Bronco's Next DC?

[Rohirrim]

From the Denver Post:
Potential candidates coach Mike Shanahan might consider to replace Coyer are former Miami interim coach Jim Bates, former Atlanta coach Jim Mora and Denver secondary coach Bob Slowik.

Bates is sure to get a close look as the fourth defensive coordinator under Shanahan in Denver. Shanahan long has admired Bates, considered one of the better defensive minds in the NFL. Bates left Green Bay after the 2005 season after coach Mike Sherman was fired. Bates also is considered a candidate for the Dolphins' head coaching job.

"I'm looking at a couple of things," Bates said. "I'm a free agent, and I may look to jump back into the league."

One of Bates' sons, Jeremy, is an offensive assistant coach with the Broncos. Another son, James, resides in Denver. Bates attended the Broncos' home game against Cincinnati on Dec. 24.

(Wikpedia)
Jim Bates (born May 31, 1946, in Pontiac, Michigan) is an American football coach. He has coached in the college, USFL, and NFL ranks for close to 40 years.

His first head coaching job in the NFL came in 2004 when he was named interim head coach for the Miami Dolphins following the resignation of Dave Wannstedt. He went 3-4 (including a victory over the Super Bowl champion New England Patriots) with the underachieving Dolphins. When new head coach Nick Saban took over the team, it soon became clear that Bates was not part of his plans, and Bates took over the defensive coordinator job with the Green Bay Packers.

When Mike Sherman was fired by Packers General Manager Ted Thompson on January 2, 2006, Bates was offered the opportunity to interview for the head position. He interviewed on January 10 but was informed the next day the organization would be hiring San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McCarthy instead.

Bates took the news very hard. McCarthy met with him on January 15 in hopes of convincing him to stay with the organization. However, after two meetings between McCarthy and Bates, the team announced on January 16 that they would be parting ways. Bates currently is pursuing a number of coaching positions within the NFL.

Bates' defensive scheme uses the defensive tackles to plug the middle, with the defensive ends pressuring the quarterback. Special emphasis is on the linebackers, as short, speedy LB's are especially fitted for this format. Linebacker Zach Thomas and defensive end Jason Taylor are among the players Bates developed in Miami. Bates is well-liked among players for being a fiery, energetic, demanding, yet fair and hands-on coach.

[ColoradoBuff]

Sounds like a perfect fit for us......get it done Shanny!

[Ratboy]

I'm 100% Bates will now be our Defensive Coach. The guy has family in Denver. Who wouldnt want to come to Denver with players like Champ, Lynch, DJ, and Wilson? I would love to have Bates (or Mora), but Bates seems like a perfect fit.


Bring him aboard.

[Steve Prefontaine]

Here is my ranking:
1. Bates
2. Mora Jr
3. Anyone but Slowik

[bpc]

Sounds like we have the guys to fit his defense. I still would love to have a 3-4 but it will never happen. Bates sounds very solid though.

[Ratboy]

Bates' defensive scheme uses the defensive tackles to plug the middle, with the defensive ends pressuring the quarterback. Special emphasis is on the linebackers, as short, speedy LB's are especially fitted for this format. Linebacker Zach Thomas and defensive end Jason Taylor are among the players Bates developed in Miami. Bates is well-liked among players for being a fiery, energetic, demanding, yet fair and hands-on coach.

Bates was made for Denver.

He says he's looking around the league, i doubt it. Bates must be waiting on a decent contract.

[TheDave]

Bates' defensive scheme uses the defensive tackles to plug the middle, with the defensive ends pressuring the quarterback. Special emphasis is on the linebackers, as short, speedy LB's are especially fitted for this format. Linebacker Zach Thomas and defensive end Jason Taylor are among the players Bates developed in Miami. Bates is well-liked among players for being a fiery, energetic, demanding, yet fair and hands-on coach.

Bates was made for Denver.

He says he's looking around the league, i doubt it. Bates must be waiting on a decent contract.

Great we have the short speedy linebackers... Now we need to get a couple of DT's that can plug up the middle and Jason Taylor. Not sure about Bates but his system is going to have the same problems that Coyers did...

