Mike Shanahan

[j_y19]

All these things in theory sound good. When have we seen any of this under Snyder's ownership? Dan has hired three good coaches, guys that could win, did win to some extent but I think he interfered enough to make it not work as well as it could have all three times.

Why would any of us think this organization under Snyder will all the sudden change and run like Baltimore or New England? We haven't seen anything like that here. We were under the impression that Shanahan was in control here but I'd say it looks like Dan has interfered again.

I thought 4 years ago when people quit showing up to the stadium and all the fallout at that time that Dan was going to change his stripes but it appears obvious to me that isn't the case and I have no expectations that will change. Everyone will get excited at our off season moves again this year but within three years I am afraid we will have the same old problems. That's this teams MO under Snyder.

While I am typing this Marvin Lewis just popped up on the TV screen. Imagine him as head coach of our team with no interfence. He ran out of here after one year and I don't think Dan could have given him enough money to come back.

You are right. sportster. This franchise has a culture of dysfunction. That comes from the Owner. While I do think Dan did change some of his involvement, he still meddles in his own way. He also falls in love with the latest hot toy, wether its a coach or a player, and thinks that landing that person will solve all of the issues. I expect he will do it again with the new coaching search. He doesn't understand that building a successful sports team is nothing like building his corporate empire. Throwing money at the problem is not the answer. Its all about teamwork and motivation and commitment. You have to get 70 or so guys all working toward the same goal and elevating their play as a team above what they could ever do individually.

I too am concerned that as long as Dan is the owner, we will continue to go through our 3-5 year reset. Unless he truly backs off, this means no daily practice/lockerroom visits, no special attention or treatments on a few employees, and no trying to buy success, we should have no real expectations that things are going to change.

 

[Sharkinva]

the Coaches and should they be fired

I know many of you are counting down the days until Shanahan is fired. But if we take a good hard look at the teams production and short comings, there is a very good case for keeping Mike and Kyle. While I think Haslett and Burns fall on the sword for this one, I honestly think even in light of the possible bad feelings with RG3 and the coaches, it is a mistake to fire Mike and Kyle. When was the last time the Skins had a top ten offense based on production two years in a row? Now Special teams needs a radical shake up. Defense.. it depends on how much you think the cap penalty and lack of talent actually hurt Haslett. And I agree he needs to go because his defenses have never been great... only average to below average. But the offense... you cant deny the results over all. Mike and Kyle need to stay. RG3 needs to put on his big boy pants and not pout. Im just starting to think that trying to do a total overhaul will do more harm than good and that our QB really does need to understand that less mouth and infomercials about his greatness is whats needed. Not a total overhaul of an offense that has been productive.

But reality is, Mike and Kyle are likely gone. Only three shopping days left until black Monday gents.

 

[j_y19]

In an ideal world, I can understand your argument. But we aren't in an ideal situation, this is Danny World. The only way that Mike and Kyle could stay would be for Dan to call a meeting with RG3, Mike and Kyle and lay down the law. He would have to make it perfectly clear that the crap that went on this season,, on both sides, stops today. All three of them are under contract to him, Mike is the HC and in charge of all football related matters and everything flows through him to Dan's office. Finally, Mike would have to get a contract extension. I don't want him picking the draft or signing FAs unless Dan is committed to him and his scheme long term.

Of course, this will never happen. So, since RG3 isn't going anywhere, Mike and Kyle need to go.

 

[SaintGibbs]

I hope that Mike is extended. Even if next season is more of the same, it will show prospective coaches that Dan is willing to let a plan develop over the span of a contract.

I think most of us agree that a top flight coach could understandably not consider Washington as a destination because of Dan Snyder's perceived and documented meddling and short rope when it comes to organizational decisions.

If next year is more of the same, then by all means can Shanahan regardless of the extension.

 

[Sharkinva]

In an ideal world, I can understand your argument. But we aren't in an ideal situation, this is Danny World. The only way that Mike and Kyle could stay would be for Dan to call a meeting with RG3, Mike and Kyle and lay down the law. He would have to make it perfectly clear that the crap that went on this season,, on both sides, stops today. All three of them are under contract to him, Mike is the HC and in charge of all football related matters and everything flows through him to Dan's office. Finally, Mike would have to get a contract extension. I don't want him picking the draft or signing FAs unless Dan is committed to him and his scheme long term.

Of course, this will never happen. So, since RG3 isn't going anywhere, Mike and Kyle need to go.

I think thats the real problem and what will ultimately screw this whole thing up. commitment to the player over the team is a very BAD idea. As much as we all want RG3 to work on his mechanics, ability to read defenses, and getting rid of the more sooner and with decisiveness, changing systems will cut into his work on all of that. What helped Cam Newton the most was that he wasnt trying to learn new skills while also working on a new playbook and system in year three. Now I was and remain the biggest Jason Campbell hater out there. But I will admit that what kept him from becoming even a decent starter was the constant change. Look at all of your true franchise QBs right now and what do they all have in common?? Stability. And realistically, if we switch now, and its not working in two years, do you really think Dan is just going to let it ride?? Especially when that will be right around the time he has to commit serious money in RG3.

