My analysis of Scott Pioli and his Interview

[Amnorix]

I just watched the full interview on KCChiefs.com where Pioli was introduced. As a close Patriots' watcher and expert (well moreso than you guys, for now anyway) in the ways of the Patriots and Mr. Pioli, I saw several things that were very interesting and figured I'd share them. I see everyone is creating separate threads on Pioli, so this is legit I guess.

First, I think Herm is likely gone. I strongly suspect that one reason for the delay in announcing Scott (I'll suggest another below) is the status of Herm Edwards.

Scott praised Herm, but when asked to give his assessment of his strengths as a coach, all he could come up with is that he liked him personally and that his players played hard for him. While that's clearly important, he didn't say ALOT of the buzzwords that I would expect him to say if he were giving a coach high praise.

I noted, correctly, in a prior thread that you could expect to hear Pioli say that he would build a "big, strong, tough, smart, disciplined" football team. None of those buzzwords came through. The phrases Belichick uses to praise the coaches he highly respects, such as Shanarat, were not used.

Then Clark Hunt went on to say that Scott would basically investigate and then report to him with a recommendation. What I strongly suspect is that Clark didn't want to fire HErm, but wants to keep him. Maybe because he feels a sense of obligation to him for handing him such a young roster, or perhaps just to save the $4MM. But what Scott and Hunt agreed on was that Scott would "give him a chance" -- i.e. have discussions iwth him and get to know the players/personnel better to make a better assessment, from the inside as it were, of Herm, and then recommend to Clark whether he will be kept or discharged.

I strongly suspect Herm will be gone in about 2 weeks.


Second, the last exchange, at the very end of the interview, was very telling. The reporter asked if Scott had to CLEAR trades, etc. with Clark. Scott's answer was that Clark will be INFORMED of everything that happens, before it happens. He also used a few other phrases that make it clear that Scott has complete control over all football operations.

That may well have been another sticking point that slowed this process down -- discussions over the degree of control Scott would have. He obviously wants what Parcells and Belichick always wanted -- complete control.

Other than that, I would recommend that any Chiefs fan on here watch the video. It explains that "Patriots' Way", and the modus operandi for the Chiefs going forward.

He also references some of the unique challenges the Chiefs present compared ot the Patriots team that won a SB two years after BB/SP arrived. The roster is much younger here now, and there is no veteran core of players, nor a recent tradition of winning. In some ways, his job is harder here than they had with the Patriots. However, there is plenty of cap room which wasn't the case in NE. The problem, however, is that everyone in the NFL (practically) has plenty of cap room these days, so it may not be that much of a competitive advantage.

[OnTheWarpath15]

Thanks for the take.

And thanks for the recommendation of "Patriots Reign."

It should be required reading for Chiefs fans that want an idea of what the "Patriots Way" and Pioli's processes are/ how he operates.

[Amnorix]

Originally Posted by OnTheWarpath58

Thanks for the take.

And thanks for the recommendation of "Patriots Reign."

It should be required reading for Chiefs fans that want an idea of what the "Patriots Way" and Pioli's processes are/ how he operates.

I know it's light reading, but didn't you buy it like yesterday?

[StcChief]

Herm out in two weeks?....you think it will take two weeks to find a replacement HC?

other than that seemed spot on.

[Chief Pote]

Originally Posted by Amnorix

I just watched the full interview on KCChiefs.com where Pioli was introduced. As a close Patriots' watcher and expert (well moreso than you guys, for now anyway) in the ways of the Patriots and Mr. Pioli, I saw several things that were very interesting and figured I'd share them. I see everyone is creating separate threads on Pioli, so this is legit I guess.

First, I think Herm is likely gone. I strongly suspect that one reason for the delay in announcing Scott (I'll suggest another below) is the status of Herm Edwards.

Scott praised Herm, but when asked to give his assessment of his strengths as a coach, all he could come up with is that he liked him personally and that his players played hard for him. While that's clearly important, he didn't say ALOT of the buzzwords that I would expect him to say if he were giving a coach high praise.

I noted, correctly, in a prior thread that you could expect to hear Pioli say that he would build a "big, strong, tough, smart, disciplined" football team. None of those buzzwords came through. The phrases Belichick uses to praise the coaches he highly respects, such as Shanarat, were not used.

Then Clark Hunt went on to say that Scott would basically investigate and then report to him with a recommendation. What I strongly suspect is that Clark didn't want to fire HErm, but wants to keep him. Maybe because he feels a sense of obligation to him for handing him such a young roster, or perhaps just to save the $4MM. But what Scott and Hunt agreed on was that Scott would "give him a chance" -- i.e. have discussions iwth him and get to know the players/personnel better to make a better assessment, from the inside as it were, of Herm, and then recommend to Clark whether he will be kept or discharged.

