The next DC

Would be solid if available.

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A lot of people want to see Pepper Johnson as the next DC. I like the idea in the sense he was a Giant, but I am skeptical since Bill Belichek did not want him to be his DC in New England and Pepper had been with him almost his entire playing career and coaching career. Putting aside he is a beloved player from the past, why is he a good choice?

How many of us have been on jobs in our personal lives that for one reason or another we were passed over for other individuals even though we were qualified for the job.

Now keep this in mind about BB. It has OFTEN been said of BB that because he is such a defensive genius that it is really HIM who runs the defense and not the DC...

Think about this for a second.. If it was anyone else...who had this on his resume..

2 Time Superbowl Champion as a player
3 Time Superbowl Coach
13 years studying under of the the best defensive minds of all time
Has experience playing and coaching the 3-4 and the 4-3
Successful at every level he has been at as a player AND as a coach
Learned from the ground up coming up the ranks
Has coached ALL PRO players and Champions at the Linebacker and DL positions..

On his departure to join the Buffalo Bills where ny the way his unit was one of the NFL leaders in Sacks AND has THREE players voted to the Pro Bowl This year... His coach said this

"I am proud and honored to have spent more years of my career with Pepper Johnson than any other player or coach. Of all the people I coached or worked with, nobody has more passion and love for the game than Pepper. His energy and wisdom for football knows no limits. Pepper made me a better coach and person and helped create some of the greatest moments of my career. He is a great player, coach and lifelong friend and I am sure he will enjoy continued success as he moves forward."

Seriously... the ONLY thing people come up with is...

Oh well BB didnt make him a DC so I dont want him...

The Giants will DEFINITELY do their diligence and research..

Pepper Johnson if he was not an ex-Giant? He may very well be qualified - the Giants asked permission to interview him so they have seen something they like - but what is the selling point other than he played here?

Taylor was a better linebacker, but that doesn't mean he can coach. I don't get the correlation between on-field success and coaching success that some do.

for a long time under the most respected minds in the game (BB and Schwartz). It's worth it to do your due diligence and bring Pepper in for an interview.

Rumsfeld for DC

for their input. We need a doggy dog defense.

In comment 12090541 Mike from Ohio said:

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Pepper Johnson if he was not an ex-Giant? He may very well be qualified - the Giants asked permission to interview him so they have seen something they like - but what is the selling point other than he played here?

Thank you for proving my exact point.. Its like because he is an ex Giants player we ignore his accomplishments as a coach working under a defensive mind like Belichick... in fact its like its the exact opposite..

Thats why I say if it was ANYONE else with his resume there would be LESS questions..

In comment 12090543 Mike from Ohio said:

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Taylor was a better linebacker, but that doesn't mean he can coach. I don't get the correlation between on-field success and coaching success that some do.

And here again.. thank you for proving my point..

LT being a better linebacker isnt even a part of the issue at hand..

And being a Superbowl Winner as a player DOES mean a lot when you are coaching. You gain the respect of the PLAYERS you are coaching because they know that you have achieved one of the greatest accomplishments you can as a player.. and you have done it TWICE...

ALSO good job IGNORING the fact that he actually HAS a solid coaching resume for 14 years.. with a winning organization.. under one of the better defensive minds and coaches.. AND the units he has coached has consistently produced not just Solid NFL players but ALL PRO Players.. and when he left BB he went to Buffalo as the DL coach and THAT unit is one of the better ones in the NFL... but hey lets ignore his accomplishments as a coach.. because he was an ex player..

EXACTLY my point..

the following posted career highs or tied their career highs in sacks: Marcell Dareus, Mario Williams and Jerry Hughes. Not a bad starting point. If he's a guy that relates to players as advertised, imagine what he could do for JPP and Damontre.

I don't see TC going with an unproven first time DC with his job on the line. I think he goes with a proven DC. If I were in his posit with the ultimatum we are told Mara gave him, I would take as little chance as possible.

