A quick thought on the offensification of the NFL (1 Viewer)

[Jason Wood]

OK, so you can see from the pinned thread that we keep a running tally of the coaching changes as they occur. I use that to compile data for my annual Coaching & Philosophy Changes article that appears in our magazine and on the site for subscribers. Hiring is cyclical, so usually after a year or two of below trend hiring we'll get the flood gates opening up.

This year was a heavy one, as 11 new head coaches are in place [counting Singletary and Cable]. But until I sat down to write the article, I hadn't realized the MASSIVE turnover on the defensive side of the coaching ledger.

TWENTY ONE TEAMS REPLACED THEIR DEFENSIVE COORDINATORS :(

If you look at the list, there are a range of reasons for the replacements. Not all of them lost their jobs because of ineptitude, as guys like Jim Schwartz and Rex Ryan and Steve Spagnuolo got head coaching jobs. But still, the fact that 21 of 32 teams will have new defensive coordinators says a lot (IMHO) about how offense-driven the league has become.

With so much change afoot; I'm wondering if we're going to see an inordinate amount of offensive productivity in the early part of the season?

For those interested, here are the 21 teams that made a change:

Arizona -- Fired Clancy Pendergast, Promoted Bill Davis (LBs)
Baltimore -- Lost Rex Ryan (HC-NYJ), Promoted Greg Mattison (ILBs)
Carolina -- Lost Mike Trgovac (contract dispute), Hired Ron Meeks
Cleveland -- Fired Mel Tucker, Hired Rob Ryan
Dallas -- Fired Brian Stewart, Wade Phillips is assuming DC duties
Denver -- Fired Slowik & Bates, Hired Mike Nolan
Detroit -- Fired Joe Barry, Hired Gunther Cunningham
Green Bay -- Fired Bob Sanders, Hired Dom Capers
Houston -- Fired Richard Smith, Promoted Frank Bush (D-Line)
Indianapolis -- Ron Meek Resigned (But many thought he would be fired), Hired Larry Coyer
Jacksonville -- Fired Gregg Williams, Hired Mel Tucker
Kansas City -- Fired Gunther Cunningham, Hired Clancy Pendergast
New Orleans -- Fired Gary Gibbs, Hired Gregg Williams
New York (G) -- Lost Steve Spagnuolo (Rams), Promoted Bill Sheridan (LBs)
New York (J) -- Demoted Bob Sutton (DL), Hired Mike Pettine
Oakland -- Lost Rob Ryan (Cleveland), Hired John Marshall
San Diego -- Fired Ted Cottrell mid '08, Promoted Ron Rivera (LBs)
Seattle -- Fired John Marshall, Hired Gus Bradley
St. Louis Rams -- Fired Jim Haslett, Hired Ken Flajole
Tampa Bay -- Monte Kiffin Left for Univ of Tenn, Hired Jim Bates
Tennessee -- Lost Jim Schwartz (HC-Detroit), Promoted Chuck Cecil (Secondary)

 

[Terps2002]

OK, so you can see from the pinned thread that we keep a running tally of the coaching changes as they occur. I use that to compile data for my annual Coaching & Philosophy Changes article that appears in our magazine and on the site for subscribers. Hiring is cyclical, so usually after a year or two of below trend hiring we'll get the flood gates opening up.

This year was a heavy one, as 11 new head coaches are in place [counting Singletary and Cable]. But until I sat down to write the article, I hadn't realized the MASSIVE turnover on the defensive side of the coaching ledger.

TWENTY ONE TEAMS REPLACED THEIR DEFENSIVE COORDINATORS

If you look at the list, there are a range of reasons for the replacements. Not all of them lost their jobs because of ineptitude, as guys like Jim Schwartz and Rex Ryan and Steve Spagnuolo got head coaching jobs. But still, the fact that 21 of 32 teams will have new defensive coordinators says a lot (IMHO) about how offense-driven the league has become.

With so much change afoot; I'm wondering if we're going to see an inordinate amount of offensive productivity in the early part of the season?

