My inside source in Milwaukee called this morning with the following: The Packers plan to demote Bob Slowik to defensive backs coach and are interviewing former Miami Dolphins Defensive Coordinator Jim Bates to take over for Slowik.
I have mixed feelings about this. On one hand I am thrilled at the possibility of Bates being in charge. He’s a terrific coach. His defenses usually land in the top ten, and his players love him. This could not be more evident than with the 3 – 4 record he had as interim head coach of the Dolphins, a team that was 1 – 8 prior to Bates taking the reigns.
On the other hand, the defensive coordinator should have some say over his position coaches, and what in the name of Christ on a popsicle stick does Bob Slowik have over Mike Sherman? Slowik is like this cancer on the team, a malignancy that can’t be killed. This decision, if it turns out as my source predicts, is analogous to buying a beautiful new car but having to use the engine from your old beater.
One final thought: Ed (Antonio Salieri) Donatell was fired mainly for not being able to defend the infamous 4th and 26 against the Eagles in their 2003 NFC playoff game. Donatell took the hit for the failure of many, including Mike Sherman, whose gutless play calling took opportunity out of the Packers hands on several occasions. When one objectively looks at the 4th and 26 play, the most blaring failures fall upon the Packers secondary, including Mike McKenzie, Darren Sharper, Marques Anderson and Michael Hawthorn who were all out of position. All out of position and all coached by defensive backs coach Bob Slowik.
Christ.
The Dolphins are always ranked in the top 10 in defense, and the players definitely responded to him the last half of the season, so it could be a good thing. Sometimes bringing in a fresh perspective is exactly what the players need, something to keep them on their toes, or at least prove/tryout for their positions again, no complacency.
ReplyDeleteI heard the Pats would promote from within to replace Romeo Crennel - Eric Magnini - he's one of linebackers, defensive line, or secondary coaches whatever. Who do you think would replace Charlie Weis, and what effect will this have on Brady?
Gentle Reader,
ReplyDeleteFirst, my apologies for not responding sooner. In a rare fit of narcissism I decided to read an old post and noticed your comment and question.
I am somewhat of an idiot savant when it comes to football. I'm fairly well spoken about the Packers, but when it comes to other teams I feel I must qualify all opinions with "I really don't know a whole lot about insert your favorite team here but..."
So with that said, my first best guess is Belichick will assign the title to Dante Scarnecchia, as he already has the "Assistant Head Coach" moniker. The second pick would be RB coach Ivan Fears because the other candidate, WR coach Brian Daboll, looks too much like a neo-nazi skinhead.
As far as the effect on Tom Brady, I doubt that anything negative will come of it. Brady will continue to develop under the tutelage of Josh McDaniels and Belichick, who ultimately guides that team no matter who is coordinating the offense.
Looks like you might be right about that, just saw this piece:
ReplyDeleteIt appears likely that Belichick will promote defensive backs coach Eric Mangini to replace Crennel as defensive coordinator -- unless Mangini, whose contract is expiring, follows Crennel to Cleveland or is lured away by the Dolphins or another team willing to outbid New England. Mangini, 34, is regarded around the league as a rising star in the coaching ranks.
-- Washington Post