AFC West: Jason Tarver
AFC West links: Ryan Tannehill to Chiefs?
April, 9, 2012
Apr 9
11:00
AM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
Denver Broncos
Tight end Julius Thomas, who saw his rookie season ruined by an ankle injury last September, had surgery to repair ligaments this past week.
Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post doesn't expect the Broncos to mortgage their future by trading draft picks in an effort to surround Peyton Manning with talent.
Kansas City Chiefs
Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star says the Chiefs could be a surprise landing spot for Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
Oakland Raiders
Vittorio Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle says it's clear new coach Dennis Allen is intrigued by young cornerbacks DeMarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Chekwa.
Raiders cornerback Shawntae Spencer calls new defensive coordinator Jason Tarver "a rising star" according to Tafur.
San Diego Chargers
San Diego has become a mecca for specialists to train and compete during the offseason.
The Chargers have not signed former Raiders offensive tackle Mario Henderson, writes John Gennaro of the Bolts from the Blue blog.
Tight end Julius Thomas, who saw his rookie season ruined by an ankle injury last September, had surgery to repair ligaments this past week.
Jeff Legwold of the Denver Post doesn't expect the Broncos to mortgage their future by trading draft picks in an effort to surround Peyton Manning with talent.
Kansas City Chiefs
Adam Teicher of the Kansas City Star says the Chiefs could be a surprise landing spot for Texas A&M quarterback Ryan Tannehill.
Oakland Raiders
Vittorio Tafur of the San Francisco Chronicle says it's clear new coach Dennis Allen is intrigued by young cornerbacks DeMarcus Van Dyke and Chimdi Chekwa.
Raiders cornerback Shawntae Spencer calls new defensive coordinator Jason Tarver "a rising star" according to Tafur.
San Diego Chargers
San Diego has become a mecca for specialists to train and compete during the offseason.
The Chargers have not signed former Raiders offensive tackle Mario Henderson, writes John Gennaro of the Bolts from the Blue blog.
Phillip Wheeler feels comfortable in Oakland
April, 2, 2012
Apr 2
6:25
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
Philip Wheeler spent his first day with the Oakland Raiders on Monday and he already felt comfortable.
Wheeler -- who started 24 games in the past four seasons with the Colts – signed with Oakland on Friday. The Raiders started their offseason conditioning program on Monday.
Wheeler appears ready to become an important piece of the fabric of the Oakland defense. He indicated in a conference call with media members he is ready to become a bigger part of his team's defense. Wheeler is expected to play strongside linebacker and replace Kamerion Wimbley, who was a salary-cap cut.
“I feel like this is the best situation for me,” Wheeler said. “I think, these coaches here, they were pretty adamant about the way they’re running their defenses. It’s a defensive head coach, he has a defensive mind, and I wanted to come to a place that would take defense a little more serious.”
The Colts were long an offensive-minded team. Wheeler called himself a versatile player and he thinks this new Oakland defense "caters" to linebacker. Wheeler had one sack last season, but he said he expects to be given a chance to pass-rush more in Oakland. He is acquainted with Oakland defensive coordinator Jason Tarver, who played a role in Wheeler signing with the Raiders.
“Coach Tarver told me there was going to be a lot of blitzing, just a lot of mixing up things, not just standing still in Cover 2 like I did in with the Indianapolis Colts for awhile,” Wheeler said. “Nothing against that, we had a great offense that kept the lead a lot. We were able to sit back in Cover 2 and rush the passer a lot because teams had to catch up, and we had two great defensive ends that did that. But I also like to rush the passer and everything from the linebacker position and coach Tarver told me that it would be some of that going on.”
Wheeler also said Twitter recruitment by several Raiders’ fans helped his decision to come to Oakland on the one-year deal. He was also talking to the Dolphins and the Colts. He said he gained about 2,000 Twitter followers last week.
“That kind of helped me in my decision because it showed me how big of a football city this is and how much they paid attention to football instead of going somewhere else,” Wheeler said. “Indianapolis, it was pretty good football city, but the fans, they didn’t get more involved in media, and just showing us how much they care about the game. I always wanted to play in a big football for a legendary team, something like that and that kind of helped me choose Oakland.”
