Opinion: GFB on Spagnuolo
I asked our friend Anthony DeRosa over at SNY’s GiantsFootballBlog.com to share some thoughts about Steve Spagnulo and whether or not he thought him a good candidate for the Jets head coaching search.
Anthony DeRosa of GFB, on Spags going to the Jets:
Most folks around the league seem to agree that he is among the best defensive coordinators in the business, but does that necessarily make him a good head coach? Last year he pulled his name out of the running for a job with the Redskins, admitting himself that he was not yet ready for the responsibilities for the job. Could he be smart enough to realize he may not also have the specific skill sets needed for the job? Perhaps. We’ve seen plenty of defensive coordinators make the leap, Mangini being the most obvious, coming over from New England. Mike Tomlin most recently seems to be doing quite well. The most successful defensive coordinator to become a head coach, arguably would be Bill Parcells.
The reason for bringing all these names up is to use them as a template for comparison to Spagnuolo. Spags, like Tomlin and Mangini, are ‘players coaches’ who tend to be well liked and not seen as the dictator type like Parcells and Coughlin. Coughlin took it too far and would up alienating his players until he realized the error of his ways, made the adjustment, and has found the proper balance. Spags may have benefitted from being part of the Giants system, seeing how coaching styles and being able to change them play such a important part on the psyche of the team, and ultimately the results on the field. The question is, can he make the same adjustment Coughlin has in reverse, if need be.
My worry about Spagnuolo, for the Jets, is that he may be too much like their former coach. Not enough of a true disciplinarian (which I think the Jets need) but without all the gimmicks like the pop quizzes, etc. Tomlin has found a way to be successful as a player’s coach, so its not to say Spagnuolo couldn’t do the same. He brings a lot of skills that a head coach needs. One can argue that he is the MVP of the Giants coaching staff, even more so than Coughlin, as the Giants defense is the biggest component responsible for their Super Bowl win last year and their impressive performance this season, despite losing key defensive personnel, such as Kiwanuka and Strahan.
Thanks again to Anthony from GiantsFootballBlog.com for taking the time to chime in!
Filed under: Main Page, Opinion
i like him, but him running the 4-3 could be a deal breaker
I don’t Spagnuolo as a Jet Coach… He will FAIL!!!!!! Keep your Giants… The Media LOVES the Giants and their coaches! Keep him at the Giants!!!! NO WAY for the JETS!!!!
Rex Ryan for HC of the NY Jets!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
we need REXY
Is it just me, or is anyone else out there feeling very bitter watching the Giants play right now and not the Jets?
Could not agree with you more B-Rad..This is truly frustrating. This year carried so much promise.
Other info on Rex Ryan:
“It will be interesting,” a smiling Ryan said in the Ravens’ locker room. “A lot of guys don’t get this opportunity. I have a chance to interview with two good organizations.”
Asked what kind of head coach Ryan would make, Ravens cornerback Samari Rolle broke into a wide smile.
“The same as he is as a defensive coordinator — good,” Rolle said. “What people don’t realize is that Rex is a better guy than he is a coach. And he’s one of the best. He makes you want to come to work and makes you want to work hard.”
Rex Ryan, the Ravens’ assistant head coach-defensive coordinator, is the mastermind of one of the most unpredictable defenses in the NFL, moving around Pro Bowl talent like chess pieces.
When Reed is running back an interception, it’s Ryan who put him in position to do so. When Lewis is stuffing the run, it comes by Ryan’s design.
So, if Lewis is recognized as the heart of the Ravens’ defense, Ryan is the brain.
“He’s a genius,” defensive tackle Justin Bannan said. “When you have a brain like his, you believe in a guy like that. He has the belief of all of his players.”
Ryan’s success – his defenses are statistically better than those of his predecessors who became head coaches, Marvin Lewis and Mike Nolan – has made him a candidate for the head coaching jobs with the New York Jets, St. Louis Rams and Detroit Lions.
Some NFL insiders contend that Ryan has been passed over the past two seasons because he doesn’t fit the CEO-type mold some owners are seeking.
Ryan, 46, is comfortable coaching in a sweat shirt. He doesn’t make apologies for his pot belly and days-old stubble. He speaks off the cuff, not worrying about the politically correct approach.
He is just a football coach – and a shrewd one.
