Rookie Head Coaches/Part #2 … Thursday Cup O’Chiefs
Todd Haley is one of six NFL head coaches who hold that top job for the first time. Over three days we are looking at the recent success rate of rookie head coaches in the league and what that evidence tells us about the kind of start-up season we may see from Haley
About a dozen years ago, Marty Schottenheimer was relaxing after a practice and talking about being a head coach.
“You don’t ever get to coach anymore,” he said. “You don’t get a lot of time with the players individually or in positions. You’ve got so many different things pulling at your attention.
“You find out you aren’t really a coach. You are a problem solver. That’s what a head coach does; he solves problems. Sometimes those problems are football. Most of the time they are not.”
This was the view of an experienced NFL head coach, a guy who had been on the job for more than 10 years with the Browns and Chiefs. It’s part of the transition that Todd Haley is making this season in his first chance at being a head coach at any level of football.
“There’s a lot to consider, a lot to prepare for,” Haley said. “It’s one of the reasons I’m so happy with the staff; they’ve been a big help to help. I’ve relied on some of those guys for ideas.”
Previous head coaching experience guarantees nothing when taking over an NFL team. But it’s sure helpful in making smooth transitions and getting teams up and running and winning more quickly. There’s not on-the-job learning and that allows the coach can take his role to the next level.
We are looking at the results of first-time head coaches in the NFL over the first nine seasons of this decade. There were 29 in all and their stories run the spectrum from immediate disaster to appearing in a Super Bowl. Hopefully it will provide a road map to judge/predict the progress and performance of Haley in this first season.
Again, these are first-time head coaches, who did not run a team on any level of the game before taking over their NFL club.
FIRST TIME HEAD COACHES 2003-20005
2003
Jack Del Rio, Jacksonville (right) – He moved from defensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers to replace Tom Coughlin as head coach of the Jaguars. Del Rio was 40 years old in his first season as head coach and had spent seven years in the coaching business, all in the NFL. He also had an 11-year career as a linebacker with the Saints, Chiefs, Cowboys and Vikings. The Jaguars record the season before Del Rio took over: 6-10. Del Rio’s first-season record: 5-11. Del Rio’s record as Jacksonville head coach: six seasons so far (2003-08) with a 51-48 record and two post-season appearances. STILL ON THE JOB
Marvin Lewis, Cincinnati – He was working as the assistant head coach/defensive coordinator of the Washington Redskins when he was named to replace Dick LeBeau as head coach of the Bengals. Lewis was 45 years old in September of his first season and was in his 23rd year of coaching (11 in college football, 12 in the NFL.) Bengals record the season before Lewis took over: 2-14. Lewis’ first-season record: 8-8. Lewis’ record as Cincinnati head coach: six seasons so far (2003-08) with a 46-51 record and one visit to the playoffs. STILL ON THE JOB
2004
Jim Mora, Jr., Atlanta (left) – He was the defensive coordinator of the San Francisco 49ers when he was named to replace Dan Reeves/Wade Phillips as head coach of the Falcons. Mora was 42 years old and in his 20th season of coaching, all in the NFL. The Falcons record the season before Mora took over: 5-11. Mora’s first-season record: 11-5, with a 1-1 record in the playoffs. Mora’s record as Falcons head coach: three seasons (2004-06) with a 27-23 record and one post-season appearance. FIRED
Mike Mularkey, Buffalo – Before he was named to replace Greg Williams as head coach of the Buffalo Bills, Mularkey was the offensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He was 42 years old when he was named to the position and in his 12th season of coaching (one at the college level and 11 in the NFL). Mularkey played nine seasons at tight end in the NFL with the Vikings and Steelers. The Bills record the season before Mularkey took over: 6-10. Mularkey’s first-season record: 9-7. Mularkey’s record as head coach of the Bills: two seasons (2004-05) with a 14-18 record and no post-season appearances. FIRED
Lovie Smith, Chicago – He was working as the defensive coordinator of the St. Louis Rams when he was hired to replace Dick Jauron as head coach of the Bears. Smith was 46 years old when he was hired and it was his 25th season in coaching (three in high school, 13 in college football and nine in the NFL.) The Bears record the season before Smith took over: 7-9. Smith’s first-season record: 5-11. Smiths’ record as head coach of the Bears: five seasons (2004-08), with a 47-37 record, two appearances in the playoffs and a trip to the Super Bowl after the 2006 season. STILL ON THE JOB
2005
Mike Nolan, San Francisco (right) – He left the position as defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens to replace Dennis Erickson as head coach of the 49ers. Nolan was 46 years old and in his 25th season of coaching (six in college, 19 in the NFL.) The 49ers record the season before Nolan took over: 2-14. Nolan’s first-season record: 4-12. Nolan’s record as head coach of the 49ers: just about 3.5 seasons (2005-08), with an 18-37 record and no appearances in the post-season. FIRED
2003-05 recap: 6 first time head coaches … three remain on job … three were fired … with this group the average first-year record was 7-9 … only two of the six finished the rookie season with a winning record … only one team made the playoffs in that first year.