For those interested, here are the 21 teams that made a change:

Arizona -- Fired Clancy Pendergast, Promoted Bill Davis (LBs)
Baltimore -- Lost Rex Ryan (HC-NYJ), Promoted Greg Mattison (ILBs)
Carolina -- Lost Mike Trgovac (contract dispute), Hired Ron Meeks
Cleveland -- Fired Mel Tucker, Hired Rob Ryan
Dallas -- Fired Brian Stewart, Wade Phillips is assuming DC duties
Denver -- Fired Slowik & Bates, Hired Mike Nolan
Detroit -- Fired Joe Barry, Hired Gunther Cunningham
Green Bay -- Fired Bob Sanders, Hired Dom Capers
Houston -- Fired Richard Smith, Promoted Frank Bush (D-Line)
Indianapolis -- Ron Meek Resigned (But many thought he would be fired), Hired Larry Coyer
Jacksonville -- Fired Gregg Williams, Hired Mel Tucker
Kansas City -- Fired Gunther Cunningham, Hired Clancy Pendergast
New Orleans -- Fired Gary Gibbs, Hired Gregg Williams
New York (G) -- Lost Steve Spagnuolo (Rams), Promoted Bill Sheridan (LBs)
New York (J) -- Demoted Bob Sutton (DL), Hired Mike Pettine
Oakland -- Lost Rob Ryan (Cleveland), Hired John Marshall
San Diego -- Fired Ted Cottrell mid '08, Promoted Ron Rivera (LBs)
Seattle -- Fired John Marshall, Hired Gus Bradley
St. Louis Rams -- Fired Jim Haslett, Hired Ken Flajole
Tampa Bay -- Monte Kiffin Left for Univ of Tenn, Hired Jim Bates
Tennessee -- Lost Jim Schwartz (HC-Detroit), Promoted Chuck Cecil (Secondary)

Eight of those were because of head coaching changes(if you count Oak who made their switch during the season). The thing that stands out to me is now Def Coordinators have just a good a shot of getting a Head Coaching job as an Off Coordinator does now.By my count 5 of the 8 were Def Coaches (Cleveland, Detroit, NY Jets, St Louis and Tampa) hired this year.

 

[Raider Nation]

Why did Pendergast get fired in AZ? I thought he did a pretty nice job.

I think the NFL is more interesting when there is a dominant defense or two. '85 Bears and '00 Ravens were fun to watch.

 

[Biabreakable]

3 of these teams are changing from 4-3 to 3-4 defenses as well. If they have the personel for it or not.

Offense keeps going up since enforcement of the no chuck rule. I think many of these 3-4 defenses are a reaction to that. The TE and scat WR are the guys who have been going up. So what is the best way to deal with them?

Big linebackers lining up wide who can bump a small WR and throw them off their route and still cover TE's. Blitz packages are easier to disguise with this front also and helps contain the outside running game.

I agree it is going to be a mess early with some teams still figuring out what works for them and what doesen't.

I thought Parcells taking the 2 big cornerbacks to go with 2 hard hitting safeties was interesting.

You can't stop guys from getting open and catching the ball anymore. So at least have some guys who can lay some wood on em seems to be the reaction.

 

[Jason Wood]

OK, so you can see from the pinned thread that we keep a running tally of the coaching changes as they occur. I use that to compile data for my annual Coaching & Philosophy Changes article that appears in our magazine and on the site for subscribers. Hiring is cyclical, so usually after a year or two of below trend hiring we'll get the flood gates opening up.

This year was a heavy one, as 11 new head coaches are in place [counting Singletary and Cable]. But until I sat down to write the article, I hadn't realized the MASSIVE turnover on the defensive side of the coaching ledger.

TWENTY ONE TEAMS REPLACED THEIR DEFENSIVE COORDINATORS

If you look at the list, there are a range of reasons for the replacements. Not all of them lost their jobs because of ineptitude, as guys like Jim Schwartz and Rex Ryan and Steve Spagnuolo got head coaching jobs. But still, the fact that 21 of 32 teams will have new defensive coordinators says a lot (IMHO) about how offense-driven the league has become.

With so much change afoot; I'm wondering if we're going to see an inordinate amount of offensive productivity in the early part of the season?

