Looking at Crennel's circle of coordinators

[Mr. Laz]

Looking at Crennel's circle of coordinators
By Josh Looney
Posted 27 minutes ago


Romeo Crennel has been associated with a number of experienced play-callers over the past decade

New Chiefs head coach Romeo Crennel publicly backed his defensive staff last week, revealing his plans to retain Kansas City’s defensive assistants. As far as the offensive staff goes, Crennel has only said that the evaluation process is ongoing.

Crennel has been given complete authority to set his own staff for his first season as head coach in 2012, but has yet to make any staff changes official.

With several coaching contracts set to expire, some degree of turnover is anticipated on the offensive side of the football. Front and center, Crennel’s search for an offensive coordinator currently dominates the spotlight.

Crennel has kept his candidate list under wraps thus far, but has said he’ll conduct a search that spans both internally and externally. He’s expected to conduct interviews this week in Orlando, Florida at the East-West Shrine Bowl and could extend that search into Senior Bowl Week beginning January 23rd in Mobile, Alabama.

In some cases, the Chiefs are waiting on permission to interview candidates under contract with other teams.

Though Crennel has yet to identify any specific candidates for the position, he has a recent working history with a number of experienced NFL play-callers.

If familiarity and past play-calling experience is something Crennel is searching for, the following names have been associated with Crennel as recently as the 2000 season.

Chiefs Quarterbacks Coach Jim Zorn

Years with Crennel: 1 (KC, 2011)

Years of Play-Calling Experience: 2 (WAS, 2008-09)

Chiefs Assistant Head Coach/RBs Maurice Carthon

Years with Crennel: 16 (KC, 2010-2011; CLE, 2005-06; NYJ, 1997-99; NE, 1994-96; NYG, 1985-91)

Years of Play-Calling Experience: 6 (CLE, 2005-06; DAL, 2003-04, DET, 2001-02)

Vikings Offensive Line Coach Jeff Davidson

Years with Crennel: 6 (CLE, 2005-06; NE, 2001-04)

Years of Play-Calling Experience: 5 (CLE, 2006; CAR, 2007-10)

Panthers Offensive Coordinator Rob Chudzinski

Years with Crennel: 2 (CLE, 2007-08)

Years of Play-Calling Experience: 3 (CLE, 2007-08; CAR, 2011)

Dolphins Offensive Coordinator Brian Daboll

Years with Crennel: 4 (NE, 2001-04)

Years of Play-Calling Experience: 3 (CLE, 2009-10; MIA, 2011)

Titans Offensive Coordinator Chris Palmer

Years with Crennel: 5 (CLE, 2000; NE, 1993-96)

Years of Play-Calling Experience: 7 (TEN, 2011; HOU, 2002-05; JAC, 1997-98)

Let’s start with the in-house connections.

Most recently, Crennel has worked alongside Chiefs assistants Jim Zorn and Maurice Carthon. Each brings a different area of expertise to the staff.

Zorn is an expert in the passing game, having played the quarterback position at an All-Pro level for the Seattle Seahawks. He’s seen his starting quarterbacks post career seasons at every stop prior to joining the Chiefs staff last year and was heavily involved with offensive game-planning in 2011.

Though Zorn has never held the offensive coordinator title for an NFL team, he’s been intimately involved in scheming the pass game throughout his professional coaching tenure.

Most recently, Zorn held play-calling responsibilities while serving as head coach of the Washington Redskins (2008-09). Ironically, he gave up those responsibilities midway through the 2009 season following a loss to the Chiefs.

Zorn also brings an interesting dynamic to the table. He comes from a different offensive background than the Chiefs operated the past three seasons, but also knows the offensive personnel well enough to mix new philosophies into Kansas City’s current offensive system.

Carthon is the rushing expert and played for Crennel as a member of the New York Giants during the 1980s.

Interestingly, Carthon was Crennel’s first offensive coordinator in Cleveland (2005-06). The Browns offense struggled under Carthon’s guidance, but Cleveland’s rushing attack was its strong point.

Carthon was relieved of his duties as Browns offensive coordinator 22 games into Crennel’s head coaching tenure, but Crennel wanted to keep Carthon on board. Browns management overruled and pushed Crennel to make an in-season change.

