Pros and cons of Harbaugh pick
John Harbaugh was not a sexy pick or the No. 1 choice of the Ravens, but he was in their top 6, so I have no problem with him being selected the team's new head coach.
We only had brief exposure to Harbaugh at a news conference Saturday, but he seemed like a decent, humble, family man with a strong football pedigree.
According to several other NFL special teams coaches, Harbaugh was one of the most respected special teams coaches in the league.
So why was he a special teams coach in Philly for nine years?
Because he was that good. His units produced points, and no one wanted to move him from one of the strongest areas on the team.
The word is that Harbaugh is extremely organized and detailed. He is regarded as being tough but fair, and that's the reason players like playing for him. You could feel the energy and enthusiasm coming off Harbaugh at the news conference.
I know he doesn't have any previous head coaching experience, but he has to start somewhere, just like Vince Lombardi, Bill Walsh and Don Shula. Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said this was a gut decision on his part, and that's fine. Regardless of the outcome with Harbaugh, this team needed to make a change.
Harbaugh seems like he would be open to communication from others on the staff, and because of his inexperience, I think general manager Ozzie Newsome will be more hands-on early in Harbaugh's tenure.
Newsome was careful in crossing over the line with former head coach Brian Billick, but Billick brought more to the table than Harbaugh. Billick had a presence about him that Harbaugh doesn't have yet.
That is definitely a concern about Harbaugh and it raises the question of whether he can handle the Ravens' locker room, loaded with a lot of outspoken players like Ray Lewis, Derrick Mason, Chris McAlister, Ed Reed and Jonathan Ogden.
If the Ravens had hired a proven coach like Marty Schottenheimer that wouldn't be an issue, because Schottenheimer's personality would have been bigger than any of the players'.
But it will be interesting to see how Harbaugh handles the situation. Lewis will be a major concern because of his friendship with Bisciotti. It was strange how the owner defended Lewis' team leadership Saturday when no one really asked him.
He kept talking about Lewis later on the radio (by the way, thanks for the plug, Stevie, and those cute little comments from some of the broadcasting shills). Bisciotti seems to have an infatuation with Lewis, and that's scaring a number of top officials over at the Castle.
That's another concern. There is fallout among members of the front office staff. It's not unusual, especially with all the decisions the Ravens have had to make in the last month.
But some members of the front office staff, including those in Bisciotti's inner circle, wanted to know how Lewis knew that Billick was going to be fired before they did. They don't understand the pecking order from Bisciotti on down anymore.
Hopefully, the Ravens will get back on the same page soon.
But overall, the hiring of Harbaugh was a decent selection. No one knows how this is going to pan out. Fans in Pittsburgh weren't jumping up and down when Mike Tomlin was named head coach before the start of last season.
But a change was needed and the Ravens at least got a coach that was on their priority list.
- Mike Preston
Comments
it must hurt to not have the respect of the people within the ravens. we know it doesn't matter one way or the other if they like you. but to have no respect, that has to hurt.
Posted by: brandon | January 21, 2008 1:11 PM
No cute stupid nickname for the coach yet. I'm shocked.
Posted by: Jon | January 21, 2008 3:31 PM
Hey, let's use "Hardball", as John Harbaugh kind of related to that during his press conference. In the answer as to what the Ravens offense would be. I think it's time we'll be playing Hardball under him. ;)
Just funnin'!
Posted by: Bob | January 21, 2008 4:48 PM
Boller and young Manning are the same age, height and weight. Boller played his 5th season, Manning, his fourth. We need to give Kyle one more year. He went to Cal. [ means he's got brains.] Eli went to Ol Miss [ means he's not as smart as Kyle.] Just kidding about the brains.
Posted by: allen | January 21, 2008 4:53 PM
Mike lord leave it alone, give Harbaugh a chance please, you basically called him a wimp and comparing him to Marty Schottenheimer is not needed. I want a players coach not someone who the players will hate down the road, enough is enough.
Posted by: Teapot | January 21, 2008 7:02 PM
"He kept talking about Lewis later on the radio (by the way, thanks for the plug, Stevie, and those cute little comments from some of the broadcasting shills)."
no surprise who wrote this one.
