Needs to be looked at seriously. With Dungy as a mentor you know discipline is a part of his game, along with character. His direct work with QB's is impressive. A good question is why we haven't heard of this guy before.

I agree. A very strong candidate.

you just gave this guy credit for developing manning!! You will have to repeat that ten million times to get the idiots to believe it.
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You didn't read closely. I didn't say that. I said his arrival coincided with the emergence of the Colts offense but I went on to say his job performance has to be viewed through the prism of working with great players. Am I not being clear? In other words, maybe the offense is just as great with ANY offensive assistant. But he was the guy who has been there for six seasons so he should get some credit. And he does have a good track record with QBs.
-- Bill O.

Former head coaching experience; a number of years in a consistently competitive and explosive offense; great experience in developing quarterbacks; eight years experience working with Dungy (highly respected and great character); more experience than the other "rising stars"...I SINCERELY hope we are going to give him a long hard look. He almost sounds too good to be true.

This is ridiculous. Not only is Manning pretty much self sufficient, but Moore is the next guy down the line, the one who is largely responsible for the Colts offensive success over the years. What specifically has Caldwell contributed to the Colts offense? Not that I know the answer, but it would be a terrible idea to hire him simply because he's on their staff. He's not even a coordinator. I don't believe he will receive serious consideration, nor should he. And by the way, neither should McDaniels. It's easy to look like a genius when Moss is catching balls (see: Brian Billick).

I don't think so, I think the Ravens need to get someone to kick these players in the butt. Billick was running Club Med... these guys need to be held accountable for there actions on the field. See the Bart Scott meltdown against New England. You think that would have happened if his Head coach was someone named Dungy, Parcells, Jimmy Johnson? I don't think so.

Jim Caldwell will likely be an NFL coach soon -- and perhaps will turn out to be a good one -- but he had horrible results in his only other head coaching position.

He took over Wake Forest after that team won a bowl game and was ranked in the Top 25 (a 1992 team that included Michael McCrary), and he went on to win only 29% of his games over the next eight years. His winning percentage over his entire career was worse than the Ravens put together in 2007! Caldwell won only 12 conference games in those eight years and had only one winning season, the previously mentioned 7-5 campaign that resulted in the Aloha Bowl triumph. In the seven years since his departure, Wake has won almost 55% of its games and appeared in three bowl games.

Bill, you did not say he developed P. Manning, but you did say that he developed Rusty Larue into a "prolific" passer. Larue is a good guy and was an amazing athlete -- played QB and was a key part of one WFU ACC hoops championship team (and later played with M.J. on the Bulls) -- but you overstate his and the team's accomplishments.

Sure, Rusty set the NCAA record for attempts and completions in a game, but it was a game that Wake lost to Duke (!) by 16 points. Wake was 1-10 the year (1995) when these records were collected, and they were winless in the ACC (even losing to the Mark Duffner Terps).

After leading Wake to 18 yards in the first half of the opening game against Appalachian State (and being down 24-0), Larue was pulled and replaced by sophomore Brian Kuklick. He only got back on the field that year when Kuklick broke his arm. Wake was horrible and just started throwing the ball all over the place at the end of the season, and Larue had 1524 yards in the last three games of the season (he threw for 30% of his total career yards in these three games). Larue also threw more INTs than TDs in his time at Wake. In short, neither he nor Caldwell were "prolific" at Wake.

As for his work with Kerry Collins, Caldwell had been at Wake for two years by the time Collins won those awards (in 1994). Perhaps he helped Collins along early in his college days, but it could just as easily be said that Collins flourished once Caldwell was gone.
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CWB,
Thanks for writing and the contribution on Caldwell. One of the strengths of this medium is that invites readers who have something substantial to add to do just that.
-- Bill O.

Whoever is chosen as the next Ravens' coach, will speak volumes about the Ravens and Bisciotti.

From what has been reported about Jim Caldwell, I am beginning to think that this may be the guy that the Ravens hire.

Bisciotti didnt get where he is by letting underlings rebel against him. So, I would think that one of the main priorities is to get a guy with the character to match his resume. And, it seems, Caldwell may very well be that guy.

Caldwell would be coming from an organization with a proven and consistant track record of winning. Organizations dont get that way without having tried and true guys like Caldwell at all levels.

Like Dungy, Caldwell subscribes to the adage, "Champions overcome adversity".

The more I think about it, the more I like this guy. Even over Rex.

nice series of bios on the potential coaches. I am impressed. One of the few really good pieces I have seen in the Sun Sports for some time. Good job!

