Lesson Learned: Clark is Right to Land HC First

[Hoover]

I think it’s very wise of Clark Hunt to put a priority the selection of the next head coach and not the general manager. Hunt put a priority on selecting the GM in 2009 and he landed his man, but by the time Pioli was in place all of the top coaching candidates were gone forcing the Chiefs to reach on Todd Haley. When you miss out on the top head coaching talent, it impacts the quality of the entire coaching staff.

The Chiefs have talent, but without the right coach to focus that talent and lead the team, one doesn’t get the most out of the investment in a high profile GM. While many here believe the presence of Pioli deters high profile free agents, I would say the lack of a legitimate coach with substantial control is what drives them to other teams instead of the chiefs. Would you rather play for a coach who makes the decisions for the team, or a coach who get’s vetoed by an all-powerful GM?

I think teams like the Chargers who are going to focus on the GM search before looking at head coach replacements run the risk of missing out on the best coaches. A GM first strategy also adds an unneeded variable to the coach selection. Say we went out and grabbed a Ross or a dude from GB or SF. I’d be happy, but who are they going to get for a HC? Likely a coordinator they have ties to, which means a repeat of the Haley fiasco.

I love the fact that Clark is going to get his coach and then sort out the GM stuff. I’ve become a big advocate of Reid and Heckert. Herkert has a long time scouting background and Reid is a QB friendly, franchise type coach we have not had since Marty.

Clark is on the right track. Now get it done Mr. Hunt.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

Of course not; you understand how silly it is to be OK with Billick and not Cowher.

I never said I was OK with Billick.

I said if I was forced to choose between eating cat shit or dog shit, I'd take Billick.

[OnTheWarpath15]

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

Of course not; you understand how silly it is to be OK with Billick and not Cowher.

It's looking like we're going to have to be OK with one of them. Not a lot of other realistic options.

[stevieray]

...my feelings are tempered till I see significant change on the field.

they bring in a has been, good ol boy network coach, one big damn meh for me..

...they weren't even competitive this year.

Clark wants a better team for the fans? that's great...I want a Championship, and that STILL feels light years away.

[DeezNutz]

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

It's looking like we're going to have to be OK with one of them. Not a lot of other realistic options.

Yep. We're getting a retread. That much is certain.

[FAX]

Originally Posted by stevieray

...my feelings are tempered till I see signifcant change on the field.

they bring in a has been, good ol boy network coach, one big damn meh for me..

...they weren't even competitive this year.

Clark wants a better team for the fans? that's great...I want a Championship, and that STILL feels light years away.

It is light years away. No question about it.

Clark still gets a pass from me for hiring Dr. Evil. He took his shot and missed. No problem.

Now, he wants to dramatically alter the organizational/reporting structure of the Chiefs in order to get more involved. More owner involvement means more accountability ... it can mean nothing else. Basically, Clark has done a remarkable thing here ... don't like the way people are handling things? Change the rules.

As for his criteria for the new HC, he's stated it three times without deviation. Never once did he say "retread" or "college coach". I'm liking where Clark is going with this and feel good about his overall position and attitude.

I think he's a ton smarter than most people give him credit for.

FAX

[Chief Faithful]

There are multiple reasons that Clark is right to land the HC first.
1. As you stated get them early while they are available.
2. Getting them early gives them a chance to organize quickly to get the best coordinators, get a system in place and still have time to evaluate talent before free agency.
3. Having the HC report to the owner draws the owner into the operations and attracts the best coaching talent.
4. The system now belongs to the HC not the GM. This is the best recipe for establishing a long tenure and stability. This is the most critical need the Chiefs have as a coaching staff. No more executing the HC for the GM failures.
5. The GM needs to be after the talent the HC wants not what the GM wants. This puts the HC in the talent selection and acquisition process.
6. Having the HC involved in the draft process makes the GM more effective.
7. The GM is no longer king he is now a peer, which I believe the the most healthy arrangement for the whole team.

[Jayhawk Chief]

Originally Posted by Hugh Janus

I have no problem with Clark focusing on the HC hire first, but why not fire Fat Scott immediately?

YES

[FAX]

Originally Posted by DeezNutz

Yep. We're getting a retread. That much is certain.

I don't think that's a given at all, Mr. DeezNutz.

Clark said he's looking for someone who's "been involved" in building a winning team. I've listened to (and read) all his interviews, he's chosen his words carefully and not deviated from the script. You can learn as much from what a CEO/Chairman "doesn't say" as you can from the things he does.

