the ball he came from then we’re not focusing on what it means to be a head coach. The top guy should be focusing on the whole operation. It doesn’t matter if he’s a defensive our an offensive guy.”
I disagree. First, defensive guys tend to do poorly when assembling their offense. That’s why Dungy, who was a fantastic coach, had to go to a team where he wasn’t permitted to touch the offense. That’s why Raheem Morris failed. That’s why Greg Schiano failed (one of the reasons).
The nucleus for the defense is in place.
The NFL has become all about scoring points. Teams MUST be able to score 30 points a game to make the playoffs. Sometimes more. A defensive guy will not do that. He will call things too conservative.
December 30th, 2013 at 4:47 pm
FLBoyInDallas, I agree.
Unless it is a GM/HC team type of deal.
For example, Cowher might wish to perform both roles.
December 30th, 2013 at 4:47 pm
Lovie’s defense succeeded in a different NFL. We might want to focus on candidates who’ve learned to succeed in the kinder, gentler NFL
December 30th, 2013 at 4:49 pm
@bonzai -I’ll agree that history has shown that defensive guys are pretty conservative minded on offense
December 30th, 2013 at 4:49 pm
Need I remind you guys that Tampa’s short success was build around the defense. Offense is important but do you guys remember who are QB was when we had our best seasons? Yeah ask joe to give you the full credentials but King/Johnson. Bring on Lovie
December 30th, 2013 at 4:52 pm
Excellent point Jacko
December 30th, 2013 at 4:56 pm
Butch Davis.
Charlie Strong.
December 30th, 2013 at 4:57 pm
The Glazers should throw cash at Charlie Casserly and bring him in as our new GM.
Just my opinion lol
December 30th, 2013 at 4:57 pm
Brian Billick would be on my list
December 30th, 2013 at 4:58 pm
Defense is still important in the “new” NFL.
The 49ers and Seahawks, two of the best teams in the league, both win with defense. Harbaugh and Carroll are both defensive-minded guys who are former defensive coordinators. Belichick’s worst seasons were when his defense absolutely sucked but his best seasons are when the defense is decent or even good. The Broncos would not be doing so well, even with Peyton Manning, if they hadn’t hired John Fox and Jack Del Rio, both of whom specialize in defense.
So let’s not get carried away with the “new NFL” stuff and act like it’s all about offense now. That would be foolish. Watch the playoffs again this year and you’ll see how the teams with the strongest defenses go deep into the playoffs and even to the Super Bowl. That’s not the “past”. That’s the present.
December 30th, 2013 at 4:58 pm
@jack 101 -pretty sure Goodell is trying to make sure that doesn’t happen again. New NFL these days man. Can’t build a team in the same mold as those old Bucs teams. Lynch would be bounced from the league for hitting receivers too hard and Sapp would hit the qb too hard.
December 30th, 2013 at 4:59 pm
Some of you guys are crazy lovie took his team to the super bowl he’s defense is perfect for the personal we have so it’s not much of a change hire a good offensive cor and we should be good
December 30th, 2013 at 5:00 pm
Bucs presser about to air on NFL Total Access
December 30th, 2013 at 5:00 pm
Some of you guys are asking for a coach with a 3-4 defense that will take even longer to win because our team is built on speed for the 4-3
December 30th, 2013 at 5:00 pm
Whoever the Glazers bring in as GM needs to be a proven personnel guy. They can’t afford to roll the dice on an unproven guy in the hopes he becomes the next great NFL executive. With that said, someone like Ballard has a track record and moved up the ranks. This team needs a guy that understands how to evaluate talent, not just a suit.
