Cowboys could swoop in on Capers

[Gryphon]

By Greg A. Bedard of the Journal Sentinel
Jan. 17, 2009


Green Bay -- Will it happen a third time?

After watching prospective defensive coordinator candidates Mike Nolan (Denver) and Gregg Williams (New Orleans) take jobs elsewhere after interviewing, Packers coach Mike McCarthy could hit the trifecta when it comes to the latest candidate, former Houston and Carolina coach Dom Capers.

How?

The two most dreaded words in the NFL language (other than Pacman Jones and T.O.): Jerry Jones.

Mr. Deep Pockets spares no expense when it comes to filling out a coaching staff. Whatever it takes, he spends since there's no salary cap for coaches.

Jones actually tried to hire Capers before last season as a defensive consultant. But when then-defensive coordinator Bill Stewart was asked about the possibility of having his former boss in Houston on his staff, Stewart admitted it would make him uncomfortable. So Capers, in a classy move, declined the job.

Well, Stewart was fired on Friday. Door, open.

The Dallas Morning News identified three potential candidates -- Cowboys secondary coach Dave Campo, Cowboys defensive line coach Todd Grantham, and former Saints defensive coordinator and Cowboys LB coach Gary Gibbs -- to fill Stewart's spot. Those guys are nice and readily available to Jones. But keep an eye on Capers. For Jones, the grass is always greener on the outside.

An accompanying blog post at the DMN has the headline: "If the Cowboys want Dom Capers, they better act quickly." It refers to Capers' interview today with the Packers.

Obviously the DMN hasn't been keeping up with the Packers' DC search and what happened to the first two guys that interviewed. At this rate, Jones might be able to drive from Dallas to swoop up Capers before the Packers make a move.

 

[Givincer]

Still puzzled at how Campo is a candidate.

If respect of coaches is an issue with this team, why would we make the guy who got pantsed by his players our defensive coordinator.

 

[khiladi]

Seriously, never thought about Grantham. That would be quite interesting, considering the whole idea about him leaving for OS.

 

[Thick 'N Hearty]

Of the four potential candidates, my vote is for Capers. He runs a different 3-4, but I'm sure with his experience and the players in place, it could work.

 

[CATCH17]

Its still going to be Phillips Defense and he will most likely still run it.

 

[fan62]

I don't believe we have a chance in hell at Caper's now. He has a chance at the Giants job now. Now if you were a coach which D would you want to coach in order to get a ring? Chances are way better with the Giants than with the Cowboys. Also Capers has worked with Coughlin for 2 years, so he would be comfortable there. I think we lost any chance at Caper's when Spag left.

 

[Gryphon]

Capers in no hurry
By Greg A. Bedard of the Journal Sentinel
Posted: Jan. 17, 2009

Green Bay - After watching prospective defensive coordinators Mike Nolan and Gregg Williams take jobs elsewhere after interviewing, Green Bay Packers coach Mike McCarthy could see his fourth candidate do the same.

Former Houston Texans and Carolina Panthers coach Dom Capers spent Friday night and all day Saturday talking to the Packers and then returned to his home in Boston, according to his agent, Jimmy Sexton.

Capers may be boarding at least one more flight very quickly. He is the top candidate to replace Steve Spagnuolo as defensive coordinator for the New York Giants, ESPN.com reported. Spagnuolo was named head coach of the St. Louis Rams on Saturday.

The Dallas Cowboys, who fired coordinator Brian Stewart on Friday, also could have interest in Capers, who spent last season as a special assistant-secondary with the New England Patriots.

Sexton said he "had not heard anything" about either potential suitor as of Saturday night.

Sexton had not yet talked to his client, so he did not know how the interview went - or whether the Packers made an offer. Even if they did, Sexton said Capers wouldn't have an answer very soon.

"We're not in a huge hurry," Sexton said. "We're not in a rush or anything."

Nolan and Williams were the first two candidates interviewed by McCarthy after he fired Bob Sanders. Nolan (Denver) and Williams (New Orleans) then accepted jobs elsewhere.

Former Saints coach Jim Haslett was the third candidate and is still available. And Packers assistant head coach/linebackers coach Winston Moss is still on staff.

According to a source close to the Packers' search, McCarthy will interview at least two candidates going forward. The hottest prospects with teams still alive in the playoffs are Philadelphia secondary coach Sean McDermott, Pittsburgh linebackers coach Keith Butler and Baltimore secondary coach Vic Fangio.

The Giants' potential interest in Capers is not a surprise. Capers and Giants coach Tom Coughlin are good friends. Capers was Coughlin's defensive coordinator in 1999 and 2000 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and the two reside in the same Jacksonville-area neighborhood during the off-season.

Another marriage between Capers and Coughlin isn't a given, however. The Giants rose to the elite of the NFL because of the 4-3 pressure defense brought by Spagnuolo from the Philadelphia Eagles. Capers favors a 3-4 scheme but can run any defense.

