Any chance Rex Ryan says "No" to the Chargers?

[ClericBlackDave]

I was just thinking about this. Even if the Chargers offer him the position after he comes in for the interview, what are the chances Ryan says "no"


I'm sure some people will respond Zero % chance.



But when you think about it, the charger's organization vis a vis dealing with power structure seems to be borderlining on retarded right now.


Rex is going to know that following a 14-2 act will be tough, especially with a GM like AJ Smith that will be making most personel decision.


I would think there is probably a 15% chance Rex would say no, just based on how controlling or over-controlling AJ Smith seems to be with assistants, coaching, hiring, personel, etc. A world of difference between that crap and the way the Ravens run our organization.


Also, rex would probably only have 2 years at best to bring a playoff win. Thats a tough 1st coaching job, one that could end Rex's career really.


I think it might be that there are better vacancies next year for Rex in any scenario.


Thoughts?

[Beerracuda]

I think if I were Rex, I'd be a little leery about jumping over to an organization that just went 14-2, with a lot of promise for the next few years, after seeing them lose their OC, DC, and HC. I might think there's something seedy going on beneath the surface, especially considering the stability of the Ravens org.

The grass is not always greener on the other side. But of course, those are just my thoughts, and I'm biased because I'm a Ravens fan and lived my whole life in the Baltimore area. So who knows what Rex will do if/when they interview/offer him the job. I'd hate to see him go, but if he does, we will certainly survive, as we always seem to do. We've had one of the best defenses over the past 7 seasons, mostly because of the players, not the DC.

[ClericBlackDave]

Thing is, Rex will get a coaching job this year or the next. Its a matter of where. Doesn't strike me that Chargers would be the best option.


As we saw with the 46, that takes about a good year for the players to learn, AND you need the personel. Other than that, what else would Rex be able to do for the Chargers when the general manager is an overcontrolling idiot.

[Greg]

Uh, the Chargers might have the most talent in the NFL. As for ...

a GM like AJ Smith that will be making most personel decision

well, he seems to have done a pretty damn good job. And most HC, especially new ones, defer to the GM regarding personnel, even Billick here.

This job is a no brainer. Great weather, great team, great area...what's he going to wait for, the fucking Lions?

[festivus]

Zero percent chance.

Great personnel, a lot of strength on both sides of the ball, and you are filling the shoes of despised Marty Schottenheimer. Despite the 14-2 record, that's not a hard act to follow. It's a dream job, even better then when Nolan went to SF.

[ClericBlackDave]

Great personel, but nothing compared to the Ravens on defense.


And, while having LT is great and all, thats not the side of the ball Ryan works with.


With the fact that he's guaranteed a coaching job next year if there are vacancies, I think theres a good chance he decides to wait. Money wise, the Ravens will probalby give him a raise.


On the AJ Smith subject, he hasn't done that much other than peddle 1st rounders to idiot teams like the Falcons and the Gmen. I could have made those trades, those front offices are so gullable.


I would say the turn-around of that team is Marty Marty Marty and very little of AJ, honestly. Thats just a personal opinion.


BTW, if AJ keeps Brees, where do you think the chargers are this year? They might have been undefeated, AND might have won a playoff game.


Situation over in San Diego just wreaks of dysfunctionality, and I dont think Marty was the cause. I think they got rid of the wrong guy, and I think that Rex will think long and hard where 14-2 isn't good enough to keep your job.

[jonboy79]

WOW!!!!

Great personel, but nothing compared to the Ravens on defense.

On the AJ Smith subject, he hasn't done that much other than peddle 1st rounders to idiot teams like the Falcons and the Gmen. I could have made those trades, those front offices are so gullable.


I would say the turn-around of that team is Marty Marty Marty and very little of AJ, honestly. Thats just a personal opinion.


BTW, if AJ keeps Brees, where do you think the chargers are this year? They might have been undefeated, AND might have won a playoff game.

ok, just wow. First of all, San Diego is really the only team in football that has a legitimate claim over the best front xeven in football, of course behind the Ravens. To go with this they have a yong and improving secondary, probabloy THE BEST defensive player in football, yes Merriman is what AD has been, on sterouids, literally I guess. He has a little less versatility but is a MUCH, Much, better pass rusher.