B:

This guy has winner written all over him. Given a chance, I bet he can translate all of his experience into a formula for success here. Any discipline and class that he can bring from his association with Dungy is a plus. Just might take a little while for the horse dung scent to wear off...

I didn't have any problem with the clarity of what you wrote, Bill. You said his arrival COINCIDED with Manning's flowering, but you left it open to the reader as to how much Jim Caldwell contributed to it.

That said, there are two other things you brought up that speak volumes as to his coaching skill: 1) His stellar track record with quarterbacks in college NOT named Peyton, and 2) The backing of Dungy and Manning. (Enough said!)

Caldwell sounds like an excellent choice for the Ravens, though I still think they should go after Bill Cowher first and work down the food chain from there.
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Ken,
Thanks for writing. Since I posted the bio material on Caldwell, I've had a few folks write who provide a dissident voice on him. I've posted those somments without any comment of my own. Like most of the readers, I'm just beginning to learn about these guys so I welcome all input. Take a look at those comments. Again, I'm stressing that we all need to look hard at what these guys may or may not have accomplished and try to figure out what that project about them. In Caldwell's case, his experience actually can work against him because there's more to crtique because there's simply more of a track record than with McDaniels and Garrett.
-- Bill O.

I played for him at Wake Forest
HUGE MISTAKE TO HIRE THIS GUY
BAD COACH

Jim Caldwell's track record practically screams, "Hire me, Newsome!" If nothing else, the Head Coaching experience he's got from the collegiate level, coupled with his working knowledge of assisting young quarterbacks in the NFL maturation process to develop into great stars should make him more than a shoe-in for the job. It's not like (Heisman Trophy winner) Peyton Manning has that much in common with (Heisman Trophy winner) Troy Smith, right? If I were Newsome, I'd be on a plane headed for Indianapolis right now. But that's just me. What do you think?
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CJ,
As I mentioned in response to a previous post, there are a few dissident voices writing in on Caldwell. I also noted that he's easier to pick apart because there's just more to his track record. In contrast, how to do criticize McDaniels and Garrett when all they've done is work with winners for a short period of time. I still think Caldwell is worth a thorough look.
-- Bill O.

Bill, after thoroughly reviewing the other posts, I think Caldwell would still do a decent job. It's true he did flop at Wake Forest, but I can't remember when anyone has noted WFU as a football school. He had a tall order to fill being in the ACC, a traditionally "basketball first" conference. And yes, there is some speculation about how well Indianapolis has done coincidences with his tenure there. But, if he was with Dungy in the Tampa era, then I think Caldwell deserves a hard look. All the Bucs needed was a good starting QB if I remember correctly, and they would be a dynasty right now, because everything else was there. So, the man deserves some credit. Here's a good question though: How much input (if any) did he have in acquisitions such as Utecht, Clark, Wayne, and Addai? Granted he isn't an OC, he should know the offense well enough to know what "weapons" it needs, seeing as he's been there six years, and has a long-standing relationship with Dungy?
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CJ,
I was looking for that myself but without actually asking Dungy I don't see where these two guys had a common experience until Tony hired him in Tampa Bay. Caldwell was in colleges for 20 years while Dungy was almost exclusively an NFL guy. They both played in the Big 10, Iowa and Monnesota, but that's a stretch. As far as the offensive personnel, I think that credit goes to Bill Polian and his staff but unless you're on top of that Indianapolis situation, it's hard to tell. But a few teams are interested in Caldwell so that says something.
-- Bill O.

26-63 as a head coach at Wake Forest that's all that you need to know about Jim Caldwell not on Brian Billick's level.STOP

I hear the dissonance, but college ball and pro-football are (quite literally) leagues apart. Since he's been in the NFL, his track record has been phenomenal, both in Indianapolis and Tampa Bay. And while we've all seen the absolute flops that college coaches turned pro have become, Caldwell doesn't have that problem. Furthermore, the discipline and character he's gleaned from Dungy would be a huge plus! No, the man isn't perfect, but who is? He's simply the best fit for what the Ravens need now.

Okay, Bill, you got me. I put my trust in your blogmeister hyperbole about Caldwell's college resume, but after reading some of the postings of dissent now see that I was blindsided. LOL

Seriously, though, as you noted, there's a lot to learn about him. One point remains unchanged regardless of the above, and that's if Dungy and Manning are promoting him as a head coach, he's probably pretty good (now some "dissident voice" no doubt will argue just the opposite; namely, that those Colts leaders are only saying that because they want to get rid of the guy!--LOL).
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Ken,
If anything I do trust Tony Dungy to be absolutely honest. Manning, on the other hand, well it depends on whether he's getting paid to endorse the guy. Just kidding.
-- Bill O.

