Mitch Holthus on Des Moines radio daily during camp...updates here

[htismaqe]

8/18 Update posted by htismaqe
Hinted (like he hinted Monday about Tynes' arrest) that Todd Collins was in trouble. More to come later today from the St. Paul Pioneer Press.

Vermeil appeared to have Tynes' back, but he was visibly upset with the kicker at other times. Still thinks competition will be brought in.

Surtain has been the star of camp. Said even though the guy is a top NFL CB, he approached camp like he was fighting for the 53rd spot on the roster. Great player and great example. Derrick Johnson is legit and has the chance to be up there with DT, Lanier, and Bell.

On the offensive side, talked alot about LJ and the o-line, and how stellar Roaf and Waters have been.

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8/16 Update posted by jspchief
Talked about Gunther on the rampage.

Morning practice, he tore Grigsby a new asshole for mistakes lining up.

Afternoon practice, he told Alphonso Hodge that he can find 100,000 people to do the job as good as he is, and that he fired the last player that played like that. Apparently Hodge talked back to him at that point, which can't be good for your lifespan.

Coaches that win a superbowl with one team have never won one with the next team.

Vermeil is frustrated with all the man hours missed. Is tired of guys sitting out for every little nick.

Some scrub from ISU quit the team.

Talked a bit about Bell, but didn't say anything that hasn't been in the other threads. Practicing in pads, but not hitting.

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8/15 Update posted by htismaqe
The news is not good boys.

The Chiefs gave up 8 plays over 15 yards. Gunther is beyond furious, Mitch said he was "beside himself". Jared Allen has been demoted, Jimmy Wilkerson is now starting.

Kevin Sampson has a toe tendon problem, out 2-3 weeks. Todd Collins has a possible fracture, out 2-3 weeks. Holcombe will be out 6 weeks.

He said Lawrence Tynes had a bad weekend "on and off the field". When asked to elaborate about the "off the field" comment, he hemmed and hawed and never did answer. Tynes must have gotten drunk too. Anyway, he said there will likely be competition brought into camp. The good news is that Tynes didn't miss a kick yesterday.

Will Shields participated in workouts and could see full practice later this week, so that's at least one good thing.
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8/12 Update posted by htismaqe
Talked about the game. Starters will play slightly more than 1 quarter, except for Priest, LJ, Green, Gonzo. They will likely play only a couple of series'. Shields won't play. Bell won't play. Dunn is out.

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8/11 Update posted by htismaqe
Not much today. Priest and Tony were "dancing like spring chickens" last night so that was good news.

Talked mostly about the defense and the need to create turnovers. Forget yards, the defense last year had only 21 takeaways (franchise record) and 85 plays of longer than 20 yards (NFL average is 55).

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8/10 Update posted by htismaqe
Talked about the WR's. Said, after Kennison, there isn't anybody that stands out. They're all the same. Talked a bit about Booth and McIntyre and their stints in NFLE. Said Freddie is still out, he tried to talk to him last night and Freddie just kinda grumbled and groaned and kept walking. Said that everybody at the position (WR) could be a 1-2 catch guy to compliment Holmes, Gonzo, and WILSON. Yes, he mentioned Wilson in the same breath as Holmes and Gonzales. Said the team will likely keep only 5 maybe 6 WR's.

He said the team is much healthier already. Both Priest and Gonzo were back last night and looking better. Not sure about LJ.

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8/9 Update posted by htismaqe
Concerned about special teams because of loss of Blaylock and Beisel. Said Boomer or Scanlon is going to have to step up. The good news is that Benny Sapp is turning into a monster on special teams.

Also concerned about reps on Friday vs. the Vikings. Gonzo is better, wasn't limping much last night, but he won't play. Dunn won't play. Priest probably won't play. Larry Johnson is now dinged up, minor, but might not play.

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8/8 Update posted by htismaqe
Very concerned about Tony's foot. He was limping pretty bad all weekend. Seemed concerned about Jason Dunn too.

Greg Wesley looks like he's out to prove that he's still a hitter. Layed a hit on Priest like you wouldn't believe. Derrick Johnson also looks like he's on a mission to let everyone know he's not afraid of contact like the draftniks said.

Talked again about Gunther unleashed, about the fights, and about the defense's passion.

Finally he said there's going to be a couple of games where the defense and LJ have to carry this team.

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8/5 Update posted by htismaqe
Was asked about Priest's concussion. Said the defense has been unleashed by Gunther, tired of being picked on. In goal line drills (when Priest got hurt) the defense stuffed them EVERY time except...

When Larry Johnson carried the ball. He was just too strong and drug people into the end zone. Easily the offensive MVP of camp so far.

Was asked about the fighting and if it was desired. Said "NO QUESTION" emphatically. Said the intensity is way up, especially on defense, and it's been missing for far too long. Vermeil has asked Gunther to go balls to the wall this year, leave it all on the field.

Said Bo is silently having a good camp and that he separates himself easily from the other WR's because he's 1) 4 inches taller and 2) a key to our ST's.

That's about all I can remember.

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8/4 Update posted by jspchief
Talking LBs mostly.

