Assuming we go 8-8 or 9-7 and miss the playoffs. Give me your off season plan to make this a better team and fix the issues.

I like what Hickey has done so far so I am starting with him. He was successful in his moves so I am empowering him to staff this team for 2015. Assume we are where we are now and will be picking 11th in the draft.

Fire Philbin and Coyle.

(Some speculation here that a few coaches would come here but this is who I am chasing....)

Hire Jon Gruden as HC. He runs the west coast offense. Tannehill has to learn a new system once this staff gets fired. It might as well be one he is familiar with. It's not the same offense but similar terminology. Gruden turned Rich Gannon's career around. He can do the same for Tannehill, who he loves. Gannon was a mobile QB who wasn't afraid to get out of the pocket. He had 529 yards rushing in his best season. Something RT should be doing!

Gruden retains Lazor as OC. They both worked under Mike Holmgren. He knows the WCO. Gruden has implemented a few wrinkles to adapt some modern concepts. Now Lazor and Gruden work together to formulate the new offense.

Gruden hires Rex Ryan as DC. Jon can concentrate on offense and managing the games. Rex is left to whip this defense into a top 5 unit. How's that for personalities? Chucky and Rexy!

This means we have to start moving to personnel for a 3-4 hybrid defense. Basically just need a NT.

3-4 DE/4-3 DT Odrick, Mitchell, Shelby, Fede
3-4 OLB/4-3 DE Wake, Vernon, Jordan
ILB Misi, Tripp, Jenkins

Re-sign Jared Odrick, Charles Clay. Re-evaluate Delmas, possibly resign. Look at bringing Moreno back on a one year deal. Re-evaluate Hartline. He carries no dead cap hit if released. Try to re-work Mike Wallace's contract.

Release Wheeler and Ellerbe as post June 1st cuts. Cut Shelley Smith.

Team needs...

OG & LB, QB, CB, TE, NT, RB, FS

Free Agent targets.....

Mike Iupati LG, BJ Raji NT

2015 draft:

Going in to find the best play maker in round 1 whether on O or D. Ideally, 1st round WR or TE followed by a QB, FS or CB. If I love a QB in the first round and he falls, I take him.

I like your plan, but I think it's a long shot. I would definately keep Hickey, maybe he has enough of a past with Gruden from the Tampa Bay years to lure him here, but i'm not holding my breath. I would keep Hickey based on his 1st off-season, plus I like the way he carries himself and conducts buisness, he's the anti Ireland if you will and I think he brings a level of respect with him.

Like you Joe, i'm not enamored with Harbaugh, unless he changes his ways, I see him having a 3 to 4 year window wherever he goes before he rubs guys the wrong way, that's why I think he's perfect for college.

I doubt Rex goes back to DC, I think there will be a line for his services as a HC. Maybe he comes here to stick it to the Jets?

Also, I would hope Hickey drafts a QB fairly high next year, i'm not giving up on RT17, but i'm not sold on him either, competition never hurt anyone (i'm not saying "suck for the Duck" either, but a 2nd or 3rd rnd prospect ala R Wilson or C. Kap, who we might get lucky on)

Someone was touting Mike Shula as HC on here the other day, does anyone have an appetite for that? It would surely bring back a level of old school pride, but does he have the credentials at all? has he proven himself enough to warrant it?

Beyond that, I actually made the bold prediction that Lovie Smith was gonna turn Tampa around quick this year, so what do I know? I'll leave the rest up to the football guys that know a lot more then us

JoeFootball-
It's perhaps a little early to determine the team's shortfalls for the season, so, my thoughts are based on current shortfalls, that is, through the GB game.

With Moreno gone for the season the running game will be by committee. In the off season, I'd try to bolster the ground game by selecting a free agent RB who is proven ground pounder in good health with several good years of service left in him.

I'd try to emulate the success of other teams by finding a tall TE and work a better offense around the TE position.

I'd also try to draft a proven QB at the college level and force a competition for the position. Tannehill still is learning the position IMO. He continues to make rookie mistakes and still lacks situational awareness. He should be retained, but a better QB should be sought, if one is there.

