He was a much better coach than he was given credit for, especially coming from the dregs of the previous two regimes and the complete and utter lack of offense under Reeves he was like hiring a Silicon Valley whiz kid to fix our team's technical problems.
He breathed new life into the team, hired future HOF coaches as coordinators, resurrected Kerry Collins, and had a bit of a gamblers mentality that I truly appreciated. He was real, and you could feel that, and for the most part I believe the team fed off of it to incredible highs, and sometimes pretty insane losses. But one thing you cannot say is that his tenure didn't provide exciting football, even if from two sides of the coin.
There's almost nothing that can beat the "chips to the middle of the table" press conference. That took huge balls, and it worked. I long for realism like that in this overly washed coach speak world. Unfortunately, it didn't work out in the SB. I really wish he got another shot in the league.
I thought he got a bit of a raw deal in 2003 with the injuries. I attended his last coached game, the season finale against Carolina in 2003 to a less than full house. My friends and I brought a "Thank You Jim" sign. I feel exactly the same way now.
he was really the first Giants head coach that I took a liking to and could really grasp what coaching in the NFL was all about. Ugh. What a bummer.
Same. I was too young to understand the Parcells Giants. I was a fan but didn't know what was going on. Fassel came along when I was 10/11 and really started understanding the game more. The trio of Tiki, Toomer and Strahan helped as well.
He was a much better coach than he was given credit for, especially coming from the dregs of the previous two regimes and the complete and utter lack of offense under Reeves he was like hiring a Silicon Valley whiz kid to fix our team's technical problems.
He breathed new life into the team, hired future HOF coaches as coordinators, resurrected Kerry Collins, and had a bit of a gamblers mentality that I truly appreciated. He was real, and you could feel that, and for the most part I believe the team fed off of it to incredible highs, and sometimes pretty insane losses. But one thing you cannot say is that his tenure didn't provide exciting football, even if from two sides of the coin.
There's almost nothing that can beat the "chips to the middle of the table" press conference. That took huge balls, and it worked. I long for realism like that in this overly washed coach speak world. Unfortunately, it didn't work out in the SB. I really wish he got another shot in the league.
I thought he got a bit of a raw deal in 2003 with the injuries. I attended his last coached game, the season finale against Carolina in 2003 to a less than full house. My friends and I brought a "Thank You Jim" sign. I feel exactly the same way now.
I was at that 2003 finale as well. I think it was a 415 game. I remember not realizing that until I looked at the ticket. Thought it was a 1 game.
Either way, that game was funny. So many shenanigans with the limited fans left and that was the first game I snuck down to the lower level. Never saw pro football that close. We cheered for Jim as he walked off the field. Good times. Eli/Coughlin on the horizon.
I recall his presser after he was let go. I had so much more respect for him for the manner in which he handled it and the dignity he displayed that day! I sent an email via the Giants mailbag expressing my appreciation for him and I received a reply soon thereafter from him. That only solidified my thoughts about him.
John Fox, talking about the 2000 run and how it peaked with the absolute domination of the Vikings in the NFC Championship
Quote:
“If you’ve got the laser, put it right on my chest, I’ll take full responsibility. I’m raising the stakes right now,” he said. “If this is a poker game, I’m shoving my chips to the middle of the table. I’m raising the ante. Anybody who wants in can get in, anybody who wants out can get out: This team is going to the playoffs.”
The New York Times called it “a passionate, unsolicited and wholly uncharacteristic speech” from “the Mister Rogers of football.”
Bob Papa, radio broadcaster: Everybody viewed it as a little shocking, which gave it more credence. That’s something that (Bill) Parcells would do, or a coach with a different disposition would do. It was out of character for Fassel, and that helped it carry more weight and resonate with everybody inside the building.
Fassel: It’s our job (as coaches) to make the adjustments. That’s our job. So I put it on the coaches, and the players knew that I put it on the coaches. And I included myself, you know?
Accorsi: He put himself on the line. In a situation like we were in, I never worried about if somebody stirs something up. If everything’s going smoothly and we’re 9-1, don’t disturb the waters. But in that kind of situation, throw caution to the wind. I’m not saying that was the reason, but it turned out that it helped us because it got us stimulated. It caught everybody’s interest.
Fox: Our team did respond. It was like, “OK, our leader has said he’s all-in, so we better be all-in.”
and as Nak alluded to, he did appear to be one of the leagues good guys. Always wondered why he never landed another high profile HC job. RIP, coach Fassel.
with the RIP made fun of him for years.
That’s the definition of hypocrisy. He was a decent n man an and a way better HC than given credit for.
Dave, I thought he mediocre at best..Hated him as a HC, specifically his meltdowns..I was very vocal in my dislike of his coaching and and his reported philandering ways.
That said, I am truly saddened by his passing and this isn’t the time for call-outs..Far too young (in this day and age) to pass..Tragic..
