Mickey Posted January 17, 2006 Posted January 17, 2006 In terms of their records, I think Martz and Sherman should be the front runners. They have HC experience and have been to the playoffs numerous times. There are plenty of other issues to examine in selecting a HC but for me, those two start off with an edge. The most intriguing candidate for me is April. Our special teams have been just incredible. I am on the edge of my seat every time we are getting ready to return a kick off. I wish I knew why our special teams were so special. Are we just lucky enough to have some talent out there like McGee and Stamer? Is it because April is willing to put starters like Fletcher on the return units? Is April pulling off some unseen brilliance with the x's and o's? Is our unpredictability (trying reverses, on-side kicks, fake punts, etc) giving our opponents too much to worry about to be effective? Is April just inspiring these guys to treat every kick like it was the most important play in the game? Was it because Mularkey was willing to devote the extra time and players needed to make our special teams unit a top performer? Anybody have a theory as to why we have been so good on ST's? If I knew why that was, I would be able to have a more informed opinion on whether April should be given serious consideration as our HC. Maybe April is just a smart guy who knows football and not just some sort of highly skilled specialist who would flop if ever asked to do more. I wonder if we don't have a real gem hidden in plain sight.
tennesseeboy Posted January 17, 2006 Posted January 17, 2006 I don't think he's very well hidden. We should take very good care of this guy. I proposed his promotion to DC a while back and someone else was throwing around the Assistant Head Coach position, which sounds like a pretty good idea. HC? Maybe, but it would be a huge jump. In any event I think Ralph may want to open his wallet and lock this guy up.
eSJayDee Posted January 17, 2006 Posted January 17, 2006 I think it's a combination of things. 1st, obviously April does a great job. But much of the credit must also go to Mularkey for emphasizing ST & allowing starters to be used extensively (One of the few + about MM, IMO). Just look how good the Rams ST were w/ April while under Martz. They were among the leagues worse. Finally, you need to have the players. Which begs the question, if we can manage to be the best ST in the league, why are we among both the worse O & D?
2003Contenders Posted January 17, 2006 Posted January 17, 2006 I really like April's intensity. For example, did you see how he pled his case to the officials in the Cinci game over the second-half on-sides kick? Not sure if he is HC material, but Marv should do whatever is necessary to retain him at least in his current position. Considering Marv's infatuation with Special Teams, I would expect him to do exactly that.
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