the nine lives of Dave Campo (1 Viewer)

[monessen]

Yes, I am aware of what Dave Campo accomplished in an early stint with the Cowboys on Jimmy Johnson/Barry Switzer staffs. Super Bowls. That was over a decade ago.

When Campo was elevated to Cowboys's head coach, it must have been due to some affinity expressed his way from Jerry Jones and it probably maintained continuity. But, as a head coach, he didn't cut it. Three years of failure.

When Campo resurfaced in Cleveland, joining Butch Davis's staff, I don't remember anything of special impact in terms of improving the Browns D. Browns' fans can chime in if I'm mistaken. I do remember Campo waving his Cowboy Super Bowl rings as proof of his acumen and track record when he was introduced at the press conference of his hiring.

So, Campo moves on to the Jags and serves as Assistant Head Coach and secondary coach under Del Rio. What stands out most in my mind is how poorly the defensive strategy against the Pats in the playoff game was conceived. They essentially let Brady pick them apart underneath while attempting to eliminate the long pass. Brady obliged, and we know what happened to the Jacksonville defense. Of course, New England has been doing the same thing to good teams all year, so it's a stretch to scapegoat Campo for the lack of tenacity by the Jaguar defense. And Mike Smith was the DC in title, anyway.

Yet, "Assistant Head Coach" Campo proved to be so valuable to Del Rio that he let Campo take a lesser job with Dallas? What does this say about Campo's worth since Smith also departed? To me, it says the guy was expendable. You can also say it's Jerry Jones' way of building a staff under eventual Coach Jason Garrett that Jones knows and trusts. But shouldn't Golden Boy Garrett, who turned down head coaching opportunities elsewhere to remain/become Wade Phillips' successor, be entrusted to choose his own staff?

Campo can wave his Super Bowl rings from the mid 90s as evidence of success, but in 2008, this just smacks of the good ol' boy process still in place while some prospective assistant coach with new ideas has to wait for a subsequent opportunity. Sorry, Dave. I think you are evidence of riding others' coattails to victory and milking it for all it's worth.

 

[moondog]

Jones is building a staff for Garrett. Dom Capers interviewed yesterday. He was going to be Garrett's DC if he took the Baltimore job. Both Campo and Hudson Houck, the new OL coach, were on the Dallas staff when Garrett was on the team. I believe Houck and Philips coached one year together in San Diego.

 

[Sweet Love]

It is funny you mention the "Asst. Head Coach" title, because when I saw he was leaving yesterday, it sprang into my head that I thought Mike Tice was the Asst. Head coach...do they just give that title out there like candy? I think that Campo's title, was just that and as far as day-to-day goes, he was really just the D-Backs coach.

 

[monessen]

It is funny you mention the "Asst. Head Coach" title, because when I saw he was leaving yesterday, it sprang into my head that I thought Mike Tice was the Asst. Head coach...do they just give that title out there like candy? I think that Campo's title, was just that and as far as day-to-day goes, he was really just the D-Backs coach.

Yes, it is some sort of title doled out for leverage purposes since they may/may not grant permission for those with the assistant head coach title to go out and interview for Coordinator jobs. I suppose the Assistant Head Coach title is considered higher than a Coordinator. But, as you say, Campo really focused on the secondary. And if they really didn't want him to get away, especially with Smith leaving for Atlanta, why'd they let him scoot to the nurturing hug of Jerry Jones? Boggles the mind, too, as to why Wade Phillips would stay in place when he can see everything being set up for Garrett sooner rather than later. Wade may have been better served to resign and, with a team as succesful as the 2007 Cowboys, he'd have been in demand.

 

[Kruppe]

It is funny you mention the "Asst. Head Coach" title, because when I saw he was leaving yesterday, it sprang into my head that I thought Mike Tice was the Asst. Head coach...do they just give that title out there like candy? I think that Campo's title, was just that and as far as day-to-day goes, he was really just the D-Backs coach.