TOMORROW: 2006-2008
FINAL BEAM PUT IN PLACE FOR ARROWHEAD RENOVATION
On Wednesday, construction workers put the final steel beam in place for the renovations of Arrowhead Stadium. The placement on the top of the south side of the stadium came 23 months after groundbreaking ceremonies were held at the stadium.
Taking part in the traditional topping off ceremony were Chiefs employees and construction workers who have been working double shifts on the site to get Arrowhead ready for the start of the 2009 season. Full renovations will not be complete until the 2010 season.
Those taking part in the ceremony signed the beam that was painted white, which is traditional for a topping off ceremony. Once everybody signed, the beam was connected to a crane and lifted into place. On the beam was an American flag, a Chiefs flag and an evergreen tree, which symbolizes growth and is supposed to bring luck.
Work will continue right up until the August 15th pre-season opener against Houston.
ROETHLISBERGER CAUGHT IN SPOTLIGHT ON CIVIL CASE IN NEVADA
American courtrooms are filled with legal cases that can best be summarized this way: he said, she said.
Super Bowl winning quarterback Ben Roethlisberger now finds himself in just such a situation out in Washoe County, Nevada where a woman has filed a civil suit against him. Andrea McNulty claims that on July 11, 2008, Roethlisberger sexually assaulted her in his room at the Harrah’s Lake Tahoe Hotel.
Roethlisberger was at Lake Tahoe for the annual American Century Celebrity Golf Tournament last year. He was served with the papers on the law suit over the weekend, when this year’s event was held. The suit seeks $440,000 in damages from the quarterback, $50,000 from a group of employees at Harrah’s who the woman claims participated in a cover-up of the event. There’s also a request for unspecified punitive damages.
The suit charges Roethlisberger with civil counts of assault, sexual assault and battery, false imprisonment, false pretenses, fraud and intentional infliction of emotional distress.
Roethlisberger’s attorney has denied the allegation of assault.
What to make of this? A couple of points stand out in this situation. No criminal complaint was filed by the woman. She says she was worried she would be fired if she talked with the police. Reportedly she told the hotel’s security chief about the assault the day after it happened and she was told to keep her mouth shut.
This is an ugly and sad story, no matter whether you want to believe him or her. If she made this up, then she’s a terribly troubled woman. If Roethlisberger did this, he should be behind bars for a very long time.
The question is whether we will ever learn the truth.
SIGNINGS & MOVEMENT AROUND THE LEAGUE
BILLS – signed fifth-round draft choice S Nic Harris.
BRONCOS – signed fifth-round draft choice WR Kenny McKinley.
FALCONS – announced the retirement of C Jeremy Newberry.
JAGUARS – signed seventh-round draft choice RB Rashad Jennings.
LIONS – traded WR Ronald Curry to the Rams for DT Orien Harris.
PACKERS – signed fifth-round draft choice FB Quinn Johnson.
SAY HAPPY BIRTHDAY …
Born on July 23, 1937 was DB David Webster. He was a member of the original Dallas Texans and played two seasons for the team (1960-61), appearing in all 28 games. Webster was one of the defensive stars of the first AFL seasons, intercepting 11 passes and scoring a total of three touchdowns (two on interception returns and one on a fumble return.) He was named to the 1961 AFL All-Star game.
Nice content in the doldrums of the season. It appears we would be lucky to get to 7-9 this year, particulary given our roster.
