Good read from Mike Lombardi

[Mr. Scot]

Touches on how a team needs a solid organization, not just a good head coach, to build a winner.

As Black Monday nears, teams must make careful choices

To become great, the leaders of these teams must understand how to push toward that new horizon. They must build an organizational infrastructure that is not solely dependent on picking the right coach. However, most teams will continue to be as nearsighted as they were before, believing that simply picking the perfect coach will make all the difference in the world.

In the coming days, we will hear all about coaching candidates like Oregon's Chip Kelly, Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Gus Bradley and Arizona Cardinals defensive coordinator Ray Horton. But unless the team hiring any of these fine coaches is willing to set up the right organizational infrastructure, they'll just be making change for change's sake. Teams must find the right leader within the organization.

For an example of this type of synergy, we can look at what happened five years ago with the Atlanta Falcons. Leaning on his business experience, owner Arthur Blank hired a coach in Mike Smith and a general manager in Thomas Dimitroff who meshed in terms of personal character and work ethic. Blank did not want to simply put two friends together; rather, he wanted to blend two talented people who would work well with each other. It was a great move by Blank. Most fans had never heard of Smith before he was hired, but Blank's detailed research showed he was the right coach for his organization. Blank understood that one man alone will never lift an entire team; installing the right infrastructure is necessary for engineering a turnaround.

On Monday, we might see changes made by the Philadelphia Eagles, San Diego Chargers, Kansas City Chiefs, Cleveland Browns, Carolina Panthers and other NFL teams. However, unless the leaders of the organizations making these changes correctly identify their needs, it might all be for naught.

Few candidates will ever turn down a head coaching job, as it's a more difficult gig to land than a spot in the U.S. Senate. Many prospective head coaches fear they'll never get another shot to lead a team, and end up accepting a position that is not the right fit for their style or talent; they often end up failing. Candidates should closely examine their opportunities; they shouldn't jump at the first offer.

Many incoming coaches also think they can be the ones to save an organization. They think their work ethic, their intelligence will make the difference. But unless the organization is fixed, these coaches aren't likely to succeed, regardless of their talent.

On Monday, pay close attention to what is said by the representatives of teams that fire their coaches. Be wary of talk about schemes and style of play; these are not good signs regarding the likelihood that they'll land the right coach. However, talk of finding the right person to blend into the organization, someone who can lead and inspire, should spark hope for the future.

Change is good, but precise strategic change is best.

[jarhead]

Just curious but does Lombardi want back in the league as a GM?

[Delhommey]

Sure is a lot of words to not really say anything.

[Mr. Scot]

Just curious but does Lombardi want back in the league as a GM?

Reportedly with Cleveland, so yeah the article could be just a little bit self-promotional :lol:

[Future of the Funchise]

nice

[Mr. Scot]

Sure is a lot of words to not really say anything.

Actually I think he says a lot here.

People do tend to think that all it takes is "the right coach" but then you see teams like the Raiders and Browns hire coach after coach and get the same results.

Now the question becomes are we one of those teams?

That's one reason why I hope we don't stop with just hiring a new GM. I want to see the whole thing shuffled.

[Mr. Scot]

By the way, the video attached to that page is Charley Casserly talking about what coaches he thinks will be fired and who might stay.

He doesn't mention Ron Rivera at all, on either side of the discussion.

[4Corners]

I'm gonna be completely honest here. I don't know whats going to happen to Coach Rivera in a few days. I don't think anyone does.

my gut says 60/40 Rivera stays.

All these huddlers defending Chico....let's all watch you change your tune if we get our ass kicked on Sunday.

[Mr. Scot]

I'm gonna be completely honest here. I don't know whats going to happen to Coach Rivera in a few days. I don't think anyone does.

my gut says 60/40 Rivera stays.

All these huddlers defending Chico....let's all watch you change your tune if we get our ass kicked on Sunday.

My gut is that he stays, and yeah there's some logic to that decision.

If he goes, I won't scream.

[Guest Tom Cat]

Actually I think he says a lot here.

People do tend to think that all it takes is "the right coach" but then you see teams like the Raiders and Browns hire coach after coach and get the same results.

Now the question becomes are we one of those teams?

That's one reason why I hope we don't stop with just hiring a new GM. I want to see the whole thing shuffled.

Can that realistically be done with JR at the helm?

[Panthro]

Sure is a lot of words to not really say anything.

just about to post this

[rayzor]

dimitroff gets a lot of credit from many for picking smith, but smith was actually blanks idea and pick. dimitroff interviewed him, but he was blank' s guy.

not sure what that has to do with us, but there it is.

[Herbert The Love Bug]

I'm gonna be completely honest here. I don't know whats going to happen to Coach Rivera in a few days. I don't think anyone does.

my gut says 60/40 Rivera stays.

All these huddlers defending Chico....let's all watch you change your tune if we get our ass kicked on Sunday.

Win or lose bad, he should stay. I've said that the entire season and. I don't see why people think it's so crazy to have him come back for a 3rd year.

[pstall]

Well you can have a great coach the way you have a great player(s) and it not work.

Look at San Diego. AJ Smith has found tons of talent only to lose them in free agency. So he is great at finding talent but horrible at keeping them or managing the cap correctly.

Atlanta is a perfect example of the OWNER making good choices. See how that works Carolina?