December 30th, 2013 at 5:00 pm
Bill cowher has my vote
December 30th, 2013 at 5:05 pm
Just please, NOT ANOTHER COLLEGE COACH EXPERIMENT. When Rah was fired, it seemed all that Dom and the Glazers cared about was the college coaches. Almost hiring Chip Kelly then settling for a Rutgers coach with a mediocre record in a garbage division. I wanted to believe in Greg and as a fan I trust the GM and the owners to do what’s best. As it turned out, the Bucs are still cellar-dwellers. Personally, I wanted Schotty back then and still think he’s available. He took the Chargers to the playoffs with a 14-2 record but lost and got fired. And his winning seasons far outweigh his losing ones and he’s not defensive minded.
December 30th, 2013 at 5:06 pm
Love smith went 10-6 two seasons ago. Better record than the bears had this season.
December 30th, 2013 at 5:07 pm
Raheem for music coordinator.
December 30th, 2013 at 5:11 pm
The Glazers should hire McKay NOW, TONIGHT. He’s not a GM anymore. He’s a president/CEO. The Glazers cannot run this organization. Hopefully they now realize it. Bring Rich in to rebuild the franchise. Let him hire the GM/personnel guy, and then let THAT guy hire coaches, etc. McKay loves the Bucs and this area which is what we need. He has done a great job with Mr. Blank in Atlanta and he was a terrific executive when he was here the first time. He will work on reconnecting the team to the community. Bottom line is Glazers cannot do the job and they need someone who can do it for them. And btw, McKay wanted to hire Marvin Lewis before the Glazers brought in Gruden. He also hired Dungy and Mike Smith. Yeah, I’d trust him to do the right thing.
December 30th, 2013 at 5:11 pm
I do love Bill
But I do not want our D with it’s strong 4-3 personal to undergo a change
December 30th, 2013 at 5:12 pm
Jacko101 Says
“Need I remind you guys that Tampa’s short success was build around the defense. Offense is important but do you guys remember who are QB was when we had our best seasons? Yeah ask joe to give you the full credentials but King/Johnson. Bring on Lovie”
Jack, there was a time I would have agreed. But now the NFL is a different animal. Our division is different now.
The new NFL wants high scoring games to generate fan interest, and they’ve already begun changing the rules to make it that way.
The old saying “Offense sells tickets but defense wins championships” is one it’s way out.
In our division alone we face three really good QBs. Realistically, if we cannot score high points we will never make the playoffs.
December 30th, 2013 at 5:14 pm
Jon Gruden today – “I don’t want to be considered for any of these jobs,” said Gruden, who hasn’t coached since 2008. “I don’t want to be considered for anything. There are plenty of good candidates out there. I’m just sick for the guys who can no longer coach their teams. … I’m hoping to do the best I can to hang on to my job.”
December 30th, 2013 at 5:14 pm
All in this order
GM-Brian Gutekunst, Eric DeCosta, or Omar Khan
HC-Ken Whisenhunt, Bill Cowher, Brian Bellick, or Lovie Smith
OC-Gary Kubiak, Rob Chudzinski, or Mike Sullivan-only if we take Whisenhunt as a coach. Sullivan did have a top 9 offense and might be able to get back to that with the help of Ken Whisenhunt
DC-Jim Schwartz or Hardy Nickerson
December 30th, 2013 at 5:15 pm
It doesn’t have to be one or the other. We can have a good defense AND a good offense. That’s the “new” NFL.
December 30th, 2013 at 5:17 pm
Interesting tidbit on NFL Network…Buc only team to can both HC & GM. Could those crafty Amish Boys have a football ” czar” in their sight? Is the 3rd time a charm in landing The Big Tuna? A big name already in the hopper? Kind of exciting I must admit.
December 30th, 2013 at 5:19 pm
Polian!
December 30th, 2013 at 5:22 pm
I really don’t want a retread that’s been out over a year or two
December 30th, 2013 at 5:23 pm
Stop with the Jim shawrtz as the defensive cor. He’s defenses have been horrible with the Lions i rather have maranelli to help our d line out make bowers and clayborn play how theyr suppose to
December 30th, 2013 at 5:25 pm
All of you who are worried about a 3-4 defense…..right now, we have about a 2-4 defense….kidding asside…there are 2 great defensive players who may drop to us at 7…..Barr & Mack…
The new coach will have the benefit of a team that has stayed intact….a high draft pick…..cap space and a 4-12 record to beat….not a bad scenario. (not to mention no state income tax)
December 30th, 2013 at 5:26 pm
We’re would levonte David play in a 3-4 he’s to small to play the middle backer
December 30th, 2013 at 5:27 pm
Shaw from stanford!!!! I know its another college coach, but that dude knows how to coach.
