Behind the scene's look at the Ravens interview process with Coach J. Harbaugh.

[ravenmad71]

Interesting read.....

http://boards.baltimoreravens.com/in...&showentry=637

[Losac]

Wow, Harbs is sharp!

Maybe reading this will put to rest all the Preston rumors about Ozzie pushing so hard for Marty Schottenheimer and the "divided front office"?

[HoustonRaven]

Maybe reading this will put to rest all the Preston rumors about Ozzie pushing so hard for Marty Schottenheimer and the "divided front office"?

Doubtful. But Im with you on that one.

[The Fanatic]

Definitely a good read that makes me like the guy even more.
I read the Dick Cass piece a couple days ago and also found that to be a good read as well.
Don't think you can argue with the process they use at all.
It may be lengthy, but is definitely thorough.

In the end, you really don't know who or what you have until you see the results after time, but at least they start out with a real comfort level.

Somewhere on the official web site there is a video of Harbaugh coaching the Eagles special teams during training camp.
I saw it yesterday and thought it was great.
Definitely worth watching if you haven't seen it.
His attention to detail will not be an issue, nor do I think the way he relates to the players will be either.

Forgot to add also in that video area of the official site is a behind the scenes look at Harbaughs day when he got introduced as the head coach at the press conference.
There's abit in there where he meets Art Modell.
Check out the coffee table in front of Art in that room.
Got to get me one of those!!

[festivus]

Thanks for the link. That was an excellent read.

There are those here who will call it a smokescreen, in favor of believing their chosen conspiracy theory. But I am inclined to believe it a fair description. Certainly the lines credited to Ozzie and to Steve are consistent with the descriptions of each leading into this process.

[RavensNTerps]

Thanks for the link. That was an excellent read.

There are those here who will call it a smokescreen, in favor of believing their chosen conspiracy theory. But I am inclined to believe it a fair description. Certainly the lines credited to Ozzie and to Steve are consistent with the descriptions of each leading into this process.

Well, the man is in PR his job is to put the most positive spin possible. i'm sure the process description is accurate, but some details were clearly omitted IMO.

[HoustonRaven]

i'm sure the process description is accurate, but some details were clearly omitted IMO.

Like what? Got proof?

[RavensNTerps]

Nope. No proof other than common sense. You'll only hear part of the story from a good PR guy, or he's not doing his whole job.

But, for instance, he sort of glossed over the whole Garrett not accepting the job, there's probably more to that story than what is there.

[The Fanatic]

But, for instance, he sort of glossed over the whole Garrett not accepting the job, there's probably more to that story than what is there.

I'm sure there is, but does it really matter at this point?
That's probably part of the reason that stuff isn't printed.

[flraven]

Nope. No proof other than common sense. You'll only hear part of the story from a good PR guy, or he's not doing his whole job.

But, for instance, he sort of glossed over the whole Garrett not accepting the job, there's probably more to that story than what is there.

The link to Cass' story provides a little more insight into the Garrett situation. Also, I think Garrett took the $$ that Jones was offering him to stay put. He needs more experience anyway.

[ravenjoe]

As I've stated numerous times in my previous posts, I've been concerned about Ozzie's interest, or lack thereof, in hiring Harbs as the HC. That has now been dismissed, thanks to the above link - it makes me feel better about the whole process. Also, I believe stronger than ever in this process, and the success it breeds. Thanks, again, for the link!

[RavensNTerps]

As I've stated numerous times in my previous posts, I've been concerned about Ozzie's interest, or lack thereof, in hiring Harbs as the HC. That has now been dismissed, thanks to the above link - it makes me feel better about the whole process. Also, I believe stronger than ever in this process, and the success it breeds. Thanks, again, for the link!

I personally really do like the Harbaugh hiring. HOWEVER, if I was someone that didn't, reading a blog posted by the Ravens PR director is not something that would make me feel better about it, that's all I'm saying.

[festivus]

Well, the man is in PR his job is to put the most positive spin possible. i'm sure the process description is accurate, but some details were clearly omitted IMO.

Undoubtedly. But for boring PR reasons, and not to cover up, for instance, the grand NFL Conspiracy Against Mike Singletary. One obvious omission was the identity of Option #3. But for reasons having to do with protecting peoples' reputation and dignity, Byrne left that out. Byrne also left out who objected to Ryan (or indeed any of the candidates) getting the position, and what those objections may have been. Why? Being critical of any of those people in general and any of them in detail would be needlessly harsh.

I suspect we are looking at what happened through Byrne-colored-glasses, but it is still what happened.

[Mr.Boh]

"How did reporters covering our search have so much right information, especially when we were trying to keep secrets? Agents. Every head coaching candidate we interviewed has an agent – and now many assistant coaches have agents. The agents advise their clients. The agents love to create leverage and be “sources” for reporters. Heck, we had one agent negotiating a final deal for his head coaching client call us and say: “He’d rather be with you.” "

Any thought on who that was?

[RavenScallywag]

#3 had to be Brian Schottenheimer...there was a leak the weekend before Garrett came here about the Ravens having their list as #1 - Jason Garrett, #2 - Brian Schottenheimer, and #3 - John Harbaugh.

I think the order was reversed and it was Brian Schottenheimer who we would've felt "comfortable" about...though I guarantee you probably would've had an UPROAR from all Ravens fans if he became our HC.

As far as who the agent meant...gee, I wonder who that could be The only other person than Garrett would've been Sparano, but I seriously doubt he wanted to be here more than with the Dolphins, otherwise he would've lobbied for this job. And it's just as well, we interviewed him to be thorough, but I don't think we would've hired him.

[braven98]

Im ready for the season to start

[RavenScallywag]

i'm ready for camp to start up...my new house is about 2 blocks from McDaniel College...the only thing that might prevent me from going is I'll have my newborn son with me...but, I don't see anything wrong with exposing him to the purple and black at an early stage

Can't wait to see Coach Harbaugh kicking ass and taking names at camp, getting this team back in shape next year.

[ravenjoe]

I personally really do like the Harbaugh hiring. HOWEVER, if I was someone that didn't, reading a blog posted by the Ravens PR director is not something that would make me feel better about it, that's all I'm saying.

I have NO reason to disbelieve what Kevin posted in his article - it sounds perfectly legit to me.

[Rxdoxx]

Excellent read, thank you.
Not something I would have had the time to ordinarily find.
Also followed Kevin's link to Dick Cass' account amd something in that just hit me a little curious...

Jason called Steve Wednesday evening indicating he wanted to become head coach of the Ravens if we could work out a deal. Up to that point, we had not indicated to Jason what salary we would offer to our new head coach. After Jason indicated he wanted to be our head coach, we began negotiations with his agent Wednesday night and, after several hours of discussion, thought we had an agreement on compensation. However, Jason decided later that night that he wanted to stay in Dallas as offensive coordinator.

Something in me is reading that a little differently (or reading into it??)
'after Jason learned the salary that JJ would have to match he declined the offer' is that a stretch? or does it hit you the same way?
I think we didn't get the wrong guy

[ravenjoe]

There Is Absolutely No Question In My Mind That We Got The Right Guy! He Should Be With Us For The Next Decade!