Raheem Is In “Way Over His Head”
November 27th, 2009One of the loudest critics of Raheem the Dream’s hiring of now defrocked Bucs defensive coordinator Jim Bates has been Pat Kirwan.
The former NFL coach and front office executive, who can be heard weekdays on Sirius NFL Radio, said from Day 1 Bates was a terrible fit with the Bucs personnel. In his forum and his weekly appearances on CBSSports.com’s NFL videos, rarely did Kirwan pass up an opportunity to inform viewers and listeners of the folly of Raheem the Dream hiring Bates.
Just hours after Raheem the Dream kicked Bates to the curb after Bates’ defense racked up heinous franchise marks, Kirwan tees off on Raheem the Dream in this CBSSports.com video previewing the Bucs-Dixie Chicks game.
November 27th, 2009 at 11:17 am
Because Thanksgiving is over and it is not mandatory that I say nice things, I can’ honestly say that I can’t wait for the day when he is canned. I cannot believe that they hired this loser in the first place.
Today in the Tribune he made some idiotic remark that he was the only DC in Bucs history who never surrendered a point, or a yard or something of that nature.
I can’t wait until he is replaced
November 27th, 2009 at 11:34 am
Raheem Is In “Way Over His Head” – Completely and totally agree!!!!!!!!
I also share the same desire as Pruritis Ani, May Morris be FIRED quick, fast and in a hurry.
November 27th, 2009 at 12:09 pm
I guess Bates wasn’t their first choice it was the DC from seattle but they wouldn’t let him go. I don’t know anything about him and don’t know if this would have worked out any better. Any body got any ideas?
November 27th, 2009 at 3:18 pm
I really like Kirwin but he leaves out the Glazers when placing blame for the Bates hire. Granted, the buck stops with the HC and GM but when ownership doesn’t trust you (don’t blame them for that since he was a Rookie HC) and insists on recommending the coordinators, you have to take that into consideration. Plus, did Bates do what he said he would do (scheme-wise) when he was hired? Or did insist on doing it mostly his way?
Morris finally was able to get the Glazers to give him his own shot as DC. Maybe that’s why it took this long. I’ve read elsewhere that MD urged Morris to be more vocal and take more charge with the scheme. He finally did that. The fact that it took Morris this long isn’t a great thing but I think his hands were tied to a degree. The Glazers were involved and had input over moves like this. I can’t see any other reason why it would take this long because it was obvious the scheme sucked for these bunch of players.
Now, if things still look like crap at the end of the season, Morris can’t blame anybody but himself. And he may be gone. Should be an interesting last six games.
November 27th, 2009 at 3:20 pm
Is there anywhere on this blog where JBF or another writer suggests that the Glazers had a larger role in the hiring of Bates (and tied the hands of Morris) than has been suggested?
November 27th, 2009 at 3:31 pm
What if anything the glazers had to do with the the bates pick I dont know. But they wanted the seahawks guy and the gm wouldn’t let him go and that’s how we ended up with bates. not trying to defend morris i still think he sucks but this does make him look a little better.
November 27th, 2009 at 3:40 pm
As does the Glazer’s control angle, which I read on Pewter Report. Very interesting and if true, makes RM look even better. I’d share it with you but it’s an insider article. I don’t work for PR but I like the insider content, which is $10 a year. The article I referenced is worth the subscription price alone.
And I also enjoy the JBF site. It seems that a lot of people force themselves to pick one or the others and feel the need to bash the one their not fond of. Childish. OK, rant over.
November 27th, 2009 at 3:42 pm
Iowa, there’s also a former Bucs player on the PR message board who shares info. from time to time. His info. echos the PR story about the Glazers having a large role in the hiring of Bates. The fact that Morris was “allowed” to demote Bates is a good sign for him. But, of course, if we see no improvement over the next six games, Morris is in big trouble.
November 27th, 2009 at 3:49 pm
I got my information from Buc-Em who referenced the article from PR. I like all the sites and dnt see the need to bash one or the other they all serve their purpose to different degrees and different tastes.
November 27th, 2009 at 3:56 pm
Well, well, well…it seems like everyone wants to believe baaaadddd things about the Glazers. Unnamed sources and such. Maybe it was Dan Sielo that started that Glazers wanted Bates story?