December 30th, 2013 at 5:27 pm
Wow i gagged a little when you mentioned Sullivan.
Please God don’t bring that mans predictable, conservative, scared offensive scheme anywhere near this team again.
And Eric C, yea there’s absolutely 0% chance Gruden would leave that dream job he has to go back to the city that trashed the only coach to bring us a Lombardi trophy. The people clamoring for him are only dreaming or smoking the pipe if they actually believe he would come here.
Now if they hire his brother it would be a genius way of getting Gruden to be involved as an advisor behind the scenes. Although i’m not sure how much Jay wants to do with stepping into a town that would do nothing but compare him to Jon.
December 30th, 2013 at 5:27 pm
We’re would gerold Mccoy play he has shown he is a animal in the 4-3
December 30th, 2013 at 5:30 pm
Lovie should be the guy he has a plan already and his offensive coordinator picked out former Cal head coach as well and a good qb coach picked out let’s go bring back dat Tampa 2 is what our defense is built around
December 30th, 2013 at 5:31 pm
It would be downright awful and unintelligent to ruin Lavonte David’s and Gerald McCoy’s careers by playing them in a system they aren’t suited for.
Maybe there is a way for them to be effective in the 3-4 I don’t know honestly.
But if they can’t, please don’t even think about it.
December 30th, 2013 at 5:31 pm
Where*
December 30th, 2013 at 5:32 pm
seriously, sullivan? I would rather see the bucs run the triple option with paul johnson than go through another year of the dive, dive, deep throw, punt playbook.
December 30th, 2013 at 5:37 pm
@ PR
I think David & GMC could play well in any system…and…I agree the mention of Sullivan is paralizing…
December 30th, 2013 at 5:38 pm
Rumors of Jeff Tedford coming with Lovie Smith as the OC … and … could Rod Marinelli be drawn in as DC???
December 30th, 2013 at 5:38 pm
Frazier & Freeman are available….maybe a package deal!!!
December 30th, 2013 at 5:44 pm
Yea I hear ya TBF, if so than I have no problem with switching.
I personally want Mack who would be a beast ala Von Miller in the 3-4
December 30th, 2013 at 5:44 pm
Get Lovie Smith in Tampa. The players will immediately welcome him into their locker room. It’s the players locker room not the coaches. They will buy into his system alot better than schiano would have ever dreamed of. Get a great offensive coordinator and we are poised to start knocking off teams left and right and win this division. The bucs are set, the players are in position to take it all! And dammit they will!!! Get him to tampa and goto work! LETS GO!!!!!!
December 30th, 2013 at 5:52 pm
I would be OK with Lovie as long as we had a strong OC like Chudzinski
December 30th, 2013 at 5:57 pm
I dont know why people want chucky, its not like his offenses were high powered when he was in tampa. I think we should get a off-minded coach this time round. I think if we get a competent DC we will be fine, the talent is there on defense. imo
December 30th, 2013 at 5:57 pm
Bring Lovie , he is proven . With a good OC offense should be good , IF WE HAVE A QB !!!
That’s the question !
December 30th, 2013 at 6:00 pm
Yeah the fact Lovie’s OC of choice is Jeff Tedford is another black mark against him. Aaron Rodgers fell in the draft because of Tedford, and it was McCarthy who fixed Rodgers flawed mechanics, not Tedford. I really hope the Lovie talk is a bait and switch to get a better coach.