2nd of all, it's not a side note that he has LT, he IS with very little doubt the best player anywher in the NFL on eithe side of the ball. To me, the only person also involved in the convo is Peyton.

Peddling first rd'ers.... wow, give the guy SOME credit for making probably 2 of the top 5 trades in football history wihtin the last 5 years. Btw, Everyone wanted both ELI and Vick, but San Diego managed to escape them despite Leaf, etc...
The Charger beat the Ravens if anyone but Marty or Brian Billick are the coach at the time. Would Drew Brees have made up the other loss, maybe? But after seeing him in the playoffs, I doubt he makes a difference there. I still 100% support the decision to cut ties with Brees. I would bet money Rivers gets more Pro-Bowl Nods and the like from last year forth then Brees, with a higher ceiling for greatness.

Marty was there 5 years and couldn't get along with the GM, sounds like it's not a 1-2 year window, but more like about the best situation that Rex could possibly walk into(Save, having to hire a complete staff, with little contacts). Let's hope his interview goes poorly, becduase that is where he has the opportunity to win the job offer. We'll see, it is scaring me hearing ESPN'ers say he has a legitimate shot.

[PurpleRulz]

According to KFFL, Adam Shefter is reporting that AJ Smith could be let go after the draft. As for Rex, there is ZERO chance he says no to the SD and nor should he. Rex deserves it and Billick's HC tree will grow.

I will miss Rex, but I think Jeff Fitzgerald or Donnie Henderson would do a great job at DC. Clarence Brooks would be a dark horse candidate, but he'd probably go with Rex as would Fitz.

[ClericBlackDave]

Marty was there 5 years and couldn't get along with the GM, sounds like it's not a 1-2 year window, but more like about the best situation that Rex could possibly walk into(Save, having to hire a complete staff, with little contacts). Let's hope his interview goes poorly, becduase that is where he has the opportunity to win the job offer. We'll see, it is scaring me hearing ESPN'ers say he has a legitimate shot.

Marty rebuilt and recoached that team from the ground up. LT was there a long while and was on board some losing seasons. Lets not forget the coaching job Marty did on that team just because two of his coordinators did well in year 5 and got head coaching jobs. Thats like how some people would like to discredit Billick for the 2000 Lombardi and give the credit to M. Lewis or Del Rio or some assistants, or purely credit the team's talent.


Any team where a coach that goes 14-2 is dumped WREAKS of instability. Imagine if we fired Billick after this 13-3 season because we lost at home? I think we'd look like IDIOTS, just like the chargers do right now.

According to KFFL, Adam Shefter is reporting that AJ Smith could be let go after the draft. As for Rex, there is ZERO chance he says no to the SD and nor should he. Rex deserves it and Billick's HC tree will grow.

That would make the most sense. Purge both men, Schottenheimer and Smith. But just because it makes the most sense, means to me it probably wont happen.


In any case, Rex would be taking over a team without a sole. The only worse position to take in the league is head coach of the raiders. But at the same time, at least with the Raiders there are moderate expectations.


What would be asked of Rex next year? 15-1? BTW, that division isn't a cakewalk.

[festivus]

In any case, Rex would be taking over a team without a sole.

Assuming you mean "soul," and not a footwear equipment problem. . . :whistling:

The Chargers have everything else. An owner willing to spend money. Loads of talent on both sides of the ball. What they need is a head coach who does not make everyone around him miserable.

If the only thing lacking is a 'soul,' then who wouldn't want to go there to be a HC? Do the best job you can to bring in top flight coordinators, be a player's coach to quell the grumbling, use your fine reputation to help bring in free agents a la Trevor Pryce "Wherever he goes, I go." Everybody loves him. He'd *be* the soul. And with new coordinators, even if everything goes to hell in a handbasket, in two years you can fire a coordinator and buy another couple of years as HC.

CBD, I fear you are looking at the situation through purple colored glasses, not that I blame you.