BTW, guys you should occasionally click on some of the ads on the site. If I am not mistaken this is what keeps Bob’s site afloat…
I don’t see the Chiefs winning more than 4 games. Too much upheaval and change plus the schedule is brutal.
This is a bad deal with Roethlisburger, if he’s guilty, his career should be over, if not, then he’s getting shafted. I dunno, but often times where there’s smoke there’s fire. This sounds a lot like the Kobe Bryant incident of a few years ago.
As for our fledgling head coach, I think he may have what it takes, but that could be just wishful thinking. one things for sure, he won’t fail because he allowed the players to walk all over him.
Nice article Bob. It sure looks like we should not expect a postseason appearance this year. On the other hand….it’s happened before. It looks like a lot of coaches that are typically successful and are still in their jobs are the ones that started with a mediocre record. Still….I am rooting for that Super Bowl appearance right off the bat.
yeah Justin D I do the same thing. Click on the ads once in a while, help the man out!!!!
I hope we can make it to 7-9. I think our schedule is more of a factor than our roster. I think we made good strides this year in the turnaround. But in my opinion the schedule is much harder than last year. But thats why we play the game, you never know who will be a surprise and who will suck
“On Wednesday, construction workers put the final steel beam in place for the renovations of Arrowhead Stadium.”
How long before it is no longer called Arrowhead Stadium and given some kind of naming rights?
Let’s see…
‘Welcome to Phillip Morris Stadium…home of the Kansas City Chiefs. This is a non-smoking facility…’
‘Welcome to Krispy Kreme Stadium…please feel free to get some of our Dunkin Donuts!’
‘Welcome to Six Flags Stadium…after the game, please make it over to Worlds of Fun!’
Yeah, what’s up with the schedule? I thought we were supposed to get a schedule based upon our record from last year…Is it just me, or does it sometimes feel like KC gets the shaft from the NFL?
“Herm’s the man….daddy-o…Clark has affirmed…search and check…it wasn’t like this back in the sixties…green eyes…i’m the pied piper…Fred Arbanas is better than Tony Gonazalez…blah blah blah. :)”
“I thought we were supposed to get a schedule based upon our record from last year…”
Generally we do. However, 6 games are locked in (divisional games…and 4 other ones are also locked (interconference schedule rotates divisions every 4 years - this year is AFC West’s turn to take on NFC East). That’s not the League’s fault that NFC East happens to be powerful.
“i’m the pied piper…”
You fed the troll again…LOL
A tale of Kaycee coaches: the young and the old, the know-it-all & the not so bold - of a former a football player and a former… a golf coach.
“You find out you aren’t really a coach.”
- translation: memo to ‘check’ - get out while you can man - afore all the club teaching pro openings are filled from here to Florida.
Some folks find out - albeit too late - they’re but regular season coaches, ne’er the twain post season and success to become theirs; others will find they’re more at home in a sand trap than on 100 yards of gridiron- green’s the color all the way around: fairway, hash marks, money, envy and yes…coaching (in)experience.
Marty’s trying to save the man that BW cut down to size further embarrassment - shouldst take the hint - STAT.
“You are a problem solver.”
- translation: and too sometimes the impetus for umbrage taken by another, there, in the rarefied hallway aire, playing monitor…asking names and taking liberties when no appointment wouldst be the better. Alas, finds out too late, tho better late than never; bows down to the All Pro asking forgiveness, hitches up those britches once more that were caught up around the ankles - problem solved.
“That’s what a head coach does”
- translation: unlike the novice who ’stead roams the vestibule checking passes, finds out only too late twas more than a matter “any 22 will do” … he won’t make that mistake his again - willst not even get the chance.
“he solves problems. Sometimes those problems are football. Most of the time they are not.”
- translation: sometimes, they be the result of a size 10 hat upon a #2 head - boarding house reach in an Obama world…it’s spread the wealth & have dialogue - no room here a tee them up demagogue.
“There’s a lot to consider, a lot to prepare for” Haley said.
- translation: I should have never uttered those words I shall come to rue: “any 22″… boo hoo.
“It’s one of the reasons I’m so happy with the staff”
- translation: there are so many of them to cry upon that I’ll be able to deflect blame when the inevitable losses mine start piling up a torrent as my tears each Sunday this fall… strength in shoulders- er, numbers so to speak, those any 22.