The LB corps needs to become better. We should look hard at making it better.

The secondary has coverage problems. Jimmy Wilson is so-so; Finnegan is the same. Grimes is good but doesn't match up with tall receivers.

I would not change the DC at this point; nor the HC position. This opinion is subject to change. If we can't win more than 8, 9 games and it's evident that coaching is failing as the primary reason, then yes, Phiblin should be replaced. Philbin needs to improve in his battlefield commander role on game day.

Philben, Coke fired. Go after Harbaugh as HC and Ryan as DC. Resign sone vets. Trade up for best QB and finish a few other spots. Guarantee if we did that playoffs next year. Keep Tannehill may the best QB survive.

If Tannehill plays better in the first half the team likely wins this game. The QB spot is the single spot that can be controlled. Need better QB play for an entire game. So an upgrade is needed. Either Tannehill gets it NOW, or he is gone after this year.

I'm not sold on changing coaches, but the same mistakes keep coming up with Philpin. I dont like giving other teams timeouts.

You either play to win or run the clock out, he seems to get confused as to what he wants to do like the last offensive drive of the game.

So far I like the LB play, but an upgrade for depth is needed.

The DB's may or may not be good enough, but I know very few DB's can play 7 to 10 yards off the ball and be effective. Ours need to be up on the line of scrimmage on most of the receivers we play. Sunday against the Bears might be the exception with Marshall and his size.

The RB's are fine. Depth is needed, should be easy to find. WKU has a SR back that is freakin awesome.

colonel Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> JoeFootball-
> It's perhaps a little early to determine the
> team's shortfalls for the season, so, my thoughts
> are based on current shortfalls, that is, through
> the GB game.
>
> With Moreno gone for the season the running game
> will be by committee. In the off season, I'd try
> to bolster the ground game by selecting a free
> agent RB who is proven ground pounder in good
> health with several good years of service left in
> him.

I guess that depends on the market price next year. DeMarco Murray is a UFA but could be too high priced. Other than him I don;t see much available that are better than Moreno. I like the idea of bringing in high potential rookies to find that next breakout star. It rarely happens in FA unless you sign a big name IMO.


>
> I'd try to emulate the success of other teams by
> finding a tall TE and work a better offense around
> the TE position.

Need to find those gems in the draft. Play makers.

>
> I'd also try to draft a proven QB at the college
> level and force a competition for the position.
> Tannehill still is learning the position IMO. He
> continues to make rookie mistakes and still lacks
> situational awareness. He should be retained, but
> a better QB should be sought, if one is there.

Pretty much my thinking.

>
> The LB corps needs to become better. We should
> look hard at making it better.

We have some good young talent but could use a playmaker/stud. Would change the dynamic of the entire defense.

>
> The secondary has coverage problems. Jimmy Wilson
> is so-so; Finnegan is the same. Grimes is good
> but doesn't match up with tall receivers.

grimes matched up fine last year with taller receivers. Didn't allow a single TD. His window is closing due to age though.
>
> I would not change the DC at this point; nor the
> HC position. This opinion is subject to change.
> If we can't win more than 8, 9 games and it's
> evident that coaching is failing as the primary
> reason, then yes, Phiblin should be replaced.
> Philbin needs to improve in his battlefield
> commander role on game day.

My criteria as mentioned above was 8-8 season and missing playoffs. No one has shown enough through 5 games to make me even debate that a change is unavoidable. Like I said, it would take a miraculous turn around at this point. 6 game wining streak etc.

Jon Gruden is never coming back to coaching. He's got too cushy of a job now, and he's just too far removed from it.

