Bill Parcells, Jed York and Trent Baalke: What Does A Tuna Endorsement Mean?
by David Fucillo on Dec 30, 2010 6:00 AM PST
in 49ers Head Coach/GM Search 2011
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PrintESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter reported yesterday that a league source told him that 49ers President and CEO Jed York intends to contact Miami Dolphins consultant Bill Parcells to get his opinion on in-house GM candidate Trent Baalke. Consider this additional smoke in the theory of "where there's smoke there's fire." Yesterday reports began surfacing amongst national media that Trent Baalke had quickly emerged as the favorite in the 49ers GM search.
While I was initially hesitant to buy into this right away, the signals are certainly starting to increase. Trent Baalke may still end up not getting the job, but doing some reference checks on the guy is a step that goes beyond the basic interview. Baalke worked for Parcells for a couple years as a scout with the Jets so Parcells would have at least something to talk about. Of course, given the work Baalke would have performed in the role of a scout, I can't imagine there's as much of the management issues that come with the GM position. That's not to say that Parcells opinion isn't valuable. Parcells is respected around the league and maybe his gut instinct could carry the day.
If Parcells were to endorse Baalke and Baalke ended up getting the job, would a Parcells endorsement change your mind any about the decision? Or is it just a basic PR move that only serves to improve the 49ers image above anything else? Personally I'd put a check in the positive column, but it would be too early to tell. So for the purposes of the attached poll, I'd vote yes, but it'd be a sort of hesitant yes. I suppose that puts it somewhere between yes and maybe, but given my positive nature I'll round up.
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It's a pr move and a dumb one
Who cares what parells thinks about a guy who worked for him 20 years ago as a scout? Jed probably knows Trent better than BP at this point. Jed must think we are all idiots
Trust me, I have no idea either.
Nitwitter
by Tre9er on Dec 30, 2010 6:08 AM PST via mobile reply actions
agreed, this doesn't make sense
Can’t see how Parcell’s could judge Baalke’s GM suitability when he was a scout for the Jets..
Well the general public is enamoured with "big names."
I would guess that most fans aren’t diehards who understand how little this actually means. They would see Parcells name next to Baalke and think York must be heading in the right direction to speak with such an established name in the NFL.
No More In-House Hires
We need to clean house and start with a new regime. Ask the teams that are consistant in winning records/draft picks. We have to get it right or we will be the in the top 5 of the Draft for the next 3 years.
Here's money for a cab. Now entering sleep mode. beep beep beep zzzzzzzzz
in a way I agree with this
I was reading the post by BBS on how to rebuild the Chiefs from a few years ago…it was right in saying that you need fresh thinking from the outside to build a team. Granted, they were a lot worse off than we are. We have a decent roster but still need some clever steering. I don’t know if someone can coach the players we have into executing a big, physical offense mixed in with ample play action passing, etc. or if there’s just no way we can win like that in this division (which does seem to be moving more towards a passing division) and should scrap it all and go back to our WCO roots.
Can Baalke scout players that would fit into a WCO? When he was previously a scout, what types of offenses was he scouting for? Without checking a lot, I’d say they were more physical offenses, hence why he came with McCloughan and shares some of that thinking.
now, saying all that, Baalke did have a good draft that included some speed AND a Guard in the first round. Past drafts had a “no Guards in the first” slogan, or so it would seem.
Trust me, I have no idea either.
Nitwitter
Doesn't change my opinion a bit
That is, Baalke is essentially qualified for the job but I’d prefer new blood in the organization.
No more mock draft sig for now...
if I felt like Baalke was constricted heavily by Sing
which I do, then I’m more OK with things.
Trust me, I have no idea either.
Nitwitter
Ok, so let's say Baalke was constricted by Singletary
What would he have done different at QB?
by asmithisaverage on Dec 30, 2010 7:37 AM PST up reply actions
Maybe drafted one???
Or told Sing that he was a complete idiot for starting Troy once Alex was healthy. There was no fixing the QB situation this year, we were screwed either way.
by 9thevolution on Dec 30, 2010 7:48 AM PST up reply actions
McNabb was available for a 3rd or 4th rounder if I recall
I know there is McNabb hate this year because he was a disappointment in Washington, but he may have had a different experience in SF with the different types of weapons we have. I guess I want to know who pushed for Carr. :)
by asmithisaverage on Dec 30, 2010 7:53 AM PST up reply actions
Re: Carr
That was our former hack of a GM and hack of a HC (read: McC and Sing). Keeping Hill was our best bet, but our offense overall was terrible and McNabb could’ve been even worse here than in Washington.