When Carthon resigned as Cleveland’s OC six games into the 2006 season, Crennel promoted assistant head coach/offensive line coach Jeff Davidson to offensive coordinator. Davidson originally followed Crennel from New England to Cleveland.

After finishing out the 2006 season as Cleveland’s play-caller, Davidson accepted the offensive coordinator position under John Fox in Carolina. The Panthers built their offense behind a strong running attack, which fit Davidson’s past as an offensive line and tight ends coach.

Davidson joined the Vikings last season as offensive line coach under Leslie Frazier.

After Davidson departed Cleveland for Carolina, Crennel hired Rob Chudzinski away from San Diego to become the Browns new offensive coordinator. Cleveland saw immediate success under Chudzinski, posting a top-10 offense and a 10-win season in 2007.

The 10-win campaign remains the only season Cleveland has posted double-digit victories since bringing NFL football back to the city in 1999.

After Crennel was relieved of his duties in Cleveland, Chudzinski served two seasons as assistant head coach in San Diego (2009-10) before joining Ron Rivera as offensive coordinator in Carolina.

The Panthers offense and rookie quarterback Cam Newton thrived under Chudzinski last season, leading to interest from other teams looking to fill their head coaching vacancies. Chudzinski interviewed for the head coaching job in Tampa Bay last week and also interviewed for head jobs in Jacksonville and St. Louis this offseason.

Coaching worlds often intertwine and intersect with interesting connections, which is the case with Brian Daboll.

Daboll replaced Chudzinski as Cleveland’s offensive coordinator after Crennel’s staff was let go following the 2008 season. He coordinated two years for the Browns before joining Tony Sparano’s staff as OC last season in Miami.

Currently the offensive coordinator on a staff without a head coach, Daboll’s future in Miami appears in the air. He previously spent four seasons (one as a defensive assistant) with Crennel in New England from 2001-04.

Flipping roles, Crennel was once hired as defensive coordinator in Cleveland (2000) by Titans offensive coordinator Chris Palmer. Crennel served as Cleveland’s coordinator during Palmer’s final season as Browns head coach. Saints offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael, Jr. was also part of that staff, serving as Cleveland’s tight ends coach.

Palmer was rumored to be a candidate for the Chiefs offensive coordinator position last season before joining the Titans.

There are a number of other experienced coordinators with recent ties to Crennel who are unlikely to join the Chiefs staff because of taking new jobs.

Crennel recently worked with Charlie Weis (hired as head coach at the University of Kansas), Josh McDaniels (hired as New England’s offensive coordinator), Tony Sparano (hired as the New York Jets offensive coordinator), John Hufnagel (longtime head coach and GM of the Calgary Stampeders), Todd Haley (former Chiefs head coach).

In addition, media has speculated on a number of external names with no previous ties to Crennel. It will be interesting to see how Crennel’s search shakes out over the next week.

[Mr. Laz]

Originally Posted by jAZ

That was the Pioli move hiring Haley 3 years ago.

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Ahem...I never said he wasn't.

In fact, when people have said Haley was a "no name" when he was hired, I've said the same thing you just said - Haley was one of the most sought-after assistant coaches that offseason. We hired the big name, most definitely.

Perhaps you should take the time to READ what I was responding to and not jump to your pre-determined conclusion.

oh, i have.

SNR was complaining that the Chiefs need to 'shoot for the stars'

jAZ said that they already HAD

you dismissed what jAZ said because Haley was 'part of the tree'

my reading comprehension is pretty good.


being part of the tree is irrelevant ... Haley was the hot name, so was Pioli

Weis and Crennel were both big name, veteran guys and quality hires.

The shitty hires like Muir were made by Todd 'psycho-boy' Haley

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Laz

oh, i have.

SNR was complaining that the Chiefs need to 'shoot for the stars'

jAZ said that they already HAD

you dismissed what jAZ said because Haley was 'part of the tree'

my reading comprehension is pretty good.


being part of the tree is irrelevant ... Haley was the hot name, so was Pioli

Weis and Crennel were both big name, veteran guys and quality hires.

The shitty hires like Muir were made by Todd 'psycho-boy' Haley

Originally Posted by SNR

The Chiefs were given a gift with these Saints and Packers losses. There are quality candidates abound on these staffs, and this time they don't have to wait until the freakin Super Bowl to hire them.