“they’ve been a big help to help.”
- translation: I am starting to repeat myself now - waiter, I’ve fallen and can’t get up - ‘check’ please!
“I’ve relied on some of those guys for ideas.”
- translation: because I’m just plumb out of my own, and training camp has yet to even start. I so wish that I was on a golf course somewhere in Florida now, any 22- er, any ‘where’ but here…
daddy-o, ’search’ & ‘check’ affirming…
[...] Chiefs Update Chiefs News | Chiefs Football at BobGretz.com [...]
re: Rook head coaches. One common denominator runs through the entire bunch and that is, if the coach can’t find a way to forge a winning record within his first 2, 3 years max, he’s gone.
That W-L record is the ultimate scoreboard for head coaches, as it should be. No amount of excuses, positioning or posturing will change the W-L record. Tough job.
re: Big Ben’s civil suit. It’s too easy to speculate and take a side in a matter such as this which I won’t do. That won’t stop others though and that’s kind of sad given the voracious appetite of the media for any kind of story during this slow (NFL) time of the year.
Especially so for that story that has the earmarks of titillation attached. Let’s hope the true facts are surfaced and we can all get on down the road.
‘Appearing on 1280 WHTK in Rochester, NY earlier this week, LT Branden Albert had this to say about Haley:
“A lot of people felt we were out of shape last year but we’re not out of shape this year.” ‘
[...] Chiefs Update Chiefs News | Chiefs Football at BobGretz.com [...]
“I’ve fallen and can’t get up - ‘check’ please!”
That’s what Clark said after how CP and Herm ran things.
Wasn’t Kobe’s problem in Tahoe as well? If I ever get rich and famous, I’ll party in Vegas with LJ.
‘Appearing on 1280 WHTK in Rochester, NY earlier this week, LT Branden Albert had this to say about Haley: “A lot of people felt we were out of shape last year but we’re not out of shape this year.” ‘
- translation: I was immature and refused to take personal responsibility last year, despite Herm & the other coaches well reasoned expectations - I was not alone. That we had so many young players who refused to listen was/is a direct reflection on all of us players.
I now realize I along with the other 52 guys on the team cost Herm his job - I humbly apologize and ask forgiveness.
daddy-o, ’search’ & ‘check’ :roll’ affirming…
- “I’m such a poseur.”
“- translation: I was immature…”
Translation: my coach and my GM should have spent time at different barber shops - as what came out of the barber shops they were at resulted in a 2-23 record in our coach’s last 25 games with the Chiefs. Apparently my new coach isn’t going to be as soft with us in practices this season so maybe I and other players will stay in shape going into camp.
SG,
I agree, it’s not the NFL’s fault that the NFC East is such a powerhouse division, but do we REALLY need to take on the defending Super Bowl Champs? Or Baltimore AT Baltimore?
Sorry for feeding the troll…I couldn’t resist.
“I agree, it’s not the NFL’s fault that the NFC East is such a powerhouse division, but do we REALLY need to take on the defending Super Bowl Champs? Or Baltimore AT Baltimore?
Sorry for feeding the troll…”
If I gave a balanced argument, I would have sunk my own point in mid-paragraph…LOL.
Trolls happen.
The Chiefs seem full of potential. GM/HC and many players. If it can come together, could be the start of something special. But like most butts, potential just mean you have not done the job successfully (and probably will not or you would not be here). Sorry but the Chiefs seem stuck in not enough players or wrong coach or no desire owner and after one superbowl win, a bottom feeder in the NFL.
“my coach and my GM should have spent time at different barber shops”
- ‘check’ at Floyd’s Bunker Mentality Clip Joint, ’search’ at the Scatman Cruthers Buff and Shine Memorial Tonsorial…
“as what came out of the barber shops they were at”
- was a hideous duo - an odd couple to be sure…
“resulted in a”
- call to the authorities about two vagrants wondering the south KC area…
“2-23″
- now he’s up to “23″, any “22″ having fallen by the wayside- as will his short lived KC coaching stay…
“record in our coach’s last 25 games with the Chiefs.”
- will be another way of saying his first 25 same - only, he’ll come up short in both cases…
“Apparently my new coach isn’t going to be”
- able to count past 22, ever…he’ll be gone afore he’s coached even 23 games in KC.
