Raheem Morris, Come on Down!
by bcfunk on Jan 1, 2009 11:33 AM MST
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PrintRaheem Morris may not be the Bucs defensive coordinator next season after all.
The Denver Broncos have asked permission to interview Morris for their head coaching job.
The Broncos fired coach Mike Shanahan on Tuesday after 14 seasons. Morris will interview with Broncos owner Pat Bowlen on Monday in Denver.
Morris, 32, was named the Bucs defensive coordinator for 2009 on Christmas Day, succeeding Monte Kiffin, who is joining his son Lane at Tennessee.
But Morris is considered a rising star in the coaching ranks and is a protege of Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin.
The Bucs cannot block Morris or any assistant coach from interviewing for a head coaching job.
Kiffin had nothing but praise for Morris upon leaving the Bucs
This interview selection makes me excited. I had high hopes for Morris becoming our DC (he received the lowest amounts of votes in my DC poll), but would be just as happy to see him or someone like him brought in. I know the big names everyone keeps dropping, but I'm inclined to go more of the Mike Tomlin route. Now I know people will say this interview satisfies the Rooney rule, which it does, but I have a feeling Mr. Bowlen isn't one to go through the motions. It's still early in the process, but I wonder if this implies that Bates could have a future with the team as OC...
On a side note, I will continue to drop Charlie Strong name (Florida Gators DC) as a coach I'd love to see on our staff in any capacity.
This is a Fan-Created Comment on MileHighReport.com. The opinion here is not necessarily shared by the editorial staff of MHR
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I know you called it, but...
I think this may be the Rooney Rule in effect. I don’t know if I would trust Morris as a head coach with no experience (he has only spent one year even as a coordinator- in 2006 with Kansas State) but then again, I want the next Mike Tomlin and I “endorsed” Barack Obama. I would be excited about him bringing in a Tampa 2 Defense, especially since we have some of the personnel in place- namely, agile cover linebackers. I think he would instantly upgrade our defense and, obviously, bring a fresh message. But beyond that, I don’t know anything about him. I hope he wouldn’t try to take over the offense. Leave it to Bates and Cutler, please, and don’t take away my zone blocking!
In Bowlen we trust. Find someone special.
Questions I have about Raheem Morris:
Is he an aggressive or conservative-style coach?
Is he fiery and in-your-face or laid back and personable?
Will he run a tough or laid-back camp?
Does he know anything about offense?
DOES HE POSSESS COWBELL?
In Bowlen we trust. Find someone special.
We need some cowbell, baby.
This is my GAP, there are many like it but this one is mine. Without my GAP I am useless, without me, they will run through my GAP. I will protect my GAP and have my brothers back on his. I will not be moved from my GAP, I am a crazed dog that patrols this area and will defeat all who entire it. I own this GAP, it is mine. I bought it with blood and sweat. I will not be pushed. I will not be moved. This Sunday I will make a stand and a statement.
Rooney rule
Detroit was fined $400,000 for not interviewing an African-American, so they did have to interview one, although I don’t think there was no interest on the Broncos’ part. I do like him better than Stoops, actually.
Have to agree
As sad as it may be, I really see this as Bowlen meeting the Rooney rule with the intent to get Cowher. Nothing against Morris, but it would be too big of a jump from position coach to HC at this point in his career. I think Pat had indicated he wants someone of Mike’s caliber, hello Mr. Cowher.
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
Rotoworld said that we already plan on keeping Bates
The Broncos plan to retain offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates despite firing mentor Mike Shanahan.
This sounds nice, but Denver still must hire a GM and head coach. Owner Pat Bowlen will leave staff decisions up to his new leaders and they will likely want to install their own offense. Bates flirted with leaving for the University of Tennessee in early December. That offer may still be on the table.
They sited their source as the Denver Post. Still I’m not sure how legit that is….
Yes, I'm a Diamondback and Suns fan. So you may be wondering, "Why does this fool like the Broncos so much?"