For those interested, here are the 21 teams that made a change:

Arizona -- Fired Clancy Pendergast, Promoted Bill Davis (LBs)
Baltimore -- Lost Rex Ryan (HC-NYJ), Promoted Greg Mattison (ILBs)
Carolina -- Lost Mike Trgovac (contract dispute), Hired Ron Meeks
Cleveland -- Fired Mel Tucker, Hired Rob Ryan
Dallas -- Fired Brian Stewart, Wade Phillips is assuming DC duties
Denver -- Fired Slowik & Bates, Hired Mike Nolan
Detroit -- Fired Joe Barry, Hired Gunther Cunningham
Green Bay -- Fired Bob Sanders, Hired Dom Capers
Houston -- Fired Richard Smith, Promoted Frank Bush (D-Line)
Indianapolis -- Ron Meek Resigned (But many thought he would be fired), Hired Larry Coyer
Jacksonville -- Fired Gregg Williams, Hired Mel Tucker
Kansas City -- Fired Gunther Cunningham, Hired Clancy Pendergast
New Orleans -- Fired Gary Gibbs, Hired Gregg Williams
New York (G) -- Lost Steve Spagnuolo (Rams), Promoted Bill Sheridan (LBs)
New York (J) -- Demoted Bob Sutton (DL), Hired Mike Pettine
Oakland -- Lost Rob Ryan (Cleveland), Hired John Marshall
San Diego -- Fired Ted Cottrell mid '08, Promoted Ron Rivera (LBs)
Seattle -- Fired John Marshall, Hired Gus Bradley
St. Louis Rams -- Fired Jim Haslett, Hired Ken Flajole
Tampa Bay -- Monte Kiffin Left for Univ of Tenn, Hired Jim Bates
Tennessee -- Lost Jim Schwartz (HC-Detroit), Promoted Chuck Cecil (Secondary)

Eight of those were because of head coaching changes(if you count Oak who made their switch during the season). The thing that stands out to me is now Def Coordinators have just a good a shot of getting a Head Coaching job as an Off Coordinator does now.By my count 5 of the 8 were Def Coaches (Cleveland, Detroit, NY Jets, St Louis and Tampa) hired this year.

Just to make sure we're on the same page, my post [and the list above] are only the DEFENSIVE coordinators who were replaced this offseason.21 new DCs [really 20 + Wade Phillips doing both jobs]

11 new OCs [now that Tom Moore has retired officially]

11 new HCs [including the two interim hires last season]

 

[Jason Wood]

Why did Pendergast get fired in AZ? I thought he did a pretty nice job.I think the NFL is more interesting when there is a dominant defense or two. '85 Bears and '00 Ravens were fun to watch.

The Cardinals were 28th in points allowed and 19th in yards allowed last year; they were awful.In 2007 they were 27th and 17th, respectively.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Denver -- Fired Slowik & Bates, Hired Mike Nolan
Detroit -- Fired Joe Barry, Hired Gunther Cunningham
Green Bay -- Fired Bob Sanders, Hired Dom Capers
Indianapolis -- Ron Meek Resigned (But many thought he would be fired), Hired Larry Coyer
Kansas City -- Fired Gunther Cunningham, Hired Clancy Pendergast
New Orleans -- Fired Gary Gibbs, Hired Gregg Williams
New York (J) -- Demoted Bob Sutton (DL), Hired Mike Pettine
Seattle -- Fired John Marshall, Hired Gus Bradley
St. Louis Rams -- Fired Jim Haslett, Hired Ken Flajole
Tampa Bay -- Monte Kiffin Left for Univ of Tenn, Hired Jim Bates

You wouldn't have been surprised had you been following our discussion in the IDP Forum since December. There were suggestions for a good deal of these changes already late last season as well.And, to be fair, only ten of these teams (see above) are appreciably changing their defensive philosophies, and a couple of those could be minor at best. Still, ten is definitely more than the 5-8 we usually see on this side of the ball. Defensive philosophy tends to be just as cyclical as offensive philosophy. In fact, I think there's an argument that this is a reflection of the league beginning to truly understand the role of playmakers on the other side of the ball and working to prioritize that -- using the versatility of hybrid fronts and scrapping some of the less aggressive variants of the 4-3 we'd seen since the end of the 90s.

There will certainly be learning curves for some of these teams as they try to fit their personnel into new positions and schemes. But there'll be some adjustment offenses will have to make to prepare for the next generations of hybrids and aggressive 4-3 fronts.

 

[Biabreakable]

Teams with AFC West players should do well.

 

[Terps2002]

OK, so you can see from the pinned thread that we keep a running tally of the coaching changes as they occur. I use that to compile data for my annual Coaching & Philosophy Changes article that appears in our magazine and on the site for subscribers. Hiring is cyclical, so usually after a year or two of below trend hiring we'll get the flood gates opening up.

This year was a heavy one, as 11 new head coaches are in place [counting Singletary and Cable]. But until I sat down to write the article, I hadn't realized the MASSIVE turnover on the defensive side of the coaching ledger.