RE: Hate to hear! Will be interested to see NYG’s reaction
He beat the Eagles 9 times in a row. Remember those days? Unlike this batch of wimps we got for the last 10-13 years. Can't even beat them more than once.
He beat the Eagles 9 times in a row. Remember those days? Unlike this batch of wimps we got for the last 10-13 years. Can't even beat them more than once.
He was a much better coach than he was given credit for, especially coming from the dregs of the previous two regimes and the complete and utter lack of offense under Reeves he was like hiring a Silicon Valley whiz kid to fix our team's technical problems.
He breathed new life into the team, hired future HOF coaches as coordinators, resurrected Kerry Collins, and had a bit of a gamblers mentality that I truly appreciated. He was real, and you could feel that, and for the most part I believe the team fed off of it to incredible highs, and sometimes pretty insane losses. But one thing you cannot say is that his tenure didn't provide exciting football, even if from two sides of the coin.
There's almost nothing that can beat the "chips to the middle of the table" press conference. That took huge balls, and it worked. I long for realism like that in this overly washed coach speak world. Unfortunately, it didn't work out in the SB. I really wish he got another shot in the league.
I thought he got a bit of a raw deal in 2003 with the injuries. I attended his last coached game, the season finale against Carolina in 2003 to a less than full house. My friends and I brought a "Thank You Jim" sign. I feel exactly the same way now.
RIP Jim Fassel.
nice post
Agreed what a wonderful summary...the 1986 NFC Championship was my favorite home game ever but 41-0 was a close second!
His tenure was filled with a lot of ups and downs. The ups were really good, and I think for the most part, they out weighed the downs. Although, 2000 didn’t end the way we wanted, I appreciate everything he did to make that season a great one.
Too young. Sending good thoughts to his family on this tragic morning.
with the RIP made fun of him for years.
That’s the definition of hypocrisy. He was a decent n man an and a way better HC than given credit for.
Is it that hard to understand that thinking a coach stinks doesn't mean the death shouldn't be mourned? If this was Shurmur it would be equally as sad.
We had terrible QBs back then... until Collins came along. But I loved those Fassel Giants. Armstead, Strahan, Charles Way, Keith Hamilton, Tiki, Toomer... too bad he never got a chance to get back into the game. RIP.
He was a better coach than most people give him credit for, IMO. Not a great coach, but while his teams could, and did, disappoint, they were never a fiasco like we've seen around here for most of the past decade.
71 is too young. My father just turned 70 and I can't even imagine losing him.
He was a better coach than most people give him credit for, IMO. Not a great coach, but while his teams could, and did, disappoint, they were never a fiasco like we've seen around here for most of the past decade.
71 is too young. My father just turned 70 and I can't even imagine losing him.
Not a great coach but in my opinion an above average coach. He did not deserve the abuse and ridicule he got here for his overall performance. I always wished he got the second chance he deserved.
sad news. As others have noted, he resurrected the Giants and gave us hope. He was a great coach and leader. RIP. God bless. Prayers to his family and friends.
He was a much better coach than he was given credit for, especially coming from the dregs of the previous two regimes and the complete and utter lack of offense under Reeves he was like hiring a Silicon Valley whiz kid to fix our team's technical problems.
He breathed new life into the team, hired future HOF coaches as coordinators, resurrected Kerry Collins, and had a bit of a gamblers mentality that I truly appreciated. He was real, and you could feel that, and for the most part I believe the team fed off of it to incredible highs, and sometimes pretty insane losses. But one thing you cannot say is that his tenure didn't provide exciting football, even if from two sides of the coin.
There's almost nothing that can beat the "chips to the middle of the table" press conference. That took huge balls, and it worked. I long for realism like that in this overly washed coach speak world. Unfortunately, it didn't work out in the SB. I really wish he got another shot in the league.
I thought he got a bit of a raw deal in 2003 with the injuries. I attended his last coached game, the season finale against Carolina in 2003 to a less than full house. My friends and I brought a "Thank You Jim" sign. I feel exactly the same way now.
RIP Jim Fassel.
Great post. Fassel was a flawed coach and man, but got and continues to get short shrift from many Giants fans. He was a good offensive coach, and a better HC than given credit for. Sure, he had more than his fair share of team meltdowns in big moments, and I don't begrudge Well Mara from going in another direction after 2003, but I don't think I've ever seen a pro ream in any sport with more injuries to key players than that one. Tell me how many games any HC would have won wit Jesse Palmer at QB.
Most of my best in-person memories of Giants Stadium were with Fassel led teams. 41-0 is my favorite in-person sports memory, so thanks Coach, and RIP.
His era was one of the most exciting in my life as a Giants fan. Lots of highs (especially 41-0 and owning the Eagles as others have pointed out), and infuriating lows. I think he did an admirable job with the talent he had and certainly deserved another shot.