A: The Cardinals are too hard of a pill to swallow. Oh yeah and that Elway dude....
Did I have this one or what?
I like the Tampa-2 scheme for the Broncos, as I mentioned yesterday. You can always easily find a Cato June or a Kelvin Hayden type in the draft, and then replace them when they do well, and somebody else wants to overpay them. Tampa-2 adds value as a system, just like ZB does as a system.
As for Morris, everything I have heard about the guy is that he is a really bright young coach, who has a terrific future. This is good news, in my opinion.
"I am not one of those who think that coming in second or third is winning." -- Robert F. Kennedy
by Ted Bartlett on Jan 1, 2009 11:56 AM MST reply actions 1 recs
Ted Bartlett you are one smart cookie....
Great call and read of the situation.
I would be OK with youth at our coaching positions if we can bring in a gun GM like Pioli
I like your style and I am recommending you!
Happy New Year mate!
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
good point
Guru made the same point recently.
The one thing that bothers me is the transition costs. And it’s hard to figure out how Champ or Bly fit the mold of a Cover-2 CB. Someone here with an understanding of the ‘Xs and Os’ could help me understand that, or if we should be planning on their staying.
But about the potential move...
…I like it. I like it because it fills three of my wants:
1)An relitively unheard of young coach
2)A defensive minded coach
3)A coach that has studied under one or two successful coaches
Except that bad thing about number one is that I don’t know much about him. Anyone got some info..?
Yes, I'm a Diamondback and Suns fan. So you may be wondering, "Why does this fool like the Broncos so much?"
A: The Cardinals are too hard of a pill to swallow. Oh yeah and that Elway dude....
Also, here is a fun idea...
Rod Marinelli as Assistant Head Coach (regardless of who is hired.) His performance in Detroit this season actually made me gain a lot of respect for him this season. I am partial to stand-up guys, and Rod is a STAND-UP GUY. He’s also a fiery motivator type, and if Morris were to be the Head Coach, they go back to Tampa. When you’re going to hire an under-experienced young coach, it’s best to put somebody strong and experienced with him, ala Dick Lebeau in Pittsburgh for Mike Tomlin. You want to give him the best possibile consigliere.
"I am not one of those who think that coming in second or third is winning." -- Robert F. Kennedy
According to FoxSports
Jay Glazer is reporting the Broncos will meet Saturday with Spagnuolo from the Gints and then Monday with Morris.
Or so I'm told.
I'm sorry, but I don't like this at all
They can interview him, and, in a way, it’s kind of exciting to go with a young coach, but the fact is, he’s never even been a DC. There’s no way we can know if he’ll make a good HC. Can we find out what the success rate is of coaches who have never been coordinators is? I wouldn’t know how to look that up.
If it’s good, great. Otherwise, I say we go with someone else. He may be bright and an up and comer, but how does he handle the day to day running of an entire football team? We won’t know until he does it, but I’d rather it be somewhere else.
Maybe it would be alright if we surrounded him with a Marinelli type, someone who knows the ropes.
Also, I’m not so high on Spags. 49? I’ve read some articles that indicate that coaches past of the age of 55 have terrible records of success, that’s only five years away (assuming he turns 50 in ‘09), I’d rather go with someone a bit younger.
I still like Cowher because he’s a successful HC, and I’d be intrigued by the DC out of Tennessee. The Titans always seem to have a good D
...
Tony Sparano and John Harbaugh this year. Don’t believe Andy Reid was ever a coordinator. I’m sure there are many other examples. Josh McDaniels went from a stats analyst to random helper-guy to DB coach to QB coach to OC. I don’t think there’s a set-in-stone method to becoming a headcoach anymore…no more “paying your dues” for 10 years first.
If we can keep our offensive staff intact, all we need is someone to revamp the defense and motivate/lead.
