For the last four years, fans have been clamoring for their head coach to show some emotion. Many who cringed at the site of former head coach Tony Sparano doing his exaggerated fist bump after a field goal would have done cartwheels if Joe Philbin had showed a smidgen of enthusiasm. If Dan Campbell’s first presser was indicative whats to come, then enthusiasm will be in abundance on the side lines, at lead for the next 12 games.
Joe Philbin often talked about trusting his coaches, their plan, fundamentals,simplifying this and tweaking that. While that all came from a good place and no doubt he was doing the best he could, he never could seem to motivate his players.
On the flip side, when Campbell spoke he used words like intensity, aggression, competitive, nasty and dominate. He spoke of changing the culture, he spoke of not just doing your job but dominating. All of those words are what’s really associated with football. Those are adjectives that a successful team must be associated with. If somehow the team can take on the personality of Campbell the next 12 games will be really interesting to watch
If anyone has ever watched Bill Parcells or Sean Payton on the sidelines, or watched their press conferences, they are full of emotion. They were also Campbell’s coaches in the NFL, so it’s no surprise that he is molded in the same form.
However, there are major questions going forward. What we don’t know is just exactly what Campbell will bring besides exuberance. Does he believe in a pass first system that’s in place or does he believe in a run heavy as did Parcells. With big holes on the offensive line will he continue to let Bill Lazor, if he is retained, put quarterback Ryan Tannehill in unfavorable positions. There are a lot of unknowns.
The biggest unknown is what the staff will look like. Is there anyway Campbell retains defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle? If he doesn’t then who does he replace him with. Many expect Lazor to keep his offensive coordinator position.
How will that dynamic work? Lazor was Campbell’s boss just a week ago. Now the tables have been turned.
One thing that is for sure, that at least for the time being, the fan base seems excited. Twitter was a fun place to be yesterday. Campbell memes and slogans were everywhere. Admittedly, I was fired up as well. Coach Campbell sounded like a football version of General George Patton and that is awesome.
Most of the national media doesnt give Miami much of a chance this year, but former coaches and teammates seem to think Campbell will do well in his unexpected role. The next few days will be interesting as the coaching staff decisions will be made and players will speak out.
Phins Up!!!
Add The Sports Daily to your Google News Feed!
