Taking a moment to thank Dan Campbell for his efforts this year - notably:
- After taking over the HC position, giving us insight into what was wrong / why the team was playing "slow" - it was a revelation to many that we didn't practice fast or hit, etc - thank you for bringing intensity and competitiveness back to the practice field.
- Getting the players to have fun again; the lethargic play under Philbin reflected a team that simply was going through the motions - the players should be grateful to you for reminding them why they chose to play this sport in the first place.
- Giving us two weeks of cheering and enjoyment that we haven't felt in ages. The wins over the Titans and Texans (franchise first) were exhilarating - seeing the team respond to you made us realize once again the importance of coaching and belief in the skipper. This team hadn't played that well since the SD game the year prior. You injected hope back into a seemingly lost season and got us back in the playoff conversation - even if just for a short while.
- Firing Coyle and Lazor. So many years we have watched this team hang on to horrible coordinators for too long. Tom Olivadotti has to lead that list, followed by Gary Stevens IMO. In fact, I can't recall the last time one of our coaches had the balls to fire a coordinator in the middle of the season, let alone two. Your relentless drive to get better was admirable.
- Your honesty - I enjoyed your pressers. I learned more about how the coaches saw the game than ever before and I've been watching pressers for near 40 years. Your honesty was refreshing.
- Getting the players to play to their abilities - even Dallas Thomas wasn't as bad (he was still bad) after you took over. But mainly, guys like Wake, Suh, Vernon, Shelby really came on after you took over. At one point, I think we went from fewest sacks in the league to most during the first 4-5 games you coached. Kudos to you to motivate these guys to do what they are paid to do.
- Supporting your players - I'm not a fan of coaches who throw players under the bus - it just leads to dissent in the locker room. No matter how bad someone played, you didn't publicly humiliate them. Some here thought that meant you believed they were playing well. Obviously not the case as you kept trying to challenge them with other backups having the chance to unseat starters (Jamar Taylor, the Guards, etc) - but in the end the talent level at certain positions just wasn't there. At least you tried. Prior coaches around here stubbornly refused to push guys who were stinking it up.
- Getting the young players on the field an contributing - Parker, Hewitt, etc - clearly we have some guys who can develop into stars or solid contributors - prior to your taking the reigns, rookies just didn't play enough here under the prior regime. These players will be better for the experience they received, as will the team.
- Showing mental toughness getting the team ready to play a meaningless game against the defending world champs - and beating them convincingly - after being embarrassed by them earlier in the year. That says a lot, it really does.
Finally, handling yourself with absolute class. You are a really good dude. I personally hope you will be back with the organization next season, but if you go elsewhere I, along with many others, will be rooting for you. You are an easy guy to like - I wish you the best in what will hopefully be a long and successful NFL coaching career.
Thank you Dan Campbell!
- After taking over the HC position, giving us insight into what was wrong / why the team was playing "slow" - it was a revelation to many that we didn't practice fast or hit, etc - thank you for bringing intensity and competitiveness back to the practice field.
- Getting the players to have fun again; the lethargic play under Philbin reflected a team that simply was going through the motions - the players should be grateful to you for reminding them why they chose to play this sport in the first place.
- Giving us two weeks of cheering and enjoyment that we haven't felt in ages. The wins over the Titans and Texans (franchise first) were exhilarating - seeing the team respond to you made us realize once again the importance of coaching and belief in the skipper. This team hadn't played that well since the SD game the year prior. You injected hope back into a seemingly lost season and got us back in the playoff conversation - even if just for a short while.
- Firing Coyle and Lazor. So many years we have watched this team hang on to horrible coordinators for too long. Tom Olivadotti has to lead that list, followed by Gary Stevens IMO. In fact, I can't recall the last time one of our coaches had the balls to fire a coordinator in the middle of the season, let alone two. Your relentless drive to get better was admirable.
- Your honesty - I enjoyed your pressers. I learned more about how the coaches saw the game than ever before and I've been watching pressers for near 40 years. Your honesty was refreshing.
- Getting the players to play to their abilities - even Dallas Thomas wasn't as bad (he was still bad) after you took over. But mainly, guys like Wake, Suh, Vernon, Shelby really came on after you took over. At one point, I think we went from fewest sacks in the league to most during the first 4-5 games you coached. Kudos to you to motivate these guys to do what they are paid to do.
- Supporting your players - I'm not a fan of coaches who throw players under the bus - it just leads to dissent in the locker room. No matter how bad someone played, you didn't publicly humiliate them. Some here thought that meant you believed they were playing well. Obviously not the case as you kept trying to challenge them with other backups having the chance to unseat starters (Jamar Taylor, the Guards, etc) - but in the end the talent level at certain positions just wasn't there. At least you tried. Prior coaches around here stubbornly refused to push guys who were stinking it up.
- Getting the young players on the field an contributing - Parker, Hewitt, etc - clearly we have some guys who can develop into stars or solid contributors - prior to your taking the reigns, rookies just didn't play enough here under the prior regime. These players will be better for the experience they received, as will the team.
- Showing mental toughness getting the team ready to play a meaningless game against the defending world champs - and beating them convincingly - after being embarrassed by them earlier in the year. That says a lot, it really does.
Finally, handling yourself with absolute class. You are a really good dude. I personally hope you will be back with the organization next season, but if you go elsewhere I, along with many others, will be rooting for you. You are an easy guy to like - I wish you the best in what will hopefully be a long and successful NFL coaching career.
Thank you Dan Campbell!
