Former head coach Al Saunders is here
Al Saunders, a former head coach of the San Diego Chargers and recently a high-priced offensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins, is at the Ravens' team hotel and has been sitting in meetings.
It's not official that he's been hired, but he is expected to be added to the staff soon. His title is unknown. He could serve as an offensive consultant.
Comments
I am guessing they are bringing in an "Assistant offensive Coordinator" so when Cameron gets another shot at Head Coach, we have someone who will know the system to replace him. I hope that is not true, but if Cameron turns our offense around, I think he will be given another chance and deservingly so.
Posted by: Frank Rizzo | July 31, 2009 1:47 PM
He was considered to be a genius during his time in KC. If so, why did they pass over him to hire outsider Herm Edwards ??
Posted by: dave | July 31, 2009 1:59 PM
Saunders' resume is littered with Air Coryell experience—the same system Cam runs. Al was a very good receivers coach, and he talks the same langauge as Cam. Jim Hostler is a good receivers coach but he doesn't come out of the same School of Coryell. With so many iffy receivers to babysit at camp, Saunders will be invaluable.
Posted by: Shas | July 31, 2009 2:35 PM
I hope he does better here than he did in washington, what a mess that was and still is.
Posted by: Riley | July 31, 2009 2:46 PM
If I'm not mistaken, Herm Edwards and the Hunt family had an ongoing relationship for many years.
You must remember that Edwards was brought in to "rebuild" that once storied franchise. The Hunt's saw the writing on the wall and agreed to give Edwards the reigns and give the Chiefs a fresh start.
Hiring Saunders can only help, even if it is as a consultant.
Posted by: Anonymous | July 31, 2009 3:20 PM
The Ravens would be better off keeping Al (800-page playbook) Sanders away from Baltimore.
He didn't exactly distinguish himself in Washington. Then again, Washington is where coaches go to die.
Posted by: BigBill | July 31, 2009 3:35 PM
Won't be long before they call Jerry Turner...
Posted by: ItIsMe | July 31, 2009 3:54 PM
those of you who criticize fail to understand his role - as a consultant who has had success in the same system he can only help - he isn't the coordinator. As for his time in DC, those struggles are because the players were not familiar with the system and not given time to get adjusted. DC also has a lack of real leadership as not many people seem to know what Snyder is going to do next where we have a strong owner, gm and coach and everyone knows their role.
Posted by: PJ | July 31, 2009 5:26 PM
Big Bill - I was standing behind Al Saunders at camp today and when the receivers were running wind sprints I heard him yell, "And down the stretch they come!"
Posted by: Mark | July 31, 2009 7:20 PM
Sounds like a good move to me. I'm really not sold on Cam Cameron, and I think having Saunders there can only help.
Posted by: JB | July 31, 2009 7:29 PM
Al Saunders? Can Al Saunders catch passes?
Posted by: Anonymous | July 31, 2009 10:47 PM
JB said" I'm really not sold on Cam Cameron" Cam had 2 rookies QB the last two years, & he almost took this team to the Super Bowl. Cam will really shine this year due to the fact that his system will not have to have 5 or 6 blockers, & 2 receivers. Mr Rice will be awesome, and the D will again be a top 5 !!!
Posted by: pro raven | August 2, 2009 8:46 AM