Here, let's do this together: :ihope:

[flraven]

I will miss Rex, but I think Jeff Fitzgerald or Donnie Henderson would do a great job at DC. Clarence Brooks would be a dark horse candidate, but he'd probably go with Rex as would Fitz.

If I'm not mistaken, I believe one of the conditions the Ravens give their assistants to interview is that they don't take anyone else with them, I could be wrong though.

[festivus]

If I'm not mistaken, I believe one of the conditions the Ravens give their assistants to interview is that they don't take anyone else with them, I could be wrong though.

I wouldn't be surprised if that's SOP across the league. Can you imagine, every time a popular coordinator gets a job as a HC, he promotes & takes with him half his staff? Ouch.

[highwater]

A.J. Smith may or may not be a good GM, but he appears to be a first rate asshole. However, no matter how big a prick he may be, how could Rex or anyone else who gets an offer turn it down? It's a very talented team.

But let's not hit the panic button on this -- Rex is one of several candidates. The speculation among sports media (for what that's worth) is that the Chargers would prefer someone with previous HC experience, and Rex isn't in that category.

[ClericBlackDave]

Assuming you mean "soul," and not a footwear equipment problem.

Didn't proofread that. Amazing how if you dont do that on a message board somebody has to comment on it. Its basically required.


That said, I'm looking at this from a very realistic perspective.


When a coach loses his job for a dominating 14-2 season, its has to make you think a little, if you're Rex Ryan or other candidates.


How long does he get as a head coach there before getting the boot? And who runs the offense for him? Is he defensive coordinator AND headcoach for them that 1st year? how does that work for him.


I'm saying that rather than letting the job choose him, Ryan might want to choose the job.


I'd give it a 15% chance that he says no knowing what just happened.

[PurpleRulz]

If I'm not mistaken, I believe one of the conditions the Ravens give their assistants to interview is that they don't take anyone else with them, I could be wrong though.

I believe you are correct. If Fitzgerald or Henderson took over, they'd probably keep the current assistants.

[festivus]

Didn't proofread that. Amazing how if you dont do that on a message board somebody has to comment on it. Its basically required.

And if the person commenting doesn't mean any harm he puts a smiley, like this: :whistling:

See? You're right, it happens. Could be worse, you could have confused the Leaning Tower of Pisa with the Eiffel Tower, then people would ride you for two pages.

[purplepoe]

Marty Schottenheimer was fired because:

1. He and Smith hated each other.

2. He is an absolute joke of a coach in the playoffs. Just go look at some of the things that have happened over the years.


Of course Rex Ryan takes this job. This whole "taking over a 14-2 team is alot of pressure" stuff is RIDICULOUS.

SD is arguably the most talented team in the freakin league. Anyone who is offered the job will take it without a second thought.

There's just as muchpressure to take over a team that isn't very good. The reason? When an owner hires a coach nowadays, he expects big things almost right away. It's the nature of the beast now. Any coach would take a team like the Chargers over a team like the Lions. Look at a guy like Crennel. On the hot seat after 2 years. Shell? Gone. Green? 3 years and gone. It's a win now league and the Chargers are by far the most talented team to have a head coaching vacancy since probably the Cowboys when Johnson left and Switzer took over.

AJ Smith might be a dick, but he is a GREAT GM when it comes to personnel. To just toss aside the great deals he's made is unreal.

AJ Smith and Marty Schottenheimer hated each other because Marty wanted more control.

That doesn't mean that Ryan wants what Marty wanted or that he won't get along with AJ Smith.

Hell, alot of coaches don't want to be involved in that stuff and would be THRILLED the with players Smith presented Marty with.

PP

[ClericBlackDave]

All good points PP.


However, as a coach is seems that you want a GM you can work with, and have a working relationship with.


I think thats one reason I want Billick to be here basically as long as Ozzie is. Between them and Bisciotti, we have a Class A org, regardless of what Ed Reed says


In San Diego, its hard to say who's pulling the strings right now, and who WILL be pulling the strings.


its not to say that Rex Ryan wants certain powers at all. But it think the ability to hire coaching staff as appropriate, etc is pretty standard. Sean Salisbury said as much in an interview.


