Chicago White Sox

DaBearsBlog says Poles is very pro Quinn.

Let me ask the same question I asked bmags, but who could Eberflus or Quinn bring in at OC that would get you excited?

Like I posted previously, there were only four defensive-oriented HCs who made the playoffs this year out of 11 (36%). Meanwhile, nine out 18 offensive-geared HCs (50%) made the playoffs. Out of those playoff teams, six of the top eight (75%) are led by offensive minded coaches and all four teams that made the conference championships. Massively small sample size admittedly, but it just feels like the league has shifted towards the offensive Also, I’m not suggesting it’s impossible for a defensive guy to be successful, but it requires them being able to find the right OC (perhaps multiple times) and that’s much harder IMO than finding a quality DC. For example, who could Eberflus bring in as OC that would get you excited? Vrabel has been successful hiring OCs, but he’s much more the exception than the rule.

I just can’t comprehend hiring a defensive oriented HC with the development of Fields being the most important task for this organization. I’d honestly rather have old man Caldwell than any of these defensive guys and that’s terrifying in its own right. I know I’m in the minority here, but get a HC who has proven he can develop young QBs and will build a system that’s tailored for Fields. Daboll is just such a perfect fit based on what we all know, but it’s very possible he’s a got a ticket punched for NY. If he’s not an option, I’d probably roll the dice on Leftwich. Hell, even if they end up being just A to B guys who help Fields successfully grow into a quality NFL QB then it was the right hire.

No you’re probably right, just never fun seeing tweets like this from guys with connections. I’m far from panicking, but the thought of Frazier is even more horrific after last night’s 13 second albatross.

Oh boy

Another random fact, but nine of the 14 playoff teams this year were led by offensive minded HCs. The other five teams were the Patriots (Belichick), Steelers (Tomlin), Titans (Vrabel), & Bills (McDermott), all led by former DCs, plus the Raiders (Bisaccia). I get that’s an incredibly small sample, but the league has been shifting towards more offense centric HCs over the past half decade and there is a reason for this. Also, if you look at that list, two of defensive oriented guys had HoF QBs for much of their career (not trying to discredit them, but the point can’t be ignored either), one has lost two OCs to HC gigs in just four seasons, and the other guy is about to lose the OC that helped develop their young star QB. Point is, everything comes down to the QB position and you should want a HC who gives you the best chance at developing one. Again, give me Daboll or Leftwich to work with Fields and build a consistent offensive system rather than risk having turnover at the OC spot and it potentially stunting Justin’s development. If we already had an established QB I’d potentially feel different about being a defensive minded HC, but obviously that’s not the case.

I don’t think our new GM has to be 100% committed to Fields, but I’d be against hiring someone eager to trade him. This upcoming QB class is incredibly weak, so trading back into the draft doesn’t make any sense. And outside of Watson, who would be a major risk, I don’t see a veteran QB worth trading for. Honestly, we really don’t have the pieces to be aggressive on that front. Realistically, giving Fields a year or two is a no-brainer, even if our new GM isn’t the biggest fan. Also, my beef is with the rumors of Flores wanting to trade Fields. Those might be bogus, but I really don’t like the idea of bringing in a coaching candidate who doesn’t believe in our young QB prospect. And it doesn’t seem like he believed much in Tua and that impacted their relationship some. Outside of Harbaugh, none of these HC candidates are good enough to warrant that much roster influence right out of the gate.

Really not sure who I’d want hired as GM or HC at this point. Honestly, the fact that Ryan Poles is a finalist for two other teams probably pushes him above other candidates I’d be interested in. For HC, I’d still want an offensive minded guy there. Daboll would probably be my preference with Leftwich perhaps second on my list despite some obvious question marks. Unfortunately it doesn’t appear that Harbaugh, Day, or Roman are in the mix and Caldwell is simply too old for what I’d be looking for. Hackett simply doesn’t do it for me either. If we go with a defensive minded HC, I’m not totally against Flores, but the rumors of him wanted more influence over personnel and potentially not liking Fields is concerning. After him, I’d be pretty disappointed. Frazier in particular would be a huge letdown and any type of GM-HC arranged marriage would be completely disastrous. I’m hopeful that we just let Polian pick the GM and then let the GM pick the head coach. However, a small part of me worries they go with a Brown-Eberflus pairing because that’s what Polian wants.

Even for a guy like Colas? What other reason could there be? The whole thing is just super odd.

Yup

Where is Colas living nowadays? Maybe they are waiting for him to come stateside for a press conference?

He’d cost a draft pick, so not completely free of prospect cost.

Rich young athletes + Vegas = dangerous combination

I’m trying to be optimistic, but it’s very possible that George can’t get this out of his mind:

God help us all if this happens.

Well that’s some shitty news

I’ll keep stressing it, but go get the best offensive-minded HC possible. Optimizing that side of the ball is critical for developing Fields and it’s way easier to find a quality defensive coordinator than it is an offensive one. I get there are things to like about Flores and some of the other defensive-oriented candidates, but I think it would be a huge mistake to go that route. Daboll or someone like him as HC plus Fangio as DC is the way to go here.

You mean in regard to larger scale signings? I saw your comment about the Dodgers and thought you were suggesting we legit only signed three guys. I get what you’re saying now. I’ll be honest, I’d be pretty pissed if we had $1.2M laying around and didn’t sign Prieto. If we really do have a fat chunk of change sitting around, maybe there is another Cuban prospect they’re saving it for.

Does anyone now what the deal is with Juan Uribe Jr? Sounds like we are interested, but if he’s worth a damn why isn’t he already locked up?

Have they actually made an announcement yet or have just three guys leaked?

I’d be so mad right now if I were a Cowboys fan

For Dobell? I’ll admit, I try not to overreact to playoff games, but it was impossible to not be incredibly impressed last night. That being said, the only coach who we should even consider hiring before a GM is Harbaugh. Under no circumstance is Daboll a good enough candidate to force onto your new GM. That’s the type of shit that has killed us since the beginning of the Ted Phillips era.

Daboll does have some connection to Polian which probably helps.

Let me get this straight, you want to rock a defense with Vaughn/Sheets in RF and Burger at 2B? Like I can’t imagine what that would do to our team defense. I’m all for letting Jake learn the position in camp/minors and enhance his versatility, but entering the season with him as the starting 2B on the major league club is the definition of insanity.