Looks like a serious contender. The only thing that scares me is he "is a former Big 10 guy. He was born in Wisconsin, played at Iowa and had an early-career job at Northwestern." Unless this guy is going to be totally hands-off on the offense, which I would doubt, I wouldn't want someone with Big 10 roots touching the Ravens.

If you want to watch Vanilla offense on Saturdays - - watch Big 10 football.

If you want to watch Vanilla offense on Sundays - - watch the Ravens.

Hi Bill- great job on these candidates. I too am very intrigued by Caldwell. I am not in favor of Ryan as I think the team needs a fresh start. Do you think there is a chance the team would hire Rex back as D.C and more importantly do you think he would accept?
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Matt,
The answer to both questions is yes ... but I think he would want a contract extension, and deserves it, just to give himself some security. Of course, the new guy gets to pick his staff but I think there is a good possibility that such a guy might want to keep Ryan because then he only has to worry about fixing half the team.
-- Bill O.

After reading Dungy new book "Quiet Strength" and hearing what Dungy said about Caldwell I don't know if the Raven could find a better man and a better coach than Caldwell.

After further review ... he may be the ideal candidate (other than Rex Ryan) . His experience would make him a heady administrative Head coach ... not Offensive genius or defensive guru ... if he gets it, we can only hope he brings in the right guys to be those ...

Quick Turnaround with Cowher.

Is this going to give the Ravens a long run as a contender???
Is Cowher likely to commit to the Ravens for 5 to 10 years???

Decide if Boller has future with Ravens??

Look at the receivers for any that will be wortwhile and play as if they want the ball other than Mason.

Is not the goal to be a contender for 10 years in this round as the last run?

Can this happen with the mix of current players including those long in the tooth?

Will Ray, McAllister, Reed, McNair, McGahee, Flynn, Ogden, Heap.. be here or in contender condition in 2 years?
Will the def backfeild get better for the run in 2 years?

I suggest unloading the long in the tooth for the best draft choices we can get for them. I suggest the hardest to let go is Reed. BUT this is a look for a 10 year run! He has the best value. We need to build for this with players and with a Head Coach. This eliminates Cowher! Young and talented Head Coach and assistant are needed. By unloading the long in the tooth you unload too some of the clubhouse problem cases (Lewis.....). Time to see another 1999 to 2006 run.

I am not sure Newsome is the person for this run either. But that is a decsion for next year.

Show a plan and work the plan. I have confidence Biscotti understand all of this.

I can tell you this, I watched Dungy and his assistants sputter in Tampa offensively for years. They never seemed able to put up over 12 points. Many of those points would come from the great defense. Dungy's offenses were unimaginative and boring, and it was usually run, run, pass, punt......time and time again. In short it was unbelievably predictable. Dungy and Caldwell have nothing to do with Manning's success in my opinion. The Colt's offense was a machine before Dungy even got there. Dungy was lucky to inherit it. I give Dungy credit though for finally putting a respectable (defense) together. That's his specialty, not offense. Although I'm sure he's learned quite a bit from Peyton Manning and Tom Moore.

thanx for the updates on the possible coach's for the ravens. i think college records can be skewed, as the college game is really about recruiting first, coaching second. if your a coach thats not at a major football school, then your hands are tied! to me the fact that one of the greatest qbs of all times give him a tumbs up, along with a class act coach, that says alot!

Caldwell should not be the guy - the fact that he's only a QB coach and not an OC speaks volumes. If he's such a great coach, then why doesn't he have more responsibilities? Go after Garrett, the OC from the Browns or Mike Tice. Each one would bring some life to our offense.

C J Peyton Manning did not win the heisman trophy that year Charles Woodson did(sorry).

This guy is a joker. I went to Wake 1994-98. We were the Duke of the ACC many of those years and Caldwell couldn't get anything out of his players. Not to mention he couldn't control his players outside of the locker room. Rusty LaRue was a gifted athlete starting on the baseball, basketball, and football teams, all while getting a 4.0 GPA, getting married and having a child. Caldwell didn't make him a successful QB. The guy was just a flat-out player. And Peyton Manning would be successful regardless of who his coach is. Caldwell was lucky Dungy hired him in Tampa and the Ravens would be smart not to hire this guy.

At first Caldwell sounded good, but then I realized that he is not the Offensive Coordinator of the Colts as I had assumed. Makes you wonder how much of an impact he has had on the Colts' offense. Why are we not interviewing the Colts OC? What might be really intriguing, assuming Cowher is out of the picture, what if Rex Ryan took over the reins and hired Caldwell as the OC? Not sure it's possible; depends on whether OC is considered a promotion from assistant head coach. I'd imagine he would help us build an explosive Colts-like offense and be a good teacher to bring Troy Smith along.

