Veterans Day Always Special For Military Mike

November 9th, 2012

Joe just wants to call attention to a cool ESPN.com feature on Bucs offensive coordinator Mike Sullivan that posted today.

NFC South Blogger Pat Yasinskas got to cozy up to Sullivan and chat about his days at West Point and as a young Army officer. The entire piece offers good insight into Sullivan, as the Bucs prepare to host the Chargers and numerous military appreciation happenings at the game Sunday, which is Veterans Day.

Sullivan’s not sure if all the lessons he learned in the military are the reason he quickly climbed the ladder through the college ranks and on to the NFL, where he quickly is developing a reputation as one of the league’s best young offensive coordinators. But Sullivan, 45, knows his background didn’t hurt.

“I know that I’ve relied upon it heavily, and that it steers and directs how I approach things and how I try to be very disciplined and also maintain a level head when things are going crazy,” Sullivan said. “I learned that early on in Ranger school, when I was running around like a chicken with its head cut off and a Ranger said, ‘Hey, you’re trying to do well, but you’re nervous. You’ve got to just settle down here and keep a cool head.’ When you keep a cool head, the people around you will keep a cool head.”

As Joe wrote yesterday, if Sullivan’s stunning success as Bucs offensive coordinator continues, his background will make him a hot head coaching candidate this offseason. And a national feature like this only adds to the potential hype.

16 Responses to “Veterans Day Always Special For Military Mike”

  1. J 2.0 Says:

    So far I am a huge Mike Sullivan fan. Everythig that comes out about this guy is great. I would definateley hate to lose this guy to another team as a head coach, but this guy has head coach written all over him. We probably have this year and next with him. And that doesn’t make me upset, this guy deserves a shot to be a head coach. I just hoe it doesn’t come down to a Schiano vs. Sullivan battle between the fans.

  2. J 2.0 Says:

    I immediately recognize I should edit my typing before hitting “submit.” The problem is the phones can be a pain in the ass for lazy people such as myself.

  3. Miguel El Magnifico Says:

    Who was the OC for games 1-4?

    That guy sucked.

  4. OAR Says:

    I’m so lazy my eyes don’t move in R.E.M.

  5. OAR Says:

    ElRaton
    I see you figured the avatar out.
    BTW its called still learning and evaluating the offense plays and offensive players.

  6. Bucs Fan #238 Says:

    Actually, Freeman went 1-4 in the first 5. He needed to learn the system.

  7. Miguel El Magnifico Says:

    Thanks Oar, you”re the best!

  8. FlBoy84 Says:

    While I think Sullivan will probably get mentioned for openings, with him only having a one year track-record as an OC, a few teams will probably have some apprehension. Definitely think he’s a HC candidate, hopefully he’s here for a few more years at least. Rod Marinelli had some similar characteristics but proved to be a better DC/DL Coach than HC though. Wade Phillips, & Norv T

  9. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    Since he’s under contract, wouldn’t the Bucs have to give permission for him to go elsewhere? If they stick to what they’ve done in the past, they probably won’t let him go. To be honest, if I was running the Bucs, I wouldn’t either.

  10. JonBuc Says:

    I don’t believe you can block a coach from interviewing for a head coaching gig elsewhere….

  11. JonBuc Says:

    An assistant that is…

  12. Hawaiian Buc Says:

    Yeah, I wasn’t sure about that. I thought that may be the case.

  13. Big Picture Guy Says:

    Freeman will get his 3rd OC in as many years if this vision comes to pass.

    Wonderful.

    Amazing piece on Sullivan, he would be a top choice candidate if I were the Cleveland Browns.

  14. Big Picture Guy Says:

    Freeman will get his 3rd OC in as many years if this vision comes to pass.

    Wonderful.

    Amazing piece on Sullivan, he would be a top choice candidate if I were the owner of the Cleveland Browns.

  15. Kennedy Says:

    Somebody hired Raheem. Sullivan will at least get interviews if the Bucs don’t tank it. You could probably do a hell of a lot worse.

  16. BigMacAttack Says:

    I think Sullivan would be wise to stay put for another couple years. Getting promoted before you ate ready can be the kiss of death.

    I’m excited for the game tomorrow and hope the Bucs go wild again on offense.