JoeFootball Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Assuming we go 8-8 or 9-7 and miss the playoffs.
> Give me your off season plan to make this a better
> team and fix the issues.
>
> I like what Hickey has done so far so I am
> starting with him. He was successful in his moves
> so I am empowering him to staff this team for
> 2015. Assume we are where we are now and will be
> picking 11th in the draft.
>
> Fire Philbin and Coyle.
>
> (Some speculation here that a few coaches would
> come here but this is who I am chasing....)
>
> Hire Jon Gruden as HC. He runs the west coast
> offense. Tannehill has to learn a new system once
> this staff gets fired. It might as well be one he
> is familiar with. It's not the same offense but
> similar terminology. Gruden turned Rich Gannon's
> career around. He can do the same for Tannehill,
> who he loves. Gannon was a mobile QB who wasn't
> afraid to get out of the pocket. He had 529 yards
> rushing in his best season. Something RT should be
> doing!
>
> Gruden retains Lazor as OC. They both worked under
> Mike Holmgren. He knows the WCO. Gruden has
> implemented a few wrinkles to adapt some modern
> concepts. Now Lazor and Gruden work together to
> formulate the new offense.
>
> Gruden hires Rex Ryan as DC. Jon can concentrate
> on offense and managing the games. Rex is left to
> whip this defense into a top 5 unit. How's that
> for personalities? Chucky and Rexy!
>
> This means we have to start moving to personnel
> for a 3-4 hybrid defense. Basically just need a
> NT.
>
> 3-4 DE/4-3 DT Odrick, Mitchell, Shelby, Fede
> 3-4 OLB/4-3 DE Wake, Vernon, Jordan
> ILB Misi, Tripp, Jenkins
>
> Re-sign Jared Odrick, Charles Clay. Re-evaluate
> Delmas, possibly resign. Look at bringing Moreno
> back on a one year deal. Re-evaluate Hartline. He
> carries no dead cap hit if released. Try to
> re-work Mike Wallace's contract.
>
> Release Wheeler and Ellerbe as post June 1st cuts.
> Cut Shelley Smith.
>
> Team needs...
>
> OG & LB, QB, CB, TE, NT, RB, FS
>
> Free Agent targets.....
>
> Mike Iupati LG, BJ Raji NT
>
> 2015 draft:
>
> Going in to find the best play maker in round 1
> whether on O or D. Ideally, 1st round WR or TE
> followed by a QB, FS or CB. If I love a QB in the
> first round and he falls, I take him.



I don't smoke.......but I almost need one after reading that.

Chucky and sexy rexy running the defense........how cool would that be? he better not trip anyone on the sidelines though

GO DOLPHINS!!!!

montequi Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Jon Gruden is never coming back to coaching. He's
> got too cushy of a job now, and he's just too far
> removed from it.

Your assuming he is content with cushy. The highest paid coach is making 8 mil a year now. 10th highest is making 6 mil. I doubt he is making that much as an analyst. Could be enough to persuade him.

I dunno, Joe. People on the television get paid pretty highly.

JoeFootball Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> montequi Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Jon Gruden is never coming back to coaching.
> He's
> > got too cushy of a job now, and he's just too
> far
> > removed from it.
>
> Your assuming he is content with cushy. The
> highest paid coach is making 8 mil a year now.
> 10th highest is making 6 mil. I doubt he is making
> that much as an analyst. Could be enough to
> persuade him.


I hope he takes a job......any job just to get him out of the booth, IMO, he is a horrible announcer, i'd take Collinsworth over him any day of the week.

You'd take Collinsworth over Gruden?
I get that part but, as an announcer or as a HC of the Phins?

........................................

The Clown Show Continues



-

ChyrenB Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> TreasurecoastPhinsfan Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
>
> > defense........how cool would that be? he
> better
> > not trip anyone on the sidelines though
>
> Treasure, you and I are or were in law enforcement
> but don't you have to admit that there are certaint
> rogues who bring a smile to your face and a
> chuckle to your heart?
>
> Don't you have to secretly admire (while laughing
> inside) a coach with the cojones (balls) to
> actually stand on the sidelines and look into the
> heavens while sticking his foot out into the field
> of play to trip a player from the opposite team
> who is running by???????
>
> You gotta love that!

I get what your saying.....but it's not something I would condone.same with the New Orleans Hit Squad. It's kinda extreme IMO. OF COURSE Rexy knew nothing about it......

GO DOLPHINS!!!!

