An Argument for Bringing in Washed Up Head Coaches as Coordinators

[Jim Gray]

When I was watching the Bears game over the weekend, it was pointed out how many ex-head coaches are on the Bear's staff.  They have Rod Marinelli as the DC who joined in 2009, Mike Martz as the OC who joined in 2010 and Mike Tice as the OL coach who joined in 2010.  It's hard to argue they they haven't been much better since bringing in these coaches. 

I know we only have 1 year of positive results to look at, but doesn't it make sense that bringing in fired head coaches would be a great way to upgrade your coaching staff?  All these guys were stand out coordinators, so good in fact they they were given head coaching jobs.  Failing as a head coach doesn't erase the success they had previously. 

Of course you have to look at other factors like how they get along with the players, do their coaching philosophies match the skills we have, etc; but I'm thinking with so many head coaches being fired, this is a great chance for us to pick up some talent off the scrap heap.  With the exception of our DC, I'm not enamored with any of the guys we have.

[Pappy13]

With the exception of our DC, I'm not enamored with any of the guys we have.

Who happens to be a former head coach.   You might just be onto something.

[masterfins]

^^^ I think "washed up" is a poor term for some of these guys.  However, I agree that obviously these guys did something noteworty as an OC or DC to be given a shot at a HC position.  Unfortunately most new HC's go to a team that is floundering and it is difficult to turn a team around in the short window that is the current NFL.  I do think they learn a lot serving as a HC, that helps them when they return to their old positions.

Unfortunately, most of these guys want to return to the HC position so if you bring them in you can't plan on keeping them very long.

[Jim Gray]

^^^ I think "washed up" is a poor term for some of these guys.  

Perhaps it's a little too harsh, but I was using hyperbole to get people interested in looking at the thread.  It might be more accurate to say "failed head coaches".

 Unfortunately most new HC's go to a team that is floundering and it is difficult to turn a team around in the short window that is the current NFL.  I do think they learn a lot serving as a HC, that helps them when they return to their old positions.

True, but I'm not sure it matters in this case.  I want them as a coordinator, exercising the skills they have already shown.  Whether they learned anything as a head coach is not relevant.

Unfortunately, most of these guys want to return to the HC position so if you bring them in you can't plan on keeping them very long.

Aren't the majority of successful coordinators looking for an opportunity as a head coach?  Since many of these failed head coaches need to prove themselves again before getting another opportunity for the top job, I think we would get a number of years of valuable service from them. 

[Pappy13]

Aren't the majority of successful coordinators looking for an opportunity as a head coach? 

That could work in your favor too.  Since these guys have already been a head coach (and failed) they might not be quite so eager to return to a head coach position.  The grass is always greener on the other side until you become the gardener and realize there's a whole lot of work that is required to keep it that green.

[fyo]

I don't think you can bring in a former HC at this point. It would look too much like a HC-in-waiting, undermining Sparano (even more).

[Jim Gray]

I don't think you can bring in a former HC at this point. It would look too much like a HC-in-waiting, undermining Sparano (even more).

I don't agree.  I would argue that most of these guys had their chance and failed.  They seem less of a risk than bringing in some young up and comer (just ask Wade Phillips).  Again, look at what was done by the Bears.  Smith was close to being fired last year.  They fired 6 of his coaches and brought in 3 former head coaches.  The results speak for themselves.   

If the team is successful, then Sparano benefits.  If the team sucks, Sparano is gone anyway......regardless of the coordinators. 

[Landshark]

We had two former head coaches as coordinators in 2006.  Look how that turned out.  What is tough to stomach is that they're both having success elsewhere. 

Are the Dolphins a cursed franchise?

[MikeO]

We had two former head coaches as coordinators in 2006.  Look how that turned out.  What is tough to stomach is that they're both having success elsewhere. 

Are the Dolphins a cursed franchise?

No such thing as curses.  The Fins make dumb decisions. Begging JJ to come back after he quit...DUMB! Hiring Wannstedt...DUMB! Begging and overpaying Saban to come here when he didn't want to leave LSU...REALLY DUMB!!  Hiring Cam Cameron....DUMB! Buying into Bill Parcells BS.....DUMB!! Hiring Sparano....DUMB! Drafting Pat White....DUMB! Drafting Eddie Moore over Anquan Boldin....DUMB! I could go on all day....seriously!

Just dumb moves. Don't fall for some make believe curse......its about being smart and being dumb. The Dolphins have been DUMB for over 10 years! Really Dumb!

[StL FinFan]

Lovie Smith was DC for Martz, now Martz is his OC.