[ZONA]

Well of course the DL needs addressed no matter who we bring in. Getting pressure is getting pressure. No matter what scheme, you won't win without being able to put pressure and get sacks. I like Dumervill on one side as a speed rusher but not sure about the other. I would keep Warren as one of the plug the middle guys and get another 2 for that role. Ekuban might be able to fill the other side but I would rather keep both Ekuban and Lang as backup DE's and trade Brown and Myers and draft a top DE in the draft. Pick up your fat boy stuffers in 2nd and 3rd rounds.

There it is - that's the plan :notworthy

[bendog]

GD, all we need are barry and haywierd back and we're good to go.

[cutthemdown]

Sounds like we have the guys to fit his defense. I still would love to have a 3-4 but it will never happen. Bates sounds very solid though.

To go 3-4 denver would need a huge nose tackle which they don't have have. They would also need bigger linebackers for the inside. Then they would need an outside linebacker that can play standing up or 3 point stance. Just way to many issues for a switch to the 3-4 IMO.

[TheDave]

Well of course the DL needs addressed no matter who we bring in. Getting pressure is getting pressure. No matter what scheme, you won't win without being able to put pressure and get sacks. I like Dumervill on one side as a speed rusher but not sure about the other. I would keep Warren as one of the plug the middle guys and get another 2 for that role. Ekuban might be able to fill the other side but I would rather keep both Ekuban and Lang as backup DE's and trade Brown and Myers and draft a top DE in the draft. Pick up your fat boy stuffers in 2nd and 3rd rounds.

There it is - that's the plan :notworthy

Problem is that rookie defensive lineman rarely make an impact in their first year... If we plan on improving next year we are going to need to fill our holes with expensive FA. Not really sure what the right thing to do is... I would be happy with either bates or Mora Jr. honestly anyone but Slowik. Unfortunately our achilles heal is going to be the D-Line talent.

[SportinOne]

YESSSSSS I was just about to create a new thread titled "TWO WORDS: JIM BATES" when i decided to humor myself by clicking on this thread...

All signs point to him being our next DC and that would be EXCELLENT. In my opinion, Coyer doesn't get fired if Bates isn't available.

[BroncoInferno]

Problem is that rookie defensive lineman rarely make an impact in their first year... If we plan on improving next year we are going to need to fill our holes with expensive FA. Not really sure what the right thing to do is... I would be happy with either bates or Mora Jr. honestly anyone but Slowik. Unfortunately our achilles heal is going to be the D-Line talent.

Honestly, I think we just need one DT and one DE. Guys like Lang, Ekuban, etc don't suck on an individual basis, the problem is that rather than having them be the very solid role players they were meant to be, they are having to start and play in situations that don't suit their skills. I say we make a serious financial investment in a FA DT like Sands from Oakland for instance, then take a DE in the draft. The encouraging thing about the latter is that this draft is fairly deep at DE, plus pass rushing DEs often make an impact year one versus DTs who usually take more time to develope for whatever reason. If we get that DT and DE, now you can limit the snaps of guys like Lang and Veal who work better in a rotational type of role.

[TheDave]

Honestly, I think we just need one DT and one DE. Guys like Lang, Ekuban, etc don't suck on an individual basis, the problem is that rather than having them be the very solid role players they were meant to be, they are having to start and play in situations that don't suit their skills. I say we make a serious financial investment in a FA DT like Sands from Oakland for instance, then take a DE in the draft. The encouraging thing about the latter is that this draft is fairly deep at DE, plus pass rushing DEs often make an impact year one versus DTs who usually take more time to develope for whatever reason. If we get that DT and DE, now you can limit the snaps of guys like Lang and Veal who work better in a rotational type of role.

I agree with what you are saying, for me it all hinges on Warren. If it was injury that caused his play to drop then we are only one DT and one DE away. If it was the fact that "Big Money" finally got his "Big Money" then...well... we have other problems.

[bendog]

Honestly, I think we just need one DT and one DE. Guys like Lang, Ekuban, etc don't suck on an individual basis, the problem is that rather than having them be the very solid role players they were meant to be, they are having to start and play in situations that don't suit their skills. I say we make a serious financial investment in a FA DT like Sands from Oakland for instance, then take a DE in the draft. The encouraging thing about the latter is that this draft is fairly deep at DE, plus pass rushing DEs often make an impact year one versus DTs who usually take more time to develope for whatever reason. If we get that DT and DE, now you can limit the snaps of guys like Lang and Veal who work better in a rotational type of role.

I agree. But if we assume Shanny agrees with this, and that Coyer was calling for a move on the dline, why shanny axed him.

