I was very optimistic when JJ took over, having seen his success in Dallas and his impressive use of scouting and the draft. I think he set the standard for the modern draft showing how trading for picks and bringing in lots of players to compete could rebuild a team in a hurry. Further, he showed another masterful touch in that philosophy because it was great in terms of the salary cap. He was able to protect his team from bust draft picks, get young players who could play and pay them later-round salaries after/if they developed. Unfortunately this is a copycat league and other teams now employ the same tactics. Late-round picks are more valuable now as are rookie free-agents.
JJ had some problems in Miami, I think many of them stemmed form his boundless ego. He had trouble deciding whether he or Dan should rule the team. Also, as pointed out, he had some problems drafting on the offensive side. He was criticized frequently for game management decisions, and I thought, it was too much about him instead of about the team.
I had less disdain for Wannstedt than most I read about here, but although he tried his guts out to do things right, he just had one major flaw. He was a born defensive coordinator. It takes a very special individual to be a head coach. I was fortunate to have worked for one of the best, although he died before gaining fame, it was amazing how his personality could captivate you as a player, as a coach, as a fan, such that you would do anything for the guy. Sure he knew football, X's, O's, talent, etc.("leave that stuff to the assistants...") But more than that, he knew people: his coaches, his opponents, the league, the reporters, everybody, and you felt special just getting to talk to him and to hear a kind word from him meant the world. He was a Head Coach, a leader of leaders, and success just naturally followed.
I think Saban is such a man. He was highly sought-after by other teams and named as the "The Man" by Marino, Shula and other Dolphin Execs. I think he has the potential to be one of football's greatest coaches. He has already learned from some of the best and has been able to attract some of the best position coaches in football. Now he seems to be endearing himself to the players. Yet he doesn't seem to have the ego of a JJ or Parcells, but shows some of the humility of Belichick. Yet Belichick is a little too humble. He is history's most successful Defensive Coordinator Head Coach who has no relationship with the media and football's owners and big-money shakers. He doesn't have a polished side. Like the opposite of Dan Reeves who had no muddy side. I think Nick has it all. He has what you really need to be a successful coach, RESPECT & LEADERSHIP! He seems to have respect from everyone from the equipment manager to the Commissioner. Look for Nick to be our next Hall of Fame coach. Look for great Dolphins success in the future which is now!
Richmond Webb to the Hall!
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