For once I'd like to see the Chiefs shoot for the stars and hire Clements or Lombardi. Just for goddamn once. No old fart never-will-bes like Muir. No psychopaths like Haley. No morons like Pendergast and Herm. No complacent in-house moves like Gunther. I mean daring to go outside the ****ing tree.... hell, outside the ****ing forest.... to find a quality coach well-respected around the league with a damn impressive resume.

I didn't dismiss ANYTHING Jaz said. I was just reminding him that Haley was part of the tree.

You're so narrow-minded it's hilarious.

[dallaschiefsfan]

Originally Posted by SNR

The Chiefs were given a gift with these Saints and Packers losses. There are quality candidates abound on these staffs, and this time they don't have to wait until the freakin Super Bowl to hire them.

For once I'd like to see the Chiefs shoot for the stars and hire Clements or Lombardi. Just for goddamn once. No old fart never-will-bes like Muir. No psychopaths like Haley. No morons like Pendergast and Herm. No complacent in-house moves like Gunther. I mean daring to go outside the ****ing tree.... hell, outside the ****ing forest.... to find a quality coach well-respected around the league with a damn impressive resume.

Clements isn't exactly a spring chicken...he's been in the league awhile. If we're going young, up and coming guy...it's probably Lombardi or Ferentz.

[HemiEd]

Originally Posted by Laz

completely irrelevant outside of your hatred for it

Haley was considered the hot guy coming off a super bowl win.

Arizona won the SB? I thought the Steelers won that game.

[RealSNR]

Originally Posted by dallaschiefsfan

Clements isn't exactly a spring chicken...he's been in the league awhile. If we're going young, up and coming guy...it's probably Lombardi or Ferentz.

Muir is in his goddamn 70s. Clements isn't exactly a youngin, but there's nothing wrong with his age.

[BigMeatballDave]

Originally Posted by Laz

Hired Pioli ... the #1 candidate that people wanted
Hired Haley ... considered the 'hot' guy
Hired Weis and Crennel ... both top coordinators

being part of 'the tree' is irrelevant ... these guys were considered the hot guys or the big time names. Big money was dished out.

Haley fired Gailey and ran Weis off
Haley wanted a puppet so Muir was hired(his guy, not pioli)
Haley was a big bucket of fail and was fired

seems to me that the Chiefs have been TRYING to get the good guys and it just hasn't work yet. Hiring Haley was a big mistake ... right now we could be running with a young,upcoming head coach with Weis/Crennel as coordinators. A top notch staff and a good combination of young and old.

too bad Haley was such a little bitch

*crossing fingers and hoping Crennel gets a real OC*

Its so funny to watch you cry about Haley. I swear he must have ****ed your boyfriend and made you watch.

[BigMeatballDave]

Originally Posted by SNR

Muir is in his goddamn 70s. Clements isn't exactly a youngin, but there's nothing wrong with his age.

LOL Actually he's only 69.

I wouldn't mind Clements, but I would prefer someone younger.

[RealSNR]

Originally Posted by Dave

LOL Actually he's only 69.

I wouldn't mind Clements, but I would prefer someone younger.

69... 70...

He's old enough to die and have people say, "It's a shame, but he was getting up there in years."

[Carlota69]

Originally Posted by Dave

LOL Actually he's only 69.

I wouldn't mind Clements, but I would prefer someone younger.

After that article re: Pioli and his supposed nazi ways, why would anyone want to work for him/The Chiefs? True or not true, perception is reality.

[Coogs]

I'm surprised there is no love for Greg Robinson and Gunther Cunningham for OC. Those 2 guys have been involved with some of the highest scoring/yardage offenses in league history.

[Akron's#1ChiefsFan]

Originally Posted by Carlota69

After that article re: Pioli and his supposed nazi ways, why would anyone want to work for him/The Chiefs? True or not true, perception is reality.

Despite Pioli's supposed "gestapo" tactics, the Chiefs are one of the most talented group of young players in the league right now. They aren't the most accomplished group, but for any coach that's looking to make a name for himself this is the perfect group to prove his worth with.

The defense has been in place for a few years now, so it is pretty much running smoothly. The offense isn't scoring, but it has playmakers all over the field. If everyone comes back healthy this season, this offense will give teams fits all year long with the right OC.

