Opinion: Why should we fire Del Rio?
by Brian Levenson on Jan 3, 2011 10:39 AM EST
in Moment in Jacksonville Jaguars History
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PrintReally, what does it do? Most decent coaches in the league wind up at around .500 in wins and losses. If you're looking for outliers, Belichek is a coaching genius and had a career 63% win ratio, and Tony Dungy has 66%. Let's be serious though, those guys are Hall of Fame coaches with a couple of all-time greats at QB for them. A better example would be Tom Coughlin, who coached the Jaguars for their first eight years of existence. He has a 55.4% win ratio, and he's a good coach. A super bowl winning coach. A coach who took a 2nd year franchise to the AFC championship game. Jack Del Rio is a .508 coach on an average team. Seriously, how much of a drop off is that, and how many more wins would a different coach have brought to the team? Of the guys out there, I'd imagine the difference is negligable.
Honestly, based on the talent of the teams he's dealt with, I think he's done an incredible job. Think about it: look at the Jaguars roster this. Half of those guys are castoffs and young guys. Now look at all the guys on IR and the injuries this team went through this year. Think of the 4th downs and good time management that led to the last minute wins. Del Rio should get a medal for getting this team to .500 this year. Go watch the "Hard Knocks" they did in for the Jags in 2003-04. I watched it and found myself really sad. If not for Byron Leftwich, Reggie Williams and Matt Jones, this team could have been great. We had the defense and a powerful running game. Then we collapsed in 2007 and never got the defense back. Still, for reasons I will explain, I think Wayne Weaver will have to fire Jack Del Rio.
I should have written this article before the game, but here it is now: It's not about the team, it's about the fans. I know that seems like a strange concept to some, but think about it: Head coaches don't really do much teaching of the players. Gene Smith runs the Jaguars draft, so Del Rio has very little say in personnel decisions. Del Rio doesn't call the plays on offense, Dirk Koetter does, and Dirk has done an excellent job. So what does Del Rio really do? He's a positive figure in the community. He gives us hope for the future of our team and leads them. The problem is, he hasn't led us to enough that can be measured.
How do you measure a successful team? If you measure it as being competitive, the Jaguars were competitive almost every year of Del Rio's tenure. The problem is that Del Rio didn't get us to the playoffs enough and we couldn't beat the Colts. Is that his fault or Peyton Manning's? Still, one playoff win in 8 years doesn't look good. Never mind that the team's roster collapsed in years 4 and 5, and that he's made the team competitive, even during rebuilding. Fans don't separate the first 6 years, where Del Rio was working with a bad GM and an old roster, from the last two where Del Rio has coached players with marginal talent to more thrilling wins than they could rightfully deserve. Del Rio is a good coach, but I believe he will be fired because of fans and appearances.
The Jaguars promised to turn over a new leaf and get back to winning ways. We replaced the GM and most of the players, but the Jaguars went from a promising 7-5 to a flailing 7-9. Forget that it was impossible to make the playoffs with so young a team, it's what we as fans expected. Again this year, Wayne Weaver asked for improvement for the fans' sake. Well, if you've replaced the GM and half of the team and nothing has changed, where do you go next? You tell the QB you need more out of him. Garrard rededicates himself and now who is left to blame when the team goes south in the last 3 games? The coordinators? Koetter did a great job of playcalling and Del Rio took some ownership of the defense on himself this year. The only person you can blame is the head coach. I don't think Del Rio is the problem, just the Goat. While it is unfortunate, the outcry is too strong for the team to keep Del Rio and tell the fans that Weaver is doing his best to give the city a winner. JDR will likely be fired soon, but it can't be helped. He had chances to save his career. Very slim ones, but chances. We gave him a half-court shot and he almost made it, but in the end he fell a little bit short. It's nobody's fault, it's just a move that, I think, will be made.
