If it's a good organization, the non-football guy isn't making decisions on players or anything related to on-field philosophy.
2016 NFL Coaching Carousel
- Thread starter Lose Remerswaal
- Start date
Right, but I'm talking about a non-football guy having final authority on negotiating player contracts and the salary cap. That's a GM's role. There are plenty of good GMs who never played football a day in their life, but they came up through the ranks of the football side of the organization, as a scout or analyst or transitioned from being an agent or something.
Plus, they're accountable for performance - the median tenure of a GM in the NFL is something like 4 years. Whereas, the business side of a pro sports club, the marketing and ops and such, often has much longer-tenured guys who stick around for long careers as long as they're doing a good job, they're not in and out based on on-field performance. Marathe has the job security of the latter with the responsibilities of the former.
Plus, they're accountable for performance - the median tenure of a GM in the NFL is something like 4 years. Whereas, the business side of a pro sports club, the marketing and ops and such, often has much longer-tenured guys who stick around for long careers as long as they're doing a good job, they're not in and out based on on-field performance. Marathe has the job security of the latter with the responsibilities of the former.
And this is what happened to Harbaugh in SF. Marathe wanted to implement a lot of analytical and statistical components in to roster makeup and gameplan features, and Harbaugh told him to pound sand. I think he even went so far as to have him removed from the practice field one day. My understanding is that Harbaugh laid down a "him or me" ultimatum, and York sided with Marathe.
Oops.
edit - didn't mean to quote a post.
Oops.
edit - didn't mean to quote a post.
Precisely, and McDaniels and Riddick would be crazy to sign on to this, esp Josh. Another flameout would be a career killer for him as a HC in the NFL.
Edit. PFT reporting that Shanahan leveraged everyone fleeing from the GM and HC jobs in SF for a Fuckton of money. Most ever for first time HC. He can afford it from a career perspective -- he has yet to crash and burn as a HC
Edit. PFT reporting that Shanahan leveraged everyone fleeing from the GM and HC jobs in SF for a Fuckton of money. Most ever for first time HC. He can afford it from a career perspective -- he has yet to crash and burn as a HC
Given Kawakami's comments, certainly seems more likely that McDaniels and Riddick walked away than that 49ers did. The 'we need final say not Marathe' is the right thing for anyone to ask for there given history, and if you can't get it you walk.
Its a PR piece that sounds better than "The Niners are a fucking tire fire, count me out". I actually believe he doesnt want the SF job, I expect if another situation opened up he'd give it a serious look like he gave the SF job a serious look.
Yup. McDaniels is still young enough to wait for a better situation (and his star isnt very likely to dim next year, Pats will probably be really good again next year although Brady falling off a cliff becomes more likely every year), is probably done has a HC if he crashes and burns again, and he better be pretty smart about recognizing his own weaknesses/making sure he has the right personnel guy support in place. I really like the job he's done in New England, but not only did he flame out as a head coach but his follow up work as Rams OC wasnt exactly a bright spot on the resume. Hard to believe this SF job was the best pitch to swing at.
Marathe has power because ultimately Jed York is a not-very-bright insecure spoiled brat in way over his head who can be easily manipulated by those around him. Marathe was also involved in what Jed considers his signature achievement, getting the new stadium built, which is likely where he earned Jed's trust.
Worth noting in this context that Kawakami and 49ers HQ loathe each other with a fiery passion (that dynamic exists with most of the local beat writers, but Kawakami is the loudest about it).
This may all actually work out well for the 49ers though, by total accident. If Jed has no choice but to give Shanahan whatever he wants, Shanahan can demand full personnel power/roster control plus big $$$ and then handpick his GM. Expectations will also be low since this is a 2-win team and he'll be given plenty of time to rebuild, but they have all their high draft picks and tons of cap room. If Shanahan gets his contract structured in such a way that he has full freedom of action, it could actually be a decent situation.
Worth noting in this context that Kawakami and 49ers HQ loathe each other with a fiery passion (that dynamic exists with most of the local beat writers, but Kawakami is the loudest about it).