 

[j_y19]

I agree, this situation could turn out very bad for RG3. Both for the fact that he has to learn another new system while still needing to work on fundamentals as well as the message that RG3 could take from this that he is bigger than any coach. This could be further compounded if Dan was to do something really stupid and hire Briles. That only re-enforces the notion in RG3's head that he is the most important cog in this franchise. Even if it is true.

However, maybe we worry too much about RG3's mental aspect. Maybe we've read too much into it. I hope that's the case and he is less of a ME player than what was portrayed this year.

 

[Sportster 72]

I agree that it is going to be hard to get a coach as good as Mike Shanahan with all the crap that has gone on here over the past 15 years. The offense works and it works well. The only person that couldn't run it was D McNabb and John Beck.

I'd like to see Mike stay, I think Kyle is gone, wish he wasn't but I don't think they are both staying. Whisenhunt would be a good OC. It's time to replace Haslett. As much as I wanted Danny Smith out of here I miss his mediocre STs now. Burns needs to go.

As stated above a couple of things need to happen if this were to happen. Mike needs a two year extension. Robert needs to shut up and play. My manager at work doesn't come ask me how I think we should do things. Roberts Dad needs to be show where the stands are and Robert needs to act like an adult and take charge of his own life.

This NFC East does not have a team that looks like a dynasty. Get Robert playing a little better in Mike's offense. With added money that has been missing for two years they can get the D and STs playing better and I think the playoffs are a possibility again next year. There's a lot of "if's" involved though.

 

[deanpet21]

If we were smart Mike would stay and Kyle, hasslet, and burns would be gone. The question is if you fire Mike, who do you get to replace him? I don't see a better offensive coach than Mike out there.

 

[LucklessPadresFan]

The problem with Shanahan is he allows things to get personal, and these issues impact his game decisions and personnel decisions. It happened in Denver and Oakland. He has a tendency to wear out his welcome with players and staff. He needs to move on.

 

[LucklessPadresFan]

By the way, the Chargers' OC, Ken Whisenhunt, is someone a lot of teams are looking at as a possible HC candidate.

 

[Sharkinva]

If we were smart Mike would stay and Kyle, hasslet, and burns would be gone. The question is if you fire Mike, who do you get to replace him? I don't see a better offensive coach than Mike out there.

Guys, I dont think Kyle should go. New OC means new system period. Kyle is just as much a part of our offense improving as Mike. If you are going to fire Kyle, you might as well ditch mike too. Because a new OC means new playbook, new system and RG3 learning both all over again. Burns.. yes he has to go. Haslett, he has to get scape goated to a degree. But keeping Mike with an entire new staff is pointless.

 

[LucklessPadresFan]

I thought Kyle pretty much made it clear he would not stick around, especially if his dad was still the HC.

 

[Sportster 72]

The problem with Shanahan is he allows things to get personal, and these issues impact his game decisions and personnel decisions. It happened in Denver and Oakland. He has a tendency to wear out his welcome with players and staff. He needs to move on.

Yeah that is the problem I have with Shanahan. He has done this with both Fred Davis and Josh Morgan. It is probably part of the problem with he and Griffin too. Cooley was talking about this the other day. He said you know Fred is going to fall asleep in the meetings. Put a coach next to him and poke him. Call him out but don't bury him on the bench. Most of the players love Shanahan but he will always bury a couple of guys on the bench who don't do things the way he wants to do them.

 

[LucklessPadresFan]

It goes back to the old saying, "Do you want to win the battle or win the war?"

 

[Sharkinva]

Yeah that is the problem I have with Shanahan. He has done this with both Fred Davis and Josh Morgan. It is probably part of the problem with he and Griffin too. Cooley was talking about this the other day. He said you know Fred is going to fall asleep in the meetings. Put a coach next to him and poke him. Call him out but don't bury him on the bench. Most of the players love Shanahan but he will always bury a couple of guys on the bench who don't do things the way he wants to do them.

I some what agree ith his outlook. And I dont think its personal as much as you guys say. i think its about setting a standard. And if you are below standard it should not be easy to regain said position. I think the real problem with griffin is, because of what he does on the field, no coach has really put him in his place and told him that he is not above the team. He hides it very well, but boy has some narcissistic tendencies in there. When all is going well, its all good. But the backhanded comments and such need to go. Shouldnt matter how gifted you are on the field if you cant do the grunt work during the week. That was Iversons main problem too. He thought he was above the team, they coddled him with it for far too long. and when he got called out on it he sulked until he got away from Philly because the owner made it clear that no player was above the coach or the team.