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I agree sadly
Personally I like Del Rio. I think he’s a good person, he’s very engaging to the fans. I also think he’s a pretty decent coach. Most pundits put this team at 4-6 wins, and we squeaked out 8. We over-achieved. What can the coach do? He can’t get out there and tackle, he can’t get out there and help the offensive line. He can only do what he can do.
I thought Del Rio did a pretty good job this year. I’m especially impressed with his turn around of the team after the HUGE losses earlier this year, he could have lost this team, but he kept true to his vision, and they played some really good games.
Realistically we’re one to two years away from being playoff contenders every year. I like the direction of this team, I think we’re getting there.
Houston is freaking scary though, if they ever figure out how to play defense they could be the best team in the division.
I agree that Del Rio will most likely be fired but I don’t agree that it will necessarily be the best choice for the Jaguars.
My Question
My question if Mr. Weaver keeps Coach Del Rio is it because he has faith in him to take the team to the next level or because it would not be profitable to fire him and hire another head coach?
He can use the extra profit from selling on average 20,000 more seats per game.
Del Rio has 2 years at $5m per left.
"Prepare yourself, you know it's a must, you've gotta have a friend in Jesus." -Norm Greenbaum
+1000
couldnt have wrote a better article myself
by harveyismyboy on Jan 3, 2011 1:37 PM EST up reply actions
Most pundits don't really spend much time looking at the Jags.
Don’t use their crap to talk about “overachieving”. Some of those pundits still think Fred Taylor is our RB and that we play at Alltel Stadium.
Point blank…Jack has had more than enough time to develop this team. He had a lot of good pieces in place when he arrived and he didn’t do very much with it. It was always up and down with him. He was also involved in the draft process, so he doesn’t get a free pass in my opinion. Then you throw in some of his questionable coaching decisions and you have enough reasons to let him walk. Bring someone else in, if you really want to rebuild. But if you want more of the same then keep Jack. Next year we’ll be crying about the same things no matter who Gene drafts.
No division titles.
1 playoff win.
Haven’t won the final game for the last 6 years.
2nd year late season collapse.
8 years….going on 9.
Do I sound like a pundit? Because I'm not.
I’m just a guy who really likes his Jaguars and has followed the team his whole life. That’s who I’m writing as.
by Brian Levenson on Jan 3, 2011 11:17 AM EST up reply actions
I wasn't referring to you.
I’m saying when it comes to the Jags must of the pundits spend little time researching what it is we do down here.
where I lose my patience is that when it matters most, with playoff spots on the line
is when his teams seem to give pathetic efforts. If was only one game, I’d say OK no issue – but this is systemic.
Agreed
The back to back December collapses falls squarely on Del Rio. If you cant coach your team up for important games then you shouldn’t be a head coach.
"I’m going to punish him. If he hits me, fine, but if I catch him, believe me, I’m going to get the better shot." - Fred Taylor
He has earned 1 more year
There is to much uncertainty surrounding CBA. He is not a terrible coach by any means and he still has the locker room. Give him his 3rd year in rebuild. pretty easy decision.
I'm leaning towards that..
He has one more year on his contract.. The team still seems to be Pro Jack.. and with the CBA issues and half the NFL getting new coaches.. maybe its best to see what year 3 of rebuilding can bring, make a decision then. I know I don’t see this team making it deep in the playoffs for at least two years no matter the coach.
" I'm not just a Fan.. I'm a Season Ticket Holder"
by Charles Goin on Jan 3, 2011 12:01 PM EST up reply actions
JDR
I like him but coaching is the only thing that you can attribute to our second late season collapse in a row!!!! IMO
You mean
Besides injuries, no line depth on either side of the ball and crappy LBs and secondary?