And McNabb went for a 2nd I believe.
by 9thevolution on Dec 30, 2010 7:56 AM PST up reply actions
He went for a 2nd because it was intradivisional
by asmithisaverage on Dec 30, 2010 8:02 AM PST up reply actions
And Reid looked like a genious for dumping him within the division...
With the offer for a 2nd on the table, we would’ve had to match it. There really wasn’t another QB out there for us except some hacks. The only guy that was anywhere near decent was Bulger and he was still shellshocked from Martz’s offense. He would’ve been killed behind our line.
by 9thevolution on Dec 30, 2010 8:07 AM PST up reply actions
they tried very hard not to dump him divisionally
and would have accepted a lower offer from the Niners. Anyway, water under the bridge. I’m now hoping we draft a QB and trade a 3rd round for Carson Palmer.
by asmithisaverage on Dec 30, 2010 8:14 AM PST up reply actions
We could get McNabb now....
as he’s likely going to be cut after the season. I’d take Orton over Palmer though, and hopefully, we can make that happen.
by 9thevolution on Dec 30, 2010 8:28 AM PST up reply actions
Doesn't matter who pushed for Carr
Carr looked outstanding as a back-up for the Giants. Trading Hill for a pick and getting Carr wasn’t that bad a move at the time. Looking at it now makes it look a lot worse. I just don’t like the contract Carr got… which was on McCloughan
why a GM only answer to the president/owner
That is my issue with Baalke is he going to draft player to please the coach or for the franchise. I want a guy that will pick players that he knows that the coach/team will help make us better and playoff contenders.
Here's money for a cab. Now entering sleep mode. beep beep beep zzzzzzzzz
The GM should draft players for his coach and scheme....
but he should be smart enough to know when to tell the coach that he knows personnel better thna anyone in the organization. Essentially, if you’re looking at QB and CB in the first round and coach says he wants the QB but the CB is better, you have to know to tell the coach to sit back and watch. Essentially, it’s about getting the best guys but also the guys that fit what you do. Tough to balance it, but that’s the GM’s job.
by 9thevolution on Dec 30, 2010 9:02 AM PST up reply actions
Window dressing as it seems , but Parcells wont sugar coat thing's for anyone ...!!
I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ...Jimmy Raye your no daisy ...!!
Voted yes....
Realistically, if Baalke can deliver the HC that we want/need, then what difference does it make?
He’s been a personnel guy for 13 years and knows how to evaluate talent. He’s apparently quite respected around the league, and was offered the same position by multiple teams that he held here prior to being hired by the 49ers. He executed his HC’s prefered plan in a draft with only a month to get it together; which included the 5th rounder for Ginn that vastly improved our ST play. He also managed to make a few trades and net us a total of 10 picks; giving us ammo to shift our position in mid rounds.
Everyone is clamoring for a “big-name” because those guys are recognizable, but are they always the best choices. Need I remind people that Holmgren was relieved of his duties as GM of the Seahawks while coaching them? He’s also NOT the GM in Cleveland, he’s the team president overseeing a staff much like what we have here. Lombardi might be a good choice and he’s intelligent, but he’s also not been in a front office capacity for quite some time. The other guys coming in are re-treads. We can’t get a guy currently on a playoff team until they’ve been eliminated most likely.
I have confidence that Baalke can navigate the draft well and do it aggressively, which is what most people think the GM’s job is. He does have other responsibilities, but primarily, it’s overseeing the operations of the FO and draft/on-field strategies. If he’s given the power over the new HC, I have a feeling he will make it work right. He’ll bring in the HC and we’ll finally have someone who has more power than him. People think McDrunk was a GM, but it was only a title. He had to be forced to fire Nolan and didn’t have the courage to bench the starting QB who was being sacked and turning the ball over at a rapid rate.
None of this changes the fact that Jed is blow smoke, but if it turns out the way it’s supposed to, we should be alright.
Sounds like you just endorsed Baalke for the job he has now. GM might be a bit different.
I’m actually a KC Chiefs fan living the Bay Area now, with the Niners as my second favorite team.
It seems like a lot of focus is always placed on the “talent evaluation” aspects of a GM job. I’d argue that perhaps more important are having a vision/plan for building a team, and having the administrative skills to build that team.
When the Chiefs hired Scott Pioli to be GM, a lot of the KC fan base also seemed to focus on his past ability to find “gems” in the draft and make good trades. But as he is finishing his second year leading the Chiefs’ football organization, the thing that keeps coming up more to me is his idea of what a great football team is. And then, of course, the ability to identify the personnel that fits that vision.
I think there’s a lot of different ways to build a team, but I think a GM has to have a superbly singular focus on building one HIS way. And that goes directly to choosing a head coach that fits, and then giving him players that fit, too.