I strongly suspect Herm will be gone in about 2 weeks.


Second, the last exchange, at the very end of the interview, was very telling. The reporter asked if Scott had to CLEAR trades, etc. with Clark. Scott's answer was that Clark will be INFORMED of everything that happens, before it happens. He also used a few other phrases that make it clear that Scott has complete control over all football operations.

That may well have been another sticking point that slowed this process down -- discussions over the degree of control Scott would have. He obviously wants what Parcells and Belichick always wanted -- complete control.

Other than that, I would recommend that any Chiefs fan on here watch the video. It explains that "Patriots' Way", and the modus operandi for the Chiefs going forward.

He also references some of the unique challenges the Chiefs present compared ot the Patriots team that won a SB two years after BB/SP arrived. The roster is much younger here now, and there is no veteran core of players, nor a recent tradition of winning. In some ways, his job is harder here than they had with the Patriots. However, there is plenty of cap room which wasn't the case in NE. The problem, however, is that everyone in the NFL (practically) has plenty of cap room these days, so it may not be that much of a competitive advantage.

You're a closet Chiefs fan.

[Donger]

Originally Posted by Amnorix

I strongly suspect Herm will be gone in about 2 weeks.

That's my guess, too. Pioli seems far too methodical to make hasty or rash decisions.

[OnTheWarpath15]

Originally Posted by Amnorix

I know it's light reading, but didn't you buy it like yesterday?

Tuesday.

Couldn't put it down, finished in two sittings over Tues/Wed.

It wasn't as in-depth as "Next Man Up" but was a good read.

Great insight on how BB and Pioli - and the organization - works together.

[Amnorix]

Originally Posted by ChiefPote

You're a closet Chiefs fan.

I'd like nothing better than to see Patriots/Chiefs AFC Championship Games for the next 10 years, and to learn to bitterly hate you because you win 2 or 3 of those games...



I do wish the Chiefs and Pioli all the luck in the world, so long as it doesn't hurt the Patriots.

[Amnorix]

Originally Posted by StcChief

Herm out in two weeks?....you think it will take two weeks to find a replacement HC?

other than that seemed spot on.

I'm not sure they'll have a replacement HC ready to go when the axe falls on Herm. Maybe, but I dont' think it's strictly necessary.

[Chief Pote]

Originally Posted by Amnorix

I'd like nothing better than to see Patriots/Chiefs AFC Championship Games for the next 10 years, and to learn to bitterly hate you because you win 2 or 3 of those games...



I do wish the Chiefs and Pioli all the luck in the world, so long as it doesn't hurt the Patriots.

Fair enough.....the Pats are solid and I hope the Chiefs can duplicate the Pats recipe. But, they are kind of a mystery and you can't tell who's responsible for the success. Maybe we'll find out now. Good thread Amnorix.

[Mr. Laz]

i think Herm is still around for 2 reasons

1. Clark likes him
2. Herm will be the "rooney rule" candidate as Herm will interview to keep his job.

[jAZ]

Originally Posted by Amnorix

However, there is plenty of cap room which wasn't the case in NE. The problem, however, is that everyone in the NFL (practically) has plenty of cap room these days, so it may not be that much of a competitive advantage.

The advantage is relateive to other present and future bad teams replacing their GM that Pioli might be choosing among. We are free and clear. Nearly an expansion team with a clean slate in a way.

[Zouk]

Agree on the point about Clark asking Pioli to consider Herm, but the reality being that they don't fit philosophically.

[Basileus777]

Originally Posted by Amnorix

I'd like nothing better than to see Patriots/Chiefs AFC Championship Games for the next 10 years, and to learn to bitterly hate you because you win 2 or 3 of those games...

You'd like to Pats to lose 2 or 3 AFC Championship games?

[Amnorix]

Originally Posted by jAZ

The advantage is relateive to other present and future bad teams replacing their GM that Pioli might be choosing among. We are free and clear. Nearly an expansion team with a clean slate in a way.

I'm not sure I even understand this point.

In 2000, the Pats were waay over the cap, which meant alot of players had to get axed, some even if the team thought they were talented, but had to go because they were overpaid.

In 2008, the Chiefs have lots of cap room. That would seem to be an advantage, but the problem is that if 20 teams are significantly under teh cap, then the Chiefs aren't in any better position to outbid other teams for the talent that the Chiefs want.

Which, of course, throws it back on Pioli to identify the key players and decide which, if any, to slightly overspend on (the horror) if necessary to establish a winning tradition.

One thing is clear -- BB and SP believe in a CORE group of veterans to establish the work ethic and professionalism needed to win. Peterson and Herm believed in a bunch of kids. You can expect to see a host of FA signings of cheap, older veterans to help create the core that SP believes in.