Bluefin;3016381 said:
I keep hearing Mike Shanahan will want a lot of front office control on player signings and that would be a big obstacle in Washington and Dallas.
Insurmountable?
Certainly not, anything is possible, but Jon Gruden is the flavor of the week in our nation's capitol.
I'm not enthused at the idea of a retread coach because odds favor him being in town only 3-4 years.
I love how the Pittsburgh Steelers identify a young coach with the right qualities and commit themselves to him long term.
Long term winners need front office and coaching staff stability.
If we need a new coach following the season, I'd like to find the right young guy for the job.
Another prospect I've been interested in for a while now is Arizona Cardinals OL/Assistant head coach Russ Grimm.
He isn't a puppy (50ish) and his playing career as a Hog is a blight on the resume, but he almost got the Steelers job before young dark horse Mike Tomlin got the nod.
If the Rooneys think you can do the job, odds are you can.
I think this is the best way to go, we've switched coaches every 3 to 4 years since Jimmy left. We need continuity and a consistent team approach that emanates from management all the way down to the equipment manager.
I'm as down on Jerry as anyone, but I think a change of philosophy starting with him would be as close as we'll ever get to having a GM. Surely Jerry can see how the team first approach is working with the better teams. I wish he would not reward hollywood behavior and strive to have his best marketing come from positive results on the field and not big trades, contracts or flashy players. As long as I am dreaming, I wish there would be a heavy emphasis on situational football. I've never even heard that term roll off the lips of a player or coach. Lastly, Jerry & co need to button up the info that comes out of the locker room and preach that everyone is in this together and they're a team above all else. This should be the consistent message that comes from everyone within the organization, don't give the press any rope to hang you with.
The release of TO, Pacman, etc provides some evidence that some of my hopes may be being encorporated into how this team is being managed, but it's too early to tell.
I think teams who have a good staff in place that is backed by the front office and management that emphasizes a team first approach can create a revolving door at various positions because they have drafted and developed players to take expensive veterans places on the field and keep the salary cap manageable. However good scouts and other personnel have to be hired and empowered to identify these players and then we have to have the trust in the coaches to develop these players properly.
Free agent signings can be peppered in but in almost all cases at cap friendly deals. Save the big salary cap crippling contracts for the very few individuals that demonstrate the character, love & passion for the game to let you know they'll work and play to the best of their ability regardless of what they get paid.
No more gambling Jerry, save the wildcatting for the oil fields and begin to build a team that can compete year in and out the owner, management and fans can be proud of.
Some one shake me and wake me up now
