Frank Smith- Meet the Candidate- Part 1 of 12

[ProcessBlue2]

Over the next two weeks, I will be posting a brief synopsis each day of the likely Head Coach candidates for the Panthers. Most probably won't care but maybe some will actually learn something or bring some interesting perspective. 

Starting with.... 

Frank Smith, OC- Miami Dolphins

              The 42-year-old Miami Dolphins OC has gained popularity this year. Smith was born and raised in Wisconsin and went to school at Miami (Ohio). He would stay there a few years as a graduate assistant before joining Butler's coaching staff and eventually working his way up to OC. He would work for the Saints under Sean Payton from 2010-2014 as the Assistant OL coach before taking a role in Chicago as TEs coach under John Fox from 2015-2017. After Fox’s firing Smith would join Jon Gruden in Oakland at the same position for the next 3 years. He would earn a lot of credit during his time with the Raiders for the development of TE Darren Waller. In 2021, Brandon Staley would hire him as Run Game Coordinator and OL Coach. That season the Chargers would rank 4^th in total offense and 21^st in rushing.  In 2022 Mike McDaniel hired Smith to be his Offensive Coordinator in Miami. In 2022 the Dolphins ranked 6^th in total offense and are currently 1^st in 2023.

              Hiring Smith seems interesting to me. If Smith could pull off for Bryce what McDaniel did in Miami for Tua that would be ideal. The offensive scheme in Miami is one that Bryce would likely thrive under. So, what are red flags? Well Smith has never been a play caller. Many worry that the offense is so micromanaged by Mike McDaniel that Frank Smith is nothing more than a figurehead. After all it was rumored among the Dolphin's community that McDaniel neglected the Defense almost entirely last season, infuriating the front office and motivating them to pay Vic Fangio a ridiculous amount of money to manage that side of the ball. But just dismissing Smith for not calling plays? Eh, you could have said the same about Mike McDaniel in his years under Kyle Shanahan.

              My biggest concern about Smith, even going back in time before his press conference where he teared up at the notion of becoming a head coach is his reputation for being such a nice guy. No, I’m not bashing him for being nice. The Carolina Panthers may be the softest and most undisciplined team in the entire league, I don’t feel that Mr. Humility is going to be the guy they need to get things right- maybe later but not now. Besides, there have been enough “good guy” yes men in the role and I think it will take a strong personality to hold his ground against this front office- mainly the owner. Smith is well-liked among Chargers fans and many would like to have him back now that Brandon Staley is unemployed. 

What are your thoughts about Frank Smith?

 

[SOJA]

excellent write up OP. I really like this guy and hope he gets his chance, but I can't help but share some of your sentiment on if he is the right guy for us for two reasons. First off, we have no idea if he can run an offense, and we desperately can't have another misfire there. Second, I agree we need a culture builder and I'm not sure this guy is that. 

[Ricky Spanish]

Frank Smith is someone who is on my radar, but I'm not entirely sure that he's the right fit for what we need.

He is a hardworking guy that never forgot where he came from - Being a "walk-on from Wisconsin" is somethin he reminds himself of constantly in order to keep himself balanced and humble. By all accounts, he's a great guy and well respected by many throughout the league. Darren Waller greatly attributes his sobriety to being attainable thanks to Frank's help, which in itself is an amazing thing to say about anyone.

However, like OP mentioned, he might be TOO nice for what we need. I'm not saying we need an asshole, but we need someone that has the testicular fortitude to stand up to Tepper when he's overstepping and say "You write the checks, I make the football moves."

Is Smith that guy? I don't know. He might be too humble for us.

I like that he comes from the dolphins who have a QB with a similar Skill set to our current rookie and run an offense that branches off the Shanahan tree. I like that he connects with players very well and is well respected across the NFL.

I don't care that he doesn't call plays, if he's as smart as people think he is he shouldn't have trouble finding someone from SF or Miami to call plays for him. His background as an OL coach makes me think he actually cares about the trenches, and that's a great thing to be concerned about with our team.

I think he has the better chance to succeed as a coach in a different spot.

[Bear Hands]

I like his trajectory as a coach but agree with what's been said so far about where he's at and what we're looking for.  There's a bit too many unknowns with him given McDaniel's role on offense.  We really need a guy that can instill a culture as much as be an offensive guru.  

The candidate I'm probably most interested in, as much as Ben Johnson, is Shane Waldron.  Geno has had some bad games but he has had the Seattle offense operating at a great level again this year.  His pressers also strike me as a guy who's ready for the job.  From the McVay tree, knows Fitt (if he unfortunately stays), could poach from the Vikes, Hawks, and Rams staffs..and probably a few others.  

I also wouldn't look past Mike Kafka who reportedly had a nice interview with us last year, but just wasn't ready.  What he's done with the Giants with their awful OL and Tommy Devito has been impressive.  

Some musings.

 

[mrcompletely11]

I am probably wrong but I just ain’t seeing it with smith.  Feels like I am missing something because he biggest asset seems like he works well with others and is a nice guy that everyone loves.   I don’t see anything in his resume that he can out scheme a mcvay type coach.