Said he doesn't think Woods or Fujita make the team, barring a string of injuries at either position.

That's about it. Short interview. Told interesting story about hot Svitek got to America.

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8/3 Update posted by htismaqe
Anyway, he did clarify or expound on a couple of his statements from previous interviews:

1) We have to get off to a good start this year. Yesterday, it was about the assistants looking for other jobs. Today it was the danger that a poor start would cause everybody -- players, coaches, and fans -- knowing that this is Vermeil's last year, to start discussing who the next coach would be instead of worrying about this season. I think from the brew-ha-ha yesterday we had on the very subject, despite the fact that the season hasn't even started, shows that he's probably right.

2) Ferentz being mentioned as a HC candidate. Bob Stoops would be in there too.

The only thing of substance that he talked about was YET ANOTHER back injury, this time to Jason Dunn.

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8/2 Update posted by htismaqe
Dexter McCleon IS the starter opposite Surtain. Not only that but Sapp is the nickel. Ambrose and Washington are both quite a bit behind. (Interestingly enough, I heard DA say the same thing on 610 about 30 minutes later).

Also, this year is not like last year. If we go 1-3 we could be done. This is Vermeil's last year and if we start out slow, the assistants could just start looking for jobs instead of focusing.

He also said that Kirk Ferentz' name has been whispered around Arrowhead.

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8/1 Update posted by htismaqe
I heard most of the part about the coaches and what's going on there:

Vermeil and Peterson have told Saunders, no excuses get Larry Johnson on the field -- Holthus editorialized a bit, said LJ looks SUPERB so far in camp

Gunther and Saunders may have it out at some point during camp. There's been a few fights. Vermeil asked Gunther to tone it down a bit last year, but this year Vermeil has let him go back to being his old self. Saunders and Gunther have the giveaways/takeaways on a huge poster in the locker room and the defense right now is +8. Gunther rubs it in every chance he gets.

That's really the big stuff I heard him say. Mitchell's injury didn't sound serious, he was confident Shields would be fine (although he did say it was a little concerning), Wiegmann looks rejuvinated, and Priest looks like a "spring chicken".

[Rausch]

Hiring a HC that wants to hire completely different players to implement his offense/defense would be idiotic.

A lot of the starters on our offense are old but there's also a lot of young depth. Green likely has 2, perhaps 3 years left in him. LJ will step in for Priest, and he's proven he can produce. Gonzo probably has 5 years left. If we can find a way to replace Roaf and Shields with quality starters our offense will still be top 5 in the league.

Our defense is young. All three of our starting LB's are young. Outside of hicks our whole defensive line is young. Knight and Surtain aren't spring chickens but we've got plenty of depth at S and our only real area of concern would be CB.

The only holes this team will have over the next 2 to 3 years will be Offensive line, CB, and WR...

[TRR]

Originally Posted by Cormac

I agree. The reason I wouldn't want to see us start fresh is that different coaches with different schemes want different types of players. I don't think we need 75% roster turnover in the next 3 years. And I bet that's what would happen if we started with a completely new coaching staff. We have the players, and only need to replace the (many) older ones on the offensive side of the ball. Also, I like our asst. coaches (esp on offense). Guys like Solari, Shea, Saxon etc. Fresh starts are for teams that are going nowhere. Call me a homer, but I believe we're close, and have been for 2 years. I hope we can keep this going for a couple more years.

I agree. Other than Roaf and Shields and possibly Holmes, I don't see anyone of consequence that willl retire in the next 3 seasons.

[jspchief]

Originally Posted by TRR

It may be a Ferentz type of coach, but I don't see him leaving Iowa for awhile. He's building a great thing there, and that's where he started under Frye. I don't see Ferentz leaving for the NFL anytime in the near future.

Green has at least 3 seasons left in KC. He got his start late, and is in the best shape of his playing career. 3 seasons would be enough to give Saunders a legitimate chance at building a team through his vision. Not a lot of NFL Coaches like to develop QB's anymore with so many good vets out there in FA/via trade every offseason. Unless KC has a high draft choice, or a QB falls to them, the next QB in KC will come via FA or trade in my opinion.

You may be right about Ferentz leaving Iowa, but I still believe he'd come to the NFL for the right job. KC seems like it would be right up his alley. I wouldn't call him anti-media, but he's not big on spotlight. Of course any big head coaching job will have a lot of spotlight on him, but I would think KC would be considerably better than many other teams. I also think he's like the idea of staying in the midwest.

Holthus was simply commenting on who they would likely pursue. That doesn't mean Ferentz will be receptive to the courtship.

Holthus also hinted that the FO is getting tired of the cliffhanger of whether or not Vermeil is going to really retire. He made it sound like Vermeil may not be our coach next year, regardless of whether he wants to come back. I assume that might change if we have a spectacular season.

[TEX]

Originally Posted by ROYC75

CP and AS don't see eye to eye on many things. Why do you think CP passed on AS the first time ?

Posssibly but there is definately respect for each other despite their differences. Peterson has maintained that A.S. kept in contact with him even after he went to the Rams. There was MORE to it than what we think we know. IMO, A.S. had way more issues with Marty than he ever had with Peterson - and so would I if someone picked Jimmy Raye over me to be Offensive Coordinator. I still can't believe that one...