Or maybe it was an unnamed DUI “victim” who likes to make up stories about the immenient sale of the Bucs who “leaked” the Bates/Glazer connection as well?
Does it REALLY matter?
Since the beginning of this season we’ve noted that Bates’s “system” wasn’t going to work with these players. That doesn’t mean Bate’s “system” isn’t good but with the players the Bucs have – forget about it.
I’ve said all along that a GOOD COACH will work with the talent he has and make a “system” that utilizes the existing talent to it utmost. See Urban Myer for an example.
Moving Bates out – Good thing.
Now if the Bucs win 2 of their last 6 games and the defense stop giving up 350+ yards/game it might be enough for the Glazers to actually give Morris another season.
Personally I hope the Bucs lose their final games and look terrible enough that the Glazers get rid of Morris and bring in Cowher or Shanahan.
November 27th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
I’m all for the removal of morris. but no one answered my original question about the seahawks DC that morris wanted to hire, would he have been a better fit? Would it have made any difference?
November 27th, 2009 at 4:27 pm
bucsfanlostiniowa Says:
November 27th, 2009 at 4:01 pm
I’m all for the removal of morris. but no one answered my original question about the seahawks DC that morris wanted to hire, would he have been a better fit? Would it have made any difference?
I don’t think it would have made a difference in this case. One of the fundamental problems I see is the complete lack of organization the team currently has. The H/C of a team is responsible for the day to day management and for leadership. I think Morris is a poor administrator/manager and leader in this respect.
While I think the players like him as he seems to be a likeable person, I don’t think they respect him or trust his judgment because he is so erratic.
That is just my opinion.
November 27th, 2009 at 4:37 pm
Morris is green and learning on the job. I think if he had to do it all over again, he would have fought the Bates “suggestion” by the Glazers harder or pushed to get rid of him sooner. If that’s how it happened.
If the team doesn’t show any improvement on D for the last six games, I’m all for Cowher coming in here if they can get him. I wasn’t wed to Gruden and I’m not wed to Morris. I’m already married and that would by polygamy!
I AM impressed that Morris has the team playing so hard with a 1-9 record. Is that enough for the Glazers to give him one more year? We’ll see soon enough.
November 27th, 2009 at 4:50 pm
I would like to Shanahan come in here and establish a running game, Im just worried about the defensive side of the game. I would settle for Cowher as well he may be stronger on defense than Shanahan.
November 27th, 2009 at 8:40 pm
Before all you guys believe Morris will go and another coach is on the way, here is a few points to ponder. First, Chucky is still on the payroll if he stays in the booth. Second, if the Bucs fire Morris, he will be on the payroll. Let’s talk GMs. First, Bruce Allen is on the books until he finds another job. Second, Dominick will be on the books if he is fired.
Now, back to the dreams of Cowher and Shanahan. Both of these guys would want total control with a huge contract. I highly doubt the Glazers will spend for 2 GMs and 2 HCs, while paying a big name coach. Also, who believes a big name coach would want to come with restrictions on spending for players?
Finally, a new CBA has not been agreed upon as of yet. Any new coach would want the 2011 season guaranteed in his contract. Raheem’s contract is for two years, with club options in 2011 and 2012. So if there is a lockout in 2011, the Bucs don’t have to pay Morris.
Personally, I find it hard to believe the owners will ratify a new CBA much before the new fiscal year, which I believe is in March. Actually an uncapped year for the owners is more financially beneficial than the players. Would it really be prudent to replace a coach so late? Bascially, I believe Morris will be back next year. It just makes too much fiscal sense for the Glazers. Sorry
November 27th, 2009 at 9:03 pm
We have all heard these arguments before, yeah it makes sense financially to keep a losing coach another year we get it. But that doesn’t stop us from dreaming that the axe wont fall!
November 28th, 2009 at 1:19 am
I’m certainly not dreaming for any ax to fall. I’m patiently waiting to see how the team responds to Morris in charge of the D. Go listen to the Roy Cummings audio that JBF has a link to in the Bates/Morris story. Good stuff and a surprisingly positive vibe from Cummings.