JoeFootball Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> montequi Wrote:
> --------------------------------------------------
> -----
> > Jon Gruden is never coming back to coaching.
> He's
> > got too cushy of a job now, and he's just too
> far
> > removed from it.
>
> Your assuming he is content with cushy. The
> highest paid coach is making 8 mil a year now.
> 10th highest is making 6 mil. I doubt he is making
> that much as an analyst. Could be enough to
> persuade him.

I'd love to have Gruden. But I'm not sure I'd want a coach motivated by money. You gotta love it or its not worth it. That's why I respect JJ so much. When he didn't enjoy it anymore he quit.

GO DOLPHINS!!!!

Harbaugh can't wait!!! Be so excited!!!

I don't want Gruden. I want a guy who would give his left nut to be, and stay, the head coach of my franchise.

Gruden will have been out of the NFL for 6 years IF he returns after this year. Hardly reflective of a burning desire to go through the full time, 24/7/365 job that being a HC in the NFL has become.

The only way he takes an NFL job is if he gets control over personnel. No way I'm giving that to him.

Can't argue that Truth.

Hooligan2 Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> You'd take Collinsworth over Gruden?
> I get that part but, as an announcer or as a HC of
> the Phins?


Announcer of course

I disagree. I think Gruden is incredibly knowledgeable and makes a great announcer. I don't get the feeling he hates the Phins either like some others.

GO DOLPHINS!!!!

Gruden and Collinsworth are two of my favorite announcers.

JoeFootball Wrote:
-------------------------------------------------------
> Gruden and Collinsworth are two of my favorite
> announcers.


Absolutely. Very knowledgable , and honest. People are entitled to their opinions, but I just don't get what they base it on?

Joe Thiesmann......now that's one SOB I can't stomach

GO DOLPHINS!!!!

Whats better? $4 million and no stress? Or 5-6 million and the world on his shoulders? You gotta love it to do it.

GO DOLPHINS!!!!

Ha, Ha, Ha. Cushy jobs all of them. Sure there's pressure, lots of it. However, I can think of a few other jobs...more of a calling really...that are more stressful, requires lots more courage, has far greater risks and pays millions upon millions less...but I digress from the NFL franchise topic.

Gruden is done with coaching. Put an exclamation point on it (!). Same holds true for Bill Cowher.

Oh, by the way, I'm also glad that Fisher didn't take the Dolphins HC position when it was offered to him. There are better coaches than him. His turn around of the Rams is still a work in progress and may remain one while he's their HC.

I still don't think Joe Philbin has the coaching where-with-all to be a successful NFL HC. There are many HCs better than him.

I have a thought. It may be time to give 43-year old Eric Mangini another crack at the HC position. He was too young when he landed the Jets job and later the Browns HC position. He wasn't ready. However, he has remained employed and is currently with the 49ers as the Tight Ends coach. I have no doubt in my mind that he'd be far better than Philbin running the team, prepping it for the opponent and carrying out a winning strategy on the sidelines each week.

I realize my thought on Mangini would be a gamble however, not nearly as big a gamble as Philbin becoming HC. Mangini is a civil guy when talking with the media. However, he shows more fire, more passion and has a better understanding of winning football than Philbin. He subscribes to my leadership style of playing hard to the bitter end and grooming upstarts for the future.

Mangini?????? No thanks

Not sure WHO should be our coach, but I know what we DON'T NEED:

1.) ANOTHER low paid(or highly paid for that matter) ROOKIE head coach.


2.) Another 'System' guy who tries to pound square pegs(players) into round holes(his 'System') instead of designing a 'System' with the talent he has.

Those two things have been responsible for much of our misery since Shula left.

Bill Lazor would be my choice.

Continuity. That means Hickey would stay and some of the position coaches. We also probably wouldn't see a roster overhaul like we would with an entirely new regime.

The key is keeping Hickey and letting him decide who his coach will be. If Lazor gets the interim gig and does well he'd stick with him.

Someone brought up the browns because they're 3-2 this year and I think that is a horrible example. They've picked in the top 10 probably the last 10 years. They win a few games early and suddenly their model isn't bad? Jees louise.