BTW
Mike Tomlin was never a DC either. Look how good the steelers have been under him
somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong
by broncfanstuckinsd on Jan 1, 2009 10:55 PM MST up reply actions
That's because
The Steelers already had a future HOF DC in place. I’d like to give him cedit for keeping LeBeau, but I’m sure that was never even on the table. You’re right, though. He is doing a bang up job. In two short years he has won the respect of the entire organization and most of its fans.
Three coaches in forty years and counting.
I am making a point
That just because he hasnt been a DC yet, doesnt make this a token interview. This guy was hot at the end of last year and was going to be considered this year. Look you have to be good to replace Monte Kiffen.
I respect what the steelers have done, but 4 coaches in 32 years is pretty good in ion its own
somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong
by broncfanstuckinsd on Jan 2, 2009 9:19 AM MST up reply actions
Yes, if you look at the two organizations over the last 40 years they are very similar in their success which is why I agree that it won’t be just a token interview. I’m sure Mr. Bowlen will be like Mr. Rooney in his search for a new head coach. He will interview a number of candidates then dwindle the list down and re-interview and then make a final decision.
The HC job in Denver is a plumb job for any HC. I’m sure Mr. Bowlen will take his time and make the right decision.
DB coach
somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong
by broncfanstuckinsd on Jan 2, 2009 9:16 AM MST up reply actions
plus it doenst matter
my point is I dont think this a token interview cuz of the Rooney rule. This guy is legit
somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong
by broncfanstuckinsd on Jan 2, 2009 9:21 AM MST up reply actions
I agree
Everything I have ever heard about Morris is that he’s very bright, and a future star as a head coach. Not every situation is right for hiring a talented young guy maybe a year too early, but like Dan Rooney in Pittsburgh, Pat Bowlen has the gravitas and credibility with his fan base and the local media to make such a hire, and then live through some growing pains, like the Steelers did with Mike Tomlin.
The key with hiring a Morris (or McDaniels or promoting our own guy Jeremy Bates) is to put some strong, experienced people around him to support and advise him.
"I am not one of those who think that coming in second or third is winning." -- Robert F. Kennedy
I agree with you that this isn't a throwaway, token interview...
and he is also the guy that I’m hoping for. I don’t think the age will scare Bowlen away either, whoever wins the interview process will be awarded the job, regardless of their age. Either way, I don’t think Morris will be the DC in Tampa for long. If not with the Broncos this year, he will get his chance with another team soon.
I agree completely
I am rooting for Morris to get the job. I just think he is what Denver needs right now. I think he can turn the defense around rather quixkly
somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong
by broncfanstuckinsd on Jan 2, 2009 12:56 PM MST up reply actions
Raheem Morris
I live in the Tampa area and he is highly regarded by the Bucs so much so that they let Kiffen leave with time left on his contract. They wouldn’t let Joe Barry leave to Detroit until he finished his last year which hurt Marinelli. I hope he gets a legit shot at the interview. When Tomlin was hired everyone said, who? I think they’re happy now or should be.
No, he sure isn't
He’ll be on the CBS set for at least one more year, goofing around with JB, Dan, Shannon, and Boomer.
"I am not one of those who think that coming in second or third is winning." -- Robert F. Kennedy
My concerm is that this Morris is only 32.....
that is a little too young to be a head coach in this league. There are vets that are older than that.
Go for Spagnulo if this team is wanting a fresh face.
fader nation is a conquered nation
"Jerry Jones is Al Davis with a smile!"
The creator of the following names: conquered fader nation, Phyllis and his merry men
Spagnulo
didn’t acquire that beastly dline he has had in NY.
I was thinking a combonation of Ryan and Morris would be great with Elway doing something. A GM? Eh, I dont know. To me, that is a harder area to fill considering our past blunders. But, I think Ryan will ultimately be the DC or HC.
My 2009 cuts/trades/etc: Prater, Hall, Young, McCree, Maneul, T. Bell, B. Bailey, C. Bailey, Slowik, Englenberger, Winborn, Pittman, Ramsey, Webster. (Subject to Update)
by broncodude793 on Jan 1, 2009 1:37 PM MST up reply actions
Yep, BUT....
