Coordinators might be best S.B. quartet ever
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- We know Andy Reid and Bill Belichick are two of the best coaches in the league. But what many might not know is that the four coordinators in this game may be the best combined group of coordinators the Super Bowl has seen.
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| The reputation of Eagles defensive coordinator Jim Johnson keeps growing at the age of 63. (AP) |
The Eagles coordinators won't be going anywhere, which is a good thing for Reid. Brad Childress (offense) lost out to Crennel in the bid to get the Browns' job, while 63-year-old Jim Johnson has seen his chances of being a head coach pass him by for age reasons.
The presence of these four men in this game will make for some interesting moves and counter-moves, a behind-the-scenes strategic battle that could ultimately decide the game.
Now here's a short look at each.
Charlie Weis -- He never played college football, but climbed his way up the coaching ranks with a determined approach. Like Bill Parcells and Belichick, two men he's worked for, he is a detail-oriented, hard-driving coach. He is also innovative when it comes to offensive football, making the best of limited resources in the past. He will be a success at Notre Dame, even if the media will come to disdain him.
Romeo Crennel -- For years he was not given his due because Belichick is the head coach and he is considered one of the best defensive minds of all time. But the past couple of years have made many realize that Crennel is the real deal. The Browns are getting the right guy to be their coach, although he didn't admit Tuesday that the job was his. His hiring is a step forward in the pursuit of racial equity in the league.
Brad Childress -- Like Crennel in New England, he doesn't get enough credit, in part because Reid is an offensive coach. But Childress is a quality coach. He is about a year away from being a head coach. He'll get his chance. He lost out on the Browns job, but word is the Browns were impressed. "What's the downside about going back to the Eagles who are sitting in the Super Bowl this year and have a chance to be a good team for years to come?" Childress said.
Jim Johnson -- The blitzing, attacking style of defense Johnson uses is fun to watch. He can bring six or seven guys on a play, coming from all angles. It creates problems for the offensive line and for the quarterback. If he were 10 years younger, he'd be a head coach. This is one of the truly bright minds in the game. Reid is lucky to have him.
