Why Al Saunders Should Get A Shot...

RINGLEADER · 01-02-2006, 02:01 PM

I'm by no means the biggest Al Saunders fan in the world but there are a few facts that I believe have earned him the right to take over the Chiefs:

1) He's been loyal to the franchise and Vermeil and stayed the course when he likely could have landed a head coaching gig elsewhere;

2) He's kept the Chiefs offense in the top five over the past four years (including the top spot the last two years);

3) As much as I felt he DIDN'T get it during the first eight games of the year I truly started to believe that he DID get it over the last half of the season. He recognized the dimension that Larry Johnson brought to this offense and he leaned on the guy heavily as he rightly should have...I had fewer problems with the play calling and the results seemed to speak for themselves after the Buffalo debacle;

4) Al would keep the offense intact and I have to believe the loyalty of his assistants would innure to the benefit of the Chiefs...bottomline is the number one offense would remain intact which to me is the biggest concern we should have in switching gears. If we move to a different offense it will cost us at least two games next year (if not more).

Bottomline is that Al Saunders will be a head coach somewhere next season. And given the names being bandied about (Butch Davis, Herm Edwards, Gregg Williams) I think I - and the Chiefs players - would feel more confident with a guy that's proven he can succeed (even if it's only on his side of the ball) then someone coming off a 4-12 season.

**luv** · 01-02-2006, 02:03 PM

Offense, offense, offense. We have offense. We need defense.

Mr. Laz · 01-02-2006, 03:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luv2rite

Offense, offense, offense. We have offense. We need defense.

we need defense without losing the offense we have.

Brock · 01-02-2006, 03:04 PM

I think the people who are looking for a big shakeup are going to be disappointed. I think it's going to be Al Saunders, with the same coaching staff.

siberian khatru · 01-02-2006, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

I think the people who are looking for a big shakeup are going to be disappointed. I think it's going to be Al Saunders, with the same coaching staff.

So you think Carl was playing poker yesterday ("I know Al's strengths ... AND his weaknesses")?

Brock · 01-02-2006, 03:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by siberian khatru

So you think Carl was playing poker yesterday ("I know Al's strengths ... AND his weaknesses")?

The only way to be sure Carl is lying is if he is talking.

FringeNC · 01-02-2006, 03:08 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brock

I think the people who are looking for a big shakeup are going to be disappointed. I think it's going to be Al Saunders, with the same coaching staff.

How can Saunders coach Detroit and KC at the same time?

**luv** · 01-02-2006, 03:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Laz

we need defense without losing the offense we have.

Agreed. So, do we...?

1. Get a defensively minded HC and hope that Al stays
2. Promote Al, and hope Gunther follows through
3. Promote Al, and hope he finds a new DC

I'm starting to lean towards liking Jeff Fisher if available, and only if Al will stay. Otherwise, I'm indecisive between options 2 and 3.

milkman · 01-02-2006, 03:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by luv2rite

Agreed. So, do we...?

1. Get a defensively minded HC and hope that Al stays
2. Promote Al, and hope Gunther follows through
3. Promote Al, and hope he finds a new DC

I'm starting to lean towards liking Jeff Fisher if available, and only if Al will stay. Otherwise, I'm indecisive between options 2 and 3.

I'm really warming up to the idea of Al as HC, with Mike Solari as OC, and Dom Capers as DC.

Al won't stay in any other capacity.

Of course, I can almost gaurantee you that Carl will hire someone that I won't be happy with.

redbrian · 01-02-2006, 04:26 PM

Al Saunders will be a head coach next year.

There are 8 slots open at present (and more could open), if Al leaves, he will take most of the offensive coaching staff (and possibly a few key players) with him.

Several of the key players would rather move on or not come back than learn a new system leaving a decimated offense in need of major rebuilding.

To throw this offense out the window would be totally insane; to change this offensive scheme would be one of the dumbest moves in Chiefs history.

One of the things that the Chiefs brand of the Gibbs offense does not get enough credit for is the toughness of it.

All players including Trent are expected to block, it’s a smash mouth Air Coryell system if you will.

As far as running or passing at the right time there is no such thing in this system, the idea it to be so good at all aspects of the game that you keep the defense confused and unsure of it’s self.

If you pass or run “when you are supposed to” the advantage goes to the defense, this system is all about keeping the defense guessing as to what the hell you are going to do.

Personally I’d like to see Al get his reward and be given the head coaching position, I think Gunther has changed the mentality of the d and is on the right track. The key now is finding an OC who can operate this system to the standards set by Al, which would be a lot easer than rebuilding an entire team including players and coaches.

**luv** · 01-02-2006, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SideWinder

I'm really warming up to the idea of Al as HC, with Mike Solari as OC, and Dom Capers as DC.

Al won't stay in any other capacity.

Of course, I can almost gaurantee you that Carl will hire someone that I won't be happy with.

So, who won't you like? That way, we know who our options are.

**Rain Man** · 01-02-2006, 02:05 PM

I'm in the Saunders camp. We'll lose him if we don't promote him.