Wheeler -- who started 24 games in the past four seasons with the Colts – signed with Oakland on Friday. The Raiders started their offseason conditioning program on Monday.
Wheeler appears ready to become an important piece of the fabric of the Oakland defense. He indicated in a conference call with media members he is ready to become a bigger part of his team's defense. Wheeler is expected to play strongside linebacker and replace Kamerion Wimbley, who was a salary-cap cut.
“I feel like this is the best situation for me,” Wheeler said. “I think, these coaches here, they were pretty adamant about the way they’re running their defenses. It’s a defensive head coach, he has a defensive mind, and I wanted to come to a place that would take defense a little more serious.”
The Colts were long an offensive-minded team. Wheeler called himself a versatile player and he thinks this new Oakland defense "caters" to linebacker. Wheeler had one sack last season, but he said he expects to be given a chance to pass-rush more in Oakland. He is acquainted with Oakland defensive coordinator Jason Tarver, who played a role in Wheeler signing with the Raiders.
“Coach Tarver told me there was going to be a lot of blitzing, just a lot of mixing up things, not just standing still in Cover 2 like I did in with the Indianapolis Colts for awhile,” Wheeler said. “Nothing against that, we had a great offense that kept the lead a lot. We were able to sit back in Cover 2 and rush the passer a lot because teams had to catch up, and we had two great defensive ends that did that. But I also like to rush the passer and everything from the linebacker position and coach Tarver told me that it would be some of that going on.”
Wheeler also said Twitter recruitment by several Raiders’ fans helped his decision to come to Oakland on the one-year deal. He was also talking to the Dolphins and the Colts. He said he gained about 2,000 Twitter followers last week.
“That kind of helped me in my decision because it showed me how big of a football city this is and how much they paid attention to football instead of going somewhere else,” Wheeler said. “Indianapolis, it was pretty good football city, but the fans, they didn’t get more involved in media, and just showing us how much they care about the game. I always wanted to play in a big football for a legendary team, something like that and that kind of helped me choose Oakland.”
The San Diego Chargers’ interest in Jackie Battle has taken the next step.
UT San Diego is reporting the Chargers are visiting with Battle on Tuesday. He would back up Ryan Mathews if signed.
The Chargers started focusing on Battle last week as a possible replacement for Mike Tolbert if he left in free agency. Tolbert signed a four-year deal with Carolina on Monday. Battle is a solid backup who likely fell out of the Chiefs’ plans when they signed Peyton Hillis last week.
In other AFC West news:
Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli was asked about the team’s pursuit of Manning. After losing out on Manning, Pioli deserves credit for giving his offense a big boost in the form of Hillis, tackle Eric Winston and tight end Kevin Boss. Matt Cassel remains the Chiefs’ quarterback and he got a lot of help.
As expected, former Oakland pass-rusher Kamerion Wimbley has agreed to terms with Tennessee. Oakland cut Wimbley in a salary-cap dump last week.
As expected, receiver Jerricho Cotchery is visiting the Chiefs on Tuesday. He would be a rotational receiver in Kansas City. He had 16 catches last season for Pittsburgh.
Rick Reilly looks at the Tim Tebow-John Elway relationship as it appears to be ending.
In a radio interview, Denver receiver Demaryius Thomas discusses the major change on the team.
In a radio interview, Broncos’ hall of famer Shannon Sharpe discusses Manning’s impact in Denver,
In a radio interview, Winston discusses the possibilities with his new team.
San Diego free-agent linebacker Everette Brown is going to visit with the Lions. There is little chance he will return to the Chargers.
UPDATE: The Raiders are reportedly one of the teams interested in Cincinnati defensive lineman Manny Lawson. I have talked to a source close to the situation and the Raiders are, indeed, one of several teams interested in Lawson. The process is expected to heat up in the next couple of days. There is no favorite team to land Lawson at this time.
He would be a rotational player in Oakland. One advantage Oakland could have is Lawson and new Oakland defensive coordinator Jason Tarver was in San Francisco together. Lawson has experience in both 4-3 and 3-4 schemes. The Raiders have not publicly said whether they will be a 4-3 or a 3-4 but new coach Dennis Allen has said the Raiders will use multiple fronts.
UT San Diego is reporting the Chargers are visiting with Battle on Tuesday. He would back up Ryan Mathews if signed.
