Coaching Carousel- Why Are They Still Here?

[author image=”https://www.the3pointconversion.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/01/IMG_9968AG.jpg” ] Alfred Godfrey @AGTheGreat194[/author]

 

 

The 2015 NFL season ended with a flurry of coaching changes (mainly firings) that surprised and reassured our suspicion. Some made us scratch our heads while the others gave us the “about time” facial expression. Through it all, it happened and it’s done with. Then the hirings took place. Once again, there were some that were homerun hirings and a few that made you wonder why does he want to go there? 

There were a few organizations that had the chance to catapult their teams with a few coaching and upper management changes. You also had teams that were basically held back because of coaching or adding the wrong personnel but there were no changes made to correct the problems. These are the teams and issues that should have been solved. 

 

 

Atlanta Falcons

There is no way that Thomas Dimitroff should have retained his job. Dimitroff has not addressed the offensive and defensive line and it showed as the season went on. Keeping players around like Tyson Jackson, Paul Soliai and Ra’Shede Hageman who does not fit Dan Quinn’s system. In fact, Quinn says he wants to attack, be fast and physical on defense which these guys don’t exemplify at all. It is like Dimtroff deliberately ignored what Quinn wants on defense.

For example, the Falcons chose to keep Kroy Biermann. Let me say this again, the Falcons decided to keep Kroy Biermann. Dimitroff should be gone on that alone. They have not addressed the linebacker position at all. Brooks Reed was a dud, Justin Durant was effective when he was on the field, Paul Worrilow plays his heart out but I do not believe he is starting middle linebacker and the Adrian Clayborn signing was a reach.

They decided that Matt Ryan is the franchise quarterback but he’s not surrounding him with the right protection at all. Dimitroff had an opportunity to sign Evan Mathis after being released by the Eagles but chose to go and trade for Andy Levitre for a sixth round pick and took on his large contract of six years $46.8 million dollar deal for an average guard. He gets credit because he has scored with skill positions, but you build a team inside the trenches and he has failed to do so. Dimitroff better hit a home run in this year’s draft or the fans in Atlanta will turn on him in a hurry. Trust me, that is not what owner Arthur Blank wants as they get ready to move into the $1.4 Billion dollar Mercdes-Benz Stadium.

Dallas Cowboys

Jason Garrett definitely should have been one of the coaches who got fired. I know what you are saying, Romo was injured and Dez Bryant missed some time. If you can only win one game without one player when you have a talented roster offensively and defensively, you deserve to go. Jason Garrett was given a second chance this past season when he helped lead them to NFC East title but before that he went 8-8 three years in a row. In two of those years, it came down to the last game of the season to give his team a playoff berth and they choked both times. Since taking over for Wade Phillips in 2010, his overall record is 45-43. Come on Man!

The main problem is not just Garrett it’s the owner/general manager Jerry Jones. By keeping Garrett you are accepting and keeping mediocrity. What’s hard to believe is a couple of years ago, he was the hottest name out there for his brilliant offensive mind. In fact, he was so hot the Dolphins were interested. In order to keep Garrett, Jones fired Philips in the middle of the season just to promote him. (Does this sound familiar? Be careful Tampa Bay this has your name written all over it).Well the genius has been brought down to remedial classes because Jones does not even allow Garrett to call plays anymore. The only way the Cowboys will win again is if  Jones hires a coach that has a backbone instead of the lack luster name coaches that he has in the past. For example, Dave Campo, Phillips, and Garrett doesn’t make you take double look does it? Now we know Jones is not going anywhere but Garrett should have been let go.

Indianapolis Colts

Someone please tell me how General Manager Ryan Grigson still has a job. Because of him, I am looking to send my application into a franchise. They got destroyed in last year AFC Championship game (deflate gate) but he choose to select  Phillip Dorsett in the first round, the same exact receiver that they have in Ty Hilton. Luck took a beaten this year and the failure to address the offensive line is the reason why. The Colts organization should be ashamed of themselves by having the audacity to try and blame Chuck Pagano for this year. The Colts offensive line is terrible and to make matters worse, the Colts did not address the offensive line in last year’s draft until the seventh round. Let’s not forget that he is also responsible for the Trent Richardson trade that required the Colts giving up a first round pick as well. To say that first rounder Bjoern Werner has not lived up to expectations would be too kind. Indianapolis is in trouble unless they start bringing in protection for Luck. No matter how talented Luck is, if he does not start getting the protection up front, he will turn into David Carr.

Hot seat for the 2016 season- Be on the lookout if these coaches do not get it done in the upcoming season. They may find their name on this list next year.

Gus Bradley- Jacksonville Jaguars

Jeff Fisher- Los Angeles Rams

Mike McCoy- San Diego Chargers

Jim Caldwell- Detroit Lions