TWENTY ONE TEAMS REPLACED THEIR DEFENSIVE COORDINATORS

If you look at the list, there are a range of reasons for the replacements. Not all of them lost their jobs because of ineptitude, as guys like Jim Schwartz and Rex Ryan and Steve Spagnuolo got head coaching jobs. But still, the fact that 21 of 32 teams will have new defensive coordinators says a lot (IMHO) about how offense-driven the league has become.

With so much change afoot; I'm wondering if we're going to see an inordinate amount of offensive productivity in the early part of the season?

For those interested, here are the 21 teams that made a change:

Arizona -- Fired Clancy Pendergast, Promoted Bill Davis (LBs)
Baltimore -- Lost Rex Ryan (HC-NYJ), Promoted Greg Mattison (ILBs)
Carolina -- Lost Mike Trgovac (contract dispute), Hired Ron Meeks
Cleveland -- Fired Mel Tucker, Hired Rob Ryan
Dallas -- Fired Brian Stewart, Wade Phillips is assuming DC duties
Denver -- Fired Slowik & Bates, Hired Mike Nolan
Detroit -- Fired Joe Barry, Hired Gunther Cunningham
Green Bay -- Fired Bob Sanders, Hired Dom Capers
Houston -- Fired Richard Smith, Promoted Frank Bush (D-Line)
Indianapolis -- Ron Meek Resigned (But many thought he would be fired), Hired Larry Coyer
Jacksonville -- Fired Gregg Williams, Hired Mel Tucker
Kansas City -- Fired Gunther Cunningham, Hired Clancy Pendergast
New Orleans -- Fired Gary Gibbs, Hired Gregg Williams
New York (G) -- Lost Steve Spagnuolo (Rams), Promoted Bill Sheridan (LBs)
New York (J) -- Demoted Bob Sutton (DL), Hired Mike Pettine
Oakland -- Lost Rob Ryan (Cleveland), Hired John Marshall
San Diego -- Fired Ted Cottrell mid '08, Promoted Ron Rivera (LBs)
Seattle -- Fired John Marshall, Hired Gus Bradley
St. Louis Rams -- Fired Jim Haslett, Hired Ken Flajole
Tampa Bay -- Monte Kiffin Left for Univ of Tenn, Hired Jim Bates
Tennessee -- Lost Jim Schwartz (HC-Detroit), Promoted Chuck Cecil (Secondary)

Eight of those were because of head coaching changes(if you count Oak who made their switch during the season). The thing that stands out to me is now Def Coordinators have just a good a shot of getting a Head Coaching job as an Off Coordinator does now.By my count 5 of the 8 were Def Coaches (Cleveland, Detroit, NY Jets, St Louis and Tampa) hired this year.

Just to make sure we're on the same page, my post [and the list above] are only the DEFENSIVE coordinators who were replaced this offseason.21 new DCs [really 20 + Wade Phillips doing both jobs]

11 new OCs [now that Tom Moore has retired officially]

11 new HCs [including the two interim hires last season]

Sorry if my post wasn't clear. I meant that 5 of the 21 were promoted to head coaches. They were rewarded for their performance and when they left their jobs that created an opening. I don't disagree with your premise at all, just that if it is because of this offensive onslaught going on, it is only 16 D Coord replaed because of that.Also I was pointing out how Def Coordinators now have a real shot at being a Head Coach. They never seem to get a fair shake in the past, now with offenses going crazy, the new trend is to hire a D Coord as Head Coach, he'll bring in a D Coord he is comfortable with and they will game plan the Defense together ala Bill Bellichick. Offensive coaches seem to be a dime a dozen now. I attribute the hiring of Def Coaches as Head Coaches because of the offensive driven league.

 

[Jason Wood]

Denver -- Fired Slowik & Bates, Hired Mike Nolan
Detroit -- Fired Joe Barry, Hired Gunther Cunningham
Green Bay -- Fired Bob Sanders, Hired Dom Capers
Indianapolis -- Ron Meek Resigned (But many thought he would be fired), Hired Larry Coyer
Kansas City -- Fired Gunther Cunningham, Hired Clancy Pendergast
New Orleans -- Fired Gary Gibbs, Hired Gregg Williams
New York (J) -- Demoted Bob Sutton (DL), Hired Mike Pettine
Seattle -- Fired John Marshall, Hired Gus Bradley
St. Louis Rams -- Fired Jim Haslett, Hired Ken Flajole
Tampa Bay -- Monte Kiffin Left for Univ of Tenn, Hired Jim Bates