Admittedly, I really don’t know Baalke very well at all, and he may have these characteristics. But that’s what I’m personally interested in finding out. He can always hire a top notch “director of player personnel” or something. But getting all the different pieces of a football organization (front office and on the field) built and working together is his primary job.
This is what I was getting at...
His job, as GM, would be to build the organization itself and shape the culture. It’s tough to see what his vision would be because thus far, he’s had no power to make his vision a reality.
The real question surrounding his tenure here thus far is if he was a “good soldier” and did as he was told, or if he has his own personal views on how things are done and is capable of putting that in place.
Either way, it’ll be interesting to see what happens in the coming days. Personally, I think he can do the job, but what is his vision and will he separate himself from the start of the Nolan era and begin something fresh.
by 9thevolution on Dec 30, 2010 9:56 AM PST up reply actions
Maybe
Parcells has some experience turning around franchises, is a no BS kinda guy and is completely on the outside. I’m just really gun shy about hiring from within. New blood is needed as was stated previously.
May I ask why new blood is necessary?
I have a feeling that people are getting overly enamored with the idea of “new blood,” at the expense of common sense.
Obviously, changes need to be made given how awful the team’s been this decade, but I don’t see why, if he’s qualified, Baalke doesn’t deserve the job.
Because we have not been Division champs/Playoffs/Super Bowl contention
For a very long time now. Need to make these changes cause the culture of accepting losses has changed. Now we have to build a foundation for winning games and making the playoffs. Keeping personnel that was part of that losing culture will just keep reminding players of that. We have to start fresh.
Here's money for a cab. Now entering sleep mode. beep beep beep zzzzzzzzz
I don't think Baalke is necessarily a bad fit just because he's been with the organization
I mean, there are guys that have been with the organization that don’t necessarily need to get moved. Tomsula for one… Hoehner…. Solari…
"Son, I'm going to break you like a wild horse." - Mike Singletary
Best example
Is what Pioli’s doing in KC. Last to first in their division. It’s all in the mindset. We have been mired in mediocrity for so long that there’s an institutional inertia going on. I want someone to come in and shake it up. Can Baalke do this? I don’t know. It’s just that we’ve been hiring from within for the last few years and it hasn’t worked. If he does shake it up and we start really using the talent we have in the right way, I will be the first to admit I was wrong, and if he’s hired, then I really hope I am. :)
I'm not sure the G.M. will have the impact i'm hoping for as much as the new coach will ..
… meaning a new coach that bring’s the scheme, innovation and the ability to attack and make adjustment on the fly that this team has been lacking for some time , is what i’m more interested in, imo Harbaugh is the cat i want …!!
I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ...Jimmy Raye your no daisy ...!!
The GM finds the coach and players to fit the system
Who ever is hired as GM is primarily going to be defined by who they get at Head Coach and what players are found in free agency and the draft to fix what is clearly broken: QB, CB, S, OLB, RG. If he gets a QB that can’t be coached, that’s on the GM for not getting the right HC and/or QB. It will also be interesting to see what is done with Aubrayo Franklin (if the new CBA allows him to be franchised, will they?).
by asmithisaverage on Dec 30, 2010 7:46 AM PST up reply actions
Oh
and I shouldn’t forget whether the GM will want to resign Takeo Spikes, or anoint the cheaper and younger Navorro Bowman despite his disappointing play to date.
by asmithisaverage on Dec 30, 2010 7:48 AM PST up reply actions
Bowman was a rookie LB
who was playing a new position in the NFL (Inside, instead of outside).
I would not get too worked up about his 1st year struggles.
not worried about first year struggles
worried about second year struggles.
by asmithisaverage on Dec 30, 2010 7:54 AM PST up reply actions
GM is capable of deferring on-field decisions to the HC
It’s possible that the GM will allow the HC to decide who plays and will only step in when he knows that it’s not working. This is something our previous GM lacked; evidenced by not benching O’ Sullivan when he turned the ball over 2-3 times per game.
Also, I wonder if you’ll eat your words about Bowman if he plays well this Sunday?
by 9thevolution on Dec 30, 2010 7:54 AM PST up reply actions
I guess the reverse is true, too
If Bowman struggles in Week 17, you still going to want him to be handed the starting role in 2011 when we have a proven asset willing and able?
by asmithisaverage on Dec 30, 2010 7:56 AM PST up reply actions
Yes
Off season reps will improve his play as well as some actual coaching. Out of our 35 linebackers only two that are home-bred products are good; Willis and Lawson. We need someone who can actually coach our LBs.
Not to try and make excuses, but he is playing MIKE this week and not TED; which he has practiced all season.
