The Melvyn Phillips effect

[ZedThomas]

I have heard some talk that Melvyn Phillips might be retiring after a long and distinguished career. With Nick Saban's coaching genisis as a DB's coach I wondered if Melvyn's time was short, since he has been doing things successfully and his own way since he arrived. Do you think this season's spotty performance or a difference in ideology between Saban and Phillips might be pushing him into retirement? What do you think? What do you think his possible absence next year will mean to the team?

 

[LarryFinFan]

Mel has been talking about retiring for the last 3 years...I personally hope he is talked into staying, but wish him well if he moves on...he's served the Fins well in his time here.

 

[Muck]

Last I heard, he put those rumors to rest for the upcoming season.

 

[eric-in-tx]

Last I heard, he put those rumors to rest for the upcoming season.

i love your sig... i'll never forget that catch ever!

 

[Califin]

Last I heard, he put those rumors to rest for the upcoming season.

I seem to recall reading that as well, and I don't believe Saban would have allowed any indecision on Mel's part, to linger on this long anyway.
I would assume Sabans process this time of year, runs at at somewhat regimented pace, and his intentions would be focused on solidifying the coaching staff early on, and quickly get the focus shifted soley on player personnel related issues.
That said, I would venture to guess, Phillips is considered both a knowlegable asset to the team, and one cool customer.
I doubt he would of lasted here so long, survived through our relentless diversity of coaches, on the merit of good coaching instincts alone.
Phillips has outlasted them all.
The guy must be the ultimate team presense to associate with, probably adapts to change like a freaken camelian, and can likely welcome in alternative football wisdom, as easily as he opens the blinds.

 

[EBMisfit]

Do you think this season's spotty performance or a difference in ideology between Saban and Phillips might be pushing him into retirement?

Or, if he is retiring, it could just be he finally decided to retire.

What do you think?

I try to avoid doing that as much as possible. With all that smoke coming out of my ears and the sound of the gears meshing, it's just not a pretty sight.