The Chargers started focusing on Battle last week as a possible replacement for Mike Tolbert if he left in free agency. Tolbert signed a four-year deal with Carolina on Monday. Battle is a solid backup who likely fell out of the Chiefs’ plans when they signed Peyton Hillis last week.
In other AFC West news:
Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli was asked about the team’s pursuit of Manning. After losing out on Manning, Pioli deserves credit for giving his offense a big boost in the form of Hillis, tackle Eric Winston and tight end Kevin Boss. Matt Cassel remains the Chiefs’ quarterback and he got a lot of help.
As expected, former Oakland pass-rusher Kamerion Wimbley has agreed to terms with Tennessee. Oakland cut Wimbley in a salary-cap dump last week.
As expected, receiver Jerricho Cotchery is visiting the Chiefs on Tuesday. He would be a rotational receiver in Kansas City. He had 16 catches last season for Pittsburgh.
Rick Reilly looks at the Tim Tebow-John Elway relationship as it appears to be ending.
In a radio interview, Denver receiver Demaryius Thomas discusses the major change on the team.
In a radio interview, Broncos’ hall of famer Shannon Sharpe discusses Manning’s impact in Denver,
In a radio interview, Winston discusses the possibilities with his new team.
San Diego free-agent linebacker Everette Brown is going to visit with the Lions. There is little chance he will return to the Chargers.
UPDATE: The Raiders are reportedly one of the teams interested in Cincinnati defensive lineman Manny Lawson. I have talked to a source close to the situation and the Raiders are, indeed, one of several teams interested in Lawson. The process is expected to heat up in the next couple of days. There is no favorite team to land Lawson at this time.
He would be a rotational player in Oakland. One advantage Oakland could have is Lawson and new Oakland defensive coordinator Jason Tarver was in San Francisco together. Lawson has experience in both 4-3 and 3-4 schemes. The Raiders have not publicly said whether they will be a 4-3 or a 3-4 but new coach Dennis Allen has said the Raiders will use multiple fronts.
Predictably, the Oakland Raiders’ search for veteran cornerbacks didn’t end when they signed Ronald Bartell on Friday.
CSNBayArea.com reports Shawntae Spencer visited the Raiders on Friday. He was released by the 49ers earlier in the week. Spencer has started 72 games. He didn’t start any games last season. New Oakland defensive coordinator Jason Tarver worked with Spencer for seven seasons.
Spencer, 30, is not an upper-level player, but he does have good experience and Oakland needs that because it is essentially starting over at the position. Bartell, 30, has 66 career starts, but he missed all but one game last season with a neck injury.
Basically, expect any available cornerback to be linked to the Raiders these days, including New Orleans’ Tracy Porter, who played for new Oakland head coach Dennis Allen with the Saints.
In other AFC West news:
CSNBayArea.com reports Shawntae Spencer visited the Raiders on Friday. He was released by the 49ers earlier in the week. Spencer has started 72 games. He didn’t start any games last season. New Oakland defensive coordinator Jason Tarver worked with Spencer for seven seasons.
Spencer, 30, is not an upper-level player, but he does have good experience and Oakland needs that because it is essentially starting over at the position. Bartell, 30, has 66 career starts, but he missed all but one game last season with a neck injury.
Basically, expect any available cornerback to be linked to the Raiders these days, including New Orleans’ Tracy Porter, who played for new Oakland head coach Dennis Allen with the Saints.
In other AFC West news:
- NFL Network is reporting right tackle Eric Winston is still in Kansas City, which may be an indication the Chiefs have a good chance of signing him.
- Pittsburgh free-agent receiver Jerricho Cotchery is reportedly going to visit the Chiefs Monday. He would be a rotational player. Cotchery, who will turn 30 in June, had 16 catches in 2011.
- The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette shot down an San Diego Union-Tribune report that the Steelers were interested in Chargers’ running back Mike Tolbert. For what it’s worth, I’ve also heard the Steelers, who are cap-strapped, like Tolbert. He is making a visit with an undisclosed team Saturday.
- The Titans worked out Peyton Manning on Saturday. Denver worked him out Friday. The Broncos, 49ers and Titans are expected to be the finalists to sign Manning, who is expected to make his decision in the coming days.
