What a disaster the Miami Dolphins now are? Sounds like they could be worse off now than when Saban arrived? Is there a chance they could get Bill Cowher if he leaves the Steelers? Do you think he could get JJ back as head coach? It will be interesting to see what now becomes of the Phins! I also wish them luck because I still do like the Dolphins and root for them except, maybe, when playing the Broncos.
I'll chime in as the resident Fins expert...with a fairly meandering post: 1 -- They will not get Cowher. If Cowher wanted to keep coaching right now, he should stay in Pittsburgh. I think we can put that to rest...HOWEVER... 2 -- Huizenga is among the best owners in the NFL, and will do whatever he has to do to get the guy he wants. That's how he got Saban and he'll do it this time too. So if he gets his sights set squarely on Cowher, I wouldn't completely rule it out. I just don't see it happening. 3 -- The Fins will have to look at a wide variety of coaches and get an exceedingly strong personality AND proven offensive ability. The Fins have been unwatchable on offense for at least the last 4 years, and their defense is about to collapse. I don't know enough about the many assistant coaches to even hazard a good guess, but I wouldn't be surprised to see Martz get some serious consideration -- especially if he can bring in a top flight d-coordinator. 4 -- Personnel -- The Fins have a terrible roster. Saban knew that. Anybody that follows the Fins knows that. A lot of it is still a holdover from that disastrous GM Spielman, who traded draft picks like Pokemon cards. Those decisions have long-term effects. Look at the Texans -- same situation. Quick examples -- 2nd round pick for AJ Freaking Feeley. Texans countered with 2nd AND 3rd picks for Phillip Buchanon. The Fins defense is getting old, as everybody knows. The more disconcerting thing is that the young positions are stocked with bad players. Look at the secondary. Outside of a serviceable nickel back in Travis Daniels, and maybe a decent safety with Jason Allen, they've got 5 other back ups in starting roles. And exactly ZERO playmakers. None. I may be a bit jaded, but not much. Similar situation with the front four -- either aging or just not very good. Saban deserves a fair amount of blame for the personnel situation, and it will take at least a couple of years to improve. Maybe longer, given the relative strength of their divisional opponents. I think the offense can get better very quickly. People seem to have no recollection that Culpepper was one of the top 3 QBs in the league just two seasons ago. If he can come back next year, they'll have a good starting point. They've got some talent at WR/TE/RB, and just need to add depth. Like most teams in the league, they have to address the O-line which just doesn't have the personnel. Assuming they can keep Hudson Houck as the o-line coach, I'm actually optimistic about improvements there. So what to do? Find a coach that can get some points on the board with those guys, and reload on defense. Timeline -- As noted above, it's going to take them multiple years to get good again. The only quick fix is a brilliant offensive mind, and a great sales job on Jason Taylor. Short term, Saban's departure hurts. Long term (beyond being inevitable), it will be a good thing, assuming the next guy doesn't demand and get personnel control. And I just had this thought -- I would not rule out Huizenga making a serious big dollar offer to Scott Pioli (GM, NE) and deciding on a coach after that. And if he goes with Capers...I just can't ponder that right now.
Wow, didn't realize Saban left 23 assistant coaches at Miami. They are stuck under contract through next year. What a real professional coach and business man he turned out to be. I bet the Saban's wouldn't be welcomed in that part of the country ever!
If he gets Pioli, I will guarantee you he follows that up with Weiss. Yes, Weiss. It's a slam dunk. Same thing applies to the Giants, who may try the same combo maneuver.
And it's equally a slam dunk that my dour mood about the Fins will be replaced with Bama-like glee!!!
Isnt Capers the D-cord for the fins? If thats so they could bring in Martz as the head coach and have him ONLY deal with the Offense. They have had a decent def the past 2 years, but a decent def will break down when the offense cant stay on the field.
