Falcons Looking At Jacksonville O-Line Coach Andy Heck
by Dave Choate on Jan 27, 2012 2:52 PM EST
in Falcons News
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PrintUPDATE: Somehow, I missed several nearly week-old reports that the Jaguars have retained Heck. I feel so smart now. Talk offensive line coach candidates instead.
Get the anti-Jacksonville invective out now, please. I'll wait.
For those who aren't familiar with Andy Heck, he's been the Jaguars' offensive line coach for the better part of the last seven years. By and large, he's done a fairly good job, though this last year was a disaster thanks to both personnel and the impossibility of protecting a quarterback who holds on to the ball as if it were a childhood teddy bear I think he's a good choice for the Falcons, who reportedly have interest.
What's more interesting about Heck, if you're willing to dive into his background, is his status as a former first round pick. He was selected 15th overall back in 1989, starting 164 games over a 12 year career. He never quite became an elite lineman, but he was good enough to start for 11 of those years. That's an impressive achievement, and it tells you that Heck should know how to connect with linemen.
He's the first name I've heard connected to the Falcons' offensive line coaching job, but stay tuned for more.
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I understand Smitty's fond relationship with JAX, but...
…can we recruit some people with a respectable resume? We passed on Spagnuolo…i’m still not sure why. Because a Superbowl ring must be overrated? Not to bash Nolan, I am, after all, excited to see what he does with the personnel.
“Who is the OC?”
“Koetter”
“Who?”
“Jacksonville”
“….Oh. Who??”
by hobbitybob on Jan 27, 2012 2:58 PM EST reply actions 1 recs
Spags/Nolan
Personally, I think given Spags personality, we got the best DC for our purposes. Nolan has a very good resume – maybe even better than Spags, honestly.
by what metric?
How are you substantiating that? Just to play devil’s advocate, Spag has a ring. Maybe you can assert that he drafted many of the fine players on the 49ers DEF we see today, but that’s a loose association at best. He did also draft Alex Smith.
Defensive improvement and overall rankings
Almost every defense that Nolan went to improved in their first year, and in many instances, he fielded top 10 defenses – including in Miami. Also, Nolan has extensive experience in both 3-4 and 4-3 formations, which probably fits our long-term defensive plans better.
The 49ers
Front office drafted Alex Smith…
Evil Falcon
by falconplanet on Jan 27, 2012 3:48 PM EST up reply actions
orly?
was he not the coach at the time the draft took place? I can’t say I’m too familiar with the situation, so you could be right.
Nolan liked Smith
And all reports at the time had Smith as a highly touted prospect. Plus, the guy did take his team to the NFC Championship game, so it’s not like he was a total bust. He just needed a HC who could put the right pieces in place around him.
Success is internally determined and externally executed.
true
and I don’t think he got enough love for throwing the game-winning TD pass to VD. I don’t think the franchise is exactly tripping over themselves to re-sign him though.
That's funny too
I think Smith proved that he can be a winning QB this year. He did it with no off-season and adopting yet another system.
I think he’ll get his contract, but it will be a mid-level starter contract – probably something around $8 to 10 million.
Success is internally determined and externally executed.
Spags had a ring because of Eli Manning balancing the offense
The Niners had Alex Smith in his pre 2011 and post 2006 form before their defense got to what it is now.
by brotherbrown on Jan 28, 2012 2:45 AM EST up reply actions
Nolan
has had a much longer track record as a DC with several teams. Spags has been a DC only with the Giants. That doesn;t necessarily mean that Spags is worse than Nolan, but with Nolan you at least know that the guy can adjust to new environments, since he’s been successful with all of his teams (although to a different extent)
Atlanta Falcons fan in Moscow, Russia
Really?
Did you know back in 2001, Mike Nolan was the DC of the Ravens? Back when they had argubly the greatest defense in NFL History? Yes, Nolan has a SB ring too, how the hell do you think he got that job in SanFran? Coaching WR’s? lol Rex Ryan was the D-line coach until Nolan got the job at the 49ers and THEN Rex was promoted. The only reason I wanted Spags was because he was a 4-3 coach but now that I heard Nolan is implementing a 3-4 while keeping the 4-3 I told myself that the Saints can have Spags…
by BenjaminBubbaFalcon on Jan 28, 2012 2:11 AM EST up reply actions
Well he knows Koetter's system
That obviously has to be the main reason they’re looking at him. It always helps to have compatible coaching styles, and if they’re interviewing him, Koetter must think highly of him.