Oakland continues to add to staff
February, 12, 2012
Feb 12
12:20
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
Johnny Lynn is Oakland’s new defensive backs coach. He worked with new Oakland defensive coordinator Jason Tarver in San Francisco. Lynn was recently fired by Philadelphia.
New Oakland coach Dennis Allen has hired several coaches on this staff who were fired from their last job. That doesn’t necessarily mean he is hiring bad coaches. This is a tough business and if you’re a coach, you are very likely going to be fired at some point in your career.
Fox Sports reports former interim Tulane head coach Mark Hutson will coach the Raiders’ tight ends.
In other AFC West news:
Sports Illustrated reports that Richard Seymour’s full $15 million contract for 2012 has already kicked in. Thus, he is not a candidate to be cut in Oakland.
In an Insider piece, Mel Kiper looks at how badly Denver needs to replace 38-year-old safety Brian Dawkins.
The Chargers hired Byron Storer as special teams assistant. He played under San Diego special teams coach Rich Bisaccia in Tampa Bay.
New York Knicks’ sudden star Jeremy Lin said he draws inspiration from Tim Tebow.
New Oakland coach Dennis Allen has hired several coaches on this staff who were fired from their last job. That doesn’t necessarily mean he is hiring bad coaches. This is a tough business and if you’re a coach, you are very likely going to be fired at some point in your career.
Fox Sports reports former interim Tulane head coach Mark Hutson will coach the Raiders’ tight ends.
In other AFC West news:
Sports Illustrated reports that Richard Seymour’s full $15 million contract for 2012 has already kicked in. Thus, he is not a candidate to be cut in Oakland.
In an Insider piece, Mel Kiper looks at how badly Denver needs to replace 38-year-old safety Brian Dawkins.
The Chargers hired Byron Storer as special teams assistant. He played under San Diego special teams coach Rich Bisaccia in Tampa Bay.
New York Knicks’ sudden star Jeremy Lin said he draws inspiration from Tim Tebow.
There has been plenty of movement in the front office and on coaching staffs in the AFC West in the past several weeks. Two of the seven coaching staffs that changed in the NFL occurred in the AFC West this year.
There are some more additions as staffs round out throughout the division, but the major hirings and firings have been completed. Let’s review:
Denver Broncos
Recap: After going through a lot of change in recent seasons, Denver was pretty calm this year. It hired former Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio to be the defensive coordinator after Dennis Allen went to Oakland as head coach.
Comment: Del Rio is Denver's seventh defensive coordinator in seven years. However, he has coached for coach John Fox before, so there shouldn’t be too much flux.
Kansas City Chiefs
Recap: Interim coach Romeo Crennel, who replaced Todd Haley with three games remaining in the season, was made the permanent head coach. He hired Brian Daboll as the offensive coordinator and Crennel will likely oversee the defense himself.
Comment: The key here is Daboll. Crennel has the defense going in the right direction and he is well-respected by the entire team. Daboll needs to take this potentially strong offense to the next level.
Oakland Raiders
Recap: The Raiders underwent the most change in the division this offseason. The change began sadly when owner Al Davis died in October. After the season, former Raiders’ linebacker and former Green Bay executive Reggie McKenzie was hired as general manager. He quickly fired coach Hue Jackson and replaced him with Allen. He hired Greg Knapp (a former Oakland offensive coordinator) to run the offense and Stanford co-defensive coordinator Jason Tarver to head the defense.
Comment: It’s an exciting time in Oakland with lots of great potential. But there is no question that much of the new leadership is inexperienced in their new roles.
San Diego Chargers
Recap: The big news in San Diego is what didn’t happen. After the Chargers finished 8-8 and out of the playoffs for the second straight season, coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith were expected to be shown the door. But owner Dean Spanos made the surprising move to keep them both. Defensive coordinator Greg Manusky was fired and linebackers coach John Pagano replaced him.
Comment: The pressure is on everyone in San Diego. If the Chargers don’t make the playoffs in 2012, we’ll likely see the type of wholesale changes that occurred in Oakland.
There are some more additions as staffs round out throughout the division, but the major hirings and firings have been completed. Let’s review:
Denver Broncos
Recap: After going through a lot of change in recent seasons, Denver was pretty calm this year. It hired former Jacksonville coach Jack Del Rio to be the defensive coordinator after Dennis Allen went to Oakland as head coach.
