I received my breaking news e-mail from the Baltimore Sun this morning, 10:26 am to be exact, stating that Brian Billick will be the Head Coach for the Baltimore Ravens for the 2006 season. While most people are probably against this, I think this is a great idea for a few reasons.
First and foremost,the $$$$$ situation. Billick was owed about $9 million for the next 2 years. Firing Billick would mean that Bisciotti would have to buyout his contract when letting him go. Why pay him money to be fired, only to bring in someone else and pay them as well? You know the saying, "It's cheaper to keep 'er". This fits perfectly for the retention of Billick.
He's a great motivator. Most of us know that Billick is not the "offensive genius" he was made out to be, nor is he the smartest coach of the bunch when it comes to the X's and O's of the game, but he is one of the best motivators in the league. Although the Ravens currently have a 6-9 record, the past 2 weeks have shown that these players have hardly given up because they are out of playoff contention. That, along with the unexpected play of Kyle Boller the past 2 weeks (6TD's, 1INT) shows that the message is still clear to the players.
He is receptive of making changes. People that follow the Ravens will tell you that Billick is one of the most stubborn coaches this league has ever seen. His stubbornness has shown over the previous years, and a lot of people are critical of it. Handing over Kyle Boller the QB job as a rookie, not putting in Anthony Wright when people (including players) asked for him, playing Jamal Lewis while Chester Taylor clearly is having a better season. Yet, this season, Bilick has finally acknowledged that his attitude must change, simply because the team has changed. He has publicly stated that he is open to adapt his coaching style, to better help the team. I'm not sure if that is because he was on the hot seat, or if he genuinely saw that changes needed to be made, but this is a step in the right direction.
He has allowed his coaching staff to actually do their jobs. This is just my personal observation and opinion, but the past 2 weeks, I have noticed that the play calling looked a lot better then in previous weeks. Then it dawned on me. It looks as though Billick has backed off of breathing down Jim Fassel's neck and has allowing him to pull more of the strings when it comes to offense. The results of him not being in total control have paid off, given how well they played, and it allowed Billick to see that he needs his staff just as much as his staff needs him.
Obviously there will be some changes made. There may be some staff changes, with Rick Neuheisel and Jim Fassel looking for other jobs, as well as personnel changes. It is no secret that the locker room is somewhat divided, as reported. There are some players that get the Superstar credit (hint to Ray Ray), while others get the Blue collar treatment. Then there are some that air all of their dirty laundry to the press about how unhappy they are (hint to Jamal), so Ozzie and Bilick have their work cut out, no doubt. But to get rid of the "weeds" on the team, will do much good for this franchise.
Also, they need to look at a veteran QB to challange Boller next year, a RB, a couple of offensive linemen, a big defensive lineman, as well as some secondary help (nickel back in particular), but these things can be taken care of with free agncy and the upcoming draft.
Bottom line is Billick deserves a chance to turn things around for the Ravens. He has a 62-49 record, along with a Super Bowl ring. He coached the then-youngest football in 2002 to a 7-9 record, just shy of the playoffs, and he is a players coach who treats his players with respect, and not like inmates with strict rules and curfews.
So good idea, Steve Bisciotti. Billick deserves one more chance to turn this team around to the contenders we thought of them to be.
Nice post Hubbo. Spot on reasons for keeping Billick. I have to say, I agree that he is a master motivator. For that, I love the guy. Who knows, maybe Boller has turned a corner and the defense will decide that a being helathy is probably the best way to win games.
Not a good idea, a great idea. The man won you a super bowl with no offense at all. Thats down right amazing. The split you talk about is due to the lack of leadership on the field. I still think it would be a mistake to get rid of Jamal. Please be patient, I got this gut feeling it will payoff. Jamal may have had a bad year, but who on the Ravens hasn't?
This is a playoff team, they just had an off year.
Injuries all year have demolished thier hopes o####ood season.
Their focus in the draft should be on the offensive line first and defensive line second. As far as a challenge for Boller, I'm not sure they can find that this offseason.
One option for the challenge may be Brian Greise. Thats only if Tampa is willing to do some swapping. Actually I think Greise would fit in great with Ravens offense.
Just remember this, Ray will set Jamal straight. If Ray allows the Ravens to loose Jamal it will hurt thier offense severly. Taylor just don't possess the game breaking ability that the Ravens must have in their offense.
Anyway, I'm a Seahawk fan what do I know? Good luck to the Ravens next year. And good luck to you.
Last edited by crSeattle on December 28th at 1:06 PM.
You provide great points in why you think Ray is not the leader he once was and why Jamal should go.
But if you loose those two players. I hate to say it, but your looking at severe lack of on field leadership. (exclude Jamal from that comment)
The introduction of each player was great I think. If you work hard in practice and earn your starting role you'll be recognized on game day. Its a great incentive, plus it really gets the crowd fired up. Ray is a master on the field. I would say he is one if not the greatest defensive player to ever play the game.
One more thing. Get out of the 46 defense, it did nothing for them. Go back to what you had success at, I never could figure out why they changed in the first place.
First let me say that I think keeping Billick is the right move. All too often NFL owners, ala Daniel Snyder don't give coaches enough time to rebuild a program. Billick one a super bowl and he can do it again. Secondly, who else would they hire? I did write a post once about my favorite hires from former coaches. Also, thanks for the kind words in my comments section. Lastly, go Ravens this weekend. I need that win!
I work for a sports network in the dc/baltimore area (trust me i'm sure you watch it) and when we announced billick was getting another year most people at the station were skeptical. the guy won a super bowl and has turned nobodies in to studs. I'm with you on that one. Also, thanks for the comment!
While I'm not a Billick fan...I agree with your opinion. He's obviously a proven coach in the NFL...and knows what he's doing. I think coaches receive way too much blame...especially those that have been successful in the past. Look at the Steelers with Cowher...he's been through good and bad times, but they stuck with him. And they have been one of the most consistently good teams in the last decade.