[Barry Ramey]

I'd be happy with either Bates or Mora. I think either one would make adjustments more than Coyer ever did.

[cutthemdown]

Honestly, I think we just need one DT and one DE. Guys like Lang, Ekuban, etc don't suck on an individual basis, the problem is that rather than having them be the very solid role players they were meant to be, they are having to start and play in situations that don't suit their skills. I say we make a serious financial investment in a FA DT like Sands from Oakland for instance, then take a DE in the draft. The encouraging thing about the latter is that this draft is fairly deep at DE, plus pass rushing DEs often make an impact year one versus DTs who usually take more time to develope for whatever reason. If we get that DT and DE, now you can limit the snaps of guys like Lang and Veal who work better in a rotational type of role.


I disagree I never saw a dend in denver worst then Kenard Lang. That guy is a bkup at best. Ekuban a little better but really also no better then a bkup on most good defenses. Broncos need talent in their front seven big time. Draft a tackle, draft and end, draft some bigger linebackers. Broncos IMO need to get bigger, they are being pushed around.

[azbroncfan]

Slowik is considered so it will probably be him, I have that feeling and it doesn't feel good.

[BroncoInferno]

I disagree I never saw a dend in denver worst then Kenard Lang. That guy is a bkup at best. Ekuban a little better but really also no better then a bkup on most good defenses.

Did you not read my post? I said that Ekuban and Lang fuctioned better as situational players rather than every down starters. Lang was pretty solid for us this season, all things considered, not nearly as bad as you suggest. Is it ideal to have him playing most downs? No, and that wasn't the intent. He was supposed play in nickle situations in place of Brown. When Brown got hurt, he had to step up and be more of an every down type of player. There is talent on the DL, it depends on what role they have to play. It is not as dire a situation as some of you suggest.

[BroncoInferno]

I agree. But if we assume Shanny agrees with this, and that Coyer was calling for a move on the dline, why shanny axed him.

It's specualtion at this point what Coyer wanted, or what the disagreement was over. It may have been a philosophical difference rather than a personnel disagreement. Anytime a DC is fired, the HC is usually not happy with the results, so I doubt it was just purely a personnel disagreement. Maybe Shanny had delivered what Coyer wanted in the past and felt that he was now changing gears on him. Who knows.

[SoDak Bronco]

Can anyone give me some more info on Bates, I don't know much about him. What would he bring to the table compared to Mora who has a better resume'.

[azbroncfan]

Can anyone give me some more info on Bates, I don't know much about him. What would he bring to the table compared to Mora who has a better resume'.

How is mora's resume better? Bates was HC in Miami after wanny left and all the players wanted him to be permanently. There D has always been solid under Bates although they could of been living of Jimmy Johnsons drafting abilities. i would like bates as he seems like a firery guy who will crew some a$$ if need be.

[broncosteven]

Woo Hoo!

I posted that I wanted Jim Bates in the Coyer is fired Thread!

This made my day!

[broncosteven]

Bates' defensive scheme uses the defensive tackles to plug the middle, with the defensive ends pressuring the quarterback. Special emphasis is on the linebackers, as short, speedy LB's are especially fitted for this format. Linebacker Zach Thomas and defensive end Jason Taylor are among the players Bates developed in Miami. Bates is well-liked among players for being a fiery, energetic, demanding, yet fair and hands-on coach.

This would be a quick fix for the Broncos. With China Brown hopefully coming back & a nice draft at DE & FS Jim Bates could lead us to promised land.

[bloodsunday]

Here is my ranking:
1. Bates
2. Mora Jr
3. Anyone but Slowik

The Broncos have been pretty quiet about the whole thing. But it seems like if it were gonna be Slowik as a slam dunk that it would already be done. Shanny must be doing some shopping on this and that certainly means he will wait to see what Mora and Bates do. Mora has a better shot at a HC position than Bates, IMO. But either way it will have to play out.

I'd do a back flip if it were Bates. Mora -- eeh, I don't know. He's a loud mouth punk sometimes and I think it would only be a matter of time before he got another head coaching job anyway.