Comment: Del Rio is Denver's seventh defensive coordinator in seven years. However, he has coached for coach John Fox before, so there shouldn’t be too much flux.
Kansas City Chiefs
Recap: Interim coach Romeo Crennel, who replaced Todd Haley with three games remaining in the season, was made the permanent head coach. He hired Brian Daboll as the offensive coordinator and Crennel will likely oversee the defense himself.
Comment: The key here is Daboll. Crennel has the defense going in the right direction and he is well-respected by the entire team. Daboll needs to take this potentially strong offense to the next level.
Oakland Raiders
Recap: The Raiders underwent the most change in the division this offseason. The change began sadly when owner Al Davis died in October. After the season, former Raiders’ linebacker and former Green Bay executive Reggie McKenzie was hired as general manager. He quickly fired coach Hue Jackson and replaced him with Allen. He hired Greg Knapp (a former Oakland offensive coordinator) to run the offense and Stanford co-defensive coordinator Jason Tarver to head the defense.
Comment: It’s an exciting time in Oakland with lots of great potential. But there is no question that much of the new leadership is inexperienced in their new roles.
San Diego Chargers
Recap: The big news in San Diego is what didn’t happen. After the Chargers finished 8-8 and out of the playoffs for the second straight season, coach Norv Turner and general manager A.J. Smith were expected to be shown the door. But owner Dean Spanos made the surprising move to keep them both. Defensive coordinator Greg Manusky was fired and linebackers coach John Pagano replaced him.
Comment: The pressure is on everyone in San Diego. If the Chargers don’t make the playoffs in 2012, we’ll likely see the type of wholesale changes that occurred in Oakland.
Now that the Oakland Raiders have hired Stanford co-defensive coordinator Jason Tarver and they have filled their major assistant spots on Dennis Allen’s staff, let’s look at some remaining questions for the team:
Will the Raiders be a 4-3 or a 3-4 defense? Allen ran a 4-3 defense in Denver last season. Tarver’s defense at Stanford was a 3-4 and Tarver was an assistant in a 3-4 defense in San Francisco. Allen said last week that schemes can be overvalued and the Raiders will show multiple defensive alignments. I’d guess the Raiders would mostly use 4-3, but show some 3-4 looks as well.
Who will call the defensive plays? There were rumblings during Allen’s search for a defensive coordinator that he could reconsider and call the defensive plays. Allen said last week that he won’t call the defensive plays and he’d be a game manager. However, Tarver didn’t call the plays at Stanford. So, it will be interesting to see what Allen does.
Will the Raiders run a zone-blocking offense? The Raiders hired Frank Pollack from Houston to coach the offensive line. The Texans used the zone-blocking scheme and it would make sense that Pollack would do the same in Oakland. The Raiders transitioned from the zone to power-blocking under Hue Jackson and running back Darren McFadden seemed to fare better. McFadden, however, has also had some success in the zone-blocking scheme.
Will the Raiders be a 4-3 or a 3-4 defense? Allen ran a 4-3 defense in Denver last season. Tarver’s defense at Stanford was a 3-4 and Tarver was an assistant in a 3-4 defense in San Francisco. Allen said last week that schemes can be overvalued and the Raiders will show multiple defensive alignments. I’d guess the Raiders would mostly use 4-3, but show some 3-4 looks as well.
Who will call the defensive plays? There were rumblings during Allen’s search for a defensive coordinator that he could reconsider and call the defensive plays. Allen said last week that he won’t call the defensive plays and he’d be a game manager. However, Tarver didn’t call the plays at Stanford. So, it will be interesting to see what Allen does.
Will the Raiders run a zone-blocking offense? The Raiders hired Frank Pollack from Houston to coach the offensive line. The Texans used the zone-blocking scheme and it would make sense that Pollack would do the same in Oakland. The Raiders transitioned from the zone to power-blocking under Hue Jackson and running back Darren McFadden seemed to fare better. McFadden, however, has also had some success in the zone-blocking scheme.
Raiders' staff is green in key areas
February, 6, 2012
Feb 6
4:40
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
If there is a criticism about the new-look Oakland Raiders, it's that they are inexperienced at key leadership spots.