Last weekend, his attacking scheme got Chad Pennington to throw four interceptions after the Miami Dolphins quarterback had been picked off only seven times in 16 regular-season games.
Ryan will try to do the same today against Titans quarterback Kerry Collins, who also threw seven interceptions in the regular season.
“Schematically, they’re unique,” Collins said of the Ravens. “Obviously, in third-down situations, they bring blitzes from a lot of different places. I’m not sure we see any more exotic blitzes.”
Since Ryan took over as coordinator in 2005, the Ravens have finished in the top six in total defense every year.
This season, the Ravens finished second in total defense and first in turnovers.
“It’s organized chaos,” Ryan said of his defensive style. “But there is a method to the madness.”
Ask the players about what sets Ryan apart as a coordinator and they generally give three reasons:
•Creativity: Ryan isn’t afraid to try something new. Remember this is the same coach who dived off a 35-foot cliff in Jamaica.
A few seasons ago, injuries hit the Ravens’ defense so hard that Ryan moved six-time All-Pro cornerback Deion Sanders to free safety and 280-pound linebacker Adalius Thomas to strong safety. This season, there were times when he used two down linemen and five linebackers.
“This is my fourth year with him as my defensive coordinator, so you would think you would have seen it all by now,” outside linebacker Jarret Johnson said. “But”
Relationships with players: Ryan doesn’t just use players as chess pieces. He makes them feel as if they are pieces of the defense.
He’ll routinely talk to Lewis, Reed and other players to get input on the game plan. If there were any doubt about his popularity, Ryan was endorsed last year by most of the players to become the Ravens’ new head coach.
“Coaching-wise, Rex is one thing, but as a man when you try to talk to him, he’s just like a father,” Lewis said. “Just being around Rex, being around his knowledge, being around his passion for the game, is kind of special to have him as a ‘D’ coordinator.”
Humor: Last week, Ryan put on some film. The players thought they would see the Dolphins. Instead, it was Ryan trying to pass rush against defensive end Marques Douglas.
With two rotund guys smacking bellies, some players described it as like watching sumo wrestling.
“That’s the funniest thing I’ve ever seen,” defensive tackle Haloti Ngata said.
Ngata then added: “The reason why we play loose is it starts with Rex. If you’re not having fun, you’re not going to be able to play on this defense. We’re loose, fun, crazy guys.”
While Ryan’s defensive approach has been aggressive, he has had to be patient in his career.
It took five seasons before he got promoted from Ravens defensive line coach to coordinator. This will be his third season of interviewing for head coaching jobs (missing out on positions with the San Diego Chargers, Atlanta Falcons, Dolphins and Ravens).
As long as the Ravens continue winning in the playoffs, it could reduce his chances of becoming a head coach next season. Teams might be more inclined to hire a coach now rather than wait for Ryan, who said he doesn’t mind his predicament.
Ryan is scheduled to meet with the Rams tomorrow. Last season, St. Louis general manager Billy Devaney was a part of the Falcons’ coaching search, and the organization had Ryan high on its list before hiring Mike Smith.
The next team on Ryan’s interview list is the Jets, who will talk to Ryan as soon as tomorrow. One of Ryan’s biggest supporters is Dolphins executive Bill Parcells, who still has influence in New York.
“If he left,” cornerback Samari Rolle said of Ryan, “it would be hurtful in this building.”
As assistant head coach to John Harbaugh, Ryan has received expanded duties this season. He has been included in the team’s decision-making process, whether it’s a discipline issue or the practice regimen.
“I think I’m twice as prepared this year for the opportunity to become a head coach than I was last year,” Ryan said.
Nevertheless, he has spent this past week dissecting the AFC’s top seed instead of working on his head coaching sales pitch.
“My future is right now, and that’s to get this team ready to play the Titans and do all we can to beat the Titans,” Ryan said. “I’ve worked all my life to get ready for an opportunity to be a head coach. I’m not going to be a phony. I’m going to be myself, and hopefully it’s good enough for somebody. If not, then I’ll stay here and coach this defense like I’ve been doing.”
The rex effect
Rex Ryan has put up better statistics during his four-year tenure as Ravens defensive coordinators than his predecessors:
Coordinator (years) Gms. PPG YPG
Rex Ryan (‘05-pres) 64 17.6 277.8
Mike Nolan (‘02-’04) 48 18.8 302.0
Marvin Lewis (‘96-’01) 96 19.0 304.0
Mangini a player’s coach? All credibility gone for this guy.