Posted by: J | January 21, 2008 7:06 PM
If nothing else, Troy Smith, who showed promise in his brief appearance last season, will probably get a fair shot at proving himself with Harbaugh. After all, he was not likely to get much of a chance under Billick because he......doesn't fit the profile!
Posted by: The "Armchair" QB | January 21, 2008 7:49 PM
I know the Ravens front office is greatly relieved now that you have officially given your stamp of approval on the hiring of John Harbaugh as head coach ("...so I have no problem with him being selected the team's new head coach."). I do hope they were aware of this prior to making the announcement on Friday or there may perhaps be even more division and turmoil amongst the top brass at "the Castle".
Posted by: C Holden | January 21, 2008 8:02 PM
Preston If this Is true It might not work Itself out when the horse Is out of the barn It Is hard to run after It and get It back In the barn. The owner and his choice to be friends with these players will cost this organization dearly at some point I do not see Ozzie being around much longer If this non-sense keeps on going. The owner needs to stop being friends with these players and let them know what there role Is I do not remember this organization with these Issues when the Modell's owned It. The Ravens might be tanking right before our very eyes.
Posted by: Donta Barrett | January 21, 2008 8:33 PM
I think he'll do well when tested by some of the "rock stars" on the Ravens team.
I expect him to listen to their concerns , if they present them, and then let them know in no uncertain terms that he appreciates their input, now shut up and do as I say!
I also see him getting in a players face if he screws up, or isn't giving 100% effort. And God knows there are quite a few that fit that bill.
Posted by: Mike Brown | January 21, 2008 9:01 PM
No radio shows this year. Every time I caught one on 105.7 I felt worse about the team.
Posted by: J-Red | January 22, 2008 2:09 AM
I'm not overjoyed with the selection of Harbaugh, but; then I don't own the team and sure don't have any inside info so it is what it is. As always time tells the real story.
We'll see, he has a very good team to start with and if they can get a QB that is also a strong leader, Harbaugh should be sucessful.
I also don't see why people are alwayd banging on Ray Lewis??? He has more fire in his belly than all of you talking heads.
Posted by: grey32 | January 22, 2008 8:03 AM
Only time will tell of course, but I think this was a GREAT hire by the Ravens.
Posted by: Sugarbear | January 22, 2008 8:17 AM
Two words .... "Offensive Coordinator". They will make or break John Harbaugh in short order.
8^)
Posted by: Thom from Dundalk | January 22, 2008 8:25 AM
So we're to believe that only one person posted a comment to this blog entry in nearly 24 hours? Give me a break.
Posted by: frox | January 22, 2008 9:02 AM
How about "Hardball"?
Posted by: Flipkid | January 22, 2008 9:17 AM
Billick did not bring presence.. he brought arrogence. Big difference.
Posted by: George Samryk | January 22, 2008 9:54 AM
Ray Lewis is an important factor for thr Ravens, like it or not. If he supports the coach, and I think he will, then everyone else will too.
Posted by: Mike Morgan | January 22, 2008 11:47 AM
This pick does not instill confidence. I don't really like it. Why didn't he talk with Jim Mora Jr.? In my opinion the best prospect out there. He was good with Atlanta until the owner chose Michael Vick over the coach. Good pick that was.
I would have like a coach getting a second chance better.
I guess we will see how much Bischoti raises ticket prices in Harbaugh's second season. If he raises them 33% again I may be done as a season ticket owner.
Just my thoughts. He is reminding me of Angelos and that is not good.
Posted by: Neil | January 22, 2008 12:40 PM
Where is it written that an owner cannot befriend his players/employees? People act as if the players are like slaves or horses that just need to be told what to do without any regard for their humanity. Biscotti is a smart and rich guy. He certainly has the sense to decide what relationship he should have with his players.
Posted by: myra | January 22, 2008 12:54 PM
Where is it written that an owner cannot befriend his players/employees? People act as if the players are like slaves or horses that just need to be told what to do without any regard for their humanity. Biscotti is a smart and rich guy. He certainly has the sense to decide what relationship he should have with his players.