“as soft”
- as any golf coaches football resume we could hope for…
“with us in practices this season”
- he will teach us how to apply his renowned ‘bunker’ mentality…
“so maybe I and other players will stay in shape going into camp.”
- course, we told Herm and the other coaches the same thing last year; it’s gonna be fun cracking on the freshman coach this year…heh heh heh.
daddy-o
“Sorry but the Chiefs seem stuck in not enough players or wrong coach or no desire owner and after one superbowl win, a bottom feeder in the NFL.”
At least our owner’s name is not Al Davis. That will continue to be a sign of hope.
“…now he’s up to “23″, any “22″ having fallen by the wayside-”
Regardless of the disagreement viewpoint-wise, the jabs do have some wit.
And now it’s time to play “Claim That Caption”!
Today: prelude to a coaching casualty
#1
‘check’ uses both hands and all of his fingers to explain his “any 22″ theory to players- but comes up short; it didn’t work in the Superbowl either.
#2
‘check’ holds up 2 fingers on his left hand to indicate the number of wins he believes KC will get best case scenario in 2009, while using his right hand to show the chopping motion Jr. will employ upon his neck when he is ousted as coach fall of 2010…
daddy-o
SG
“On Wednesday, construction workers put the final steel beam in place for the renovations of Arrowhead Stadium.”
How long before it is no longer called Arrowhead Stadium and given some kind of naming rights?”
Ive wondered the same thing. I hope Jr doesnt ever sell out and change the name of the stadium to a corporate sponsor.
ARROWHEAD STADIUM name should NEVER be changed!!
Do not bet on it. Change ($) is the only constant.
By the by, gorillafan, sorry you lost a football player, got attacked by a zebra(?). Supposedly out for the year.
Ummm Fellas,
I hate to keep being the bearer of bad news (truth) but the naming rights to Arrowhead went on sale last year, research it. There just has not been a buyer yet. Corporations aren’t as big a suc… er “real fans” as some.
Like me. I’m no sort of fan at all.
Thank you for the insight, I did not know that. That SUCKS imo.
and tm1946, you make no sense
with this article people think 7-9 would be good for our team, but if you look at Atlanta they did very well their first year. They not only had a new coach but also a new GM, and who was that GM but someone who worked under Poili. So if Pioli’s understudy can do well so can Pioli.
Maybe I’m just optimistic, but if you look at Miami, all they really did last year was add Pennington…other than that,t hey were primarily the same team. Who’s to say the Chiefs, who are in a far weaker division, couldn’t expect similar results this season?
Names currently under construc- er, consideration
“Welcome to Kansas City’s ______________Stadium”
* Any 22 Will Do
* Blood Donor
* Cowboys & Steelers Cost Extra Blackout
* Golf Links
* Obama Healthcare
* Patriot Way
* Taxpayer
* You Can’t Get There From Here
All good, all having merit but Rin’s favorite be: ‘The House That Hank Built’…
daddy-o
Josh,
I admire your optimism, but I’d say that both the Dolphins and the Falcons were considerably more talented overall going into last season than the Chiefs are right now. Expecting a Chiefs record comparable to what those two teams posted last year is setting yourself up for disappointment.
If the Chiefs can get 6-7 wins this season that is remarkable improvement. It would indicate to me that they’ve at least stabilized some key areas (like QB and D-line play) and can start to concentrate on strengthening specific positional weaknesses rather than worrying about how to forklift the entire squad.
SG said:
“Regardless of the disagreement viewpoint-wise, the jabs do have some wit.”
Wit’s a poor substitute for wisdom.
The Chief’s look like a wood wall that has been put in place and ready to nail.
Most everything is in place, and with the right people doing the drving to tighten it all down and finish the job, I see a team that may have what it take’s to go up against anyone team .
There is a lot of things that make a game and Todd and his group of coaches look like they have the ability to run a game way-way better than we have seen in a long time, plus I think they are unfolding a def. that can truley control the ball and a lot of impovements on special team’s.
I’m READY FOR SOME FOOTBALL!
Chiefs sign Javaris Williams.
Hurrah for the 7th round, maybe now the Chiefs can try to sign the higher picks before training camp starts. It is not like these kids are headed for the HOF just yet.