B rad. Did you go to penn state?
If Dungy retires, would Indy promote Meeks? Could that be a possible landing spot for Spags?
To echo what many have said, I am rooting for Rexy to be our next HC- at least amongst Grimm, Spags and the others who have been interviewed/mentioned
With hope he learned from his father, Buddy, who was defensive coach when the jets won in ‘69.
Let us pray.
I think I am getting light headed reading the posts by Joe S recently. I juts happen to agree with him…..REX is the clear choice for this franchise
well….@ b rad and leeh, the way things are going, there wont be anything to envy pretty soon, the eagles is handling business.
eli and tuck about to join kerry rhodes and thomas jones on the coach on superbowl sunday, lol
some people are calling for Rex as HC(myself included) and his bro Rob as DC, but Rob runs a 4-3 in Oakland, any thoughts?
SPAGS is proving on live TV this afternoon why REX is the man for NY….THERE will be no debate after the giants lose REX is clearly the better coach for our system… PUT up the WELCOME REX RYAN BANNER this debate is OVER…..
Spags stock is def dropping after this game
Let us be fair…If Spags stock is dropping because of this game it is merely on perception….
They have completely taken Westbrook out of the game and if you take away the Samuel Pick to the goal line the defense has only given up 16 points….
I understand why many do not want Spags to land this job but today’s game has nothing to do with it..
Thats a good point. I stand corrected. Once again my bitter Jets side has gotten the best of my decision making abilities.
The Giants lost 3 of their last 4 like the JETS and now lose in the playoffs to a wild card team….dont give me the one game judgement BS now they lost 4 of 5 and are going skiing next week…IF we all called for SUTTONS head in our skid but we still need to praise SPAGS not happen’n REX is the man let DETRIOT play with SPAGS for the next couple of years….
spags good job today ha ha
Hopefully this Giant game proves that Spags is not ready to become a headcoach, no sacks against the Eagles in 3 games. There is only one clear choice now for HC, Rex Ryan please.
And for all that have read my posts in the past WHY is JIM JOHNSON not being persued as a headcoach when he’s defense plays all out weekend after weekend…BIG HEAD and BIG ATTITUDE come with all good HC’s JOHNSON should be a consideration to all teams that think SPAGS&RYAN will be good HC’s…REX RYAN should be our next head coach but if not WOODY should drop a dime to JOHNSON to see what his future plans are….
Oh Boy… Did the Giants SUCK TODAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Can’t wait to hear all those upset Giants fans tomorrow on talk radio.
This will be Great!!!!!!!!!!!!
Spags will Fail as a HC!!!!!
HIRE Rex Ryan TODAY!!!!!!!!
Hold Up here….I am pleased to see the Giants lay an egg as it makes my life much easier…
However, if you can look in the mirror and compare the way the Giants finished this season to what happened to the Jets than you are kidding yourself.
I think Spags is young, green and less deserving of many of the other candidates. I think Ryan seems to be the man for the job and we DEFINITELY need a hard nosed coach as we are tired of watching our teams play with no emotion….
However, in the NFL you are never as bad as you think you are and you are never as good as you think you are…
Spags attacked the Eagles all day today and its not like they overwhelmed the Giants D in any capacity…
Mcnabb was just good enough and Manning was awful. The Eagles were the better team…We should truly refrain from making comments such as Spags will fail as head coach and Ryan is the savior when truth be told none of us wanted either of these guys when we thought the Job was Cowher’s…
This kind of thinking is what always gets us into this mess.
i would much rather Billick.
Ganggreen…I am with you 100% on Johnson never being considered for head gigs…It seems to me the only logical reasoning could be a “Monty Kiffin” like situation and a perception that he may not want to be the head man…
You would think if he expressed interest in a job he would at least be in the running…
To be honest with you. I’d rather have B-Schott than Spags. The only reason the Jets are considering him as a viable candidate is because he is the so-called “HOT” coordinator in the league. Its a label that won’t alone get him the Jets gig. Plus the FO know it would not be a sensible hire. They have waited this long,why not continue to be patient and get the guy that makes the most sense for this team Rex Ryan. I believe they will do just that.