Yes, it is some sort of title doled out for leverage purposes since they may/may not grant permission for those with the assistant head coach title to go out and interview for Coordinator jobs. I suppose the Assistant Head Coach title is considered higher than a Coordinator. But, as you say, Campo really focused on the secondary. And if they really didn't want him to get away, especially with Smith leaving for Atlanta, why'd they let him scoot to the nurturing hug of Jerry Jones? Boggles the mind, too, as to why Wade Phillips would stay in place when he can see everything being set up for Garrett sooner rather than later. Wade may have been better served to resign and, with a team as succesful as the 2007 Cowboys, he'd have been in demand.

 

[monessen]

It is funny you mention the "Asst. Head Coach" title, because when I saw he was leaving yesterday, it sprang into my head that I thought Mike Tice was the Asst. Head coach...do they just give that title out there like candy? I think that Campo's title, was just that and as far as day-to-day goes, he was really just the D-Backs coach.

Yes, it is some sort of title doled out for leverage purposes since they may/may not grant permission for those with the assistant head coach title to go out and interview for Coordinator jobs. I suppose the Assistant Head Coach title is considered higher than a Coordinator. But, as you say, Campo really focused on the secondary. And if they really didn't want him to get away, especially with Smith leaving for Atlanta, why'd they let him scoot to the nurturing hug of Jerry Jones? Boggles the mind, too, as to why Wade Phillips would stay in place when he can see everything being set up for Garrett sooner rather than later. Wade may have been better served to resign and, with a team as succesful as the 2007 Cowboys, he'd have been in demand.

"I didn't get a harumph outta that guy."-----Mel Brooks in Blazing SaddlesPhillips was the head coach of the team with the #1 seed in the NFC. He had a top-ranking defense in San Diego before that. And he also led a Buffalo team into the playoffs during a prior head coaching stint. When a guy like Phillips is available, especially after standing up to Jones, and saying "look, you already picked up my successor, so I'm out of here," how does a Mike Smith or a Jim Fassel (candidates for head coaching jobs) seem preferable to Phillips? Just curious.

 

[Kruppe]

It is funny you mention the "Asst. Head Coach" title, because when I saw he was leaving yesterday, it sprang into my head that I thought Mike Tice was the Asst. Head coach...do they just give that title out there like candy? I think that Campo's title, was just that and as far as day-to-day goes, he was really just the D-Backs coach.

Yes, it is some sort of title doled out for leverage purposes since they may/may not grant permission for those with the assistant head coach title to go out and interview for Coordinator jobs. I suppose the Assistant Head Coach title is considered higher than a Coordinator. But, as you say, Campo really focused on the secondary. And if they really didn't want him to get away, especially with Smith leaving for Atlanta, why'd they let him scoot to the nurturing hug of Jerry Jones? Boggles the mind, too, as to why Wade Phillips would stay in place when he can see everything being set up for Garrett sooner rather than later. Wade may have been better served to resign and, with a team as succesful as the 2007 Cowboys, he'd have been in demand.

"I didn't get a harumph outta that guy."-----Mel Brooks in Blazing SaddlesPhillips was the head coach of the team with the #1 seed in the NFC. He had a top-ranking defense in San Diego before that. And he also led a Buffalo team into the playoffs during a prior head coaching stint. When a guy like Phillips is available, especially after standing up to Jones, and saying "look, you already picked up my successor, so I'm out of here," how does a Mike Smith or a Jim Fassel (candidates for head coaching jobs) seem preferable to Phillips? Just curious.

To say he is a candidate for head coaching positions is one thing. There are a lot of candidates for most openings. How many interviews and offers did he get before taking the Cowboys job last year? I don't recall any. He was far from the first choice for this job and came into it with the football world knowing JJ wanted Garrett in the role before long. He came into a primo situation and performed up to expectations for the most part - but he went 0fer in the playoffs with many putting a large part of the blame on him. He looks like a JJ lackey and he acts a little to goofy on the sidelines - not that that would be a considerations for a coaching gig but he doesn't have the same composure as the coaches i admire. To say he would be in demand... I still say

 

[Sweet Love]

It is funny you mention the "Asst. Head Coach" title, because when I saw he was leaving yesterday, it sprang into my head that I thought Mike Tice was the Asst. Head coach...do they just give that title out there like candy? I think that Campo's title, was just that and as far as day-to-day goes, he was really just the D-Backs coach.