December 30th, 2013 at 6:05 pm
I have no idea why yal r downing lovie smith. He is a great coach . Nd it would be a good thing for our defense . So there would be no scheme change. We need a 4-3 minded coach. And a gm who would barr or mack to solidify our line backer core nd would make every team one dimensional through the air and put Darrelle Revis on his island and have a ball hawk in goldson and people would test banks cause of his inexperience so u double cover them and then our defense would be unstoppable . Maybe I should be the head coach lol
December 30th, 2013 at 6:06 pm
How about Shaun King as a player/coach
QB/OT combo (at the same time, blocking for himself)
“Shaun King, one of two Buc Quarterbacks that lost a NFC Championship Game when his defense gave up 11 or fewer points.”
December 30th, 2013 at 6:06 pm
Hire Lovie , Get Norv Turner if he is not retained as OC , Sign Phillip Rivers who is likely to be a free agent, offense…check…defense …..check
December 30th, 2013 at 6:17 pm
TBBF…Shaun King for coach of the snack bar/concessions.
December 30th, 2013 at 6:19 pm
How many coaches will we have to go through to find out it is our players not executing. Just saying, new coaches won’t fix everything. Yea maybe add a few more wins but nothing more. As for gm, we can look towards a bright future hopefully.
December 30th, 2013 at 6:19 pm
Hahaha the Bucs are looking at Gary Kubiak? Yeah I suspect every name we hear to start is a bait name, their real target will not emerge for a week or so.
December 30th, 2013 at 6:26 pm
Jacko101 Says: December 30th, 2013 at 4:49 pm
Need I remind you guys that Tampa’s short success was build around the defense. Offense is important but do you guys remember who are QB was when we had our best seasons? Yeah ask joe to give you the full credentials but King/Johnson. Bring on Lovie
————–
And if the bucs had a franchise qb during those years we probably would have more than 1 in trophy case. In todays nfl you need a great offense. And the main ingredient to a great offense is a great qb. Lovie smith will not produce a great qb.
December 30th, 2013 at 6:28 pm
Also, I haven’t read anyone bring up the fact that Shiano will be under contract for the next 3 years. I believe this only stands if he doesn’t get hired for another Hc job. But don’t expect the new hc to be an expensive one.
December 30th, 2013 at 6:30 pm
I can only hope that the Glazers made this decision earlier and that they have someone chosen because I don’t trust them with the upcoming search process.
I hope this isn’t a “be careful what you wish for” situation.
December 30th, 2013 at 6:31 pm
I’ll take Lovie in a heartbeat if he can bring a proven OC like Norv Turner with him. His defense was just fine in Chicago last season, the problem was his inconsistent turnover machine QB. But even with Cutler he still was able to put up a 10-6 record.
December 30th, 2013 at 6:35 pm
flmike…when you hear a former coach talking about assembling a staff, he is promoting himself for a job…and he usually doesn’t get the job. I think that is what is going on with Lovie.
December 30th, 2013 at 6:36 pm
I say bring in Ken Whisenhunt and let him bring free-agent-to-be Phillip Rivers with him, rebuild the O-Line, playoffs next year
December 30th, 2013 at 6:37 pm
@ RichardTyson
Hopefully Schiano’s contract has an offset clause where his Buc salary is offset by his next job…I think he will definately be employed as a College HC.
December 30th, 2013 at 6:37 pm
Make no mistake the Glaziers have to sell tickets. The next hire has to bring the fans. No splash and the stands will be only half full and they will be cheering the other team.
December 30th, 2013 at 6:38 pm
Waterboy…his defense was in decline…this year they were worst in the league stopping the run. Did you see the Philly game? So the best part of the team when Lovie took over was in collapse when he left. No thank you.
December 30th, 2013 at 6:39 pm
@ Patrick
Rivers would be a great mentor for fellow Wolfpack Glennon!!!
December 30th, 2013 at 6:41 pm
Good thoughts Patrick….