FAX

[stevieray]

Originally Posted by FAX

It is light years away. No question about it.

Clark still gets a pass from me for hiring Dr. Evil. He took his shot and missed. No problem.

Now, he wants to dramatically alter the organizational/reporting structure of the Chiefs in order to get more involved. More owner involvement means more accountability ... it can mean nothing else. Basically, Clark has done a remarkable thing here ... don't like the way people are handling things? Change the rules.

As for his criteria for the new HC, he's stated it three times without deviation. Never once did he say "retread" or "college coach". I'm liking where Clark is going with this and feel good about his overall position and attitude.

I think he's a ton smarter than most people give him credit for.

FAX

yup, my wife and I were yaking about this last night..I like the approach...big difference when you report directly to the big dog for accountability..

I truly hope it pays dividends...one thing for sure...something has to give for the change we are looking for...maybe this is it...considering the hands off, loyalty approcah has produced SQUAT.

[FAX]

Originally Posted by Chief Faithful

There are multiple reasons that Clark is right to land the HC first.
1. As you stated get them early while they are available.
2. Getting them early gives them a chance to organize quickly to get the best coordinators, get a system in place and still have time to evaluate talent before free agency.
3. Having the HC report to the owner draws the owner into the operations and attracts the best coaching talent.
4. The system now belongs to the HC not the GM. This is the best recipe for establishing a long tenure and stability. This is the most critical need the Chiefs have as a coaching staff. No more executing the HC for the GM failures.
5. The GM needs to be after the talent the HC wants not what the GM wants. This puts the HC in the talent selection and acquisition process.
6. Having the HC involved in the draft process makes the GM more effective.
7. The GM is no longer king he is now a peer, which I believe the the most healthy arrangement for the whole team.

The Yep People from Planet Yep just threw their underwear at the stage.

FAX

[Jayhawk Chief]

No reason to wait on firing General Mismanager Pioli.

Originally Posted by Chief Faithful

There are multiple reasons that Clark is right to land the HC first.
1. As you stated get them early while they are available.
2. Getting them early gives them a chance to organize quickly to get the best coordinators, get a system in place and still have time to evaluate talent before free agency.
3. Having the HC report to the owner draws the owner into the operations and attracts the best coaching talent.
4. The system now belongs to the HC not the GM. This is the best recipe for establishing a long tenure and stability. This is the most critical need the Chiefs have as a coaching staff. No more executing the HC for the GM failures.
5. The GM needs to be after the talent the HC wants not what the GM wants. This puts the HC in the talent selection and acquisition process.
6. Having the HC involved in the draft process makes the GM more effective.
7. The GM is no longer king he is now a peer, which I believe the the most healthy arrangement for the whole team.

[FAX]

Originally Posted by stevieray

yup, my wife and I were yaking about this last night..I like the approach...big difference when you report directly to the big dog for accountability..

I truly hope it pays dividends...one thing for sure...something has to give for the change we are looking for...maybe this is it...considering the hands off, loyalty approcah has produced SQUAT.

That, I think, is the crucial point here ... and the one most Planeteers are missing. I don't know if Hank reported directly to Lamar, but if he didn't, the Chiefs have never, ever done this.

It's ballsy and gives people what they've bitched about for years ... more involvement from the owner.

Clark could have chosen from a myriad of alternative tactics but chose the one that, upon reflection, makes the most sense if fielding a winning football team (in spite of Dr. Evil) is your objective.

FAX

[FAX]

Originally Posted by Jayhawk Chief

No reason to wait on firing General Mismanager Pioli.

I can think of three (3), Mr. Jayhawk Chief.

FAX

[stevieray]

Originally Posted by FAX

That, I think, is the crucial point here ... and the one most Planeteers are missing. I don't know if Hank reported directly to Lamar, but if he didn't, the Chiefs have never, ever done this.

It's ballsy and gives people what they've bitched about for years ... more involvement from the owner.

Clark could have chosen from a myriad of alternative tactics but chose the one that, upon reflection, makes the most sense if fielding a winning football team (in spite of Dr. Evil) is your objective.

FAX

yep people from planet yep...

[dirk digler]

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

Here's the thing - by doing things this way, Clark is also limiting the candidate pool.

Not to hijack, but this conversation between DeezNutz and I fits perfect in this thread. Long, but worth the read, IMO. Would love some more input on it.

I don't believe so at least if you look how the Steelers do it. They didn't hire Mike Tomlin and give him full control, both GM and HC work hand in hand and report to the owner.