Hoover · 01-02-2006, 02:14 PM

If I'm Al I want to be the HC in Kansas City. He knows his talent, its in place. Why on earth would he want to leave and go to Detroit and have a bunch of WR's and thats about it?

I think its more about who Carl wants.

Frankie · 01-02-2006, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoover

If I'm Al I want to be the HC in Kansas City. He knows his talent, its in place. Why on earth would he want to leave and go to Detroit and have a bunch of WR's and thats about it?

I think its more about who Carl wants.

That's the unfortunate fact.

StcChief · 01-02-2006, 02:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hoover

If I'm Al I want to be the HC in Kansas City. He knows his talent, its in place. Why on earth would he want to leave and go to Detroit and have a bunch of WR's and thats about it?

I think its more about who Carl wants.

Right on. I think it's all about Carl. his coaching decisions have worked out so well except the stands are full.

Al Sauders would be a good HC why not in KC.

Move up Solari to OC? or shop that job around?

Switching gears may cost us when the offense seems still in good shape.

Defense is turning the corner.

01-02-2006, 02:01 PM	Topic Starter
RINGLEADER In Search of a Life Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Confusion, USA Casino cash: $8590503	Why Al Saunders Should Get A Shot... I'm by no means the biggest Al Saunders fan in the world but there are a few facts that I believe have earned him the right to take over the Chiefs: 1) He's been loyal to the franchise and Vermeil and stayed the course when he likely could have landed a head coaching gig elsewhere; 2) He's kept the Chiefs offense in the top five over the past four years (including the top spot the last two years); 3) As much as I felt he DIDN'T get it during the first eight games of the year I truly started to believe that he DID get it over the last half of the season. He recognized the dimension that Larry Johnson brought to this offense and he leaned on the guy heavily as he rightly should have...I had fewer problems with the play calling and the results seemed to speak for themselves after the Buffalo debacle; 4) Al would keep the offense intact and I have to believe the loyalty of his assistants would innure to the benefit of the Chiefs...bottomline is the number one offense would remain intact which to me is the biggest concern we should have in switching gears. If we move to a different offense it will cost us at least two games next year (if not more). Bottomline is that Al Saunders will be a head coach somewhere next season. And given the names being bandied about (Butch Davis, Herm Edwards, Gregg Williams) I think I - and the Chiefs players - would feel more confident with a guy that's proven he can succeed (even if it's only on his side of the ball) then someone coming off a 4-12 season.
Posts: 46,713

01-02-2006, 02:03 PM	#2
luv MY LITTLE #15 Join Date: Dec 2004 Location: Springfield, MO Casino cash: $5939600	Offense, offense, offense. We have offense. We need defense.
Posts: 63,455

01-02-2006, 03:04 PM	#4
Brock Say hello to my little friend Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Larryville Casino cash: $9598422	I think the people who are looking for a big shakeup are going to be disappointed. I think it's going to be Al Saunders, with the same coaching staff.
Posts: 47,314

01-02-2006, 04:26 PM	#10
redbrian Veteran Join Date: Aug 2000 Location: Kansas City MO Casino cash: $10004900	Al Saunders will be a head coach next year. There are 8 slots open at present (and more could open), if Al leaves, he will take most of the offensive coaching staff (and possibly a few key players) with him. Several of the key players would rather move on or not come back than learn a new system leaving a decimated offense in need of major rebuilding. To throw this offense out the window would be totally insane; to change this offensive scheme would be one of the dumbest moves in Chiefs history. One of the things that the Chiefs brand of the Gibbs offense does not get enough credit for is the toughness of it. All players including Trent are expected to block, it’s a smash mouth Air Coryell system if you will. As far as running or passing at the right time there is no such thing in this system, the idea it to be so good at all aspects of the game that you keep the defense confused and unsure of it’s self. If you pass or run “when you are supposed to” the advantage goes to the defense, this system is all about keeping the defense guessing as to what the hell you are going to do. Personally I’d like to see Al get his reward and be given the head coaching position, I think Gunther has changed the mentality of the d and is on the right track. The key now is finding an OC who can operate this system to the standards set by Al, which would be a lot easer than rebuilding an entire team including players and coaches.
Posts: 3,899

01-02-2006, 02:05 PM	#12
Rain Man NFL's #1 Ermines Fan Join Date: Jul 2001 Location: My house Casino cash: $2768491 VARSITY	I'm in the Saunders camp. We'll lose him if we don't promote him. __________________ I'm putting random letters here as a celebration of free speech: xigrakgrah misorojeq rkemeseit.
Posts: 141,868

01-02-2006, 02:14 PM	#13
Hoover Rufus Dawes Jr. Join Date: Aug 2000 Casino cash: $1168179	If I'm Al I want to be the HC in Kansas City. He knows his talent, its in place. Why on earth would he want to leave and go to Detroit and have a bunch of WR's and thats about it? I think its more about who Carl wants.
Posts: 17,400