David Blough and the Offensive Staffing Thread

[KDawg]

So do have this right - we are going to be moving to a zone scheme with more emphasis on running the ball and less QB planned runs.

Does this mean more of a need for the RBs to have great vision and quick cuts against the grain? I feel like this fits Bill, does it fit CRod and McNichol?

Does this scheme play into all of our Olinemens wheel house?

We need running backs regardless. The OL… we’ll see. Paul will be problematic if he is brought back and starts at LG. Conerly is probably the best fit.

 

[burgold]

It seems like Kliff wasn't going to make the necessary changes--most likely around running back uses and QB designed runs. I'd imagine his HC ambitions also figured into the parting.

Listening to Galdi this morning pointing out the unusual nature of this offensive staff revamp: "Dan Quinn disliked the offense enough to part with Kliff Kingsbury & Bobby Johnson but liked the offense enough to promote David Blough, Darnell Stapleton and Shane Toub." I think two things figure in here: 1. The offense wasn't bad--I don't think Kingsbury was a bad hire, let alone a "whiff." There is a lot to like and continue about it, but there is a lot to change too--changes many here have called for. 2. Continuity is key, for better or worse.

I don't think Blough or Stapleton are unqualified, just inexperienced. Apparently, Detroit had an official offer out to Blough to be the OC, which probably caused some of the immediacy in the decision.

I am very interested to see what happens--this also almost guarantees starters play some significant reps in the preseason.

Yeah, this smells like a plan. It doesn't feel like they were promoting in from desperation, but that this is what they wanted. We'll find out if they were right, but it feels like they aren't settling or desperate. After all, they barely even made any attempt to interview anyone except to the degree to satisfy the Rooney Rule.

 

[SkinsNumberOne]

Yeah, this smells like a plan. It doesn't feel like they were promoting in from desperation, but that this is what they wanted. We'll find out if they were right, but it feels like they aren't settling or desperate. After all, they barely even made any attempt to interview anyone except to the degree to satisfy the Rooney Rule.

Well, I think DQ and AP don't seem to lie much to the media. They (especially AP) maybe use some clever phrasing but the truth is often in their words.

I think it was DQ who described what happened with Kliff to some degree. Differences in opinion, mutual parting, I think it all ends up being the same - they would have kept Kliff if they could come to the same place. I also look at the pressers over the last 2 years and combine with a lot of recent reporting talking about DQ and how he prefers a collaborative group of coaches (which, if done right, seems like the strongest mix for sure). So, you look at all of that evidence and combine it with a meeting where HC says to OC, I really feel we need to look at this (and has the benefit of asking about the same general issue for 2 years), and the OC basically says he disagrees. At some point, if you feel strongly enough, you don't see that as collaborative enough. That's fair if that's the vision as HC.

That type of disagreement isn't a strong disagreement to tear it all down especially with a young QB who likes what he has learned and shown some flashes (and beyond "flashes" - NFCCG qualifies!).

So, I don't think it was really "the plan" as much as "the hope" in this scenario. It worked out for them (or probably DQ specifically, as again, I take AP at his word; this is DQ's rodeo).

It should be interesting to see how it all plays out. The biggest risk to me is having an OC who has no established "voice" or "cadence" to his playcalling. I think that takes time to figure out. It's possible being around Ben and Kliff, taking notes - and of course as a backup QB where you aren't in the thick but observing at that level as well - it's possible he has some good steps there already.

Again: should be interesting at a minimum.

I don't think the DC role is anything like this though.

 

[Chris]

Couple of quick thoughts-

If the HC communicates the changes he desires going forward to the OC and the OC disagrees or pushes back…that is not a ‘type of disagreement’ in my mind, that is a fundamental disagreement that causes a multitude of issues, problems, etc. I wouldn’t go so far as to call it mutiny but I could be swayed. 🙂

I do give Quinn credit for being bold and for not playing it safe. It’s his career as a HC on the line. I hope (for his and all of our sakes) that he is right.

 

[DWinzit]

We need running backs regardless. The OL… we’ll see. Paul will be problematic if he is brought back and starts at LG. Conerly is probably the best fit.

Thanks. I am worried some of the components of our strongest area, the OL ,may not fit. I didn't expect to bring Paul back if we stayed with Kliff so no biggie there.

 

[SkinsNumberOne]

Couple of quick thoughts-

If the HC communicates the changes he desires going forward to the OC and the OC disagrees or pushes back…that is not a ‘type of disagreement’ in my mind, that is a fundamental disagreement that causes a multitude of issues, problems, etc. I wouldn’t go so far as to call it mutiny but I could be swayed. 🙂

I do give Quinn credit for being bold and for not playing it safe. It’s his career as a HC on the line. I hope (for his and all of our sakes) that he is right.

