Tension Between Saban & Linehan (PFT)

[ckparrothead]

TENSIONS RISING BETWEEN SABAN, LINEHAN

Speaking of Saban, we continue to hear that the Dolphins head coach and his offensive coordinator, Scott Linehan, are not getting along. With the Nicktator already miffed generally at Linehan's endorsement of quarterback Gus Frerotte and the overall poor performance of the offense, Saban (we hear) was livid with Linehan after the loss to the Patriots, which was capped with four failed shots at the end zone from inside the 10.

Specifically, the Fins moved to the New England five with 58 ticks and two time outs.

And Linehan called four consecutive passes -- all of which failed.

We previously reported that Saban could be getting rid of Linehan after the season. The more likely scenario, as we see it, is that Linehan will be given permission to entertain other offers (e.g., offensive coordinator in Minnesota).

Then the question for Saban becomes the search for a replacement. On the surface, there's a certain appeal to the notion of Saban hiring fellow Marion County, West Virginia native Rich Rodriguez to run the thing. Rodriguez's spread offense has flourished at West Virginia University, creating a string of 1,000-yard tailbacks and four straight bowl appearances. The Rodriquez system, which requires a quarterback who can move, also might be perfectly suited for quarterback Cleo Lemon, whom the Fins acquired in a trade with the Chargers.

The only problem, as we see it, is that it might be more than a little challenging for Saban and Rodriguez to co-exist. Both have short fuses and long memories, and we wouldn't be surprised to learn that there's already something in their common history that would prevent them from working together.

Still, we think that Saban at some point has to make a dramatic, outside-the-box move in order to breathe life into his offensive attack. Even though he'd prefer to focus his attention on the defensive side of the ball, the reality is that he's ultimately accountable for the performance of the whole thing.

Sure, defense wins championships. But if your offense really sucks you end up with a heart attack before you can get to the Super Bowl.

Keep in mind the following:

1. Saban & Rich Rodriguez = Speculation

2. Saban & Linehan = Something Florio's source actually told him.


This one is going to prove to be a shot across the bow to the organization. They read PFT, daily, and they know others read it. Up until now various snippets that came out of Miami from Florio's sources have coincided with Saban's agenda. This one clearly does not, because if it is true, Saban has gone through great lengths to keep any tension between the two strictly under wraps in the interest of team unity.

 

[larfo2224]

Thanks for the info. This should be real interesting to see how it plays out.

 

[flintsilver7]

Keep in mind the following:

1. Saban & Rich Rodriguez = Speculation

2. Saban & Linehan = Something Florio's source actually told him.


This one is going to prove to be a shot across the bow to the organization. They read PFT, daily, and they know others read it. Up until now various snippets that came out of Miami from Florio's sources have coincided with Saban's agenda. This one clearly does not, because if it is true, Saban has gone through great lengths to keep any tension between the two strictly under wraps in the interest of team unity.

Tension seems likely, as even Saban himself has been unable to hide his obvious displeasure with the play calling in the last two games. As far as Gus goes, I think that's not as much of a problem - even calling those plays with a good quarterback is risky. It's not like Gus screwed up the fade passes. The pass to Chambers wasn't great but it was catchable.

 

[ccphinfan]

Good info...I like Saban even more now.

 

[fishypete]

Spread offense with our receivers.....and what do you do with Ronnie and ricky?

 

[PerfectFinz72]

I've heard on a number of occasions that PFT is mostly BS. Does anyone know if there is any truth to that?

 

[Jnaledu3]

1. I doubt Linehan is going anywhere. You mean to tell me that this team is going to learn yet ANOTHER offense? I dont care how bad people think Linehan is, but replacing him is going to set us back.

2. Florios source is his ***.

 

[Gogonjdevil]

Good. I'm glad to see he's getting pissed. I'd like to seem him actually change the play though!

 

[Pinrod33]

It's not completely inconceivable to believe that Saban is upset at some of the play calling, and especially QB play after he trusted Linehan to get him a QB that could do the job. If I hadn't seen some of the stuff that PFT has said come true I wouldn't believe it, but they have been right enough to believe this. Fishy Pete, they mentioned that the spread offense has produced many 1,000 yard backs. If the system is used correctly it should give the running game plenty of space as well as make our passing game dangerous with the defense not knowing who to cover, or just basically outsourceing a team that doesn't have the personnel to keep up with all the multi-receiver sets. Like I said, IF it used correctly

 

[Disgustipate]

Spread offense with our receivers.....and what do you do with Ronnie and ricky?

Hand them the football. You still run the ball, it's just with no lead blocker.

 

[Canadianfishfan]

I love these "rumor' reports...

 

[fishypete]

It's not completely inconceivable to believe that Saban is upset at some of the play calling, and especially QB play after he trusted Linehan to get him a QB that could do the job. If I hadn't seen some of the stuff that PFT has said come true I wouldn't believe it, but they have been right enough to believe this. Fishy Pete, they mentioned that the spread offense has produced many 1,000 yard backs. If the system is used correctly it should give the running game plenty of space as well as make our passing game dangerous with the defense not knowing who to cover, or just basically outsourceing a team that doesn't have the personnel to keep up with all the multi-receiver sets. Like I said, IF it used correctly

I could see Ricky being he's lighter now....but Ronnie weighs 233 lbs...seems he's built more for a standard game. Minor would be a better fit for a spread offense.

 

[Disgustipate]

1. I doubt Linehan is going anywhere. You mean to tell me that this team is going to learn yet ANOTHER offense? I dont care how bad people think Linehan is, but replacing him is going to set us back.

2. Florios source is his ***.

How is replacing it going to set us back? Everyone besides Gus Frerotte had to learn the system this offseason. Learning a new offense is not a huge deal. Players have to do it multiple times in their career. It's part of the job.

And people who think that PFT does not at least have some inside sources are wildly out of touch with reality.

 

[SuperDuperFan]

Spread offense with our receivers.....and what do you do with Ronnie and ricky?

It says right in the article that the offense "created a string of 1,000 yard tailbacks."

Just because we spread out the offense doesnt mean we cant hand the ball off.

 

[ckparrothead]

I've heard on a number of occasions that PFT is mostly BS. Does anyone know if there is any truth to that?

Keep in mind four things when reading PFT:

1. This is a self-proclaimed rumor mill. If it were a fact mill, it would be called espn.com

2. Florio has a habit of sticking his own two cents in most of his reports. Be very aware in his writing of what he is establishing as his opinion, or speculation, vs. what he has heard from a "source"

3. His sources have agendas. It is a little tough sometimes, but you have to weed out things from his sources that are just opinion, vs. the "Deep Throat" type tidbits that are letting you know what is actually going on inside a franchise. An example would be Florio coming out with a blurb that says "Scouts think Shockey is a turd" vs. a source coming out and saying "Word from our Miami source is that in addition to Tim Bowens, Larry Chester may also be done for his career with the leg injury he suffered."

4. If the site were as big a piece of $#!& as some of you believe it is, I highly doubt Nick Saban himself would have agreed to do a one-on-one interview with Mike Florio when he's refused one-on-one interviews with famous national media personalities.