Rico Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Sorry if already posted One of the suggestions floated by Buffalo owner Ralph Wilson in his makeover of the Bills' management model this week was that veteran defensive back Troy Vincent perhaps have some role in the front office. Vincent is widely respected around the league as a voice of reason and, as president of the NFL Players Association, certainly has some administrative skills. But the idea, it seems, was shot down by several people, including coach Mike Mularkey. For openers, there is no sign that Vincent, still a productive player at age 34, plans to retire. More importantly, though, was the sense Vincent might not make the smoothest transition from rank-and-file to management. In his role as NFLPA president, Vincent understandably has a pro-player mind-set. There is some thought that in a few areas, like counseling teammates on contract negotiations and playing hurt, that stance had some effect on the Bills' locker room in 2005 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rico Posted January 6, 2006 Author Share Posted January 6, 2006 It's a long shot but you can't fault a guy for trying. Agent Frank Murtha is phoning teams with head coach vacancies on behalf of client Bobby April, the Buffalo Bills' special teams coach and one of the best in the NFL at his craft. Typically, not a single special teams coach has been interviewed yet for any of the existing openings, nor have the names of any special teams coaches been connected to any of the jobs. But April has long felt special teams coaches merit consideration, in part because they are the only assistants on any franchise's staff who deal with virtually every player on the roster. April was chosen by his peers as the top special teams aide in the league in 2004 and his kicking units were exemplary again this season. April, 52, is a terrific communicator, a fiery guy and detail-oriented. But the truth of the matter is while owners and general managers spend a lot of time pontificating about the importance of special teams, they spend zero time considering the guys who run those units when head coach vacancies come up. April isn't the only special teams coach who merits a look but, the odds are, he'll be one of the legion who don't get one. There is, though, one bit of good news for April this week: In the staff shakeup that Bills coach Mike Mularkey has already begun, it appears there is a good chance April will add the title of assistant head coach to his business card. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Miyagi-Do Karate Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Typically, not a single special teams coach has been interviewed yet for any of the existing openings, nor have the names of any special teams coaches been connected to any of the jobs. But April has long felt special teams coaches merit consideration, in part because they are the only assistants on any franchise's staff who deal with virtually every player on the roster. 557490[/snapback] That was what Bill Cowher was--a special teams coach. He worked out all right for the Steelers for the last decade and a half. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sound_n_Fury Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 In the staff shakeup that Bills coach Mike Mularkey has already begun, it appears there is a good chance April will add the title of assistant head coach to his business card. 557490[/snapback] Cool. The Bills are breaking ground on another taboo! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevewin Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 There is some thought that in a few areas, like counseling teammates on contract negotiations and playing hurt, that stance had some effect on the Bills' locker room in 2005 557489[/snapback] Wow - there's some mighty strong implications in that there sentence... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mark VI Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Did everyone already forget that Marv was a Special Teams coach before he got his HC shot in KC ? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Sound_n_Fury Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Did everyone already forget that Marv was a Special Teams coach before he got his HC shot in KC ? 557530[/snapback] Shhhhh....MM hires the coaches, remember! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
IDBillzFan Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Did everyone already forget that Marv was a Special Teams coach before he got his HC shot in KC ? 557530[/snapback] Marv Albert was a special teams coach? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Thailog80 Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Marv Albert was a special teams coach? 557532[/snapback] While wearing lingerie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
stevewin Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 There is some thought that in a few areas, like counseling teammates on contract negotiations and playing hurt, that stance had some effect on the Bills' locker room in 2005 557489[/snapback] No one else thinks this insinuation is significant? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rico Posted January 6, 2006 Author Share Posted January 6, 2006 No one else thinks this insinuation is significant? 557626[/snapback] I'm thinking MW all the way.... messed up if true. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CJPearl2 Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Marv Albert was a special teams coach? 557532[/snapback] YYYeeesss!!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MartyBall4Buffalo Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Vincent understandably has a pro-player mind-set. There is some thought that in a few areas, like counseling teammates on contract negotiations and playing hurt, that stance had some effect on the Bills' locker room in 2005 Part of what I feared about Vincent when we signed him. Vincent was never known as one to play through injuries especially the last few years he has missed time. His standing in the NFLPA, and being a leader on this team thats bound to trickle down to the players with that lax attitude. If you're hurt and feel you can't go then don't go. While I like that vincent is a character guy this team needs leaders that will push their teammates to the limits, not take it easy, and everything will be ok. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RunTheBall Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 No one else thinks this insinuation is significant? 557626[/snapback] I also read this comment and raised an eyebrow, Steve. The insinuation there is pretty strong. Vincent is another example of a TD move that I thought was good at the time but just didn't work out. If, as a strong proponent of players, he had a hand in some lockerroom discord between MM and the players, thats just $hitty. RTB Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ExWNYer Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Wow - there's some mighty strong implications in that there sentence... 557506[/snapback] Yeah...by adding the fancy title it makes it next to impossible for another team to steal BA away without offering him a head coaching gig, which won't be happening. The Bills are, in essence, locking up the best ST coach in the league...and rightly so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Tcali Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Marv Albert was a special teams coach? 557532[/snapback] Wink Martindale and Gumby....both special teams coaches. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Astrobot Posted January 6, 2006 Share Posted January 6, 2006 Anybody who recorded games this season, watch Troy in particular. Several things will be evident if I'm Troy Vincent: (1) If you've tackled the guy, I won't jump on the pile. (2) If you cross through my zone, I will have trouble keeping up with you. (3) If you're an oversize RB, I won't be able to bring you down. We will be in trouble with the big TE's, 4-wides, big RB's, and zone coverages if Troy is our guy on the field next year. I think he'd be lax as a backfield coach, and preoccupied with his own enterprises if he were in the office. Just Say No. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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