Had a good career. I am not sure he will get a fair grade as an HC because of the poor personnel decisions made during his tenure.
Seemed like a genuinely nice guy. Saw him at training camp and yelled out "Good luck this season coach." Responded by saying hey thanks man, and few quick comments. It may not mean much - but sometimes small things give you a bigger peek into a person's character.
met him a few times and he was a nice guy in the various encounters. He used to live next to one of my college friends in Morristown and she baby sat his kids when his son hurt his throat running into a table and was in the hospital and she became close with the family.
I'm going to be posting Fassel highlights thru the day on the BigBlueVCR twitter if interested. RIP coach.
of all time.
Two of my favorite memories a friend comes over a bit late and goes what's the score? I say 14-0 ,he goes oh shit, I say no we're winning.
One of John Madden's best games " Kerry Collins 5 td's not since Sid
Luckman. Well i'll be hornswaggled"
He breathed new life into the team, hired future HOF coaches as coordinators, resurrected Kerry Collins, and had a bit of a gamblers mentality that I truly appreciated. He was real, and you could feel that, and for the most part I believe the team fed off of it to incredible highs, and sometimes pretty insane losses. But one thing you cannot say is that his tenure didn't provide exciting football, even if from two sides of the coin.
There's almost nothing that can beat the "chips to the middle of the table" press conference. That took huge balls, and it worked. I long for realism like that in this overly washed coach speak world. Unfortunately, it didn't work out in the SB. I really wish he got another shot in the league.
I thought he got a bit of a raw deal in 2003 with the injuries. I attended his last coached game, the season finale against Carolina in 2003 to a less than full house. My friends and I brought a "Thank You Jim" sign. I feel exactly the same way now.
RIP Jim Fassel.
Same. I was too young to understand the Parcells Giants. I was a fan but didn't know what was going on. Fassel came along when I was 10/11 and really started understanding the game more. The trio of Tiki, Toomer and Strahan helped as well.
Not clear that he was. Per the Post it was a heart attack and it seems to have come on quickly yesterday.
His legacy in overall is a bit of a mixed bag, but not the right time or place to rehash all that. RIP Coach
He breathed new life into the team, hired future HOF coaches as coordinators, resurrected Kerry Collins, and had a bit of a gamblers mentality that I truly appreciated. He was real, and you could feel that, and for the most part I believe the team fed off of it to incredible highs, and sometimes pretty insane losses. But one thing you cannot say is that his tenure didn't provide exciting football, even if from two sides of the coin.
There's almost nothing that can beat the "chips to the middle of the table" press conference. That took huge balls, and it worked. I long for realism like that in this overly washed coach speak world. Unfortunately, it didn't work out in the SB. I really wish he got another shot in the league.
I thought he got a bit of a raw deal in 2003 with the injuries. I attended his last coached game, the season finale against Carolina in 2003 to a less than full house. My friends and I brought a "Thank You Jim" sign. I feel exactly the same way now.
RIP Jim Fassel.
Either way, that game was funny. So many shenanigans with the limited fans left and that was the first game I snuck down to the lower level. Never saw pro football that close. We cheered for Jim as he walked off the field. Good times. Eli/Coughlin on the horizon.
That’s the definition of hypocrisy. He was a decent n man an and a way better HC than given credit for.
And I've been dragging it behind me for 6 years
That’s the definition of hypocrisy. He was a decent n man an and a way better HC than given credit for.
Definitely better than McAdoo, Shurmur, Ray Handley, excetera.
Not Coughlin/ Bill Parcells category
The New York Times called it “a passionate, unsolicited and wholly uncharacteristic speech” from “the Mister Rogers of football.”
Bob Papa, radio broadcaster: Everybody viewed it as a little shocking, which gave it more credence. That’s something that (Bill) Parcells would do, or a coach with a different disposition would do. It was out of character for Fassel, and that helped it carry more weight and resonate with everybody inside the building.
Fassel: It’s our job (as coaches) to make the adjustments. That’s our job. So I put it on the coaches, and the players knew that I put it on the coaches. And I included myself, you know?
Accorsi: He put himself on the line. In a situation like we were in, I never worried about if somebody stirs something up. If everything’s going smoothly and we’re 9-1, don’t disturb the waters. But in that kind of situation, throw caution to the wind. I’m not saying that was the reason, but it turned out that it helped us because it got us stimulated. It caught everybody’s interest.
Fox: Our team did respond. It was like, “OK, our leader has said he’s all-in, so we better be all-in.”
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That’s the definition of hypocrisy. He was a decent n man an and a way better HC than given credit for.
Bear with me for a minute, but it's possible to separate your criticism from him as a head coach & yet still feel awful that he passed away.
That’s the definition of hypocrisy. He was a decent n man an and a way better HC than given credit for.