Vis a Vis Schottenheimer and the Playoffs, I think thats way overstated. If Nate Kaeding doesn't lay a brick against the Jets, it'd all be different. If someone doesn't fumble on an interception return of a Tom Brady miscue, the chargers get their shot at the colts probably. you can't put in all on him.


Overall, it just strikes me that Ryan could be dodging a bullet if he didn't take SD this year, and instead took another team next year.


At team that essentially has no settled coordinators or assistants and no headcoach, with an overbearing GM and an owner with off again on again testicular fortitude.


What offense does Ryan run? What defense? Overall, how much do you change the team? Or is it Ryan and some leftover assistants just running what Marty left behind?

[purplepoe]

Overbearing?

He didn't get along with Marty. That's it. How exactly is he overbearing? He's put together a hell of a team.

And if he's the major problem then why wouldn't Spanos just fire Smith after the season and try to keep some of the coaching staff they lost. They not only lost the coordinators, but a bunch of assistants that would've made the transition to coordinators much easier.

It's not hard to see who's pulling the strings in SD. In fact, it's about clear as it can be. AJ Smith is the GM and made decisions that Marty didn't like. However, take a look at those decisions and how they translated on the field. It's been said enough, but I'll say it again. AJ Smith gave Marty one hell of a team to work with.

As far as Schottenheimer.

Just go look at some of his decisions in the playoffs. That Jets game is a perfect example. They were driving and then decided to run the ball up the gut twice and go for a FG on 3rd down. It was a long one too. He wimped out. Like he always has in the playoffs. Did you see him vs the Pats? He has zero communication with his coordinators and looked lost. The guy isn't a terrible coach, but he doesn't get it done in the playoffs. And he's had more talent many times but failed to win the big one. Say what you want about others, but they have won the big one. Cowher at least made it to the SB in 95 and finally got his ring last season.

How you think Ryan would be dodging a bullet by not taking the SD job is beyone me. It truly is.

ANY coach would love to take over a team with that talent.

What offense does Ryan run? What defense? Overall, how much do you change the team? Or is it Ryan and some leftover assistants just running what Marty left behind?

These are all questions every coach has to answer when taking a head coaching position. It is actually easier for Ryan in this case. He's got the talent (when most new coaches don't) on both sides of the ball to win NOW. Something any coach knows is the most important thing to have.

PP

[ClericBlackDave]

PP:

a) Spanos is not a Bisciotti. Nothing about him wreak of strong ownership. Firing Marty was a very reactive move that was over the top. The ravens had a 6-10 season last year and didn't do something so rash. You would think the Chargers were the Raiders and 2-14 instead of 14-2


b)

It's not hard to see who's pulling the strings in SD. In fact, it's about clear as it can be. AJ Smith is the GM and made decisions that Marty didn't like

I disagree. In a city like Baltimore, its clear who calls the shots. Bisciotti is at the top; Billick and Newsome below him, with Newsome calling the shots on personel and Billick on coaching, and both answering to Bisciotti.


You didn't see anyone questioning Billick's authority to hire fassel: and no-one questioning his decision to fire him and call plays himself. A coach should run his coaching staff.


The exact opposite just happened in San Diego, and its not clear if it was the owner or the GM that really made the decision to let marty go.


Conversely, if Billick get's fired, I think we'll know that it was bisciotti signed off on it, and newsome as GM executes the search for a new coach, and it wasn't because of beef with newsome or something else. Thank god we have a strong owner. he asserted himself last year for better or for worse.




San Diego coaching staff is in such a mess right now, with the division they play in, i expect a letdown, regardless of the coach. You'll either have a whole new coaching staff running someone else's system(s), or a whole new coaching staff installing an entirely new system.


While I agree that San Diego has talent that a coach would like, I think you'd like a place where you know whats going on. I'm NOT saying Rex Ryan would want Bellicheck type control. But I think he'd like to know exactly what the system of control is.