This may all actually work out well for the 49ers though, by total accident. If Jed has no choice but to give Shanahan whatever he wants, Shanahan can demand full personnel power/roster control plus big $$$ and then handpick his GM. Expectations will also be low since this is a 2-win team and he'll be given plenty of time to rebuild, but they have all their high draft picks and tons of cap room. If Shanahan gets his contract structured in such a way that he has full freedom of action, it could actually be a decent situation.
Yup, and this is just so awesome:
Knives are out. Also, basically, what I am taking away from this is that even while it seems like York knows he needs to hand things off, he isn't ready to actually do it. Good for Josh knowing when to walk away.
Per that PFT piece, Marathe is not like the Browns' stats guy who arrived in town last week. Marathe has been with York for 16 years.
Plus they're not installing an OC next year and O'Brien will be calling plays. Makes sense as you said, to give Vrabel a promotion and keep him around, let Crennel help both Vrabel and O'Brien since O'Brien will have more to do now.
I'm hoping my buddy who just got promoted to QB coach shares the playcalling duties and it helps him get an OC job in the future.
I had forgotten how clever Romeo Crennel was. He called a very nice game against the Patriots. I think Bill O'Brien and the rest of the coaching staff may have spent the week playing Madden to prep, but Crennel did a nice job, shades of the early '00s. He's been through a lot since then, but he is not a dummy.
Hell, Crennel once coached the Browns to a 10-6 season, which should qualify him for canonization.
Crennel has long been one of the best DCs in the game; I always think of him as the defensive equivalent of a guy like Norv Turner, someone that is a gifted playcaller and strategizer but not the kind of guy that runs the whole show. I mean, he lost the DPOY and still managed to coach a defense that carried Osweiler to the divisional round.
I'm impressed that both of you knew this and I didn't. Did he do it with Brady Quinn? If so, he goes straight to Canton this year.
I want to say it was the year Derek Anderson was really good but I'm not sure.
Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter 14m14 minutes ago
Packers exec Eliot Wolf has withdrawn his name for 49ers' GM job, as @TomPelissero reported. He didn't feel it was the right time.
Packers exec Eliot Wolf has withdrawn his name for 49ers' GM job, as @TomPelissero reported. He didn't feel it was the right time.
Brian Gutekunst of the Packers is said to be the current leading GM candidate. Jed reportedly calls him 'Scott McCloughan without the drinking problem." Classsy.
http://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2017/01/19/wolf-pulls-out-running-49ers-gm-job/96779258/
http://www.packersnews.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2017/01/19/wolf-pulls-out-running-49ers-gm-job/96779258/
and, speaking of class, this speaks to Spanos, as well:
http://www.fanragsports.com/news/report-john-pagano-learned-chargers-firing-twitter/
longest serving coach (15 years total with the Chargers)......nice way to treat him (if true).
http://www.fanragsports.com/news/report-john-pagano-learned-chargers-firing-twitter/
longest serving coach (15 years total with the Chargers)......nice way to treat him (if true).
How the NFL is effing up its coaching hires: http://www.si.com/nfl/2017/01/19/nfl-coaches-josh-mcdaniels-conference-championship-games
First shot at 2018 coaching opportunities. I'll assume all 2017 first-year coaches get one more shot in 2018, unless something goes horribly wrong):
Most Likely Openings (coaches who have already had a couple bad years, on teams with challenging futures)
Jets
Colts
Saints
Definitely in Play (May need to make playoffs in 2017)
Bengals
Cardinals
Eagles
Browns -- though I think improving to 6-7 wins gets Hue another shot
Maybe (volatile situations)
Ravens -- sounds like there are cracks in management.
Cowboys -- One and done in playoffs won't cut it next year, I'd imagine
Texans -- only because of rumors of GM/HC discord
Redskins -- Snyder susceptible to bright shiny objects
Jaguars -- one rookie coach who doesn't feel guaranteed a shot at year two
Most Likely Openings (coaches who have already had a couple bad years, on teams with challenging futures)
Jets
Colts
Saints
Definitely in Play (May need to make playoffs in 2017)
Bengals
Cardinals
Eagles
Browns -- though I think improving to 6-7 wins gets Hue another shot
Maybe (volatile situations)
Ravens -- sounds like there are cracks in management.