I am very dissapointed and am at the point where I can’t be angry if Del Rio is fired, but it’s not his fault in my opinion. He had the team playing great ball in the mid season and we ran out of gas. I blame missing our best players and not having the depth to survive it, but I can see you putting some on the coach.
by jstnblke41 on Jan 3, 2011 1:33 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I find it pretty funny...
that there are some people who would want to keep JDR on for another season when he has done nothing with this team. Sure, they improved, but that improvement still doesn’t overshadow the fact that JDR can’t seem to win in December. I have been saying since 2007 that we should go in another direction with the coaching staff and since that season this team has been home watching the playoffs with the rest of us. Just sad.
Interesting how it's all coaching
Interesting how it’s all coaching for the end of year collapse.
QB- played hurt last 2 games, didn’t play at all last game.
RB- played hurt, didn’t play at all.
DE- Best defensive player on team didn’t play half the year.
I mean we were missing our best two players on offense, and our best player on defense. Plus if you look at some of our rookies, they hit the same wall they did last year. Alualu wasn’t the same at the end of the year that he was in the beginning of the year. 3rd youngest team in the NFL, most roster changes of any team in NFL over last two years, yet it’s all on the coach??
I just don’t see it.
Yea the last 2 games....
We lost because of 3 guys against some of worst NFL defenses in recent years….
Hey the skins played with Grossman and the PS squad defense.
The Texans played without Andre Johnson, and Mario Williams….
Your point?
Sometimes you just need a change of scenery..
On one hand I see the need and desire to change coaches..
That said.. with upwards of half the league firing their coaches.. who will be available to replace him that we know could do any better a job.. ? Knowing Gene who knows it could be a head coach from a smaller division 2 school.
The argument for keeping him.. :
- I don’t think Del Rio has lost the team.. and they play for him. Isn’t that what we want.. ?
- Del Rio didn’t miss two field goals at critical points of two games. Those two games make us 10-6..
- Its a young team and no matte the coach 8-8 is the best that could be expected.
- Lastly, as “young” as it maybe we still have some places (especially the O-line) where age is a real factor in December…
- WE don’t have an elite dominating QB or CB/Saftey that we need to get to the next level.
The argument for getting someone new :
- Isn’t 8 years enough ?
- New blood would help in seeing things from a different angle and bring a fresh perspective to the team.
- We won’t know if it is all on Del Rio unless we start new
- Isn’t 8 years enough ?
Both arguments are valid.. just hope its done right. Hate to go into another 4 year learning curve..
It’s a tough call.. I see and agree with a lot of both sides arguments…
" I'm not just a Fan.. I'm a Season Ticket Holder"
Seriously
I feel that if we get a fire Del Rio and get a new coach the chances of us being better next year is worse than the chances of us being better with the same coaching staff. I feel that we can improve on what we did this year with another draft and strong offseason. The only changes I would maybe think they should consider is with the defensive coordinator position. I wish we could find someone like Mike Smith to replace Tucker with.
slvr youre a retard bro
our players improved a lot
by harveyismyboy on Jan 3, 2011 1:56 PM EST up reply actions
Some people can't see past the record
I think this team has a completely different feel to it than the last two years. Completely.
In the end, the team didn’t get it done when it mattered most, so what is to be done about that? What do you say and/or do to make that right? …other than keep adding players of course.
WTF IS THE INTERNET?!?
In perspective
Out of the 32 NFL Teams, the Jaguars has a better record than 50% of them. Ironically the only NFL Team with a 8 & 8 like the Jaguars is the Raiders. It appears as if the Raider’s Coach Cable may be released.
This is a shame.
Our fans are going to be the death of this team. Because of the ticket situation I think Weaver is gonna think that he has to do something or give the appearance of doing something to appease the idiot people here. We could be a couple years away from being a perennial contender but most people don’t understand that and because of the need to sell tickets, the Jags are gonna have to end up taking this huge step back in order to keep themselves afloat long enough to get back to this same point of being almost a perennial contender in couple years.
by Sylvester.The.Jaguar.fan on Jan 3, 2011 12:38 PM EST reply actions
I don't see that really
The tickets argument I think is overblown for next year as the schedule has a lot of good teams on it which helps sell itself. The schedule allows for only one real questionable game in Cincinnati. I think IF the Jags can add some solid FA help, another good draft class, we are fine on the tickets angle, even with Jack staying. The anger over the coach and the finish… I think that’s fleeting.