You wouldn't have been surprised had you been following our discussion in the IDP Forum since December. There were suggestions for a good deal of these changes already late last season as well.And, to be fair, only ten of these teams (see above) are appreciably changing their defensive philosophies, and a couple of those could be minor at best. Still, ten is definitely more than the 5-8 we usually see on this side of the ball. Defensive philosophy tends to be just as cyclical as offensive philosophy. In fact, I think there's an argument that this is a reflection of the league beginning to truly understand the role of playmakers on the other side of the ball and working to prioritize that -- using the versatility of hybrid fronts and scrapping some of the less aggressive variants of the 4-3 we'd seen since the end of the 90s.

There will certainly be learning curves for some of these teams as they try to fit their personnel into new positions and schemes. But there'll be some adjustment offenses will have to make to prepare for the next generations of hybrids and aggressive 4-3 fronts.

Jene...I'm perplexed by a number of these hires, curious to get your thoughts:1) Dallas -- I get that Wade was calling the defensive shots anyway, but is it ever a good idea to make your head coach officially run one side of the ball, too? Just seems to me there aren't enough hours in the day, and this sets him up for replacement next offseason

2) Denver -- Mike Nolan; the man is great at marketing himself, he can get a new DC position seemingly at will, but is he worth the effort?

3) Jacksonville -- You talk about an aggressive approach yet isn't Tucker to JAX the opposite? Williams uber aggressive blitz happy 4-3 just didn't work with Jacksonville's lack of pass rush, and now they bring in an inexperienced and questionably credentialed guy to basically let Jack Del Rio take back more control

4) Kansas City -- What did Clancy do in Arizona, other than pal around with Todd Haley, that makes him a good fit to turn around this defense?

5) Oakland -- Another situation where you talk about teams getting aggressive yet Marshall runs a non-aggressive 4-3; stay at home type of front

6) Tampa Bay -- I REALLY don't get the Bates hire, his idea of a 4-3 and Morris' [via Kiffin] are like night and day, so how do they mesh the two?

 

[Jene Bramel]

In fact, I think there's an argument that this is a reflection of the league beginning to truly understand the role of playmakers on the other side of the ball and working to prioritize that -- using the versatility of hybrid fronts and scrapping some of the less aggressive variants of the 4-3 we'd seen since the end of the 90s.There will certainly be learning curves for some of these teams as they try to fit their personnel into new positions and schemes. But there'll be some adjustment offenses will have to make to prepare for the next generations of hybrids and aggressive 4-3 fronts.

Also I was pointing out how Def Coordinators now have a real shot at being a Head Coach. They never seem to get a fair shake in the past, now with offenses going crazy, the new trend is to hire a D Coord as Head Coach, he'll bring in a D Coord he is comfortable with and they will game plan the Defense together ala Bill Bellichick. Offensive coaches seem to be a dime a dozen now. I attribute the hiring of Def Coaches as Head Coaches because of the offensive driven league.

Let's change the thread title to "The DEFENSIFICATION" of the NFL.

 

[Jason Wood]

Sorry if my post wasn't clear. I meant that 5 of the 21 were promoted to head coaches. They were rewarded for their performance and when they left their jobs that created an opening. I don't disagree with your premise at all, just that if it is because of this offensive onslaught going on, it is only 16 D Coord replaed because of that. Also I was pointing out how Def Coordinators now have a real shot at being a Head Coach. They never seem to get a fair shake in the past, now with offenses going crazy, the new trend is to hire a D Coord as Head Coach, he'll bring in a D Coord he is comfortable with and they will game plan the Defense together ala Bill Bellichick. Offensive coaches seem to be a dime a dozen now. I attribute the hiring of Def Coaches as Head Coaches because of the offensive driven league.

I only see three who got promoted: Spagnuolo, Rex Ryan and Jim Schwartz Are you confusing Singletary [he wasn't the DC, but an Assistant Head Coach] or Mora [he was Assistant Head Coach and the Secondary Coach] in your tally?

 

[QuizGuy66]

I know Zimmer came on board with the Bengals last year. I'm curious how many of the 32 DCs will be in either their 1st or 2nd year with their current team.