But It amazes me that his resume is so downplayed because he was a player for the Giants.. like he hasnt done a thing in the NFL.. Yet people clamor for Schwartz and Mike Smith who havent won a blasted THING.. ever.. and have been mediocre to average at BEST..

Nothing I wrote proves anything you said, but if that makes you feel better, go ahead.

To you, working under BB is enough to prove Pepper is ready to be a successful DC. I don't believe that. If he was such an up and coming star I don't thInk BB would pass him over and then let him leave, but neither of us knows the full story there.

I haven't seen enough to get excited about him - you have. If the Giants hire him I hope he comes in and turns the defense around. They know much better than either you or me.

Buffalo had one of the league's top defenses this year. If you go by the adage that this is a "what have you done for me league", also want a guy with a proven track record, and a good scheme fit, Schwartz is the candidate that comes with all of the bells and whistles.

who has been on the staff since 2004. He coached LB's for 5 years, coached the safeties for 1. He's also a guy that cut his teeth as an offensive assistant, IMO his exposure all around is what made Belichick go with him over Pepper. There are probably other reasons why Belichick passed on Pepper, but I don't think that necessarily mean he wasn't qualified.

coaches of varying experience are being interviewed or rumored to interviewed. Hope those rumors are solid. Whatever you think of Coughlin, he's a pretty thorough guy. But, comparisons in experienced vs young guys maybe ready for the next step will only help the evaluation process. Perhaps overly optimistic, but just feel we're going to get a really good coach.

Has been in the NFL coaching longer then many here being alive. I am certain he can coach the 4-3 if that's what suits our personnel best. He will only coach for a year or two at this juncture and IMO that is all TC will also which is a good fit.
If we go Spags,or Schwartz that would be fine also. I don't want Pepper or anyone else without any experience being a DC.

if we have a successful year (HC candidate). I guess one year of success is better than everyone getting shit canned, but it's something to consider.

1. Spags- yes the history doesn't look great after the Giants. And I don't think he was ready to be a HC (and maybe isn't HC material at all). But so what? There are plenty of guys who bombed at being a HC but were great DC's. And the Saints situation was about as toxic as it gets and he was right in the middle of it. Sometimes success is about timing and how well your personnel fits the system you are trying to run.

I just think the timing is right and the fit here is perfect from the culture of the organziation, to the coaching staff to the organziation. Probably the most seamless transition for the win-now situation that Coughlin is in.

2. Schwartz- like the credentials. A little bit of a personality issue potentially so you wonder if he would be a good fit within this organization. A premium is put on character here especially as a coach. But aside from that he has proven quality experience as a DC. Will he run an aggressive more attacking system than Fewell? I would think so and one of the only candidates with both quality experience as a DC and a good fit systematically with the personnel.

3. Dick LeBeau- If he was 10 years younger and willing to run a 4-3 base (with perhaps some 3-4 looks) , this would be a no-brainer. The resume speaks for itself. One of the best DCs perhaps of all time and a likely HOF. Also he is one of the best blitz designers out there. But I just don't see us trying to switch to a primarily 3-4 defense if that's his preference. Coughlin is in win now mode and moves like that usually take 2 years (or more) to pay dividends.

In comment 12090571 David in LA said:

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Buffalo had one of the league's top defenses this year. If you go by the adage that this is a "what have you done for me league", also want a guy with a proven track record, and a good scheme fit, Schwartz is the candidate that comes with all of the bells and whistles.

Been warming up to this idea quite a bit.

In comment 12090549 #10* said:

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for their input. We need a doggy dog defense.

What does Snoop have to do with defense? Do you mean a dog eat dog defense?

In comment 12090545 Reb8thVA said:

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Rumsfeld for DC

Rumsfeld lost his wars. Peppers won a few SBs, big difference.One had success, the other didn't. One came up through the ranks, the other never served.No comparison, even in jest.

In comment 12090639 robbieballs2003 said:

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In comment 12090549 #10* said: Quote: for their input. We need a doggy dog defense. What does Snoop have to do with defense? Do you mean a dog eat dog defense?

