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.

[chiefzilla1501]

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

I wouldn't say he's wrong, he's just limiting his options.

Let's say he hires Dirk Koetter.

Who becomes GM?

Who the **** is going to come to KC with no power and his job security in the hands of Dirk ****ing Koetter?

Answer: No one.

Clark is severely limiting his options at both GM and HC by doing things this way.

Think about how many available guys in this league are qualified to be NFL GM's at this point - maybe 10, and that's counting the guys that have been fired.

Now - how many are qualified to be HC's?

There are 10 HC's that were just fired, plus the OC's/DC's from those staffs, plus college coaches. The talent pool is near 100.

But sure, let's ignore the pool that only has a handful or two of qualified candidates.

Which is why common sense says we're probably looking at a Cowher-type that wants full control.

You have to look at the reverse point too. If you're gruden, cowher, Reid, billick, hell maybe even Saban or dungy (not saying I want them... Just saying they could be on the market), they only have a few options to choose from too. It doesn't strike you as odd that half the teams are adopting the same strategy? Cleveland, Philly, San Diego are basically reporting the same strategy.

[OnTheWarpath15]

Originally Posted by chiefzilla1501

You have to look at the reverse point too. If you're gruden, cowher, Reid, billick, hell maybe even Saban or dungy (not saying I want them... Just saying they could be on the market), they only have a few options to choose from too. It doesn't strike you as odd that half the teams are adopting the same strategy? Cleveland, Philly, San Diego are basically reporting the same strategy.

Those teams are basically reporting the same strategy, and are going after the same kind of coach - a HC who wants total control.

There are only so many guys qualified to do this - and not all of them are going to return to coaching.

So it's likely one of these teams gets left without a chair when the music stops.

Hope it's not us.

[BigRock]

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

Clark is severely limiting his options at both GM and HC by doing things this way.

He's definitely limiting his options at GM. But the reverse would be true if he was targeting the GM first. When it came time to get a coach, he'd have to cross off all the big shots who want control. Like when he hired Pioli and it eliminated the Cowhers and Shanahans and those guys. Either way, you're going to limit yourself somehow.

But I don't see it limiting the coaching options as much as you seem to. Maybe I'm not following.

Clark clearly seems to be going after the big shot Cowher type, and while it'll definitely hurt if he misses, I don't think it has to be that kind of candidate. We're not getting a stud GM either way, and second-tier coaches can have personnel guys they want to work with too. It just won't excite anyone if that's what happens.

[Raiderhater]

Originally Posted by Marcellus

I think Clark is planning on taking his shot at being a GM coupled with a strong coach.

If he hires the right coach, no reason it wont work, big IF, I know.

Pioli was neutered because Clark figures with the right HC he can make Pioli powerless for a year, be the GM in the meantime and decide to bring in another guy next year if he sees the need. Or not if things go well.

Outside of the draft and picking a HC what does a GM do anyway? Clark is going to pick a coach with personnel background. They Have Mark Donavon to run the business side already.

Clark gets a coach he trusts to run this draft and there is nothing for a GM to do short term anyway.

I don't think so. Clark strikes me as the type who would prefer to stay in the shadows and let other people do his bidding. I think he is not only embarrassed by what has taken place but, also annoyed that he is going to have to be more hands on. I really don't see him wanting to negotiate contracts and make trades. He will find someone to handle that for him, albiet with more input from himself now.

[PhillyChiefFan]

Originally Posted by Chiefaholic

How do you know? I don't think Pioli will be retained. However, there are multiple financial reasons Pioli is temporarily holding the position. I can all but guarantee Hunts lawyers are looking over Pioli's contract right now looking for an out clause.

Yea, maybe firing him isnt an option yet but Clark has effectively cut his balls off and signaled to HC candidates that he's not a factor anymore. Good move by Clark. Accept the diminished role I've given you or GTFO, either way your presence will no longer be a determining factor when players/coaches decide not to come to KC.

[OnTheWarpath15]

Originally Posted by BigRock

He's definitely limiting his options at GM. But the reverse would be true if he was targeting the GM first. When it came time to get a coach, he'd have to cross off all the big shots who want control. Like when he hired Pioli and it eliminated the Cowhers and Shanahans and those guys. Either way, you're going to limit yourself somehow.

But I don't see it limiting the coaching options as much as you seem to. Maybe I'm not following.

Clark clearly seems to be going after the big shot Cowher type, and while it'll definitely hurt if he misses, I don't think it has to be that kind of candidate. We're not getting a stud GM either way, and second-tier coaches can have personnel guys they want to work with too. It just won't excite anyone if that's what happens.

And that's exactly why - along with a couple of other issues - it will be the big-shot kind of candidate.

Clark needs not only the right HC, but he needs a guy to fill seats.

Someone like Cowher, Reid, Gruden does that.

If Clark gets shut out and ends up hiring someone like Ray Horton, or the Syracuse coach, Arrowhead sits empty again next year.

Like I said, I think he's already thrown the kitchen sink at Bill Cowher - possibly at that meeting in Chicago in November - and is doing his due diligence in the event Cowher declines.

Time will tell, I guess.