-QG

 

[Jene Bramel]

Jene...I'm perplexed by a number of these hires, curious to get your thoughts:

1) Dallas -- I get that Wade was calling the defensive shots anyway, but is it ever a good idea to make your head coach officially run one side of the ball, too? Just seems to me there aren't enough hours in the day, and this sets him up for replacement next offseason

It goes both ways, I think. Some coaches can handle it, especially those with a strong coordinator on the other side of the ball and minor player personnel duties. Especially the old school coaches who've been in their own playbooks so long at the professional level that they can tweak them quickly with solid advance scouting.

2) Denver -- Mike Nolan; the man is great at marketing himself, he can get a new DC position seemingly at will, but is he worth the effort?

I think his background and willingness to be flexible with his personnel are big factors. I think guys like Nolan and Gregg Williams get by on the big years they've had with good personnel. Their track records are more inconsistent than their demand and salaries would suggest.

3) Jacksonville -- You talk about an aggressive approach yet isn't Tucker to JAX the opposite? Williams uber aggressive blitz happy 4-3 just didn't work with Jacksonville's lack of pass rush, and now they bring in an inexperienced and questionably credentialed guy to basically let Jack Del Rio take back more control

I don't think Williams really put his stamp on the Jacksonville defense. And I didn't get the Tucker hiring at all. There may be a Tucker-Del Rio connection I'm not aware of. And there are definitely still some read-and-react 4-3s out there. Jacksonville, John Marshall in Oakland probably, Greg Blache may or may not change his focus this year, etc.

4) Kansas City -- What did Clancy do in Arizona, other than pal around with Todd Haley, that makes him a good fit to turn around this defense?

He was available and KC hired their head coach very late. The other guys with some 3-4 experience were either held by their own teams (Butler in PIT) or not considered strong candidates for other reasons (Crennel, Henderson, etal). I think Haley could easily have been wooed over what the list of playmaking talent in ARI could have done with a better pass rush and Pioli wanted to go in that direction as well. I think Haley also realized that the 3-4 was his toughest matchup for the playbook and personnel he had in ARI.

5) Oakland -- Another situation where you talk about teams getting aggressive yet Marshall runs a non-aggressive 4-3; stay at home type of front

Absolutely. For all the speed and love for big offense, Al Davis loves his Cover-3 for some reason. Pretty crappy hire to me. I also think Davis probably held Rob Ryan back from being as aggressive as he'd have liked -- especially after the 3-4 flopped his first season as coordinator.

6) Tampa Bay -- I REALLY don't get the Bates hire, his idea of a 4-3 and Morris' [via Kiffin] are like night and day, so how do they mesh the two?

They don't. This is a Bates defense now. There are some parts that were definitely geared toward the T2, but even Kiffin was doing more traditional 4-3 things to fit his personnel in the last two years. The future of this defense -- Adams, Ruud and Talib -- fit Bates' scheme just as well (if not better) than they fit the T2.

 

[Jason Wood]

I know Zimmer came on board with the Bengals last year. I'm curious how many of the 32 DCs will be in either their 1st or 2nd year with their current team.-QG

Well start with 20 [since Dallas doesn't have a DC] out of the 21 changes this offseason + then add:Atlanta -- VanGorderCincinnati -- ZimmerMiami -- PasqualoniSo you've got 23 teams with DCs that are in their 1st or 2nd years.

 

[Jene Bramel]

I know Zimmer came on board with the Bengals last year. I'm curious how many of the 32 DCs will be in either their 1st or 2nd year with their current team.-QG

I'd have to double check to be certain, but I counted 24 after a quick look at the IDP Forum threads.

 

[Jene Bramel]

I know Zimmer came on board with the Bengals last year. I'm curious how many of the 32 DCs will be in either their 1st or 2nd year with their current team.-QG

Well start with 20 [since Dallas doesn't have a DC] out of the 21 changes this offseason + then add:Atlanta -- VanGorderCincinnati -- ZimmerMiami -- PasqualoniWashington - BlacheSo you've got 24 teams with DCs that are in their 1st or 2nd years.

I counted Phillips I think and you can add Greg Blache to the list. Somewhere in the mid20s for sure.

 

[Jason Wood]

I know Zimmer came on board with the Bengals last year. I'm curious how many of the 32 DCs will be in either their 1st or 2nd year with their current team.-QG

I'd have to double check to be certain, but I counted 24 after a quick look at the IDP Forum threads.

I count 23 plus Babich, who is technically still the DC even though Lovie has taken over play-calling and Dallas, which is vacant.

 

[Jason Wood]

Yep...forgot Blache.