WTF IS THE INTERNET?!?
I hope your right
Because this team is extremely young and has a chance to be extremely good for a long time if they just add talent at the needed areas and have another good draft by gene
by Sylvester.The.Jaguar.fan on Jan 3, 2011 4:40 PM EST up reply actions
I am not buying your selling points.
Don’t have the players. The Skins beat us with practice squad players and a backup qb. period.
He has had many good players and could not get the job done 8 years now. How many teams keep a coach after 7 of last 8 years no playoff wins.
What is the excuse when we had a top 5 defense? No one has a perfect roster to work with.
You have to play with what you have. And work to there strengths. I am tired of the excuses. And the chopping wood and the constant melt downs at end of season.
What are we going to have him another 8 years and keep making excuses?
It's time for a coaching change...
Hey guys, first comment for me on Big Cat, life long Jags fan and it’s seriously time to get a new coaching staff. Yes, Del Rio has a winning record, but he is just average and I’m getting tired of it. Jeff Fisher has a winning record as a coach and look what he did with his team this year. We’ve had a shot at the playoffs the past two years and we only won ONE game in December…against the Raiders at home. I like what Gene is doing with rebuilding the team, but a new coach is needed and we need to draft a QB in the 3rd/4th round of the draft to work on so we can replace Garrard in a couple of years because Garrard is starting to get on my nerves in big games.
Coach possibilities: Russ Grim
QB possibilities: Andy Dalton (TCU)/Scott Tolzien (WIsconsin)
Just 30 minutes ago this is what Wayne Weaver said:
""No, I’m not talking about that," Weaver told First Coast News today. “We’ve got to sit down and evaluate the season. I do think we’ve made some progress this season. I’m not talking about coaching.”
“It’s disappointing,” Weaver said .“We got what we earned. We got to get better.”
http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/Wayne-Weaver-declines-to-discuss-Jack-Del-Rio.html
Guys, it could have been worse.
What if in the span of 15 minutes:
we get dismantled by Houston (check)
Tennessee does not fumble and Bironas kicks the field goal at the gun
Tim Tebow throws a Hail Mary TD to beat the Chargers
and earlier in the day
Mark Brunell throws for 2 TDs (check)
Mike Smith clinches homefield throughout the playoffs in Atlanta (check)
Mike Peterson gets 2 sacks and Brian Williams takes a pick to the house
Byron Leftwich comes on in relief and throws for 400 yards and 4 tds in a Steelers win.
See? It’s not THAT bad. Is it?
We should have kept Mike Smith
and jettisoned Del Rio.
I don't think we as fans knew how good he was
We knew Mike Smith was good, but damn I really wish he was in teal.
But then again, it’s a lot easier to coach when you have a blue chip quarterback :)
Ignore the hype; look at the results.
JDR has simply taken the team as far as he can
It is time for a change.
"Prepare yourself, you know it's a must, you've gotta have a friend in Jesus." -Norm Greenbaum
by VoiceOfBC on Jan 3, 2011 1:20 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
I have read all the argumemts so far for either keeping or cutting JDR.....
and though I do not hold him as accountable as some of you do, and hope to see him back, there are good points on either side. The only thing that I am 100% confident of is that the decision that Wayne Weaver makes needs to come from conversations with GM Gene, and if that decision is to eliminate JDR, then he needs to have had serious conversations with other candidates. There is no way that this decision should be at all based on fan and public opinion. I have no doubt that the fastest way to destroy a team is to listen to the Monday morning QBs (or owners in this case).
I agree with this
If the Jags replace JDR, it had better be an upgrade. Not a tool like Eric Mangini.
"Prepare yourself, you know it's a must, you've gotta have a friend in Jesus." -Norm Greenbaum
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