“Yeah, This Guy Played; He Understands.”
January 16th, 2014
Joe’s confident no Buccaneers players will realize mild-mannered, even-keeled Leslie Frazier was a dancer and rapper in the world famous Super Bowl Shuffle video. It’s so hard to imagine Frazier willfully participating in one of most arrogant displays in professional sports history.
(Sadly, Joe’s old enough to remember buffoons — and a few hotties — constantly dancing around to the tune in his high school.)
But current Bucs will know their new defensive coordinator was a stud cornerback on that legendary Chicago Bears team — and it will make a difference, says Brian Billick; they’ll listen.
“You look at Leslie Frazier the same way. The guy played. There’s an affinity that players have. ‘Yeah, this guy played. He understands.’ So when he asks us to do something, he’s asking us to do that from the reference frame that he’s been there himself,” Billick told the Ron and Ian show on WDAE-AM 620 today.
Not surprisingly, Frazier referenced yesterday how excited he is to have Bucs icon Hardy Nickerson as his linebackers coach, and Frazier joked how showing Bucs linebackers “Hardy tape” will make them better players. Frazier also has another multi-year Pro Bowler, Gil Byrd, coaching cornerbacks.
Being an ex-player does not mean a guy is a good coach, even if he was great on the field. But it is a bonus when a coach can bring that credibility.
The Bucs have added plenty of that this season on the defensive side of the football. (You can enjoy Billick’s entire interview below.)
January 16th, 2014 at 1:15 pm
Like a fool….I watched the entire “Stupid Shuffle”…..looking to see if Leslie #21 had a solo part…..save you guys some time and agony….he didn’t.
Agony? lol –Joe
January 16th, 2014 at 1:21 pm
Hopefully the Hardy tape doesn’t show him spitting on his opponent. Hardy still is one of my all-time favorite Buccaneers.
January 16th, 2014 at 1:26 pm
Sure wished we could have gotten Marinelli, but Leslie will do.
January 16th, 2014 at 1:31 pm
There has got to be an advantage for a coach who played….even subconsiously the players should relate better to instructions/training and pay closer attention.
The only downside is that it is no substitute for leadership skills.
January 16th, 2014 at 1:48 pm
How old is Joe?
Well, obviously, per the post, Joe was in high school when the ’85 Bears were the rage. Thankfully, Joe wasn’t graduating that year.–Joe
January 16th, 2014 at 1:50 pm
I would love to just sit in the coaches room and listen to all these guys reminisce about their experiences. That would be most enjoyable.
January 16th, 2014 at 1:51 pm
The good thing is that none of the ex-players turned coaches had exceptional ability. They were all self-made players that relied on motor, intelligence, and instincts. Hardy was tiny by NFL Mike standards, he wsa pretty fast, but he was so instinctive and intelligent. Frazier wasn’t a particularly fast CB, but still thrived despite being constantly left on an island in Buddy Ryan’s blitz heavy 46 schemes. Gil Byrd was a 1st rounder, but he never had exceptional speed or ability, just a great knowledge and passion for the game. Great players don’t often make great coaches because most players don’t have their great abilities…but these coaches, their greatest abilities were their minds and heart, hopefully this will rub off on the players.
January 16th, 2014 at 2:15 pm
Instinct and intelligence are the key to everything. This is the first time I have heard Coach Frazier speak. I was quite impressed for first impression of the man. He is very intelligent and football smart, has an excellent demeanor, and being a former head coach has valuable experience. These defense players are fortunate for this staff that has been assembled, unlike much of the Schiano yeah whatever guys. I wanted Marinelli too but I think this was a sound choice for the Bucs.
January 16th, 2014 at 2:25 pm
Andrew 1,
Marinelli is Lovie’s BFF. Nothing has changed in Dallas yet. Marinelli has 1 year left on his contract there. Unless Jerrah makes him an offer he can’t refuse, Marinelli will be a Bucaneer next year. Lovie will create space for him. That’s how they roll!
January 16th, 2014 at 3:06 pm
Unfortunately, the Vikings defense stunk.
January 16th, 2014 at 3:29 pm
The Vikings defense was good when Frazier was their DC. That’s why they made him their head coach. I think the Vikings made a mistake firing him.
January 16th, 2014 at 4:03 pm
The Bucs now have all these coaches with NFL experience. We know the defence is good and will only get better. We know the offense was bad and will only get better. I am an eternal optimist towards the Bucs future outlook. Seems to me we fans have a lot to look forward too.
January 16th, 2014 at 4:31 pm
Lol Great video, I found 21 he was swaying in the back ahahaha
January 16th, 2014 at 4:33 pm
Jon Embree (former Browns TE Coach) is our new TE Coach.
January 16th, 2014 at 5:11 pm
I lived in Massachusetts back in 85 and the Pat’s had a local not national counter attack to the SB shuffle. They altered the lyrics of”When the Going Gets Tough, the Tough Get Going” by Billy Ocean. Yeah it was a pretty lame counter song, but the Mass radio stations played it like crazy.
I was not all that into football back then, but I think their QB was Tony Eason most of the season and then Steve Grogan. My older brother was and is still is a big Pat’s fan, and I can remember how happy I was that they lost to the Bears. My bro and I fought like cats and dogs.
Yes I’m that old and I can’t stand Br-ady, Billthechick, or the Pat’s.
January 17th, 2014 at 3:39 am
Frazier was a Peter Principle guy. He rose to his level of incompetence. Now he is back where he was when people thought he would be HC material, and will be doing what made people think that.