I agree but, I followed the pressers closely for two years (with friends of mine, all lifelong fans like many of us here).

There was “disagreement” for two years. It was already a problem in year 1.

I think DQ went with it, hoping if it became more of an issue, they could see eye to eye.

Year 2 happened. In DQ’s eyes, it was “more of an issue.” They did not see eye to eye.

Year 2 ends. And there is where you are 100% on. DQ says hey this is what I would like to see. It isn’t as much “disagreement” on collaboration because I think there wasn’t real “collaboration” over those two years the way DQ would like. I don’t see how that meeting ends any other way, frankly. The proof was there already.

Sure there is conjecture here on the specifics, but again, that Kliff and DQ had philosophical differences for two years? That is not conjecture.

 

[Riggo44]

Couple of quick thoughts-

If the HC communicates the changes he desires going forward to the OC and the OC disagrees or pushes back…that is not a ‘type of disagreement’ in my mind, that is a fundamental disagreement that causes a multitude of issues, problems, etc. I wouldn’t go so far as to call it mutiny but I could be swayed. 🙂

I do give Quinn credit for being bold and for not playing it safe. It’s his career as a HC on the line. I hope (for his and all of our sakes) that he is right.

My general assessment, judging from the presser and the quick, decisive decisions on the offensive staff is they are not fucking around this offseason. Like "The Pause" in Peters' initial presser indicated how he felt about the roster he took over; he looked pissed during the one a few weeks ago, indicating significant changes. They don't have a "Everything is Hunky Dory, Just Need Health!" head in the sand feeling towards this year--they didn't mention injuries once, did they?

 

[Chris]

I agree but, I followed the pressers closely for two years (with friends of mine, all lifelong fans like many of us here).

There was “disagreement” for two years. It was already a problem in year 1.

I think DQ went with it, hoping if it became more of an issue, they could see eye to eye.

Year 2 happened. In DQ’s eyes, it was “more of an issue.” They did not see eye to eye.

Year 2 ends. And there is where you are 100% on. DQ says hey this is what I would like to see. It isn’t as much “disagreement” on collaboration because I think there wasn’t real “collaboration” over those two years the way DQ would like. I don’t see how that meeting ends any other way, frankly. The proof was there already.

Sure there is conjecture here on the specifics, but again, that Kliff and DQ had philosophical differences for two years? That is not conjecture.

Ultimately Kingsbury walked the plank, be it willingly or unwillingly. Life goes on, good luck to both him and Quinn.

 

[Bulldog]

Kingsbury is a better fit for a college program.

 

[skinzplay]

 

[Dlts20]

Sounds like we are running my favorite offense. Pistol with the zone run scheme. I'm all for it. I think that Daniels, our backs, and line will kill with that scheme. The zone and pistol is what I've been wanting. Let's do it.

 

[RedWolf]

Sounds like we are running my favorite offense. Pistol with the zone run scheme. I'm all for it. I think that Daniels, our backs, and line will kill with that scheme. The zone and pistol is what I've been wanting. Let's do it.

Love the positive attitude! I wish others on this board could see the future with the glass half full attitude that you have

 

[Conn]

McDaniel doesn’t wait for the outcome of HC searches, and accepts OC role with the Chargers with Herbert under Harbaugh.

Perceived coaching staff stability, talented franchise QB, potential springboard to further HC opportunities.

We’re only missing one aspect of that equation imo. And it’s showing in our hires.

At least he didn’t go to the Lions, I suppose.

 

[Riggo44]

Continuity is key is the message I see...but at least he didn't go to the Eagles.

 

[Primus Porcus]

According to this, it ain’t done yet

 

[CapsCommies]

According to this, it ain’t done yet

Sounds like a message to Baltimore and Buffalo

 

[Izzy]

Harbaugh and the team front office may be concerned with Harbaughs health long term. Possibility that was McDaniel's motivation that he could become interm/ and or future HC.

 

[Dlts20]

Either way, if McDaniel doesn't get a HC job then this proves that he was there to be had and with his admiration for DQ, I think that we had a legitimate shot of being his choice. Basically, DQs career is in the hands of Blough now because if it blows up, everyone will say that we could've had McDaniel.

 

[Izzy]

See now that it's not final.

 

[heisenberg]

Harbaugh and the team front office may be concerned with Harbaughs health long term. Possibility that was McDaniel's motivation that he could become interm/ and or future HC.

Is this just wild speculation or have there been any reports of anything?

Nevermind I just googled it.

I had no idea he had all those health issues.