FanNation - The Republic of Sport

I'm not so sure that the Packers would've been better off with Nolan. Under Nolan, the 49ers defense was Charmin Ultra Soft.

The Packers need a few guys who can teach linebackers how to tackle, cover and blitz.

who cares? This guy is horrible. The Packers are thankful he is gone.

lol @ the Broncos. The Packers got lucky. They would have suffered through Nolan's "big nickel" and vanilla defensive packages where you draft 3-4 OLBs to drop into coverage instead of blitzing.

He had mixed results when he was with the Giants. He is a safe choice, but vanilla all the way.

I'm not seeing a downside to them not getting Nolan. It sounds like he and McCarthy's friendship was blocking the view of Nolans production on the field. Other than Patrick Willis, who actually was any good on the Niners defense during Nolan's tenure? And Nate Clements showing up once every 5 plays does not count.

Why would he actually choose to run that horrible defense, if he had a shot at a half decent one?
He's only going to end up being fired at the end of next year.

These comments (above) are glib. Truth is, Nolan is a solid defensive coach. What the Broncos need is radical improvment in their defensive personnel, though drafting and through free agency. That's where Shanahan did not succeed.

QUOTE(#7):

Originally posted 12:35 PM ET  01.12 by rinkrat

These comments (above) are glib. Truth is, Nolan is a solid defensive coach. What the Broncos need is radical improvment in their defensive personnel, though drafting and through free agency. That's where Shanahan did not succeed.

EXACTLY!!!!

That's why they will no longer give all the power to one man. They will bring in a good GM who excels in personel decisions.

QUOTE(#6):

Originally posted 12:18 PM ET  01.12 by spaul

Why would he actually choose to run that horrible defense, if he had a shot at a half decent one?He's only going to end up being fired at the end of next year.

True, this could very well happen but if he turns around this sorry defense he could very well put himself in a position to be a Head Coach again.

QUOTE(#3):

Originally posted 09:27 AM ET  01.12 by AntiG

lol @ the Broncos. The Packers got lucky. They would have suffered through Nolan's "big nickel" and vanilla defensive packages where you draft 3-4 OLBs to drop into coverage instead of blitzing.

Very true...but can the Bronco's DEF get any worse thank they are?

Can the Bronco's DEF get any worse? I think ANY new coach is a plus...

It's interesting how many fans look to the younger coaches as the salvation for their teams' defenses, assuming they offer the best chance to "turn things around". Ironically, three of the best DC's in the recent NFL have been old duffers: Dick LeBeau in Pittsburgh, Jim Johnson in Philly and Monte Kiffin in Tampa Bay. Rex Ryan is much younger but he's a "chip off the old block" (Buddy Ryan) with a nasty defense in Baltimore. Obviously, all of them have the benefit of having excellent talent to work with in their aggressive schemes.

Other than picking up one or two offensive line prospects in the draft, the Packers' future success depends on who they hire as DC and coaches as well as how well they draft to improve their defensive line. Playing aggressive man coverage with Woodson and Harris is doomed if there's no pass rush to pressure the QB. I think Thompson has no choice but to open the purse strings for one or two free agents as well although I don't think he'll drop any big bucks on someone like Haynseworth.

Ron Wolf would have paid the money for a star (i.e. Reggie White) but I don't think Thompson will. Fair or not, Thompson is being compared to Wolf by Packers fans. How well Aaron Rodgers performs is one obviously one measure of Thompson emerging from Wolf's shadow. What he does in the way of free agent acquisitions is another measure and I think the fans will become impatient if he doesn't become more aggressive in acquiring available talent.

In any case, if they want to get the full benefit from Rodgers and those young receivers, they better improve their defense or they're in for another disappointing year in '09.

Bear Bryant was once asked in an interview what it took to be a great football coach. His response hit the nail on the head, "Great football players." Shanny couldn't find great defensive football players. Give a good coach some great players and watch them win. Without the great players, a good coach is merely "overrated."

broncos don't be stupid i mean come on i think fired the president

QUOTE(#13):

Originally posted 08:12 PM ET  01.12 by highnotewailer

Bear Bryant was once asked in an interview what it took to be a great football coach. His response hit the nail on the head, "Great football players." Shanny couldn't find great defensive football players. Give a good coach some great players and watch them win. Without the great players, a good coach is merely "overrated."

The Giants in 2006 were a mess on defense. In 2007 Spagnuola comes in and they get a whole world better. Same players.
Funny how the Eagles keep playing good defense. It is not all about talent, it is about teaching and schemes and coaching. Got it. At least 50% of a teams success on defense is about putting players in the right positions to be successful and those players believing in what they are doing....... Never underestimate the impact that coaching has at the pro level. There is a reason some teams are successful over the long haul, and it is coaching.

You know, this whole coaching search is a cover up! Everyone that got fired was fired to cover up for the terrible job that was done from the GM office and the Head Coach. What really sucks is the people that were axe'd did a quality job for the Pack this past season.

Coaching and a little luck they don't have to play in the cold rest of the playoffs-Go Cards

being a coordinator and a head coach is completely different. Their focus changes and they hand off the D or the O to whoever the coordinator happens to be. Tony D was a great defensive coordinator in Tampa, and he was an awesome head coach, but the defenses in Indy were OK at best. Brian Billick was an offensive mastermind and look what happened in Baltimore. Maybe Nolan isn't a head coach but he may be a solid coordinator.

Please DON"T ever make him a HEAD COACH ever again he STINKS

50 year fan is an idiot. Do you even know what years Nolan coached at the Giants? His most recent job, prior to coaching at the 49ers, was with the RAVENS. He coached the GIANTS in the EARLY NINETIES. I truly doubt Steve Spag. produced better defensive statistics using Nolan's Giants players considering they probably WEREN'T ON THE GIANTS AT THAT TIME. MORON.