December 30th, 2013 at 6:43 pm
Perhaps the next HC is already in the building (kind of)…as in a certain guy who had NFL HC experience at Cleveland (and failed…but hey it’s the NFL experience so many fans are clamoring for), was a HC at North Carolina and Miami U? First name Butch, last name Davis?
December 30th, 2013 at 6:45 pm
Let’s hope that Shiano gets his hc job soon then. That may be something the owners would like to know about before throwing more cash at another coach. Please don’t let the good coaches slip away Glazers.
December 30th, 2013 at 6:53 pm
I’m warming up to the idea of lovie, also like ken wis. One name I have not heard mentioned is Doug Williams as GM. Just a thought.
December 30th, 2013 at 6:57 pm
In my opinion Schiano will be Penn States next head coach, I’m sure the Glazers took that into consideration as well knowing that they wouldn’t have a financial obligation to him once he took that job.
And I would be devastated if Kubiak ended up here.
December 30th, 2013 at 6:59 pm
Like Eric, don’t understand why anyone would be so opposed to Lovie. The guy has a proven track record of winning games – without a QB. You can blame him or the coordinators all you want, but until you have a good QB, no coach will be successful. Some people make as if we can just hire an offensive minded head coach and all of a sudden we’ll be the Saints. It doesn’t happen that way.
What has been our biggest problem with coaching over the last 5 years? Incompetence. Neither was a real NFL coach. Our teams always looked unorganized, unprepared, and undisciplined. That will not happen with Lovie Smith. He has a very Dungy-like persona. We will be prepared for every game, and we will look like a NFL franchise. We will never go 4-12 under Lovie Smith.
We have 3 elite players on defense, so why would anyone be opposed to bringing in a coach to make those guys the best they can be? Gerald McCoy will absolutely dominate in Lovie’s defense. Imagine if he gets Marinelli to coach the d-line! Free agents are going to be happy to play under Lovie Smith, which wasn’t the case with Schiano. We could actually probably get Michael Bennett back!
I find it hilarious that people wouldn’t be happy with a coach that has consistently won at the NFL level. Even reached a Super Bowl. After the crap we’ve had to endure the last 4 out of 5 years, why the hell would anyone want to bring in another guy with no NFL head coaching experience? Have you not learned your lesson yet? Stupid stupid stupid!!! At this point, lets just have a damn winning record.
December 30th, 2013 at 7:06 pm
In 2012 the Bears had the 5th best defense in the NFL. 8th vs the rush. And went 10-6.
What decline? Your gonna blame him for this years defense?
Lovie would be a very good choice. Great points Hawaiian, I agree totally. At this point we can win 3-0 and I’m happy!
December 30th, 2013 at 7:07 pm
I would take Derrick Dewan Brooks for gm before Doug Williams.
December 30th, 2013 at 7:07 pm
Wonder how long it will take the glazers to decide. Hopefully it’s not last minute like before. It will be interesting to see what poison is filled first. Do they hire a GM first and then let him pick a coach, or is it more of a package deal? Can’t wait to find out.
December 30th, 2013 at 7:13 pm
Sold out rock star Gm Mark Dominic is under contract until 2015. Does he get another job?
December 30th, 2013 at 7:37 pm
Andrew…this is exactly what I’m afraid of and I’m trying to believe the glazers will make the right move at the right time. I personally like the idea of Lovie but I also agree with some that we need an offensive minded HC.
December 30th, 2013 at 8:02 pm
Lovie will be interviewed to fulfill the black candidate interview requirement.
December 30th, 2013 at 9:02 pm
Kennyc is right about David Shaw. He’d be a good one and he has had some NFL experience.
December 30th, 2013 at 9:24 pm
I’d actually like someone to tell me which offensive minded head coach has won a Super Bowl without a QB. It’s so funny that people think because you hire a good offensive head coach, we will be good on offense, regardless of who the QB is. Many make as if you hire a defensive coach, the offense goes down the toilet. So by that token does that mean if you hire an offensive coach, the defense goes down the toilet? Of course it doesn’t, as long as they hire good people and you have good players. Lovie has won games in this league – and consistently. It’s as if many of you are opposed to that. He’s by far the safest pick of all the available coaches, and it’s not even safe. After gambling on Schiano and Raheem, I like safe.