Cowboys owner Jerry Jones tried to hire Capers last year as a defensive consultant. But when Stewart admitted having Capers, his former boss with the Texans, on staff would make him uncomfortable, Capers passed on the job. Stewart is now gone, and the Cowboys already run the 3-4.

Jones also has the deepest pockets in the league. Capers was the league's highest-paid assistant when the Miami Dolphins signed him to a three-year extension before the 2007 season.

 

[WoodysGirl]

Seriously, never thought about Grantham. That would be quite interesting, considering the whole idea about him leaving for OS.

That's Reggie Herring who might be leaving for OKST.

Grantham is the d-line coach and is the former DC of the Browns.

 

[TNCowboy]

I doubt Capers comes here given Phillips' situation.

It makes no sense from him unless he's told by Jones that he'll be Garrett's DC.

 

[khiladi]

That's Reggie Herring who might be leaving for OKST.

Grantham is the d-line coach and is the former DC of the Browns.

You mean, I've been confusing the two.... Actually, I just realized like 10 minutes ago, I may have been confusing the two.... Thanks for doing all the leg-work..

 

[WoodysGirl]

You mean, I've been confusing the two.... Actually, I just realized like 10 minutes ago, I may have been confusing the two.... Thanks for doing all the leg-work..

Your welcome, but no legwork needed. I was the first to post something about Herring possibly leaving.

I actually like both coaches, so it would suck to see either one of them leave.

 

[khiladi]

Your welcome, but no legwork needed. I was the first to post something about Herring possibly leaving.

I actually like both coaches, so it would suck to see either one of them leave.

I just thought of something, though... I think Grantham is going to be the defensive coordinator. While he didn't do well at the Browns, it is interesting to note, with his departure from Houston, Dom Capers posted a 2-14 record. His three years in Texas, the line showed dramatic improvement. The Browns during his reign was pretty much turmoil-ridden, in 2007 that ed to his firing. But the year prior, they were pretty good in pass defense, withot any solid run-stuffers. Remember, they went out and got Shaun Rodgers this yearto clear that up. If Grantham had him during his stint, I'm sure the defense would have been much better.

He has had strong defensive line play no matter where he has gone.

 

[WoodysGirl]

I just thought of something, though... I think Grantham is going to be the defensive coordinator. While he didn't do well at the Browns, it is interesting to note, with his departure from Houston, Dom Capers posted a 2-14 record. His three years in Texas, the line showed dramatic improvement. He has had strong defensive line play no matter where he has gone.

Hmmm, I just don't know about Grantham. As a position coach, I'm ok with his performance. I wouldn't be mad if he were promoted to DC, because he does have experience. I'm gonna have to go back and re-read his history with the Browns as their DC. He's got some baggage to consider.

 

[CowboyManDan]

By Greg A. Bedard of the Journal Sentinel
Jan. 17, 2009


Jones actually tried to hire Capers before last season as a defensive consultant. But when then-defensive coordinator Bill Stewart was asked about the possibility of having his former boss in Houston on his staff, Stewart admitted it would make him uncomfortable. So Capers, in a classy move, declined the job.

Well that explains why Brian Stewart did such a poor job...it wasn't his job apparently. :laugh2:

 

[Manwiththeplan]

Why not interview a coach on either the Ravens or Steelers after the season? There's a good chance the Rex Ryan is taking the Jets job, which means their top defensive assistant will take Ryan's place and the other one will be the defensive coordinator for Ryan in NY, but what about Pittsburgh? The LBers coach is Keith Butler, the secondary coach is Ray Horton (sound familiar?) and the defensive quality control guy is Lou Spanos. When we hired Wade, we never should have brought Brian Stewart with him. He was too inexperienced and is reactive not proactive. Wade, despite his short cummings as a head coach, is proactive as a play caller and we need someone similar to that as the d-coordinator. Campo, during his reign as D-Coordinator hear did a great job, but was a reactive guy, bend but don't break you know, so we should hope to get someone similar to Wade.

And you know what, 3-4 experience isn't even neccesary to me. It's nice to have, but you are either a coach who attacks the QB or doesn't and Wade needs someone who attacks the offense.

 

[theogt]

Idle speculation by someone who's only resources are the local papers.

 

[Yeagermeister]

Anyone but Campo :crossed:

If Jerry gets Capers then Wade is truely a lame duck HC and Garrett might as well take over.

 

[NorthDalal]

Understand Campo was a superstar DB coach & defensive coordinator(regardless of your thoughts of him as HC) here in the 90's, he is a Cowboy staffer true blue and Jerry has got to like that.

He is responsible for the development of Darren Woodson, Kenny Gant, Larry Brown, James Washington and Ray Horton. Horton to DBs coach and Campo to DEF coordinator under Wade makes sense

--and they would likely stay if a change to Garrett as HC occurs later down the road--they are all members of the Cowboy JJ/JJ DNA of the 90's.

 

[StylisticS]

I will throw things violently if we hire Gibbs.

 

[5Countem5]

Wade is DC and a better one than Capers....