Yes, it is some sort of title doled out for leverage purposes since they may/may not grant permission for those with the assistant head coach title to go out and interview for Coordinator jobs. I suppose the Assistant Head Coach title is considered higher than a Coordinator. But, as you say, Campo really focused on the secondary. And if they really didn't want him to get away, especially with Smith leaving for Atlanta, why'd they let him scoot to the nurturing hug of Jerry Jones? Boggles the mind, too, as to why Wade Phillips would stay in place when he can see everything being set up for Garrett sooner rather than later. Wade may have been better served to resign and, with a team as succesful as the 2007 Cowboys, he'd have been in demand.

"I didn't get a harumph outta that guy."-----Mel Brooks in Blazing SaddlesPhillips was the head coach of the team with the #1 seed in the NFC. He had a top-ranking defense in San Diego before that. And he also led a Buffalo team into the playoffs during a prior head coaching stint. When a guy like Phillips is available, especially after standing up to Jones, and saying "look, you already picked up my successor, so I'm out of here," how does a Mike Smith or a Jim Fassel (candidates for head coaching jobs) seem preferable to Phillips? Just curious.

yeah, but keep in mind that Phillips has publicly said that he did not think he would get another headcoaching stint after Buffalo. I think, and I THINK that he is very content to have this opportunity and words were spoken from the start (as Garrett was hired prior to Phillips joining the 'Boys) that he would hold fort until Garrett is ready. The obvious move by Jones to give Garrett the pay raise helps this argument. I really believe that Phillips understands and is comfortable that he is on borrowed time and is enjoying the ride.

 

[Phurfur]

Jones is building a staff for Garrett. Dom Capers interviewed yesterday. He was going to be Garrett's DC if he took the Baltimore job. Both Campo and Hudson Houck, the new OL coach, were on the Dallas staff when Garrett was on the team. I believe Houck and Philips coached one year together in San Diego.

And that is the problem with JJ. Any HC that is worth anything would want to build his own staff. Why would anyone want to coach in Dallas?Jason Garrett = JJ's puppet.

 

[redman]

It is funny you mention the "Asst. Head Coach" title, because when I saw he was leaving yesterday, it sprang into my head that I thought Mike Tice was the Asst. Head coach...do they just give that title out there like candy? I think that Campo's title, was just that and as far as day-to-day goes, he was really just the D-Backs coach.

Yes, it is some sort of title doled out for leverage purposes since they may/may not grant permission for those with the assistant head coach title to go out and interview for Coordinator jobs. I suppose the Assistant Head Coach title is considered higher than a Coordinator. But, as you say, Campo really focused on the secondary. And if they really didn't want him to get away, especially with Smith leaving for Atlanta, why'd they let him scoot to the nurturing hug of Jerry Jones? Boggles the mind, too, as to why Wade Phillips would stay in place when he can see everything being set up for Garrett sooner rather than later. Wade may have been better served to resign and, with a team as succesful as the 2007 Cowboys, he'd have been in demand.

"I didn't get a harumph outta that guy."-----Mel Brooks in Blazing SaddlesPhillips was the head coach of the team with the #1 seed in the NFC. He had a top-ranking defense in San Diego before that. And he also led a Buffalo team into the playoffs during a prior head coaching stint. When a guy like Phillips is available, especially after standing up to Jones, and saying "look, you already picked up my successor, so I'm out of here," how does a Mike Smith or a Jim Fassel (candidates for head coaching jobs) seem preferable to Phillips? Just curious.

With a young guy like Mike Smith, he doesn't have the record of two prior head coaching failures like Phillips does, so there's still hope that he can turn out to be a stud head coach. As for Phillips' success this year, I don't know of many people who attribute that to him. The team was built by Parcells, and Phillips did more maintenance than retooling, albeit with a more hands off style that seemed to be popular with some on the team.

 

[Phurfur]

It is funny you mention the "Asst. Head Coach" title, because when I saw he was leaving yesterday, it sprang into my head that I thought Mike Tice was the Asst. Head coach...do they just give that title out there like candy? I think that Campo's title, was just that and as far as day-to-day goes, he was really just the D-Backs coach.