Cowboys -- One and done in playoffs won't cut it next year, I'd imagine
Texans -- only because of rumors of GM/HC discord
Redskins -- Snyder susceptible to bright shiny objects
Jaguars -- one rookie coach who doesn't feel guaranteed a shot at year two
In hindsight, it's easy to see why McD is staying put.
McD was never going to be the guy for the Broncos (past failure) or Chargers (wanted a defensive guy).
The 49ers are a tire fire. A lot of people think the Bills are too.
The Rams situation is grim if you don't like Goff.
Going to Jacksonville to work for Caldwell would be putting yourself on a short leash in a place with no recent history of success.
The 2018 market looks better too. There's a good chance the Colts and Saints will be hiring, and the Jets might be a sneaky-good spot with Woody 3,000 miles away.
McD was never going to be the guy for the Broncos (past failure) or Chargers (wanted a defensive guy).
The 49ers are a tire fire. A lot of people think the Bills are too.
The Rams situation is grim if you don't like Goff.
Going to Jacksonville to work for Caldwell would be putting yourself on a short leash in a place with no recent history of success.
The 2018 market looks better too. There's a good chance the Colts and Saints will be hiring, and the Jets might be a sneaky-good spot with Woody 3,000 miles away.
Really good piece. Biggest takeaway is that the GM and coach need to have some sort of connection – either experience or philosophical alignment:
Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter 2m2 minutes ago
Packers exec Brian Gutekunst has decided to remain in Green Bay and not pursue 49ers GM job, per source.
LOL no one wants the job
Packers exec Brian Gutekunst has decided to remain in Green Bay and not pursue 49ers GM job, per source.
LOL no one wants the job
Where he has fierce competition to succeed current GM.
SF is a dumpster fire. Were I Shanahan, I would push for every damn thing I want. He has not formally signed and has as much leverage as a HC would ever get in these circumstances.
Seriously, at this point Shanahan should ask for an equity stake in the franchise. If he walks away they're going to be holding open auditions for HC, American Idol-style.
Radio voice of the 49ers explains why Jed had to get rid of Harbaugh and Chip(and why Kyle is better):
"If I'm the owner ..If I ask the coach 'What's a football made of?'--he better tell me; he better not look at me, "What, are you an idiot?'".
What a riot. It's all about Jed.
http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-radio-analyst-York-will-feel-more-10872941.php
"If I'm the owner ..If I ask the coach 'What's a football made of?'--he better tell me; he better not look at me, "What, are you an idiot?'".
What a riot. It's all about Jed.
http://www.sfgate.com/49ers/article/49ers-radio-analyst-York-will-feel-more-10872941.php
Around The NFLVerified account @AroundTheNFL 1h1 hour ago
George Paton is a favorite to be the next 49ers GM, per @RapSheet
George Paton is a favorite to be the next 49ers GM, per @RapSheet
That's one of the most poorly written articles I've seen in a long time (not to shoot the messenger). The sentence with Tomsula in it...wha? Maybe some words were left out.
So Jed needs someone around him that's near his own age. A Bill Walsh, if there were one around right now, needn't have appplied. Disliking that twit more with every piece of info that comes out.
Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter 2h2 hours ago
Former Jaguars HC Gus Bradley has agreed to become DC for then Los Angeles Chargers, per sources.
Former Jaguars HC Gus Bradley has agreed to become DC for then Los Angeles Chargers, per sources.
I've been thinking about Kyle Shanahan and wondering why he would rather go to the 49ers and become a head coach of a dumpster fire franchise when he could instead have another year trying to fire the Falcons offense into the stratosphere and cementing a legacy as one of the best coordinators of all time. The odds are high that he'll have a much better choice of head coaching jobs next year, aren't they? (The guys on the MMQB podcast were basically ripping Shanahan earlier in the week for choosing the first option over the second.)
I know everyone is assuming Shanahan to the 49ers is a done deal. But if I'm the Falcons brain trust (Blank/Dimitroff/Quinn) I offer him a significant raise, make the above points to him, stress they aren't standing in his way, and see if the York et al. say or do something stupid over the next week-and-a-half. (Personally, I suspect the odds of Shanahan actually signing a contract and going to San Francisco are more like 75/25 or even 60/40 than a sure thing at this point.)