Posted by: myra | January 22, 2008 12:54 PM
I am really glad that garett is not going to be the next ravens coach.I found out a long time ago that if somebody doesn't want to be here 100% then you are better off with out them. As for Harbaugh i guess only time will tell , but if passion means success then he is well on his way to being a great coach. The thing that really scares me and should really scare all ravens fans is the fact that Mr Steve seems to be leaning more and more on Dick Cass the Accountant then Ozzie newsome the Gm , which if you all remember is what the Other owner in this town has done. Peter A listened to Joe Foss the accountant and not his baseball people, and you have seen the nightmare that this has brought this town. I know that this was not ozzie 's pick because i know that is more old school and would have wanted Marty to be the coach. Steve please don't ever start thinking that you know to much and either listen to the people you have in charge or get rid of them if you don't have there trust anymore. Good luck John and please bring us home a winner again.
Posted by: bob lancione | January 22, 2008 1:00 PM
The jury remains out till we see who is brought in as OC & DC. It would appear that NOT getting Jason Garrett was a plus as he's not sure what he wants besides $. Harbaugh in the short run ( i.e 2008) has 2 upsides: 1. the AFC North plays the NFC East next season (including Philly), whom Harbaugh should know well by now; 2. his years with the Eagles (who consistently field a competitive team in a tough division, btw) should have innoculated him to "rabidly fickle", Boo-Bird fans!
Posted by: tucker in Sec. 527 | January 22, 2008 1:00 PM
I think a coach who has proven himself a great special teams coach is well suited to be a head coach, especially in the NFL. This is because st coaches are always placing and utilizing players in situations they might not find to be ideal. If they can get production and unity here, it bodes well. But, I think offensive production is the key to his success (irregradless of the amount of contributions he makes to this area).
Posted by: Truth | January 22, 2008 1:33 PM
Well, a few things we can be sure of...
1) The Ravens offense can't be any worse off
2) Training Camp and weekly practice can't be any softer
3) They can't be less prepared than last year
4) Preston will find lots of things about Harbaugh not to like
I think Harbaugh has earned a shot and could well be a sleeper of a pick.
The Eagles Special Teams were indeed quite special while he was the coach.
In addition, as is too often the case, when you promote a DC to head coach, he no longer has the DC that made the defense work...much like why most Pitching Coaches don't make good Managers in baseball.
Harbaugh will have to depend on his OC and DC and probably won't come in with some preset offense like Sir Brian did...and I don't think that's all bad.
Posted by: Ed D | January 22, 2008 3:06 PM
I have a great nickname for Harbaugh...
"Coach"
...we now take you back to your regularly scheduled Ravens forum.
Posted by: David21009 | January 22, 2008 10:28 PM
You don't have a MAN like RayRay around to be told what to do by a special teams coach. You kiddin????!!? He got to fit RayRay and his boyz first. Let him jump on some running backs Harbaugh. RayRay4LIFE!!@!!!!!
Posted by: RayRayIsASoldur4Life! | January 23, 2008 11:03 AM
hey ray ray you are full of it. I will bet you right know that there won't be any special treatment of players on this team now. All players will be treated the same weather they are all pro or some rookie that is just coming to camp. For those old veterans that are over the hill and don't think they can work hard anymore should retire.
Posted by: bob lancione | January 23, 2008 2:38 PM
My question is, how much of a killer instinct does our new coach have. I am excited about all the positive things I hear about this guy, but does he have that bad azz side in him like Bellichick that can allow him to do what it takes (without cheating) to destroy a team. I know about Tony Dungy and how he does not have the killer instinct and he is still a great coach but come on, his passivness doesnt get him into many superbowls with perhaps the most talented team in football. I really hope this guy is about torching teams rather than showing compassion for them.
Posted by: sean | January 23, 2008 9:04 PM
Concern about handling the defensive crybabies and chosen ones?That's why Ryan has to be replaced.The defensive GURUS like feel as if they have an ally in Ryan.So,thusly,you need a new sheriff to take control of this gang and get respect.No puns intended!
Posted by: florida connection | January 24, 2008 3:23 PM
are the ravens going to try and pick up donovan mcnabb from philly, because they now seemingly have the inside track?
Posted by: bob | January 26, 2008 9:05 AM
Okay, OK. Who looks da fool now??? Ryan is back with his boys - Harbaugh won't be coaching D at all. Respect RayRay is what it is about.
Posted by: RayRayIsASoldur4Life! | January 28, 2008 2:00 PM