Quote:No, no narrative here, just telling it like it is. Like I said, guys will say things once they're signed, like how they like Gus or whatever, but liking the head coach is way overrated, and I can't think of a single guy that came to the Jaguars instead of going to another team because of how he feels about Gus.

 

The narrative has been all from people such as yourself regarding Gus and the imaginary advantages he bestows on the team by being here. As for what kind of coach Gus is behind the scenes I can't say that I've been in his meetings, but I've seen his results, and they're not special in any way at all. I know it doesn't fit your narrative, but personally I hope he shows I was wrong all along and the team actually succeeds this season.

 

Yeah, there's definitely a narrative there whether you want to admit it or not.  You're one of the "anybody but Gus" mob on this board who think all the struggles this team has faced since his arrival fall solely on him.  It's a pretty simplistic viewpoint, especially considering all of the variables at play here.

 

As far as the "narrative" you think I'm pushing here, I can only say it so many times before hopefully it sinks into that overly thick skull of yours.  No player has quit on this team as a result of the coaching.  In fact, just the opposite has happened even in seasons where it would have been very easy to do so.  Players do respond to him positively, including those who are considering Jacksonville as a landing spot.  Again, nobody is saying he's the lynch pin in landing free agents, but he's certainly  not a deterrent. 

 

You should stick to the retreaded ice cream quips.  It's your best material

 

 

Quote:It's just the perception FBT...  From fans on the outside lookin' in, it seems like Gus gives alot of passes when it come to accountability.  I've mentioned them before, and what's past is past.  It's my opinion that the "fun uncle" stigma is not drawn from thin air, but that there have been actual situations that perpetuate the perception.

 

Either way, at this point, I don't even care.  If we make the play-offs or at least Gus shows based on record that he's a legit coach all these critique I have placed on him, as well as others, will fall to the waste side.

 

I'm hoping that's the case.

 

I understand that it's the fan perception.  Fans aren't in the meeting rooms or watching the interaction between players and coaches, or between coordinators and the head coach.  People talked all last year about a lack of accountability.  When the offense struggled to develop with Bortles under center in 2014, the coordinator was fired and a new OC was brought in who could improve the situation.  Naturally, the same people who still bag on Gus today hated the Olson hiring because he didn't have this resume that impressed them.  Turned out to be the right coaching decision for Gus, and the offense improved significantly.  A coordinator was held accountable, and a new one was brought in who could do the job.

 

The same thing happened with the defense that clearly wasn't improving.  The coordinator was fired, a new one was hired, and much like when he brought in Doug Marrone last year to offer some experience to the staff, he also hired Kiffin to be a part of this coaching staff.  I think it will prove to be yet another smart coaching decision on the part of Gus, who I think most here would agree was not quite prepared to be the head coach when he arrived here.  He has grown into the position over the past few years, and I think the end result will be a significantly better team this year, both with the production on the field, and the way they are coached. 

 

Like I said, if you talk to anyone who has actually been in practices or meetings where the media wasn't included, there's a different Gus running things from the one that fans perceive based on his comments when the camera is on.  The funny thing here is that Gus is a positive guy by nature, but so is his mentor, Pete Carroll.  I don't recall seeing ice cream and sprinkles commentary directed at him.  He inherited a much better situation in Seattle than Gus did here.  He continues to talk Gus up as being an outstanding head coach who is going to see success in the league.  I'll trust him over the ice cream and sprinkles crowd on this board.

 

Ultimately, if he falls on his face this year, there will be a whole new staff running the show for 2017.  I don't think he will. 

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