I know everyone is assuming Shanahan to the 49ers is a done deal. But if I'm the Falcons brain trust (Blank/Dimitroff/Quinn) I offer him a significant raise, make the above points to him, stress they aren't standing in his way, and see if the York et al. say or do something stupid over the next week-and-a-half. (Personally, I suspect the odds of Shanahan actually signing a contract and going to San Francisco are more like 75/25 or even 60/40 than a sure thing at this point.)
Shanahan has enormous leverage over SF right now that he won't have going into any other job. They probably have to give him 6m+ over 4-5 years AND full personnel control, which is practically unheard of for a 1st-time head coach of his age. Nobody else is going to give him that much money+control. Plus he goes somewhere with a long-term time horizon where he gets to rebuild the franchise from scratch with high draft picks and lots of cap room and he won't be under pressure to make the playoffs right away. There's a lot that's appealing about that situation. The Yorks are terrible and cancel out most of that appeal, so the key is getting contractual language giving him full control over football operations and keeping York+Marathe completely sidelined. As a 49ers fan, that's what I'm hoping for.
Legacy as "one of the best coordinators of all time" is usually a legacy reserved for "failed" head coaches (Wade Phillips, Dick LeBeau). I don't think that's a legacy most young coaches are interested in.
I echo everything above.
The only thing that scares me (my wife is a 49ers fan) is that he takes the job and then gives up capital to acquire Kirk Cousins. I am not sold on Cousins being the answer.
I think the next QB of the 49ers should be a guy like Jimmy G or a draft pick.
All very good points. And obviously I'm biased on the other side of the equation to you here.
I do wonder what the likely drop off is for the Falcons offense next year if Shanahan leaves; either they stay in-house and promote someone like Matt LaFleur (the QB coach who has worked with Shanahan for a long time) and hope LaFleur can keep the well-oiled system running, or they go outside the box - Chip Kelly is the one external name mentioned so far, yikes - and bring in another proven/innovative offensive mind who will probably overhaul the current system at least in part. Neither bodes too well for the Falcons, I fear.
The best you could probably hope for is what happened with the Patriots after Josh McD left the first time. They stayed in house and found a very capable replacement in BoB.
Given that ex-Pat Dimitroff is running things, it seems reasonable that that would be his preference.
Crennel is a really good example of why you should be choosey about taking HC jobs.
The browns weren't good under him, but they weren't terrible either (24-40 - .375). In the preceeding 4 years they were 25-39 (4-12 with a -114 point differential last year), and in the next 4 years they were 19-45. In the last 4 years, they've been 15-49. It could be argued that Crennel was a high point - but it still looks shitty on his resume.
In KC he took over as interim on a team that was 5-8 in a division where no one won more than 8 games (and went 2-1), and then went 2-14 the next year. The team made a huge leap forward with Reid, but Reid had way more control, better talent ( the team scored 200 more points under Reid, largely because Smith in Reids offense was a lot better than Cassel in Haley/Muir's, etc.
Crennel had 2 shitty shots, and he wont get another one. If he'd waited for a good situation, maybe he'd be a coach. Maybe not.
McDaniels has blown one shot already. If he fails this one, he probably never gets another good one.
These are all good points. Also, Mangini failed twice and won't likely be a HC again. Similarly, Rex likely won't be a HC again.
The Saints are a poor choice to me - they look like a trap- their one real valuable asset is Cooks and Thomas (who both put up 1100yd receiving seasons at 23), but I'm not sure how good either one of them actually is - the combination of Brees, and a usually terrible defense means the Saints tend to put up a ton of yards. They look like the sort of team that when Brees retires, they'll be 4-10, and the coach will get fired a year later.
Indy is interesting though - in that they've got a youngish quarterback who may be elite - but like NO they don't have a ton of talent otherwise. If you can get the sort of coach who can turn a defense from terrible to average with scheme, they'd quickly be a good team, and it would take a ton of pressure off of Luck (who is basically willing them to 6-8 wins a year) - which would probably improve his overall performance.
While the Packers seem to value consistency, I think that is fast approaching. McCarthy had excuses this year with the injuries, but if they underachieve next year I could see them moving on. And of course that would become a highly desirable situation for McDaniels, Patricia, and the rest of next year's coaching candidates.