Ha! And if he does mean dog-eat-dog, that doesn't make sense either.

If he coached under Schwartz who is considered a very good defensive mind, and he is available, why not just hire Schwartz.

I think it is a legitimate question in NE.

The guy who became their DC came 6 years after Pepper did

As others have mentioned, if he was not an ex-Giant we would all be questioning what he has to offer

In comment 12090688 stretch234 said:

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If he coached under Schwartz who is considered a very good defensive mind, and he is available, why not just hire Schwartz. I think it is a legitimate question in NE. The guy who became their DC came 6 years after Pepper did As others have mentioned, if he was not an ex-Giant we would all be questioning what he has to offer

This is the issue I have again.. If it was ANYONE else with his resume.. WITHOUT the connection to the Giants..
there would be less issues..

the best resume out there is LeBeau.. he is just older

a guy with some very good defenses while in Jax too. Another proven commodity and good friends with TC too.

Ryan and Schwartz, that would seem to be a marriage made in hell.
Link - ( New Window )

Rex won't keep him. He's too strong a personality and a better DC than Rex.

He is a total douche. Telling his players to carry him off the field after Buffalo beat Detroit in a regular season game. He and Fischer (who I liken him to) are both decent coaches but both total assholes who teams play the way I would never want my team to play.

In comment 12090520 Blue Blood said:

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Quote: A lot of people want to see Pepper Johnson as the next DC. I like the idea in the sense he was a Giant, but I am skeptical since Bill Belichek did not want him to be his DC in New England and Pepper had been with him almost his entire playing career and coaching career. Putting aside he is a beloved player from the past, why is he a good choice? How many of us have been on jobs in our personal lives that for one reason or another we were passed over for other individuals even though we were qualified for the job. Now keep this in mind about BB. It has OFTEN been said of BB that because he is such a defensive genius that it is really HIM who runs the defense and not the DC... Think about this for a second.. If it was anyone else...who had this on his resume.. 2 Time Superbowl Champion as a player 3 Time Superbowl Coach 13 years studying under of the the best defensive minds of all time Has experience playing and coaching the 3-4 and the 4-3 Successful at every level he has been at as a player AND as a coach Learned from the ground up coming up the ranks Has coached ALL PRO players and Champions at the Linebacker and DL positions.. On his departure to join the Buffalo Bills where ny the way his unit was one of the NFL leaders in Sacks AND has THREE players voted to the Pro Bowl This year... His coach said this "I am proud and honored to have spent more years of my career with Pepper Johnson than any other player or coach. Of all the people I coached or worked with, nobody has more passion and love for the game than Pepper. His energy and wisdom for football knows no limits. Pepper made me a better coach and person and helped create some of the greatest moments of my career. He is a great player, coach and lifelong friend and I am sure he will enjoy continued success as he moves forward." Seriously... the ONLY thing people come up with is... Oh well BB didnt make him a DC so I dont want him... The Giants will DEFINITELY do their diligence and research..

Still, he has never called a game. Never been forced to make on the spot adjustments..And so on..Some can adjust pretty quickly..Many can't..Being passed over several times by Belichick should not be dismissed. Shouldn't be the end-all either, but I hope we pass..I don't want to spend Eli's years having a DC grow in his job

his defenses after the Bill Parcels selected players left have not been that great BTW. Still waiting to see a killer BB defense when he gets around to putting together the right mix of players and coaching.

that Pepper left the Patriots because he felt he was dead ended by Belichek and Kraft in taking the next upward step to DC and beyond. The reasons he was given for this are all speculation. But not a good recommendation that the Patriots, a very successful franchise, thought he was not somebody to promote. So should we ignore that for old times sake. He will have his chance to make his case in the interview session. Wish him luck but this is a business first, and they have to pick the best guy. He has to convince them he is.

there is also the possibility that lil bill has more quality assistants than other teams and therefor Pepper had a good reason to believe that his career would be better served going where the need was greater and the opportunities to learn different, i.e. to broaden his knowledge and experience base.

wait and see.