Young team, young OC (Bates), young HC (Morris) and bring in experienced DC (Marinelli) and experienced GM (Pioli) and we would be firing on all cylinders.
You need a young fiery coach to make a young fiery team….a perfect fit.
Now, watch USC and watch play of Rey, Cushing, Matthews and Mays!
Those that cant coach, compete!
Failing to plan is planning to fail.
Ok I hear Spags is in the mix also
Having a diner of sorts with the top brass.. But call me crazy here is what would make me happy. Since I am so freaking sad about loosing Coach Shanny. I would like to have Spaggs or Cower as HC, keep Goodman as GM and hire Morris as DC.. Shoot,I would even like Bobby Turner as HC.
For the love of the animals. 24
And he can't...
Assistants under contract can only leave for upward moves. An under-contract DC can’t go be a DC somewhere else, unless his original team grants permission, a la Shanahan granting Mike Heimerdinger permission to return to Tennessee last year. That wil not happen with Morris
"I am not one of those who think that coming in second or third is winning." -- Robert F. Kennedy
"And he can't"
I understand the rule, but it’s been gotten around by calling (e.g., Morris’) the new guy an assistant head coach, or the like.
Anyone looking for a sign will find one. JB Freeman
Just remember the Rooney Rule
I’m not saying this is a gratuitous interview, but it does fill the requirement..
-TSG
SBNation's Denver Broncos Blogger
MileHighReport
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Fills the requirement early...
maybe Pat does have something up his sleeve. I know, I’m cynical.
That said, I think hiring a young, talented coach like Morris would be awesome. I would be more excited about a guy like Morris than Cower. Plus, you wouldn’t have to deal with front office power-struggles, huge salaries, etc.
"Choose the sword, and you will join me. Choose the ball and you join your mother, in death. You don’t understand my words, but you must choose. So… come boy, choose life or death."
I know...but
at least Bowlen’s not trotting some has-been just to meet the requirement. Morris could come in and WOW the interview committee and walk a way with the job ala Tomlin.
I wish Woody Paige was our coach!
Yep...
that’s the best thing about the Rooney rule, and I would love it if that happened here with Morris.
"Choose the sword, and you will join me. Choose the ball and you join your mother, in death. You don’t understand my words, but you must choose. So… come boy, choose life or death."
defense
just give me cowher, spags, johnson, ryan, someone who knows defense and defensive players. it could be for hc, or dc, but i would like input from the defensive minds either way with fa and the draft looming. gm, hc, dc, this is a rebuilding of the coaching staff at the higher levels, but hopefully the offensive assistants stay on. the rest can pretty much go, if they have to. BIG calls for bowlen, keep your fingers crossed. and put the d back in enver, please.
hear me, perpetrators of bread crime, your punishment is at hand.
taste my blintzkrieg!
all i want for xmas is blitzen.
Rooney Rule
When Tomlin interviewed people thought it was just to satisfy the rule, look at how many teams wish they had done the same
Jeremy Bates will be OC, which means the new coach will be a previous DC! Ryan/Spagnuolo would be great!
Hogblog...aka KSM
It sure looks that way, although...
if we bring in a new GM, which means Goodman doesn’t take over that role, then I’m not sure I like this notion of interviewing HC before we have a GM in place. I know time is an issue and perhaps Bowlen et al feel that they need to start interviewing HC candidates now while they also look for a new GM. If not, this tells me Goodman will serve in the GM capacity. Also, I’m not to keen on the “Cowboys” model of forcing your HC to have a specific OC. Perhaps it’s just me, but I never like the way it played out in Dallas (Garrett/Wade).
I wish Woody Paige was our coach!
Morris
is a rooney rule interview, nothing more. Spag or Schwartz would be better. NOT STOOPS! How about Shanahan, wait . . . we just fired him!
by GJcontingent-rAd on Jan 1, 2009 9:07 PM MST reply actions
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