[NJChiefsFan]

Originally Posted by Akron's#1ChiefsFan

Despite Pioli's supposed "gestapo" tactics, the Chiefs are one of the most talented group of young players in the league right now. They aren't the most accomplished group, but for any coach that's looking to make a name for himself this is the perfect group to prove his worth with.

The defense has been in place for a few years now, so it is pretty much running smoothly. The offense isn't scoring, but it has playmakers all over the field. If everyone comes back healthy this season, this offense will give teams fits all year long with the right OC.

If we are saying that an OC candidate will make his decision based on what he is going to work with, don't you think having Cassel is going to make them pause? If he starts next year the failure to get where the Chiefs want to go is going to build even more pressure within the organization, even with the Chiefs media and fans being so gentle.

I don't think people will necessarly stay away because of Matt, but if we are talking just about their reaction to talent, people in this league aren't foolish enough to see Matt Cassel just by his stats. They understand game tape way more than we do which means they should be atleast twice as aware of Matt's failures.

[NJChiefsFan]

Originally Posted by Carlota69

After that article re: Pioli and his supposed nazi ways, why would anyone want to work for him/The Chiefs? True or not true, perception is reality.

That is true but during an interview perception can be changed. All Pioli would have to do is convince them part of it isn't true, or perhaps admit it and say things have changed. People looking for an OC job are those trying to come up in the ranks and if there aren't many jobs open they may consider it.

If they are looking for the right job then yeah, these stories and Matt Cassel are going to concern them. I just think you have to consider that some of these people will be looking for a career jump.

[Akron's#1ChiefsFan]

Originally Posted by NJChiefsFan

If we are saying that an OC candidate will make his decision based on what he is going to work with, don't you think having Cassel is going to make them pause? If he starts next year the failure to get where the Chiefs want to go is going to build even more pressure within the organization, even with the Chiefs media and fans being so gentle.

I don't think people will necessarly stay away because of Matt, but if we are talking just about their reaction to talent, people in this league aren't foolish enough to see Matt Cassel just by his stats. They understand game tape way more than we do which means they should be atleast twice as aware of Matt's failures.

The key here is that the understand game tape and strategy more than we do. We all see his failures, but he actually does some things very well. I'm not saying he's a great QB, but if Weis showed us anything it's that he can definitely be "coached up." P.S. I used to think Chiefs fans were, as you say, "gentle." Then I came to Chiefs Planet.

But to get away from the Cassel conundrum, if an OC comes in and has any kind of success at all, he may actually be able to use that as a bargaining chip to get Cassel out of town after a season or two, provided he continues his lack-luster play and inability to win games. He doesn't really lose too many games—protects the ball, doesn't take too many risks, etc...—but he doesn't win too many either—plays too tentatively, doesn't seem to have a deep ball, needs an above average O-line to succeed at all, etc...

[NJChiefsFan]

Originally Posted by Akron's#1ChiefsFan

The key here is that the understand game tape and strategy more than we do. We all see his failures, but he actually does some things very well. I'm not saying he's a great QB, but if Weis showed us anything it's that he can definitely be "coached up." P.S. I used to think Chiefs fans were, as you say, "gentle." Then I came to Chiefs Planet.

But to get away from the Cassel conundrum, if an OC comes in and has any kind of success at all, he may actually be able to use that as a bargaining chip to get Cassel out of town after a season or two, provided he continues his lack-luster play and inability to win games. He doesn't really lose too many games—protects the ball, doesn't take too many risks, etc...—but he doesn't win too many either—plays too tentatively, doesn't seem to have a deep ball, needs an above average O-line to succeed at all, etc...

I think in the end people looking to be OC's aren't going to turn down the offer to move up in the football world unless there is a better offer or they just really think they can get better next year. Somebody will be willing to do it.

I am one to admit what I see as a fan may not be gospel. With Matt though, its pretty evident that his major flaws aren't going away and are too much to overcome. Thats why its frustrating, becaue the only way Pioli doesn't see it is by ignoring it.

Sad to say a lot of Chiefs fans don't view Matt the way CP does per a bunch of fans that live in KC. Matt has shown under very favorable circumstances he can get a Division Title, but he also showed what he does if a real team makes an effort to stop him. If the goal is a SB, there really isn't much of a conversation to be had.