So the only teams that have DCs in place longer than 2008-Present are:

Buffalo Bills -- Perry Fewell

Chicago Bears -- Bob Babich [but not really the DC anymore]

Minnesota Vikings -- Leslie Frazier [entering his 3rd season IIRC]

New England Patriots -- Dean Pees

Philadelphia Eagles -- Jim Johnson

Pittsburgh Steelers -- **** LeBeau

Wow.

 

[Jene Bramel]

Fewell, Pees, LeBeau, Jim Johnson, Frazier, Babich and Manusky are the only guys who have been in their current DC positions since 2007. And Pees and Babich have a very small hand in the gameplanning compared to most.

That's 25 positions of turnover.

 

[Terps2002]

I know Zimmer came on board with the Bengals last year. I'm curious how many of the 32 DCs will be in either their 1st or 2nd year with their current team.-QG

Well start with 20 [since Dallas doesn't have a DC] out of the 21 changes this offseason + then add:Atlanta -- VanGorderCincinnati -- ZimmerMiami -- PasqualoniWashington - BlacheSo you've got 24 teams with DCs that are in their 1st or 2nd years.

I counted Phillips I think and you can add Greg Blache to the list. Somewhere in the mid20s for sure.

Is it just me or did anybody else not know Jene was allowed to post in another forum besides the IDP forum.

 

[Jene Bramel]

I know Zimmer came on board with the Bengals last year. I'm curious how many of the 32 DCs will be in either their 1st or 2nd year with their current team.-QG

Well start with 20 [since Dallas doesn't have a DC] out of the 21 changes this offseason + then add:Atlanta -- VanGorderCincinnati -- ZimmerMiami -- PasqualoniWashington - BlacheSo you've got 24 teams with DCs that are in their 1st or 2nd years.

I counted Phillips I think and you can add Greg Blache to the list. Somewhere in the mid20s for sure.

Is it just me or did anybody else not know Jene was allowed to post in another forum besides the IDP forum.

They don't watch me as closely on the weekends.

 

[Terps2002]

Sorry if my post wasn't clear. I meant that 5 of the 21 were promoted to head coaches. They were rewarded for their performance and when they left their jobs that created an opening. I don't disagree with your premise at all, just that if it is because of this offensive onslaught going on, it is only 16 D Coord replaed because of that. Also I was pointing out how Def Coordinators now have a real shot at being a Head Coach. They never seem to get a fair shake in the past, now with offenses going crazy, the new trend is to hire a D Coord as Head Coach, he'll bring in a D Coord he is comfortable with and they will game plan the Defense together ala Bill Bellichick. Offensive coaches seem to be a dime a dozen now. I attribute the hiring of Def Coaches as Head Coaches because of the offensive driven league.

I only see three who got promoted: Spagnuolo, Rex Ryan and Jim Schwartz Are you confusing Singletary [he wasn't the DC, but an Assistant Head Coach] or Mora [he was Assistant Head Coach and the Secondary Coach] in your tally?

Your right my bad ignore my first two sentences of that post. I believe the rest of it is solid though.

 

[Captain Hook]

Thanks for the thread Jason

But more importantly for those of us looking at drafting DST for FF..............which if any of the defenses with a new DC rate to be more aggressive and BETTER for FF purposes......ie sacks, INT, forcing fumbles etc. Jene & Jason especially would like your thoughts on those teams..........

 

[Jene Bramel]

Thanks for the thread JasonBut more importantly for those of us looking at drafting DST for FF..............which if any of the defenses with a new DC rate to be more aggressive and BETTER for FF purposes......ie sacks, INT, forcing fumbles etc. Jene & Jason especially would like your thoughts on those teams..........

I am ardently, adamantly and absolutely opposed to all things DST related. Someone other than me might suggest, however, that the Jets, Seahawks and Rams fit the bill, with the Jets probably the best chance of finishing in the top ten unless the Seahawks can get a consistent pass rush.

 

[Chicago Hooligan]

"With so much change afoot; I'm wondering if we're going to see an inordinate amount of offensive productivity in the early part of the season?"

I don't think so, but even if we do I doubt you could find any meaningful correlation to coaching/strategy turnover. Offenses tend to have more early hiccups than defenses. Some new Ds may even have an early advantage, like converted 3-4 teams lining up against teams who haven't played against it much.

 

[Jason Wood]

Thanks for the thread JasonBut more importantly for those of us looking at drafting DST for FF..............which if any of the defenses with a new DC rate to be more aggressive and BETTER for FF purposes......ie sacks, INT, forcing fumbles etc. Jene & Jason especially would like your thoughts on those teams..........