Yes, it is some sort of title doled out for leverage purposes since they may/may not grant permission for those with the assistant head coach title to go out and interview for Coordinator jobs. I suppose the Assistant Head Coach title is considered higher than a Coordinator. But, as you say, Campo really focused on the secondary. And if they really didn't want him to get away, especially with Smith leaving for Atlanta, why'd they let him scoot to the nurturing hug of Jerry Jones? Boggles the mind, too, as to why Wade Phillips would stay in place when he can see everything being set up for Garrett sooner rather than later. Wade may have been better served to resign and, with a team as succesful as the 2007 Cowboys, he'd have been in demand.

"I didn't get a harumph outta that guy."-----Mel Brooks in Blazing SaddlesPhillips was the head coach of the team with the #1 seed in the NFC. He had a top-ranking defense in San Diego before that. And he also led a Buffalo team into the playoffs during a prior head coaching stint. When a guy like Phillips is available, especially after standing up to Jones, and saying "look, you already picked up my successor, so I'm out of here," how does a Mike Smith or a Jim Fassel (candidates for head coaching jobs) seem preferable to Phillips? Just curious.

With a young guy like Mike Smith, he doesn't have the record of two prior head coaching failures like Phillips does, so there's still hope that he can turn out to be a stud head coach. As for Phillips' success this year, I don't know of many people who attribute that to him. The team was built by Parcells, and Phillips did more maintenance than retooling, albeit with a more hands off style that seemed to be popular with some on the team.

And that Cowboy team was not ready to play, I would blame most of that on Phillips.

 

[monessen]

It is funny you mention the "Asst. Head Coach" title, because when I saw he was leaving yesterday, it sprang into my head that I thought Mike Tice was the Asst. Head coach...do they just give that title out there like candy? I think that Campo's title, was just that and as far as day-to-day goes, he was really just the D-Backs coach.

Yes, it is some sort of title doled out for leverage purposes since they may/may not grant permission for those with the assistant head coach title to go out and interview for Coordinator jobs. I suppose the Assistant Head Coach title is considered higher than a Coordinator. But, as you say, Campo really focused on the secondary. And if they really didn't want him to get away, especially with Smith leaving for Atlanta, why'd they let him scoot to the nurturing hug of Jerry Jones? Boggles the mind, too, as to why Wade Phillips would stay in place when he can see everything being set up for Garrett sooner rather than later. Wade may have been better served to resign and, with a team as succesful as the 2007 Cowboys, he'd have been in demand.

"I didn't get a harumph outta that guy."-----Mel Brooks in Blazing SaddlesPhillips was the head coach of the team with the #1 seed in the NFC. He had a top-ranking defense in San Diego before that. And he also led a Buffalo team into the playoffs during a prior head coaching stint. When a guy like Phillips is available, especially after standing up to Jones, and saying "look, you already picked up my successor, so I'm out of here," how does a Mike Smith or a Jim Fassel (candidates for head coaching jobs) seem preferable to Phillips? Just curious.

To say he is a candidate for head coaching positions is one thing. There are a lot of candidates for most openings. How many interviews and offers did he get before taking the Cowboys job last year? I don't recall any. He was far from the first choice for this job and came into it with the football world knowing JJ wanted Garrett in the role before long. He came into a primo situation and performed up to expectations for the most part - but he went 0fer in the playoffs with many putting a large part of the blame on him. He looks like a JJ lackey and he acts a little to goofy on the sidelines - not that that would be a considerations for a coaching gig but he doesn't have the same composure as the coaches i admire. To say he would be in demand... I still say

I'm with Phurfur. To say that Phillips is a JJ lackey and not concede that Garrett will be one also is selectively odd. And Campo is already a proven JJ lackey or minion or underling or whatever term you want to use. Jones, like Al Davis, is running the show totally and likely promised Garrett the moon. But the owner is choosing the successor's staff in January 2008?It could be that Phillips knew what his fate was with Jones. That is not to say, however, he wouldn't have been a candidate in, for example, Atlanta since his achievements and reputation overwhelm those of Smith. I believe he exceeded expectations in Dallas. He was brought in to hold the team together and they turned in an awesome season but for the playoffs. Mike McCartney lost a playoff game too, and I see no one blaming him.

