Parcells Brings Strong Philosophy To Miami

A lot of observers have mixed opinions of whether Bill Parcells will be another big-name flop brought in by Wayne Huizenga in Miami.  More often than not, big names never live up to their hype and Parcells has a similar reputation to that of basketball coach Larry Brown in his restlessness after a couple years in the same position.  Others will be critical because Huizenga is showing impatience after only year of the post Nick Saban Era.  These are all valid concerns. 

Here’s the one thing that overrides a lot of those factors.  Bill Parcells is a winner.  He’s put together winners with four different organizations.  When you have an opportunity to add a resource like Bill Parcells to your organization, you make the move. 

What Parcells brings to Miami is a strong organizational philosophy on how to build a winner.  He understands what standards must be established in building a championship organization.  He knows exactly what he is looking for in terms of personnel – the type of physical talent and players who possess a specific mental temperament. 

From a personal standpoint, Parcells is one of the few strongest influences I had in shaping my player personnel and organizational philosophies in the NFL.  And I can tell you, several personnel guys around the league have a lot of respect for my way of thinking in regards to players and building rosters.  In a league where they aren’t many capable football administrators and personnel guys these days, Parcells will bring tremendous value to the Dolphins. 

Here are a few key issues Parcells will be faced with during the first few months on the job.

Coaching: Cam Cameron walked into a bad situation.  Nick Saban knew what he was doing when he left town a year ago.  The defense is aging badly and there isn’t much talent on the offensive side of the ball.  When you miss on as many high draft picks as the Dolphins the past 10 years, it’s amazing that this franchise didn’t hit rock bottom a few years ago.  Cameron is a respected offensive coach around the league and can’t be solely blamed for this season.  Former Indiana supporter and close Parcells friend Bobby Knight will certainly put a good word in for Cameron.  But this will ultimately come down to whether Parcells sees Cameron the best fit for what he’s looking to do and Parcells comfort level with past associates.  I believe Parcells has to evaluate what is available on the market and I believe there are some intriguing candidates that would be an upgrade or better fit moving forward. 

If Parcells decides to start fresh, there’s no doubt some of his former allies will be considered including Dallas assistant Tony Sparano and Arizona running back coach Maurice Carthon.  I am sure Huizenga wouldn’t mind bringing Jason Garrett back to the organization as head coach.  Josh McDaniels will also be an intriguing target.  McDaniels reminds Parcells of Sean Payton and has a tremendous feel for evaluating personnel.  This would sure create a cold war scenario between Bill Belichick and the Dolphins. 

A sleeper candidate could be Baltimore defensive coordinator Rex Ryan.  Ryan is a 3-4 defensive mind who also has some very strong leadership skills that would mesh well with Parcells.   

Personnel Department and Overall Organizational Culture: Parcells needs to bring some strong scouts into the organization who understand how to evaluate talent, how to find good fits for the new organizational directives in terms of physical skills and temperament.  Parcells will also have to create a new attitude and some fresh protocols among the non-football related staff.  In an organization like Miami that has been mired in stagnation and instability over the past several years, it affects the culture around the organization.  There are often negative affects and undisciplined behavior that lingers throughout all facets of the organizations including secretaries, security guys, equipment managers, facility workers, and other support staff.   These people often accept being average and lack positive energy.  That mindset most stop immediately. 

Cap Space and Free Agency: Parcells will have a good deal of cap space, but don’t expect a spending spree or many big splashes.  Not many big money free agents produce to the value of their contract.  Look for Parcells to bring in several mid-level and stop-gap veterans who bring positive qualities to the locker room and help stabilize a few spots until Parcells finds long-term answers.  Parcells definitely needs to find some leadership on the offensive side of the ball. 

Quarterback Situation: John Beck didn’t provide any definite hope for the future and Parcells prefers to avoid growing pains at the quarterback position.  Drew Bledsoe can attest to this from their days together in New England.  Parcells feels more comfortable with a veteran quarterback.  I believe he’ll look in that direction for 2007. 

Draft: Parcells is sitting in a great spot with the number one pick.  But I wouldn’t be surprised if Parcells looks to trade down.  One player won’t fix all the holes in Miami.  The Dolphins need to acquire as many draft picks as they can get in the next couple seasons to replenish the roster with young talent. 

Aging Defense: The defense got old fast and was certainly affected by injuries.  The futures of Zach Thomas and Jason Taylor will have to be decided.  I believe they should shop Taylor.  He’s a good bargaining chip to get another draft choice because he has value to contenders who need a final piece on defense and leadership.  But in Miami, Taylor will be a non-factor by the team the Dolphins are ready to become contenders again.  Thomas is a tougher decision.  He has very little if any trade value at this point, but he brings a lot of passion and leadership to several of the young players that will be added to the roster this spring.  Thomas definitely can’t be counted on as a cornerstone anymore.  Overall, the Dolphins need to address all areas of their defense.  They have a few younger guys who can be solid supporting players, but lack any building block type players. 

Upgrade Offensive Talent: There isn’t much here.  Ronnie Brown emerged as a building block earlier this year before going down.  His health is uncertain for next season.  Ted Ginn has shown flashes of developing into a playmaker and should benefit from a good off-season learning the nuances of the mental side of the game at this level.  Otherwise, they need another wide receiver and tight end.  The offensive line continues to be a work in progress.  Vernon Carey will have a long-term role.  Samson Satele should develop into a strong interior lineman over the next few years.  Rex Hadnot is very dependable, but could price himself out of the Dolphins’ plans in free agency. 

Overall, Parcells has a lot of work ahead to reshape this organization.  But now Wayne Huizenga will have a strong organizational plan in place to build from.  The only thing that I can recommend to Huizenga in light of the concerns many express about Parcells’ restless nature is to have a succession plan in place to continue building off the Parcells blueprint.  Hiring a Parcells’ favorite in Cowboys’ aide Jeff Ireland would be an excellent start.

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