Probably so
But I’m getting kind of tired of hearing JAX to ATL as a consistent theme. I like the idea of maintaining some sense of consistency, but it’s just rubbing me the wrong way.
Agreed...
I am getting tired of swapping personnel with JAX at this point…one swap is enough for me…
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
James,
I sent you an e-mail. When you have time, read it and get back to me. Thanks bro!
Evil Falcon
by falconplanet on Jan 27, 2012 3:49 PM EST up reply actions
I meant
Joe, sorry my friend. Brain farts in motion!
Evil Falcon
by falconplanet on Jan 27, 2012 3:50 PM EST up reply actions
No, I saw it...just been supper busy at home...can't access that email at work...lol
"I'd run over my own mother to win the Super Bowl." - Joe Jacoby, formerly of the Redskins
"To win, I'd run over Joe's mom too." - Matt Millen, formerly of the Raiders
"We now have exactly the same situation as we had at the start of the race, only exactly the opposite" - Murray Walker, Sportscaster
Yea
The whole staff swap thang with Jax is getting old. Let’s just go ahead and bring back William Middleton while we’re at it? NOT!
by bdub712 on Jan 27, 2012 3:51 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I would
Have to agree, but I would guess it’s Smitty’s familarity with the Jags personnel. It’s kind of a “comfort zone” I think.
Evil Falcon
by falconplanet on Jan 27, 2012 3:53 PM EST up reply actions
Dam Smitty's comfort zone
If he doesn’t win a playoff game this year he is going to be gone anyway. Might as well go balls to walls and try to get the best pieces you can. It’s like the Coughlin thing. Every time he is on the hot seat his team performs at it’s peak.
by pierre02 on Jan 27, 2012 6:47 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
We are also
Seeing the opposite here as well. MM to Jax, and Bratkowski as well. It’s not over yet..
Evil Falcon
by falconplanet on Jan 27, 2012 3:54 PM EST up reply actions
Heck
Would actually be a good fit regardless of where he’s from. You give the man some talented bodies to work with, and the results will be instant. If he is hired, give him a chance! We still need that QB coach for Matt, and Clements is still out there…
Evil Falcon
Clements will stay in GB
More than likely, he will be promoted to be their OC. He’s not leaving GB to be our QB coach.
You're
Probably right. But, I’m just throwing it out there…
Evil Falcon
by falconplanet on Jan 27, 2012 4:17 PM EST up reply actions
anyone would be a good choice
I just find it hard to believe we turn to Jacksonville whenever we need coaching. Why Couldn’t it be the Steelers? or the Patriots? Or the Ravens? lol.
Coaching wins championships!
What about
Matty’s college coach to replace Bratkowski?? I really know nothing about him. My thought process is solely based on Ryan’s familiarity with him.
by bdub712 on Jan 27, 2012 4:01 PM EST via mobile reply actions
He coached a west coast style offense
So, he’s not likely a fit for what Koetter and Smith are looking to run here.
Whats more interesting about Heck...
Is that surely he cant be the only “good” qualified man for the job in this country of ours…Smitty is redic. If hes right hes brilliant but im starting to think hes a mad man. Again im looking forward to rooting the Atlanta Jaguars on this season!
by Bigru3 on Jan 27, 2012 4:26 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Indy's staff is getting cleared out.
Would there be anyone worth a look from Caldwell’s staff?
by bdub712 on Jan 27, 2012 6:25 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Why don't we just move to Jax
This is getting annoying. It’s not like where raiding the Pats or Packers but the sorry ass Jaguars. If they bring in Garrard ima puke.
by pierre02 on Jan 27, 2012 6:44 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Why
in the hell we want to pattern ourselves after the frickin" Jacksonville Jaguars is just beyond me. Sometimes, things are self evident, making Atlanta Jacksonville north is just crazy.
I heard something diffrent
The Falcons were thinking of promoting from within and letting the assistant o-line coach become the new o-line coach. Rumors are rumors I guess though.
by CombatFalcoholic on Jan 27, 2012 10:44 PM EST reply actions
Blank may have vetoed promotions
Why reward staff that aren’t getting the results you want?
I don't have a feel for who would be a good OL coach
but agree with the Jax animosity. I’m sure we’re looking at all the teams with a solid, pass-blocking OL and seeing if there’s a coach there who can help us. Hopefully Nolan has some input on this. He’s from outside our organization and, as DC should have a good idea which teams gave his DL and LBs fits.
It’s not a glamorous coaching position, but it’s a very necessary one. As far as QB coach, does anyone know what June Jones is doing nowdays?
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