|
Though disappointed in Pioli's performance, it is hard to argue that Clark signing him was a mistake. He was the consensus best guy available. Getting anyone to come take on the Chiefs was challenge enough, but getting someone with those credentials, who said no to other better teams, was something of a coup for Clark. The move was applauded by most every commenter. Just because he has yet to prove to be the genious that we hoped is not a reason to be anything more than disappointed, hoping he will learn from his mistakes.
In his last radio interview, Pioli admitted making mistakes. I think he learned a valuable lesson that won't be repeated. As a football executive in NE, he left coaching to the coaches. Having BB meant that you never second-guessed him. Second, any first time senior executive wants to believe that you should delegate responsibility to the supervisor beneath him ... to let him blossom. After you learn that he is incapable of that, you step in. That is what is happening here. Pioli's mistake was letting Haley have complete control of coaching. It was a rookie mistake to trust a rookie. I don't think that happens agains.
Haley has made mistakes. He thought he was smarter than everyone else. That is not uncommon. Heck, there are a lot of posters here on CP that have that same mental failing. *laughs* He thought he was a better OC, based on what he did with a good QB and two great receivers in Arizona. And, to be fair, the Chiefs played like crap in the preseason, so Haley blamed Gailey, thinking he could do no worse. Heck, many of us fans felt the same, at times.
This season has been a humbling experience for Haley. We will benefit from that in year #2. Pioli will now be more hands on in coaching decisions in year two. We will benefit from that. Haley will get some help (more ways than one), and we will benefit from that. Haley will begin to realize that theory does not always work in reality. In theory, the fake punt should have caught Denver completely unaware and worked like a dream. In reality, you cannot expect good execution from mediocre players. It was reckless to try it, but it could have been a great play, in theory. Year 2, Haley dispenses with novel theory. We benefit.
In contrast, Denver will not benefit. Their 6-0 start merely cemented in Josh McDaniel's mind that he *is* a genius. It was the players that failed him, not the other way round. He has not had the same humbling that a new HC needs in order to realize that it is a team effort of coaches, just as it is a team effort on the field.
If Haley was a moron, like Herm, I would despair because a lesson in humility to a moron is not as likely to yield positive results (unless it causes them to hire good people and stand back). Some of Haley's calls may seem moronic, at times, but the man seems to be a student of the game, and one that will learn well. Yes, it would have been nice to have a professor of the game, rather than a student, but that has its own drawbacks too.
|