It seems the "good ol' boy" network is alive and well! Just keep re-treading the same old guys and maybe another Manning or Brady will come along!

He sounds like a great hire ... He could be our Cam Cameron.

Can someone explain to me why he is on the list of "hot" coaches? He had a terrible record as a college coach. He's never been a coordinator in the pros. He's only been a QB coach (but, the facts show that he never "developed" any QBs) and the assistant head coach for three years. It may be sad, but Caldwell's resume is not nearly as good as Cameron's.

Is this is the guy we end up hiring, Bisciotti and Cass will later wish they had stuck with Billick (or at least found a more suitable replacement).

I didn't realize the first response got posted, so please disregard the 3:46 a.m. response with no additional feedback to it. I have to wonder, why do Dungy and Manning support a possible Caldwell departure, unless it's to say they support his becoming a Head Coach in principle? Does anyone know about Caldwell from the post-WFU era to the early Tampa Bay era (2000-2002)? There seems to be a slight discontinuity there in his history.
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CJ,
The chronology, I believe, is 1993-2000 at Wake Forest and then with Dungy ... 2001 in Tampa Bay, 2002-2007 in Indianapolis, so it's an unbroken timeline.
-- Bill O.

Understood. What I must wonder now is why did Dungy gamble on bringing Caldwell into the 'fold' if he knew Caldwell's track record from college? There has to be something (or some things) we don't fully know about his history. I think his past is in need of a little more in-depth review. It doesn't make sense that such a well-respected head coach just arbitrarily picks Caldwell to be a leader for the Bucs, and then to follow him to Indy if he didn't know something about him that we don't. Or am I reading too much into this?
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All valid questions.
I think it has to speak well of Caldwell that Dungy has had him in his organizations in two cities.
-- Bill O.

When Dungy had to take a leave of absence it was Caldwell he left with as the team leader.

People can say, Manning was great and we can't necessarily credit that to Coaching, but how many QB's w/ potential have flopped? Baltimore would be STUPID to not give this guy a serious shot. (of course I"m from Indy, HOME of the COLTS, so yeah, I believe that is likely the case). I don't want him to go to Baltimore because after the way you "explitives" treated our team and fans last year during the playoffs I hope you fail for the next 2 decades like the Cleveland Browns team YOU stole! And Caldwell will take any team he coaches to success. So here's hoping that the Browns, I mean Ravens, keep making bad decisions. Go Colts! Indianapolis that is.

It looks like I'm getting to this posting a little late, but I have to add my two cents on Caldwell. Having watching him first hand for 4 years at Wake Forest, I can't possibly think of a worse candidate for a head coaching position in the NFL. I couldn't believe it when I heard the Vikings interviewed him in 2006. When he wasn't hired I thought order had then been restored, until I heard him mentioned again in the 2007 offseason...and now this.

The best is the Colts website's portrayal of Caldwell's time at Wake:
"Caldwell spent 1993-2000 as head coach at Wake Forest. In 1999, Caldwell led the Demon Deacons to their first winning season and bowl game since 1992."
Of course, they don't mention his 26-63 record.  But notice the implication of what they do say.  They state he led us to our first winning season since 1992 as if he accomplished something.  But 1992 was THE YEAR BEFORE HE GOT THERE!  So, to sum up, we had a winning season in 92, Caldwell got there in 93 and we didn't win again until 99, the year before he left. And it was the Aloha Bowl, not exactly the Rose Bowl.

And some have suggested that his poor performance was a result of the general weakness of Wake as a football school. While Wake is certainly no football powerhouse, Caldwell's immediate predecessor coached for 6 seasons for a .448 winning percentage, and Jim Grobe, who followed Caldwell's .292 record, currently stands at .536 after 7 seasons. So you can't blame it on the program or recruiting pool if the coaches both before and after you were both able to overcome Wake's small size and put together decent records. In 2000 Caldwell went 2-9 (he beat Duke and Navy). In 2001 Grobe went 6-5 with the exact same team. And watching this guy manage a game was truly horrific. Some of the worst play-calling I've ever witnessed. And I SWEAR I'm not exaggerating at all.

Look, I'm sure he's learned something on the Colts over the past few years, but when your last head coaching outing was so horrific, you would think people would want to see him take an intermediate step, like a coordinator position or another college head coaching shot. Without that, any NFL owner who takes a chance on this guy deserves what they get.
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Thanks for the contribution. Your note wasn't the only one that struck that tone.
-- Bill O.