I would be thrilled if he came in and instituted an effecting and disruptive very multiple attacking DL.

You would have the history/toughness/loyalty and the wins.

But...do we know who can do it? as fans we really don't have a clue, unless you want to take time off and do a research project on it

non sense. Prior to '07, Webster had no prime - he was a second round bust. Kiwi was a young guy who broke his leg during the '07 season. Tuck was a rookie in '07, and Osi missed the entire '08 campaign. As someone mentioned on another thread, it's always a combination of players and coaching. I don't think anyone can dispute that under PF they generally were not aggresive and had multiple break downs in coverage assignments. Whoever gets hired to needs get after the QB and cut down on the secondary miscues. The line between winning and losing is pretty thin. Even marginally better play on defense would go a long way towards 10-11 win seasons.

In comment 12090586 Marty866b said:

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Has been in the NFL coaching longer then many here being alive. I am certain he can coach the 4-3 if that's what suits our personnel best. He will only coach for a year or two at this juncture and IMO that is all TC will also which is a good fit. If we go Spags,or Schwartz that would be fine also. I don't want Pepper or anyone else without any experience being a DC.

I wish we would go with LeBeau. That would be amazing.

I am not sure he could coach a 4-3, though. I have no idea.

But he is such a proven commodity, TC would be a fool to not reach out to him.

Changing us to a 3-4 would be a multi-year rebuilding process, though. it would be building around the weakest part of our D.

In comment 12090615 Jolly_Blue_Giant said:

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1. Spags- yes the history doesn't look great after the Giants. And I don't think he was ready to be a HC (and maybe isn't HC material at all). But so what? There are plenty of guys who bombed at being a HC but were great DC's. And the Saints situation was about as toxic as it gets and he was right in the middle of it. Sometimes success is about timing and how well your personnel fits the system you are trying to run. I just think the timing is right and the fit here is perfect from the culture of the organziation, to the coaching staff to the organziation. Probably the most seamless transition for the win-now situation that Coughlin is in. 2. Schwartz- like the credentials. A little bit of a personality issue potentially so you wonder if he would be a good fit within this organization. A premium is put on character here especially as a coach. But aside from that he has proven quality experience as a DC. Will he run an aggressive more attacking system than Fewell? I would think so and one of the only candidates with both quality experience as a DC and a good fit systematically with the personnel. 3. Dick LeBeau- If he was 10 years younger and willing to run a 4-3 base (with perhaps some 3-4 looks) , this would be a no-brainer. The resume speaks for itself. One of the best DCs perhaps of all time and a likely HOF. Also he is one of the best blitz designers out there. But I just don't see us trying to switch to a primarily 3-4 defense if that's his preference. Coughlin is in win now mode and moves like that usually take 2 years (or more) to pay dividends.

Last year we thought Coughlin would play it safe and bring in Mike Sullivan, and he threw a switch and went with McAdoo. So I guess we never can tell, but... for better or for worse, I think your analysis is very accurate.

At least Spags will run an attacking defense, so that is much preferable to a Tampa 2 or a read and react defense. Interested to see what Spags would do with a lot less talent up front, but arguably much more at cornerback, if everyone comes back.

In comment 12090785 TMS said:

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that Pepper left the Patriots because he felt he was dead ended by Belichek and Kraft in taking the next upward step to DC and beyond. The reasons he was given for this are all speculation. But not a good recommendation that the Patriots, a very successful franchise, thought he was not somebody to promote. So should we ignore that for old times sake. He will have his chance to make his case in the interview session. Wish him luck but this is a business first, and they have to pick the best guy. He has to convince them he is.

Matt Patricia got the DC job, and has great credentials in his own right. You guys need to stop talking like Pepper got passed up and was never even considered. He left and found immediate success at his next stop and had 3 of his guys make pro bowls and tie or set new career marks in sacks.