I personally think the Jets are, at worst, a top 10 defense this year.

 

[Bob Magaw]

Thanks for the thread JasonBut more importantly for those of us looking at drafting DST for FF..............which if any of the defenses with a new DC rate to be more aggressive and BETTER for FF purposes......ie sacks, INT, forcing fumbles etc. Jene & Jason especially would like your thoughts on those teams..........

I am ardently, adamantly and absolutely opposed to all things DST related. Someone other than me might suggest, however, that the Jets, Seahawks and Rams fit the bill, with the Jets probably the best chance of finishing in the top ten unless the Seahawks can get a consistent pass rush.

nice thread, guys...the rams have to be better... don't they? i think in the past four years, they have finished 31st three times & 28th once, so it would be hard to not be better (they gave up nearly 2,500 rushing yards last year in the most statistically abominable run defense in franchise history)... but the rams have proven to be stubbornly resourceful at fielding heinous stop units in recent history... i do think they got the hire right this time with spagnuolo... there are some good pieces in place (long, witherspoon, lauranaitis, atogwe, bartell, for starters), so it may not need to be totally blown up, but it does look like a multi-year rebuild... with little about 35, i definitely see more pass rushers in the rams (near) future... the two major personnel additions are lauranaitis and SS butler... i suspect lauranaitis could have an eventual lofa tatupu-esque impact on the OVERALL defense... his football IQ & film study of opponent tendencies will enable him to be like a coach on the field and better execute spags defense, by making better pre-snap adjustments & getting his teammates lined up accordingly... & of course a stronger run game (which the rebuilt OL should help with, featuring maybe the top free agent OL in center jason brown, as well as maybe the top OL in the draft, in #2 overall jason smith) will shorten the game, keep the score closer (than 30-0 by halftime), improve field position, etc...a big hope is that better coaching & schemes can position some of the same players for more success...haslett was about as efficient & successful at gap control scheming as travis henry has been at birth control planning...

 

[AB in DC]

And Eagles DC Jim Johnson is now undergoing chemo.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

bet the overs

 

[jestertj]

With so much change afoot; I'm wondering if we're going to see an inordinate amount of offensive productivity in the early part of the season?

My initial thought when first reading the thread topic.

 

[Jason Wood]

And Eagles DC Jim Johnson is now undergoing chemo.

Yep, this is awful news and I honestly don't know JJ's prognosis because the issues he's dealing with are private and the team understandably can't comment beyond that.

The Birds are really high on Sean McDermott, but for a lot of reasons I hope JJ is healthy enough to contribute this season at some point.

 

[T Bell]

I know Zimmer came on board with the Bengals last year. I'm curious how many of the 32 DCs will be in either their 1st or 2nd year with their current team.-QG

Well start with 20 [since Dallas doesn't have a DC] out of the 21 changes this offseason + then add:Atlanta -- VanGorderCincinnati -- ZimmerMiami -- PasqualoniWashington - BlacheSo you've got 24 teams with DCs that are in their 1st or 2nd years.

I counted Phillips I think and you can add Greg Blache to the list. Somewhere in the mid20s for sure.

You can definitely add Blache to the list, however he retained (and even simplified) the existing system installed by Gregg Williams, so there's more continuity there than might otherwise be implied.

 

[renesauz]

Weren't a lot of assistant jobs vacated as a result of the new rules for pensions for assistants?

I'm just pointing out that there are some other reasons which have helped create this unusually large turnover this year.

One other not mentioned is the Philly's DC....he has cancer and although he still has the job, there's a better then average chance he won't be able to perfrom it through the season.

 

[stevegamer]

Weren't a lot of assistant jobs vacated as a result of the new rules for pensions for assistants?I'm just pointing out that there are some other reasons which have helped create this unusually large turnover this year.One other not mentioned is the Philly's DC....he has cancer and although he still has the job, there's a better then average chance he won't be able to perfrom it through the season.

Strangely, I don't think so. If you check the IDP forum thread it was going hot and heavy with lots of turnover even pre-Super Bowl.I think there aren't many DC's that have that kind of longevity - and the new list seems to bear that out.Honestly, I'm somewhat suprised Jim Johnson didn't quit with the pension thing and the cancer, but I suspect he's taking the Joe Paterno school of thought that coaching = his life's work, and when he stops coaching, he's not sure what or if if there will be something to drive him.