[Chiefs Pantalones]

Originally Posted by ArrowheadWolf

Why so pessimistic? I think that we're overcompensating for all the off-season hype over DJ and Surtain and Bell. It's okay to think that the team's going to be good this year. The first four games are a lot more managable than people realize. The Jets are at home, Oakland is overhyped, and Denver has Jake Plummer. The Eagles game doesn't even worry me, just look at the offseason they've had.

3-1 at the worst is my prediction.

I agree. I've been quietly optimistic about the first four games. I think we will be 3-1 at worst, with the only loss against Denver. I can see us going 4-0 with a couple bounces. This team is going to be good this year, there is just too much of a sense of urgency on this team, not just from us, but from the players and coaches. They know they are running out of time and it would be a huge disappointment if this team played like last year. The only thing slowing us down would be injuries.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by DaneMcCloud

Start fresh?? That's the DUMBEST idea I've heard in a long, long time. The reason teams like SF, Pittsburgh and Dallas were so successful for so long is that they didn't change their offensive system. The Chiefs finally have a great offense in place - a great system that utilizes the best of every player, whether it be offensive lineman, wide receivers, QB or running back. To completely change and bring in some college coach or another re-hashed old timer would be a waste of time. This team needs offensive continuity if it's going to continue to be successful.

They don't need another Marty Clone (Edwards, Cowher, etc.) or a West Coast offense disciple. Saunders needs to be given a minimum of 2 years as head coach. He's been in the top 5 of every offensive category since he's arrived and yes, any other coach who's ever done something close to that (whether it be on the offensive or defensive side of the ball) has become a head coach. Think Billick, Fassel, Nolan, Marvin Lewis, Dom Capers, etc. I don't want to see Saunders as a head coach anywhere else other than KC.

Dane
~Doesn't believe that interview anyway

What the **** are you talking about? Dallas had ZERO continuity. Jimmy Johnson and his staff were a 100% change from Landry and his bunch. Pittsburgh was the same. Cowher was a completely fresh start.

San Francisco was the EXCEPTION to the rule, largely because of the players they had, namely Steve Young.

As far as who we need, you're right, we don't need another Marty clone. We don't need a clone of ANYONE.

Think Billick, Fassel, Nolan, Lewis, Capers? I DID. ONE Super Bowl appearance amongst them.

[Chiefs Pantalones]

Originally Posted by ROYC75

CP and AS don't see eye to eye on many things. Why do you think CP passed on AS the first time ?

When asked which QB both prefered, Gun said Grbac, Al said Gannon. That was some of it.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by TRR

And the same amount of coordinators go on to be successful NFL Head Coaches. Start fresh? Why would you possibly want to give up arguably the best offensive mind in the NFL? Why would you want to start fresh? You even say he deserves to be a head coach, so why not KC? Saunders will bring new dimensions to the table than Vermeil.

You make absolutely no sense.

I absolutely make sense.

Read your statement again, like this:

And the same amount of coordinators go on to be successful NFL Head Coaches. Start fresh? Why would you possibly want to give up arguably the best defensive mind in the NFL? Why would you want to start fresh? You even say he deserves to be a head coach, so why not KC? Cunningham will bring new dimensions to the table than Schottenheimer.

[jspchief]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

Think Billick, Fassel, Nolan, Lewis, Capers? I DID. ONE Super Bowl appearance amongst them.

Actually, two. Billick faced Fassel, and whipped his ass.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by Brock

I don't know if that's true, but I think Saunders will almost certainly be the next head coach, especially if the team does well this year.

I thought so too, until recently. Carl and Saunders don't get along.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by TEX

Gun and Saunders are two different people who coached two totally different teams in different decades...

What was Shanahan's record while in Oakland? What has he done in Denver? Wonder what would have been had he not gotten a second chance?

What was Shanahan's record without John Elway, regardless of where it was?

Exactly.

[htismaqe]

Originally Posted by jspchief

Actually, two. Billick faced Fassel, and whipped his ass.

Oops, I forgot Fassel.

I'm sure you can see why I left him out.

[Rausch]

Originally Posted by htismaqe

I absolutely make sense.

Read your statement again, like this:

And the same amount of coordinators go on to be successful NFL Head Coaches. Start fresh? Why would you possibly want to give up arguably the best defensive mind in the NFL? Why would you want to start fresh? You even say he deserves to be a head coach, so why not KC? Cunningham will bring new dimensions to the table than Schottenheimer.

For the sake of argument lets say DV is definitely gone next year.

Looking around the league I don't see any of the top 10 coaches getting fired or reaching the end of their contracts, so the idea of landing a big name who's already been a HC looks unlikely.

That means we'll hire:

A) A college coach.
B) An NFL coordinator
C) Promote a coach in-house.

Which of those three options looks the best to you?...

[Jenson71]

What are the chances of F. Mitchell starting this year?

[Thig Lyfe]

Originally Posted by Jenson71

What are the chances of F. Mitchell starting this year?

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