December 30th, 2013 at 9:55 pm
Lovie averaged 9 wins a season over his 9 years in Chicago. How nice would one 9 win season be right now? Pretty sure this guy would bring a hell of a lot more to the table than we’ve had since Gruden left. I just hope the Glazer boys don’t outsmart themselves by trying to get fancy. Just hire Lovie already!
December 30th, 2013 at 10:07 pm
How bout Shanahan? He did take the Broncos to the promised land twice. Oh I forgot there was a man named Elway on the team.
December 30th, 2013 at 10:21 pm
I like Lovie as a Head Coach. While he has a defensive background as a developing coach, what I like about Lovie is that he knows that. He is even-keeled in his approach to coaching. He will let his OC and DC coach their respective areas without interference and provide input and direction behind the scenes.
You would never know he’s on the field unless the camera moves to him. And when he is viewed, his quiet and observant demeanor is unmistakable. His success will be in the strength of the position coaches he hires.
Among the few good choices out there, he is one of them. You are what your record says you are and his record speaks for itself.
December 30th, 2013 at 10:45 pm
Oh boy! You guys are so funny! The Glazers will do whatever they want to do second guessing them is an exercise in pointlessness, sort of like the Bucs season this year! Lmao
December 30th, 2013 at 11:33 pm
Wade Phillips is the only d coach I want.and yes BIGMAC for GM
December 31st, 2013 at 12:00 am
So you wouldn’t want Lovie, who is a former coach in Tampa, and one who has actually been to the playoffs and a Super Bowl, but you would want an unsuccessful coach who is the interim coach king? Oh yeah, and that defensive coach also just so happens to run a 3-4 scheme, which we don’t have the players for. I really wonder if some people even think before they type.
December 31st, 2013 at 12:36 am
Wade Phillips really? I hear he plays for pudding so we can probably get him cheap. Lmao!
December 31st, 2013 at 1:25 am
So you clowns want Lovie because of the color of his skin?
Well… at least the liberal fan base will be happy with him as the next HC… so would the media.
Hey, you saw how well they protected Raheem… may as well hire the black man to keep the negative spin down for a few years.
December 31st, 2013 at 2:14 am
^Moron
December 31st, 2013 at 3:27 am
NewGmsAdvisor, you sir are an idiot. I’m white and I want Lovie simply because he’s the best available coach out there. But thanks for reminding us of his race. Now go beat your wife some more, loser.
December 31st, 2013 at 7:31 am
Who the hell mentioned his skin color NGMsA?
You my friend are a tool
December 31st, 2013 at 7:34 am
Didja ever have one of those late nights…into the wee hours of the morning?
I was up combing the interwebs when I found the joyful news that Raheem Schiano had finally been fired by Richie Glazer…
…honestly, I typed Mike Holmgren while looking at a mental image of Kansas State Chiefs head coach Norv Reid.
No, really, I did! I might have been confused after just typing the 5 choices I’d have if this was my railroad…It was Andy Zimmer/HC, Tom Sula/DC (49er’s d-line coach), and Chud Zinsky/OC (Cincinnati Browns former HC).
…I hope you all are laughing, I’m heading off to a dark corner where I will not take myself seriously for at least another 15 minutes.
[emphasis on numbskullery]
I really am glad the Glazer’s fired Schiano.
December 31st, 2013 at 12:45 pm
this is great for the glazers. all kinds of coaches and execs are feeding these reporters speculation about their clients being in for the Bucs job, they can conduct their searches relatively uninterrupted. i’m guessing they have been profiling candidates for both positions since around 0-5, just in case.
December 31st, 2013 at 12:46 pm
*sorry. typo, i meant “AGENTS OF all kinds of coaches and execs”