By the way,can you imagine a Chargers/Cards Superbowl!! YUCK!!!!!
Best Superbowl with remaining teams…
Ravens vs Eagles
Eagles win 20-13
I think if the Steelers can get through today they are very dangerous….
However, this game will be tough as Rivers has been so good and Big Ben has played so poorly this season.
Rex has that Tuna look to him and is as rugged as Belichick.Sounds good to me.Too bad we will have to wait at least till conferance finals to speak with him.
Anyone who thinks Mangini wasn’t a disciplinarian clearly doesn’t follow the Jets. The brutal training camps, making players run laps for their mistakes, the absolutely no speaking to the media about injuries policy, etc etc.
Players liked Mangini but he wasn’t a “players coach” in the way being described.
From watching the Defense I don’t think Mangini taught tackling. We had to be the worst tackling team in the NFL.
zartan- the jets supposedly went to Baltimore today to interview Rex, that’s according to nyjets.com! We cant make him an offer until they are eliminated!
The Ed
All they did was ball tackle!!!! Runner get additional 5 yards and they still just went after the ball…
I hope they gave Rex a wink today!!!
I dont want Rex Ryan. I would rather Schott or Spags. Ryan is just a product of the system he inherited, i.e. all those dirty players down in Baltiomore.
mobiliter
I agree with you statement for some of the palyers but not all 11. You win as a team not w/just one or two players.
Rex will make us a more aggressive team…something NYJETS have not had since the sack exchange…
This team needs new life and he will bring it!!!
forget the wink, give him a bag o’ money
Yes mobiliter, they did ball tackle. Our def was among the best in forced fumbles though . So it has its pros and cons, the problem lies in knowing when you cant afford to lose time off the clock so make sure you stop the first down.
In the bills game it worked in our favor though getting the forced fumble td return.
what the heck!
whos moderating this? let my comments go! thats his name jeez
one more try
I remember Lynch running all over us in that game.
We only got lucky by bad play calling by the bills head coach, that has a first name that rhymes with Rick Jauron
TBJ
Come on Lynch took it to us. Not one jet went for his ankles… we looked like fool the last 3 games when it came to tackling.
Go get Rex and let’s move on!!!
bookie..wish I knew what you wrote!!!
nothing just spelled out D. Jaurons’ first name, rhymes with rick. nothing even negative for once
the chief took a hard lose today… boo
Yep… tough lost for the Gmen
Not good for Jets as now Spags is open. I hope we do not go after him.
Question… if we do get Rex who will be the OC…
Can anyone tell me if Schott had any interviews?
maybe the coach from BC? his HC interview might have been a OC interview in reality…. College coach wont sell PSL’s as HC. or I even see Schotty staying too. I have really started to wonder if it was Mangini that was pulling the reigns back on the creativity.
who in the hell makes the schedules were playing in oakland again next year we played on the westcoast all this year i hope that guy dies
Jay
Schedule is based on where you finish…
Bookie
I agree, I think Jag has a shot at OC..but to be honest I’d take Schott with no Farve. I do not think Schoot will stay with a new HC…
Not sure why Farve is taking this long to call it…unless Woody is pulling his $trings..
i know that it just seems like every year were playing in oakland
cause we are….
lol, I hear you.
I hate going to Oakland, it is like chalk it up as a “L’..
why go?
Favre’s ego waiting for all this NFL talk to dissapear. Then one day we will turn on ESPN in beginning of April when no other sports are going on and BAMM…. Capt. Ego is all over ESPN calling it the end of his career. ‘Cue the fan fare and all the highlights and yadda yadda.
New HC wont give him the “key to the city” like Mangini and Co. did. I think he knows it also and he wont compete for his job.
Hey that Houston game has your name written all over it.
and the Broncos now have a coach….
Bookie
Who???
Houston fans are JO’s…went once and nothing but trouble..still may have to try again.
This place is dead tonight.
Anyone get any leaked info on the meeting with REX scheduled for today????I cant find anything on the net…AND who is the HC in Denver I haven’t heard anything yet???
Josh McDaniels, another one of Belicheat’s disciples leave him. Actually brings me a little joy. I think it was a good choice by them.
What other game you gonna catch? It would be the most feasible option for you.