Dave, I thought he mediocre at best..Hated him as a HC, specifically his meltdowns..I was very vocal in my dislike of his coaching and and his reported philandering ways.
That said, I am truly saddened by his passing and this isn’t the time for call-outs..Far too young (in this day and age) to pass..Tragic..
I’d like to see them do a helmet decal for Coach Fassel. Maybe a pile of blue and red casino chips with JF on them.
This is a great idea Frankn! Love IT.
Rest in Peace, Coach. Now is not the time for negative thoughts but there are a few players in my mind that I hope he was able to mend fences.
The poker chips is a great memory but on some Giants history DVDs, I loved how excited he was when we drafted Jeremy Shockey.
Quote:
I’d like to see them do a helmet decal for Coach Fassel. Maybe a pile of blue and red casino chips with JF on them.
This is a great idea Frankn! Love IT.
Rest in Peace, Coach. Now is not the time for negative thoughts but there are a few players in my mind that I hope he was able to mend fences.
The poker chips is a great memory but on some Giants history DVDs, I loved how excited he was when we drafted Jeremy Shockey.
More than once in a year, which is bull.
Quote:
He was a much better coach than he was given credit for, especially coming from the dregs of the previous two regimes and the complete and utter lack of offense under Reeves he was like hiring a Silicon Valley whiz kid to fix our team's technical problems.
He breathed new life into the team, hired future HOF coaches as coordinators, resurrected Kerry Collins, and had a bit of a gamblers mentality that I truly appreciated. He was real, and you could feel that, and for the most part I believe the team fed off of it to incredible highs, and sometimes pretty insane losses. But one thing you cannot say is that his tenure didn't provide exciting football, even if from two sides of the coin.
There's almost nothing that can beat the "chips to the middle of the table" press conference. That took huge balls, and it worked. I long for realism like that in this overly washed coach speak world. Unfortunately, it didn't work out in the SB. I really wish he got another shot in the league.
I thought he got a bit of a raw deal in 2003 with the injuries. I attended his last coached game, the season finale against Carolina in 2003 to a less than full house. My friends and I brought a "Thank You Jim" sign. I feel exactly the same way now.
RIP Jim Fassel.
nice post
Agreed what a wonderful summary...the 1986 NFC Championship was my favorite home game ever but 41-0 was a close second!
My thoughts and prayers to him and his family...
Too young. Sending good thoughts to his family on this tragic morning.
That’s the definition of hypocrisy. He was a decent n man an and a way better HC than given credit for.
Is it that hard to understand that thinking a coach stinks doesn't mean the death shouldn't be mourned? If this was Shurmur it would be equally as sad.
RIP, Coach.
71 is too young. My father just turned 70 and I can't even imagine losing him.
71 is too young. My father just turned 70 and I can't even imagine losing him.
He breathed new life into the team, hired future HOF coaches as coordinators, resurrected Kerry Collins, and had a bit of a gamblers mentality that I truly appreciated. He was real, and you could feel that, and for the most part I believe the team fed off of it to incredible highs, and sometimes pretty insane losses. But one thing you cannot say is that his tenure didn't provide exciting football, even if from two sides of the coin.
There's almost nothing that can beat the "chips to the middle of the table" press conference. That took huge balls, and it worked. I long for realism like that in this overly washed coach speak world. Unfortunately, it didn't work out in the SB. I really wish he got another shot in the league.
I thought he got a bit of a raw deal in 2003 with the injuries. I attended his last coached game, the season finale against Carolina in 2003 to a less than full house. My friends and I brought a "Thank You Jim" sign. I feel exactly the same way now.
RIP Jim Fassel.
Great post. Fassel was a flawed coach and man, but got and continues to get short shrift from many Giants fans. He was a good offensive coach, and a better HC than given credit for. Sure, he had more than his fair share of team meltdowns in big moments, and I don't begrudge Well Mara from going in another direction after 2003, but I don't think I've ever seen a pro ream in any sport with more injuries to key players than that one. Tell me how many games any HC would have won wit Jesse Palmer at QB.
Most of my best in-person memories of Giants Stadium were with Fassel led teams. 41-0 is my favorite in-person sports memory, so thanks Coach, and RIP.
Seemed like a genuinely nice guy. Saw him at training camp and yelled out "Good luck this season coach." Responded by saying hey thanks man, and few quick comments. It may not mean much - but sometimes small things give you a bigger peek into a person's character.
RIP
I'm going to be posting Fassel highlights thru the day on the BigBlueVCR twitter if interested. RIP coach.
Two of my favorite memories a friend comes over a bit late and goes what's the score? I say 14-0 ,he goes oh shit, I say no we're winning.
One of John Madden's best games " Kerry Collins 5 td's not since Sid
Luckman. Well i'll be hornswaggled"
Thanks coach Fassel