The Raiders continued that trend Monday by naming Stanford co-defensive coordinator Jason Tarver as their defensive coordinator. Tarver is 37. He was the sixth defensive coordinator candidate the Raiders interviewed or tried to interview.
He was not on the radar of many teams prior to becoming a candidate in Oakland in recent days. Tarver didn’t call the defensive plays at Stanford. Prior to his one-season stint on The Farm, Tarver spent 10 years with the San Francisco 49ers in a variety of roles. He was last the 49ers’ outside linebackers coach.
Tarver is considered a bright, young coach, and he is clearly highly intelligent. He has a degree in chemistry and earned his master's degree in biochemistry and molecular biology. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
But the truth is, he is going from being a co-coordinator who didn’t call plays in the college game to being a defensive coordinator in the NFL.
It makes you wonder if new Oakland coach Dennis Allen will change his philosophy and decide to call the defensive plays. Allen, who was Denver’s defensive coordinator for one season before getting the Oakland job, said he will not call the defensive plays, and that he will be a game manager during games. However, there were rumblings in recent days, that Allen, 39, could change his mind.
Because Allen is a defensive-minded coach, fully expect him to have the greatest influence on the side of the ball that needs the most improvement in Oakland.
Along with Allen and Tarver being inexperienced in their roles, new Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie is a first-time G.M.
I’d like to see some more experience on this staff in key roles. It does help that offensive coordinator Greg Knapp has several years of experience in his role. I’m not saying this group will not succeed because of their inexperience. All of these men have great potential. But they are going to have to grow in their roles together.
The Raiders continued that trend Monday by naming Stanford co-defensive coordinator Jason Tarver as their defensive coordinator. Tarver is 37. He was the sixth defensive coordinator candidate the Raiders interviewed or tried to interview.
He was not on the radar of many teams prior to becoming a candidate in Oakland in recent days. Tarver didn’t call the defensive plays at Stanford. Prior to his one-season stint on The Farm, Tarver spent 10 years with the San Francisco 49ers in a variety of roles. He was last the 49ers’ outside linebackers coach.
Tarver is considered a bright, young coach, and he is clearly highly intelligent. He has a degree in chemistry and earned his master's degree in biochemistry and molecular biology. He was a member of Phi Beta Kappa.
But the truth is, he is going from being a co-coordinator who didn’t call plays in the college game to being a defensive coordinator in the NFL.
It makes you wonder if new Oakland coach Dennis Allen will change his philosophy and decide to call the defensive plays. Allen, who was Denver’s defensive coordinator for one season before getting the Oakland job, said he will not call the defensive plays, and that he will be a game manager during games. However, there were rumblings in recent days, that Allen, 39, could change his mind.
Because Allen is a defensive-minded coach, fully expect him to have the greatest influence on the side of the ball that needs the most improvement in Oakland.
Along with Allen and Tarver being inexperienced in their roles, new Oakland general manager Reggie McKenzie is a first-time G.M.
I’d like to see some more experience on this staff in key roles. It does help that offensive coordinator Greg Knapp has several years of experience in his role. I’m not saying this group will not succeed because of their inexperience. All of these men have great potential. But they are going to have to grow in their roles together.
Chiefs formally announce Daboll hiring
February, 6, 2012
Feb 6
2:40
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
The Kansas City Chiefs have announced the hiring of Brian Daboll as offensive coordinator.
Here are my thoughts on the hire when it was first reported. Daboll was the offensive coordinator in Miami in 2011, and he had the same job in Cleveland the two previous years. He worked with Kansas City head coach Romeo Crennel and Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli in New England early last decade.
This is what Crennel had to say about the hire in a statement released by the team: "Brian is a fine football coach and offensive mind. I worked with him when he was a young coach in New England, and I am proud of the way his career has developed. We had a very thorough process for this position, and it was clear to me that Brian was the right choice. He was coveted by multiple teams, and I am glad he will be joining our staff.”
Added Daboll: "This is a great opportunity. After meeting with Romeo, it was clear to me Kansas City was a good fit. I have a lot of respect for Romeo, and a strong appreciation for the Kansas City Chiefs franchise. Romeo and I have similar ideas on the direction of the program, and we have a good core group of players to get started with. I’m ready to get in as soon as possible and start working to be a part of something special.”