And you scarred of Houston fan’s, wow!
Josh McDaniels- who worked very close with brady for past few years, now with Jay Cutler (could’ve been a JET). I think that spells good news for Cutler. Denver might pick-up where they left off, and not really see a dip in the Win column.
Bookie
Need you to get to the Houston game…
Lets hope we have a coach in waiting..
Love to see the Cards win..can not take Philly
Pitt looked good tonight…Ravens vs Pitt will be a great game..
boy does money run the play-off’s…Pitt vs Ravens late game Sunday…6pm!!!
Why not the early game followed by Card?
Money talks.
Houston can’t handle the bookie! All depends when the game is. Already salivating at the chance!
Ravens will be all over Rothlisberger, and with Boldin back AZ is gonna be pretty tough. McNabb probably gonna be puking like he did vs the pats!
Ravens v Cardinals in the Superbowl!?!
TV will hate it!!!
gotta go…
please ban joe s.
it was nice to read all that info on rex ryan once. and i’m all for rex ryan… but please stop spamming a wall of text on each blog entry.
Rex Ryan would be a great choice, and very popular amongst fans.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3826234
Looks like we can get Spags if we want him….
Broncos just hired Josh McDaniels as their new head coach.
With Josh McDaniels going to Denver,that leaves Rex Ryan,Spags, and I still think Mike Shananhan is still a darkhorse for the Jets HC job. I want Rex,but I think Shananhan is a name that would sell in NY. The good news is that the Jets job is by far the most attractive one left. Rex Ryan is hurting himself a little with the success of the Ravens,it will be interesting to see if the FO can wait until after the Super Bowl if the Ravens get the Steelers?
According to Hutch, Rex Ryan met with the Jets for 5 hours on Sunday and according to team sources he is the new front runner, also willing to wait until after the Super Bowl, if the Ravens make it past next week. AWESOME! Rex Ryan new Jets HC, hopefully.
SWIZZLE81 great job with the info on REX any links to what was discussed in the 5 hr meeting….
The Jets have a new front-runner in their search for a head coach.
Jets owner Woody Johnson and general manager Mike Tannenbaum met with Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan for five hours Sunday in Baltimore and the two sides hit it off in a big way, according to a person with knowledge of the meeting.
That person spoke on the condition of anonymity because he’s not authorized to speak for Ryan or the Jets.
Ryan, whose 3-4 defense has forced eight turnovers in two postseason games and ranked second in the NFL this past season, also interviewed with the Rams Sunday. He’s the eighth candidate interviewed by the Jets.
“Rex likes the owner,” the person said. “He was impressed that the owner flew down to meet with him. The Jets were very serious. I can tell you that Rex is leaning toward the Jets and the Jets are leaning toward Rex.
“In fact, the Jets told Rex that they’re prepared to wait until after the Super Bowl to hire him if they have to.”
The Ravens play the Steelers next Sunday in Pittsburgh for the AFC Championship.
The Jets, who fired Eric Mangini on Dec. 29, have been eager to speak with Ryan for some time. They requested permission to interview him more than a week and a half ago.
If the Jets hire Ryan, it’ll be interesting to see what happens to offensive coordinator Brian Schottenheimer, who was the previous front-runner. The Jets like Schottenheimer and will likely try hard to keep him.
Going with Ryan instead of Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo makes sense because the Ravens play a 3-4 scheme and the Jets won’t have to change their defense.
Thus far, the Jets have interviewed in-house Schottenheimer and Bill Callahan, Spagnuolo, Ryan, Stanford head coach Jim Harbaugh, former Boston College head coach Jeff Jagodzinski, Cardinals assistant head coach Russ Grimm and Colts defensive coordinator Ron Meeks.
Former Ravens head coach Brian Billick is a longshot candidate and may not even get an interview with the Jets, the person said
Lou,
Looks like you’re against free speech!
Everyone has opinions and we all (including you) have a right to express them.
I am a pissed off Jet Fan/season ticket holder(30 years) who doesn’t want to Pay a PSL! In fact upperdeckers you may get bumped because of me.
I didn’t want Favre and was against throwing Chad out like Garbage!
I WILL HAVE MY SAY ON THE NEXT HC and the DIRECTION the JETS TAKE on a QB and NOBODY will STOP ME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!