How do you think players feel about Philbin vs. Sparano?

[oasis]

I know how many of us FANS feel about Philbin vs. Sparano.  We see obvious differences in press conferences, interviews, and core philosophies.  We see one guy that was overmatched as a head coach, and another who really looks the part, at least for now.  Remember that Sparano looked the part in his first season too.

But I'm curious what you've been able to pick up on players' feelings.  Do you think there's a big difference for them?  Or is it just another coach, with his own strengths and weaknesses just like Sparano had strengths and weaknesses (cue fist-pump jokes).  Of course, when players are asked, they sidestep the question, as nobody wants to directly say, "Yeah Philbin's a lot smarter than Sparano" or "so and so cares more about us than the other guy."  However, sometimes you can pick these things up reading between the lines, being careful not to interject your own biases and assumptions.

Based on what you've read/heard so far, what do you believe are truly the differences between Philbin and Sparano from a player's perspective?  

 

[MD]

From a philosophical viewpoint, Philbin coaches in today's NFL. Sparano is stuck in the 80s. From a personal viewpoint that's impossible to say.

 

[oasis]

Philbin coaches in today's NFL. Sparano is stuck in the 80s.

I think many of us would agree with you.  But do you have any evidence/indication that players feel this way?

 

[MD]

I think many of us would agree with you. But do you have any evidence/indication that players feel this way?

That's why I edited my post

Hard to say from the players perspective as far as personal relationships. Some players loved Sparano and he is known as a players coach. Some didn't like his anal approach. I suspect you'll find opposing views on Philbin but right now it's to soon to tell.

 

[ATL_PHIN_FAN]

Sure, Philbin is much more pleasant to listen to as he fields questions with well spoken grace, earnestness and logic compared Sporano. His hiring choices for a coaching staff also make loads of sense to me, and they seems to complement each other in the way they think, really want to develop players and basic professionalism. As to how the players will respond to all of this, I just don't know yet. So far, all I've heard in interviews is that the players are certainly wanting to give the new programs and philosophies their best shot. But its training camp, and everyone is on the bubble to one degree or another. So, its hard to say how much that influences what's been said by players. Getting Hard Knocks to take an inside look at things seems a great opportunity for us to get some measurement of the players' view of Philbin and Co. , if by no other means than their emotional reaction to events on film. Bottom line is - we'll have to see.

 

[Penthos]

As professionals, I assume they will be focused on executing the game plan and not thinking about who the opponent's OC is.

I'm sure after the game they will go have a chance to catch up with him.

 

[Vaark]

Philbin thinks like a chess player, Tony more so a checkers player.. that's the crux of the difference.

 

[spiral]

I remember the players giving glowing praise in 2008 and even being supportive throughout the remainder of his tenure. Philbin will be appreciated as long as he is successful.

 

[nyjunc]

whenever there is a new coach fans, players, etc... will always focus on the positive changes. All that really matters are the wins and losses, he doesn't have a big legacy to follow w/ Tony so if he's a good coach the wins will come and this will never be a debate.

 

[hemidemon]

I think many of us would agree with you. But do you have any evidence/indication that players feel this way?

I don't remember who said this, but one player commented that Sparono was like a motivator, but when you talk to Philbin you see he's an educator.

 

[SabanHater]

I'm gonna go out on a limb and say that Dan Carpenter likes Sparano more.

 

[jd13]

i think Barry Jackson wrote something about it in one of his columns...the players said they were tired of Sparano yelling at them and like how Philbin treats them like men...

 

[spiketex]

I don't remember who said this, but one player commented that Sparono was like a motivator, but when you talk to Philbin you see he's an educator.

Bingo! Time will tell if the players respond to a more intelligent approach but at this stage there is cause for optimism. I think it's a good sign that there is more openness and Philbin appears to actually answer questions. In contrast, Sparano was trained by the Tuna to never give anything away. Also interesting to note that Sparano appears to be visibly enjoying himself as Jets Offensive Co-ordinator. Maybe he knew he was out of his depth as a Head Coach.

 

[tcdrover]

No one is going to say anything negative about their new coach.

They also still have not seen what he is like during actual games and after losses.

I just read today about how much the Steelers actually like Todd Haley who comes from the same Parcells coaching tree only he seems much harsher than Tony was. They are saying that BEFORE actually having to deal with him during an actual game or after losses or consecutive losses.

These types of things don't usually come out until a few years after the fact. The jests players all have good things to say about Tony now. personally I found the yelling and screaming kind of irritating, it seemed to be yelling about nothing most of the time. Hurry, HURRY, HURRY!! :rolleyes2:

 

[Chubby]

Dont know enough about Philbin yet but I can tell you this, I rather be coachless then have TS running our team.