[plummershelper]

Here's another outside possibility

A Possibility from The Skins
Greg Blache
http://www.redskins.com/images/common/spacer.gif

<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" bgColor=#cccccc border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>http://www.redskins.com/images/common/spacer.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>http://www.redskins.com/uploads/photos/perm/main/CNGFEDKOHOOA/Blache2.jpg</TD><TD style="PADDING-LEFT: 15px; LINE-HEIGHT: 18px" noWrap>Position: Def. Coord./Def. Line
Years With Team: 3


</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>


<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=0 width="100%" bgColor=#cccccc border=0><TBODY><TR><TD>http://www.redskins.com/images/common/spacer.gif</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Greg Blache joined the Redskins in 2004 to head up a strong defensive line unit after five seasons as defensive coordinator in Chicago. Blache works closely with assistant head coach-defense Gregg Williams and focuses special attention on the development of the Redskins defensive line.

In 2003, Blache's Chicago defense finished the season fifth in the NFC in total defense, and 14th in the NFL, the team's highest league overall-ranking since the 1998 season. During his tenure, Blache's defenses forced 138 turnovers, including 37 in 2001, the most by a Bears defense since 1990, and accounted for 13 touchdowns (two in 1999, four in 2000, five in 2001, one in 2002, and one in 2003).
In 2002, Blache dealt with numerous injuries, leading to 11 different starting line-ups over the course of 16 games. While juggling personnel, the Bears defense continued with their attacking, aggressive style that set records during the 2001 season. They forced 64 tackles behind the line of scrimmage and reached a league plateau by forcing at least one turnover in 33 consecutive games, the second longest active streak in the NFL at the time.
In 2001, Blache molded the Bears defense into one of the top units in the league, producing the top-ranked scoring defense by allowing only 203 points in 16 games (12.7 points per game). His run defense finished second in the NFL and first in the NFC, allowing just 82.1 yards per game, while allowing only three rushes of 20 yards or more all seasons and only six rushing touchdowns.
Prior to joining the Bears, Blache served as defensive line coach for the Indianapolis Colts for five seasons (1994-98) and held the same position with the Green Bay Packers for six years (1988-93).
In addition to his pro coaching experience, Blache has held positions with several college programs. He began his coaching career as a defensive assistant at his alma mater Notre Dame in 1968, after suffering a leg injury that ended his playing career. Following his graduation in 1971, he stayed on as a graduate assistant and then as an assistant coach for the Fighting Irish for four more seasons (1972-75).
He moved on to join Tulane's staff in 1976, where he coached the offensive line (1976-77), outside linebackers (1978-79) and defensive backs (1980). He then returned to Notre Dame to coach the running backs (1981), defensive line and outside linebackers (1982-83). After spending 1984-85 as defensive coordinator of the USFL's Jacksonville Bulls, he returned to the college ranks at Southern University (1986) and Kansas (1987).

[jayman_37]

I was watching Altitude Sports Summit and they were talking about the next DC and Nick Ferguson was asked to throw out a name and he got all excited and said Bob Slowik. I know he probably has to say things like that but he did seem like thats who he really wanted. He may be a good actor but maybe the players want Slowik.

[Inkana7]

I was watching Altitude Sports Summit and they were talking about the next DC and Nick Ferguson was asked to throw out a name and he got all excited and said Bob Slowik. I know he probably has to say things like that but he did seem like thats who he really wanted. He may be a good actor but maybe the players want Slowik.
Slowik's the Defensive Backs coach so that really dosen't suprise me. He's a great position coach, but failed as a DC.

[youcandoit1687]

Jim Bates would be a very good fit here I think. I would not want Mora, he has definitely rubbed me the wrong way with the Washington comments and just his general attitude towards the Falcons.

What about Dick LeBeau? Yes, he is a 3-4 DCO but he seems to be very smart and I assume he has run his fair share of 4-3s. I think it is possible that Whisenhunt/Grimm/Whoever don't keep him around, he sure has the resume.

[youcandoit1687]

Oh and here is one from left field, DeWayne Walker. He is the DCO for UCLA. He had a great plan against SC but got thrashed against FSU and some other teams during the regular season. He has been in the NFL for a while as a DB coach and this was his first year with UCLA. I mention this because I think that Karl Dorrell's experience with Shanahan and vice versa could facilitate this, maybe? He probably isnt experienced enough though...

[i4jelway7]

it's been decided... Bates it is!!!!

http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drm...270952,00.html (http://www.rockymountainnews.com/drmn/nfl/article/0,2777,DRMN_23918_5270952,00.html)