Recap of Coach Saban's Media Round Table Session

[DolFan619]

   
 
A Recap Of Coach Saban's Media Round Table Session
February 15, 2006


Miami Dolphins Head Coach Nick Saban held a round-table discussion this afternoon with members of the South Florida media, including Barry Buetel, host of the Dolphins Hour on 790 The Ticket, to discuss the state of the team since the conclusion of the 2005 season.



 
The following highlights what Coach Saban discussed.

• Coach Saban told the media gathered that he will not speculate on rumors. He will be happy to release information that is factual, and when it doesn’t compromise competitive balance and place the team at a disadvantage relative to the other teams in the league.

• He said the off-season is being spent trying to improve the football team. To that end, some personnel changes were announced. Former Strength Coach John Gamble has been named Special Assistant to the Head Coach for Special Programs. John will help promote off-field assistance to the players, which Coach Saban believes is a high priority. Bert Hill will now take on the title of Strength and Conditioning Coach. Bo Davis, who recently joined the organization, will assume the title of Assistant Strength and Conditioning Coach. In addition, James Coley has been promoted to Offensive Quality Control Coach.

• Although the college scouts are well under way with their evaluation process, Coach Saban personally has not looked at any players in the upcoming draft other than those he saw at the Senior Bowl. His focus has been the free agent meetings this week to determine final grades for potential free agents and determine who they might be in a position to obtain.

• Regarding health issues Coach Saban indicated that Zach Thomas is doing well after shoulder surgery. Offensive lineman C.J. Brooks also had shoulder surgery. John Denney had elbow surgery. Fred Gibson had an ankle scoped. Vonnie Holliday had an elbow scoped. Jason Taylor elected to rest his shoulder. Seth McKinney is progressing very well. Will Poole and Eddie Moore should be ready for off-season programs. Junior Seau, David Boston, and Tebucky Jones are all doing their rehabilitation outside of the Dolphins training facility.

• Coach Saban said the new indoor practice facility will create a competitive advantage and help the team’s ability to prepare for its games. Last years hurricane season affected two games, so the bubble will help enhance the team’s chances to prepare under adverse conditions. It will also enable the team to recover properly under heat-related conditions. The bubble also emphasizes the competitive spirit of the ownership of Wayne Huizenga, who is committed to provide the team and the coaching staff the resources needed to field a championship team.

• Free agency is scheduled to start March 3rd and when asked about the lack of a collective bargaining agreement in place Coach Saban indicated that it would be a very difficult time to operate systematically because it changes some of the rules. The ability to manage the salary cap would be in question and it may bring up the possibility of free agents signing one year contracts until something is resolved.

• Coach Saban said that it is important to build the football team through the draft. You would like to have three or four players from the draft impact your team to give it balance with age and salary. Last year, the Dolphins secured three starters out of the draft and two others played quite a bit.

• When asked about Anthony Alabi at right tackle, Coach Saban said he needs to continue to improve, but he is pleased with how he is performing up to this point.

• In regard to players drafted in the late rounds Coach Saban indicated you look for players that have size, speed, and athleticism at their position.

• On his relationship with General Manager Randy Mueller Coach Saban said he gets his input in all personnel decisions and is pleased with how well they work together. He said that Randy has good common sense and it’s not hard to end up in the same spot when they are both evaluating players.

[fyo]

The bubble also emphasizes the competitive spirit of the ownership of Wayne Huizenga, who is committed to provide the team and the coaching staff the resources needed to field a championship team.

I literally winced when I read that sentence.