As far as acting goofy is concerned, I don't know how to reply to that. Lots of coaches demonstrated intensity and a lack of composure and were successful---Bill Cowher and Mike Ditka, among them. Had Romo not re-injured his thumb in the Giants game, we might be seeing that conduct this Sunday in Arizona. I fail to see how Phillips can be blamed for the loss to the Giants. If Jones wanted to whack him for that loss, he'd have done so by now.

 

[Kruppe]

It is funny you mention the "Asst. Head Coach" title, because when I saw he was leaving yesterday, it sprang into my head that I thought Mike Tice was the Asst. Head coach...do they just give that title out there like candy? I think that Campo's title, was just that and as far as day-to-day goes, he was really just the D-Backs coach.

Yes, it is some sort of title doled out for leverage purposes since they may/may not grant permission for those with the assistant head coach title to go out and interview for Coordinator jobs. I suppose the Assistant Head Coach title is considered higher than a Coordinator. But, as you say, Campo really focused on the secondary. And if they really didn't want him to get away, especially with Smith leaving for Atlanta, why'd they let him scoot to the nurturing hug of Jerry Jones? Boggles the mind, too, as to why Wade Phillips would stay in place when he can see everything being set up for Garrett sooner rather than later. Wade may have been better served to resign and, with a team as succesful as the 2007 Cowboys, he'd have been in demand.

"I didn't get a harumph outta that guy."-----Mel Brooks in Blazing SaddlesPhillips was the head coach of the team with the #1 seed in the NFC. He had a top-ranking defense in San Diego before that. And he also led a Buffalo team into the playoffs during a prior head coaching stint. When a guy like Phillips is available, especially after standing up to Jones, and saying "look, you already picked up my successor, so I'm out of here," how does a Mike Smith or a Jim Fassel (candidates for head coaching jobs) seem preferable to Phillips? Just curious.

To say he is a candidate for head coaching positions is one thing. There are a lot of candidates for most openings. How many interviews and offers did he get before taking the Cowboys job last year? I don't recall any. He was far from the first choice for this job and came into it with the football world knowing JJ wanted Garrett in the role before long. He came into a primo situation and performed up to expectations for the most part - but he went 0fer in the playoffs with many putting a large part of the blame on him. He looks like a JJ lackey and he acts a little to goofy on the sidelines - not that that would be a considerations for a coaching gig but he doesn't have the same composure as the coaches i admire. To say he would be in demand... I still say

I'm with Phurfur. To say that Phillips is a JJ lackey and not concede that Garrett will be one also is selectively odd. And Campo is already a proven JJ lackey or minion or underling or whatever term you want to use. Jones, like Al Davis, is running the show totally and likely promised Garrett the moon. But the owner is choosing the successor's staff in January 2008?It could be that Phillips knew what his fate was with Jones. That is not to say, however, he wouldn't have been a candidate in, for example, Atlanta since his achievements and reputation overwhelm those of Smith. I believe he exceeded expectations in Dallas. He was brought in to hold the team together and they turned in an awesome season but for the playoffs. Mike McCartney lost a playoff game too, and I see no one blaming him.

As far as acting goofy is concerned, I don't know how to reply to that. Lots of coaches demonstrated intensity and a lack of composure and were successful---Bill Cowher and Mike Ditka, among them. Had Romo not re-injured his thumb in the Giants game, we might be seeing that conduct this Sunday in Arizona. I fail to see how Phillips can be blamed for the loss to the Giants. If Jones wanted to whack him for that loss, he'd have done so by now.

I agree with Phurfur too. Garrett will probably also be a lackey. I never said other wise. My point was to dispute your assertion that WP would be a head coaching candidate "in demand". He may be a better candidate than Smith, but is that really saying much? I wouldn't say his "achievements and reputation overwhelm those of Smith". Be more specific - what achievements and reputation does he bring that is so overwhelming? And WP is getting blamed for the playoff loss by many. You can't say he exceeded expectations with the way they finished the year. He was not brought in to hold the team together he was brought in to win, which he did in the regular season but not when it mattered.