I just don’t see the disconnect that you are having in not realizing that without playing time or proper coaching, he isn’t going to learn and will never be near as good as Spikes.
by 9thevolution on Dec 30, 2010 8:04 AM PST up reply actions
it isn't a disconnect, its being risk-adverse
We have the best ILB core in the league and you want to break that up for potential that hasn’t shown any flashes of greatness.
And Bowman would get a huge amount of reps in the off-season even with Spikes back.
That said, I honestly don’t understand drafting an OLB to play ILB if the coaches aren’t good, as you suggest. That is on Baalke.
by asmithisaverage on Dec 30, 2010 8:11 AM PST up reply actions
That's on Sing, IMO
I don’t think Baalke really had any control over this draft. I think he was merely there to offer insight. And it’s actually not too terrible drafting a 4-3 OLB to play 3-4 ILB because of what’s required. Still a natural MLB is a better choice.
by 9thevolution on Dec 30, 2010 8:31 AM PST up reply actions
Guess your missing my point ...
… a good coach and scheme can make average player;s better by having a good game plan , adjustment’s fundamental’s and structure , bring all the good player’s in you want from the G.M. stand point and it’s moot if the coach and scheme suck’s …!!
I'm your " Huckelberry "...it's just my game ...Jimmy Raye your no daisy ...!!
My main concern about hiring from within is the fact that he has been part of the regime that has produced this mess. Doing the same thing over and over again hoping it finally works is not going to get the team turned around. Someone from the outside who can change the culture here and bring in new ideas/perspectives is needed. The same ole/same ole won’t cut it. I don’t believe for a second that Jed likes losing, but the question is: is he willing to put aside his ego and comfort level and hire someone who he is not necessarily comfortable with but will put this team back where it belongs?
I don’t know enough about Baalke to make a real opinion. I just know what I saw this season and last off-season, where Trent didn’t have more than what a few days to kinda take over as “acting” GM. It set the season up for disaster.
Jed might just be doing his homework on every possible candidate. Hiring a former scout as a GM seemed to have finally worked out ok for the Giants this year with Sabean… so I’m not saying Baalke couldn’t do the job.
What I am saying, is that hiring a guy who is unknown and unproven doesn’t ease the minds of the fans, players, and remaining personnel…. and they could set themselves up for disappointment. If they do hire Baalke, job number 1, find a real head coach. Job 2, draft a QB, as well as find a serviceable veteran for a year or two. There are several possible candidates that may be available:
Kyle Orton, McNabb, Mike Vick, who I’m sure will re-sign with the Eagles, so maybe that makes Kevin Kolb a possibility… who is young enough to where you wouldn’t have to draft a QB.
There is A LOT to do for Jed this off season, and with the potential lockout it makes it that much harder. The Niners need a GM, Head Coach and QB… THIS IS EVERYTHING THAT A SUCCESSFUL TEAM AND FRANCHISE NEEDS AND THE 49ERS HAVE NONE OF THEM IN PLACE.
Most Niner fans are Tools
Baalke was director of player personnel last season… not the GM. he would have full control and wouldnt have to listen to coach dingleberry. And bad drafting… are you on crack? every body in the league says the niners are a talented team. get us a QB and were good(and some CB’s). Patrick Willis, Vernon Davis, Dashon Goldson, Joe Staley, Iupati and company are not bad draft picks. i have no problem with them bringing back Baalke. none at all. If he can bring in a guy like Harbough or Gruden/Billick im all for it.
The fact that you said Goldson is not bad makes your point moot
Goldson is the worst player in our secondary.
by 9thevolution on Dec 30, 2010 9:03 AM PST up reply actions
heh
well Goldson beat expectations of his draft position for half a season last year.
by asmithisaverage on Dec 30, 2010 9:09 AM PST up reply actions
no he didn't.
goldson was a fourth round pick, and a safety with great tools. he has definitely not met expectations in his niner career at any stage
I’ve never seen an argument fall on its face faster.
by Virginia9er on Dec 30, 2010 10:18 AM PST up reply actions
Is that agreeing with me or no?
I really hope you aren’t agreeing with him.
by 9thevolution on Dec 30, 2010 11:47 AM PST up reply actions
Let's just Hire the Tuna and have Baalke under him
Now that makes the most sense. Then we can tell for sure. Our in house talent by itself isn’t getting it done, from the top. Start strong at the top, and we’ll have Reagan Trickle Down FootballNomics.
Jay Cruise
Holistic Healing Mind Body Spirit Arthritis Relief
I personally think Baalke did a decent job in the draft on short notice. Not his fault #22 had another bad season, along with the QB’s. He tried to get legarrette blount who is having a nice season. Maybe he can get jim harbaugh/ superbowl winning coach?
by itsallaboutalan on Dec 30, 2010 1:36 PM PST reply actions
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