 

[deanpet21]

Shark, if you fire Kyle and hire Kubiak you have the same offense with an upgrade. Houston runs the same offense as us. If you bring in Kubiak and a new 3-4 defensive coordinator I think we will be alright without massive philosophy changes. For the life of me I cant see why Mike didn't take over the play calling duties after the bye week.

 

[Sportster 72]

Shark living in the DC area I get to listen to a lot of the ex players in the area, a lot of it is crap. Cooley getting a job as evening drive time guy has been very cool. He is very plugged into the team since he just played for them. He likes the hell out of Shanahan but has said on more than one occasion he needs to work with some of these guys and not try to make EVERYone fit exactly how Shanahan wants them to.

Cooley was telling a story about he and Gibbs and how Cooley did all kinds of silly things but Gibbs paid no attention as long as he did his job and gave great effort on the field. Cooley's point is Shanahan should take a page from Gibb's book and I agree.

As far as Griffin goes I think all three parties are screwing that deal up, Snyder, Shanahan and Griffin. That is the maddening thing. This team is not that far away but if Griffin isn't managed correctly then I am afraid his talents will go to waste. By that I mean Snyder needs to stay in his office, the coach needs to coach without prejudice and Griffin needs to shut the fuck up and play.

 

[duke1861]

I agree that it is going to be hard to get a coach as good as Mike Shanahan with all the crap that has gone on here over the past 15 years. The offense works and it works well. The only person that couldn't run it was D McNabb and John Beck.

I'd like to see Mike stay, I think Kyle is gone, wish he wasn't but I don't think they are both staying. Whisenhunt would be a good OC. It's time to replace Haslett. As much as I wanted Danny Smith out of here I miss his mediocre STs now. Burns needs to go.

As stated above a couple of things need to happen if this were to happen. Mike needs a two year extension. Robert needs to shut up and play. My manager at work doesn't come ask me how I think we should do things. Roberts Dad needs to be show where the stands are and Robert needs to act like an adult and take charge of his own life.

This NFC East does not have a team that looks like a dynasty. Get Robert playing a little better in Mike's offense. With added money that has been missing for two years they can get the D and STs playing better and I think the playoffs are a possibility again next year. There's a lot of "if's" involved though.

Why should Shanahan stay? Can anyone give me a good reason? He has had 3 of 4 losing seasons with double-digit loses. He has turned the front office into a media circus and has made horrible personel decisions. The damage cannot be repaired with our owner and franchise QB and you want him to stay?

If he hasn't turned the team around after 4 years, then it isn't happening. He is a solid coach, but he cannot make good personel decisions and it got him run off in Denver.

 

[j_y19]

Shark living in the DC area I get to listen to a lot of the ex players in the area, a lot of it is crap. Cooley getting a job as evening drive time guy has been very cool. He is very plugged into the team since he just played for them. He likes the hell out of Shanahan but has said on more than one occasion he needs to work with some of these guys and not try to make EVERYone fit exactly how Shanahan wants them to.

Cooley was telling a story about he and Gibbs and how Cooley did all kinds of silly things but Gibbs paid no attention as long as he did his job and gave great effort on the field. Cooley's point is Shanahan should take a page from Gibb's book and I agree.

As far as Griffin goes I think all three parties are screwing that deal up, Snyder, Shanahan and Griffin. That is the maddening thing. This team is not that far away but if Griffin isn't managed correctly then I am afraid his talents will go to waste. By that I mean Snyder needs to stay in his office, the coach needs to coach without prejudice and Griffin needs to shut the fuck up and play.

This is my concern also. This is why, and where, I think the Owner needs to step in. Unfortunately, our Owner is part of the problem. I also fault Shanahan for not being more mature in handling the situation. He should have called Griffin in and told to STFU, that he was the coach, and he would play whomever he thought gave them the best chance to win. He would also call what ever play he thought was appropriate and if RG3 was in the line up, he expected him to run the play to the best of his ability. Griffin says he understands chain of command, make him prove it. Mike apparently didn't do this, instead developing an attitude about RG3 and Dan. Everyone needed to grow up here.

 

[Sportster 72]

Why should Shanahan stay? Can anyone give me a good reason? He has had 3 of 4 losing seasons with double-digit loses. He has turned the front office into a media circus and has made horrible personel decisions. The damage cannot be repaired with our owner and franchise QB and you want him to stay?

If he hasn't turned the team around after 4 years, then it isn't happening. He is a solid coach, but he cannot make good personel decisions and it got him run off in Denver.

I think we detailed all of that in our previous posts. The offense is a good offense. If you believe this is all Shanahan's fault then you missed all the goings on of the past 15 years and stand by for the next circus that will follow.

As far as the front office being a media circus that has been going on since Snyder bought the team. As far as winning records go there have been 4 in Snyder's 15 years. 1999 Snyder's first year of as owner, two under Gibbs and one under Shanahan.