Ya the acting goofy stuff is not really relevant. Just something about WP that has tainted my personal opinion of him as a professional and it wouldn't surprise me if others felt the same.

What I am having trouble with is the notion of WP being a hot commodity for a head coaching job.

 

[monessen]

Well, my original post was about Campo. The comment about Wade Phillips was more of an aside. But, from what I recall, Phillips had a winning record overall in his head coaching experience (Buffalo, Denver, Dallas). Owners are usually impressed with those credentials. With Fassel and Schottenheimer being rumored for jobs, I'm not sure Phillips would be excluded from that list. I don't believe I used the phrase "hot commodity" nor did I say in my post that being "in demand" necessarily meant a head coaching job. The fact that Jones opted to bring in Phillips, transitional or not, suggests he had faith in him as a head coach who could (and did win). The loss to New York was disappointing, yes, but one could also say Garrett didn't do an especially good job at calling the plays that day just as much as they can lay blame on Phillips.

So, yes, I think the Falcons would have been interested in a veteran name coach with some credibility after their team fell to post-Petrino pieces. I also think Dan Snyder would've sought Phillips out as a DC for certain rather than simply elevate an assistant. There were opportunities. I don't think we're that far apart on the topic.

 

[Ridgelake]

Thinking back to all the comments that were made a year ago when he was hired, Philips was brought in to "fix the defense". They have a ton of high draft picks and several significant free agents, but were utterly exposed and humiliated in the last half of the 2006 season. Phillips' specialty is the 3-4, something Tuna spent several years acquiring the pieces to run. Phillips was deemed the best person to maximize the major investment the franchise had made on the defense.

And generally speaking, Phillips made the most of what he had to work with. It was made clear that they need bigtime help at nickle corner and that Roy Williams is a shell of his former self. I strongly suspect both of these areas will be addressed in the coming off season.

But one of the things that happened in the 2007 season was the emergence of Romo as the face of the franchise. Wade had basically nothing to do with that. Garrett had a significant hand in it. And we all know that Garrett has been the coach-in-waiting since he was hired. Before Wade was hired. So its not a big surprise when Garrett's status is further lifted.

And now, some other 3-4 gurus are on the market. Namely Dom Capers, the inventor of the zone blitz. Someone on par with Wade in orchestrating the 3-4. A guy who would not bring about a drop-off were Wade to move along.

I remember reading a year ago that it was Parcells who suggested to Jerry to go with the experienced guy as head coach and not Garrett. In retrospect, I wonder if the franchise would have been better off naming Garrett HC last year, with Sparano OC. And naming Wade DC and Assistant HC. Wade basically was the DC last year anyway. He could have helped mentor Garrett on the HC duties. Had that happened, I doubt we'd be in this mess now.

 

[redman]

And now, some other 3-4 gurus are on the market. Namely Dom Capers, the inventor of the zone blitz. Someone on par with Wade in orchestrating the 3-4. A guy who would not bring about a drop-off were Wade to move along.

Actually, that was **** Lebeau, though I know Capers worked with him.

 

[Kruppe]

Well, my original post was about Campo. The comment about Wade Phillips was more of an aside. But, from what I recall, Phillips had a winning record overall in his head coaching experience (Buffalo, Denver, Dallas). Owners are usually impressed with those credentials. With Fassel and Schottenheimer being rumored for jobs, I'm not sure Phillips would be excluded from that list. I don't believe I used the phrase "hot commodity" nor did I say in my post that being "in demand" necessarily meant a head coaching job. The fact that Jones opted to bring in Phillips, transitional or not, suggests he had faith in him as a head coach who could (and did win). The loss to New York was disappointing, yes, but one could also say Garrett didn't do an especially good job at calling the plays that day just as much as they can lay blame on Phillips.So, yes, I think the Falcons would have been interested in a veteran name coach with some credibility after their team fell to post-Petrino pieces. I also think Dan Snyder would've sought Phillips out as a DC for certain rather than simply elevate an assistant. There were opportunities. I don't think we're that far apart on the topic.

I think we are saying the same thing. I read too much into your in demand words. My bad. And this Campo topic isn't much about Campo...poor guy can't even get respect in his own thread. GO CAMPO!!!