Daboll worked with Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel for two seasons in New England.
Crennel hasn’t hired a defensive coordinator, and he probably won’t. He will run the defense.
The only major coaching opening remaining in the AFC West is Oakland’s defensive coordinator job. The Raiders might be close to hiring Stanford co-defensive coordinator Jason Tarver for the job.
Here are my thoughts on the hire when it was first reported. Daboll was the offensive coordinator in Miami in 2011, and he had the same job in Cleveland the two previous years. He worked with Kansas City head coach Romeo Crennel and Kansas City general manager Scott Pioli in New England early last decade.
This is what Crennel had to say about the hire in a statement released by the team: "Brian is a fine football coach and offensive mind. I worked with him when he was a young coach in New England, and I am proud of the way his career has developed. We had a very thorough process for this position, and it was clear to me that Brian was the right choice. He was coveted by multiple teams, and I am glad he will be joining our staff.”
Added Daboll: "This is a great opportunity. After meeting with Romeo, it was clear to me Kansas City was a good fit. I have a lot of respect for Romeo, and a strong appreciation for the Kansas City Chiefs franchise. Romeo and I have similar ideas on the direction of the program, and we have a good core group of players to get started with. I’m ready to get in as soon as possible and start working to be a part of something special.”
Daboll worked with Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel for two seasons in New England.
Crennel hasn’t hired a defensive coordinator, and he probably won’t. He will run the defense.
The only major coaching opening remaining in the AFC West is Oakland’s defensive coordinator job. The Raiders might be close to hiring Stanford co-defensive coordinator Jason Tarver for the job.
Raiders looking at college coordinator
February, 4, 2012
Feb 4
8:15
PM ET
By
Bill Williamson | ESPN.com
The Oakland Raiders' search for a defensive coordinator trudges forward.
After striking out several times at the NFL level, new Oakland coach Dennis Allen is looking at the college ranks. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Allen is now considering Stanford co-defensive coordinator Jason Tarver for the post.
Allen has interviewed or has tried to interview five candidates. The Raiders asked for permission to talk to Green Bay Packers cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt, but apparently he will not be the hire.
Before going to Stanford last year, Tarver, 37, spent 10 years with the San Francisco 49ers in several roles. He was last the 49ers’ outside linebackers coach. Tarver also coaches the linebackers at Stanford in addition to his co-coordinator role.
In other AFC West news:
Baltimore center Matt Birk won the NFL Man of the year award. San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers was a finalist for the award.
Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel is excited to play for new Chiefs’ offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. Cassel played for him in New England for two seasons. The Chiefs have said Cassel will have competition for the job. The hiring of Daboll should help Cassel.
Denver linebacker Elvis Dumervil received some votes for the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award that went to Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford. Dumervil made the Pro Bowl in 2011 after missing all of 2010 with a pectoral injury.
After striking out several times at the NFL level, new Oakland coach Dennis Allen is looking at the college ranks. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports Allen is now considering Stanford co-defensive coordinator Jason Tarver for the post.
Allen has interviewed or has tried to interview five candidates. The Raiders asked for permission to talk to Green Bay Packers cornerbacks coach Joe Whitt, but apparently he will not be the hire.
Before going to Stanford last year, Tarver, 37, spent 10 years with the San Francisco 49ers in several roles. He was last the 49ers’ outside linebackers coach. Tarver also coaches the linebackers at Stanford in addition to his co-coordinator role.
In other AFC West news:
Baltimore center Matt Birk won the NFL Man of the year award. San Diego quarterback Philip Rivers was a finalist for the award.
Kansas City quarterback Matt Cassel is excited to play for new Chiefs’ offensive coordinator Brian Daboll. Cassel played for him in New England for two seasons. The Chiefs have said Cassel will have competition for the job. The hiring of Daboll should help Cassel.
Denver linebacker Elvis Dumervil received some votes for the NFL Comeback Player of the Year award that went to Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford. Dumervil made the Pro Bowl in 2011 after missing all of 2010 with a pectoral injury.
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ABOUT THIS BLOG
Bill Williamson
Williamson joined ESPN.com in 2008 after four seasons covering the Denver Broncos for the Denver Post. He previously covered the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers and Seattle Seahawks.
