SLOCUM IS GONE!

[KYPack]

It'll be Zook. MM doesn't go outside his buddy list

MM went outside the "family" to hire asst's last season. Sam Gash was a good example of that.

Zook doesn't fire me up, I'd like to see him get a young Turk of some kind at that job.

Slocum probably should have been canned during the season last year.

[Patler]

I am thinking that is most likely. But you never know, M3 did a full scan for a DC last time.

He did. He wanted to hire a buddy, but ended up with Capers, who he said he didn't know at all before their initial interview.

[Patler]

Is the ST coordinator now at the level of the OC and DC, the next level below the headcoach (and maybe the assistant headcoach)?

Would Special Teams Coordinator be a promotion for Edgar Bennett???????

[mraynrand]

Is the ST coordinator now at the level of the OC and DC, the next level below the headcoach (and maybe the assistant headcoach)?

Would Special Teams Coordinator be a promotion for Edgar Bennett???????

no. ST is where maxed out coaches go to die - think Nolan Cromwell.

It's QB coach then coordinator for Edgar, maybe skipping QB coach. He's on a trajectory for HC in five years or less.

[Patler]

no. ST is where maxed out coaches go to die - think Nolan Cromwell.

It's QB coach then coordinator for Edgar, maybe skipping QB coach. He's on a trajectory for HC in five years or less.

When Cromwell was the Packers' ST coach he was a neophyte in the coaching ranks. Are you suggesting they get him back?

ST in the past was almost an entry level position, but I think that has changed over the years. Now it is common to have 1 or 2 assistants under the ST coordinator, and/or a quality control guy helping out. He has his own "staff". The position used to be a "coach", now it is "coordinator".

It has been said that MM used Slocum as his sideline assistant, maybe because of a personal relationship, but also because the ST coordinator doesn't have a lot of in game strategy to be concerned with, unlike the O and D coaches that have to strategize.

I agree with your recommended path for Bennett, but I think ST coordinator could also, in today's game, offer another step up for him, and maybe keep him around a while longer.

[pbmax]

He did. He wanted to hire a buddy, but ended up with Capers, who he said he didn't know at all before their initial interview.

Nolan was supposedly the first choice, but M3 told Haslett to wait. In between he offered Gregg Williams and Capers. Neither had a past history with him.

And he and Nolan were together for only one year. I don't think they had a background together before that.

[pbmax]

ST used to be coached by a position coach or a head coach. It was the last group to get a coordinator.

[Patler]

ST used to be coached by a position coach or a head coach. It was the last group to get a coordinator.

Yup. It went from being a side job for someone with other primary coaching responsibilities, to being just a singular "coach" who might also help out with another position, to being a coach with no other significant responsibilities (This is what it was during the '90s) to now being a "coordinator" position with dedicated special teams assistants under him.

That said, and with no disrespect to special teamers, I have a hard time understanding what a Special Teams Coordinator and one or two assistants do all day long during the season, let alone in the off-season.

Of course, I have a hard time seeing the need for 20 coaches in a sport played by 11 on O and D.

How long before we see "O-line Assistant - Centers", "O-line Assistant - Guards" and "O-line Assistant Tackles"? Can further specialization to "Left Tackles" and "Right Tackles" be far off?

Long snapping, hold, punting and kicking are significantly different skils and responsibilities. Shouldn't there be at least three assistants (lets ignore kickoffs, for now!)

But I digress...............


Make EB the STC. Performance would certainly improve.

[pbmax]

Edgar being mentioned reminds me of something I have been wondering. Any chance that the lifelong running back is having trouble teaching releases off the LOS by his receivers?

Jimmy Robinson, former WR coach, played the position and Driver and Jennings rarely had trouble releasing off the line, though as each aged, they also got to play more in the slot. Teams, including the Packers at times, go to great lengths to get off the line, but it seems to be more of a struggle these days.

[Patler]

Edgar being mentioned reminds me of something I have been wondering. Any chance that the lifelong running back is having trouble teaching releases off the LOS by his receivers?

Jimmy Robinson, former WR coach, played the position and Driver and Jennings rarely had trouble releasing off the line, though as each aged, they also got to play more in the slot. Teams, including the Packers at times, go to great lengths to get off the line, but it seems to be more of a struggle these days.

Two comments:

First, I think part of the problem is that they are seeing more and more big cornerbacks, as teams realize they need bigger guys to go up against the big WRs that are becoming more common, and since teams like Seattle have proven that bigger cornerbacks can still be very effective, if you chose wisely.

The other comment I have is from an article near the end of the season. Maybe it was even after the Dallas game. Rodgers commented about Adams, and one thing he mentioned was how much he had improved in releasing off the LOS. I remember it, because I thought it was an especially good sign for a rookie WR adapting to play in the NFL.

[KYPack]

no. ST is where maxed out coaches go to die - think Nolan Cromwell.

It's QB coach then coordinator for Edgar, maybe skipping QB coach. He's on a trajectory for HC in five years or less.

Well, not always. Cromwell was seen as a real up and comer until he became a ST coach.

I'd like a type of coach.

John Harbaugh comes to mind. A detail guy with some fire.

I don't know who would be the right guy, but I'm hoping we get "that guy".

[Bossman641]

Edgar being mentioned reminds me of something I have been wondering. Any chance that the lifelong running back is having trouble teaching releases off the LOS by his receivers?

Jimmy Robinson, former WR coach, played the position and Driver and Jennings rarely had trouble releasing off the line, though as each aged, they also got to play more in the slot. Teams, including the Packers at times, go to great lengths to get off the line, but it seems to be more of a struggle these days.

Not that I disagree, but who do you see struggling with the release? Cobb normally gets off pretty good, but he has the advantage of normally being in the slot. Nelson gets tied up from time to time. After Adams the other WR were so worthless I can't even really grade them.

[Carolina_Packer]

I agree with your recommended path for Bennett, but I think ST coordinator could also, in today's game, offer another step up for him, and maybe keep him around a while longer.

Plus MM seems to like to cross-train his coaches. Outside looking in, you'd wonder why a head coach would appoint a running back to coach receivers, but he's a big believer in cross-training, which if you think about it builds the resume up to perhaps someday be a HC.

[Freak Out]

I think they should hire Chuck Cecil to run special teams.

[pbmax]

Not that I disagree, but who do you see struggling with the release? Cobb normally gets off pretty good, but he has the advantage of normally being in the slot. Nelson gets tied up from time to time. After Adams the other WR were so worthless I can't even really grade them.

Slot guys have an easier time with the release. Thinking about Jordy mainly and Boykin as well. Can't say I know about Adams yet. Mostly the struggle with getting open early versus tight man.