Falcons’ next offensive coordinator: Jaguars’ Koetter (really?)
Dirk Koetter has spent the past five seasons as Jacksonville's offensive coordinator. (AP photo)
I’ve long made it a practice to not pre-judge coaches. We’ve seen enough examples of guys who can win the press conference but lose on the field, and vice versa.
That said, the Falcons’ hiring of Dirk Koetter as offensive coordinator isn’t going to spark any block parties.
Koetter has been working for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who this season finished 32nd in total offense, 32nd in passing and 28th in scoring – which wouldn’t be so bad if the NFL had, say, 100 teams and not 32. The assumption in Flowery Branch must be that there’s only so much a coach can do with Blaine Gabbert.
Koetter has been a known candidate from the outset. The news of his hiring leaked out Sunday morning and later was confirmed by the Falcons, although Koetter said he was under instruction from the team not to comment.
The second sentence of Koetter’s bio in the Jacksonville media guide begins, “Known for his expertise of the passing offense …” In his first season as Jacksonville’s offensive coordinator in 2007, the Jaguars finished seventh in total offense, 17th in passing and sixth in scoring. That also was Mike Smith’s last season in Jacksonville, before he was hired as Falcons’ head coach.
But this is what has happened to the Jaguars’ offense since:
• 2008: 20th total offense (15th passing), 24th scoring.
• 2009: 18th total offense (19th passing), 24th scoring.
• 2010: 15th total offense (27th passing), 18th scoring.
• 2011: 32nd total offense (32nd passing), 28th scoring.
The Jaguars have had some obvious personnel deficiencies. The organization was a mess and head coach Jack Del Rio clearly had lost his effectiveness. But it’s safe to conclude Koetter was not viewed as anybody’s “hot” candidate.
Two factors may have played into this hiring: 1) Smith wanted somebody he is comfortable with, and in this case that’s somebody he has worked with; 2) The Falcons’ third straight immediate playoff exit has, for the first time, put some heat on Smith, and that perceived uncertainty sometimes affects a team’s ability to hire a high-profile candidate.
That said, Koetter had a solid offensive reputation when he was Arizona State’s head coach, and was viewed by some as one of the rising coaches early on at Jacksonville. As recently as July, an NFL.com blog on Koetter included this: “The Jaguars’ offensive coordinator is on the cusp of taking that next step [in coaching]. If he can continue to get what he has gotten out of Jacksonville’s offense without an abundance of talent, especially if he manages to get Blaine Gabbert ready to play despite this lockout, then a move up is imminent.”
It’s ironic that Koetter should come from the organization that just hired the Falcons’ recently maligned offensive coordinator, Mike Mularkey, as head coach. Mularkey might have been fired even if he had not gotten the Jacksonville job, given the predictability of the Falcons’ offense and the widely held belief that he did not fully utilize the weapons on the roster.
That’s on Koetter’s shoulders now. But it will be at least September before anybody is too excited.
By Jeff Schultz
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1,029 comments Add your comment
GT Grad
January 15th, 2012
3:16 pm
Goodbye Falcons
O'Brien
January 15th, 2012
3:16 pm
Baltimore could not get 1 yard on 4th and goal. Ouch.
Dawg A
January 15th, 2012
3:18 pm
Raheem Morris got fired by Tampa Bay and he was also their Defensive Coordinator. They were ranked last in the NFL in defense stats. I realize he was hired as a DB coach or something but if we hurry up we can get him as our DEF. Coordinator! It appears as though noone wants him either as their Coordinator so let’s hurry up and get him so we can have the worse OC and the worse DC from this past year! Come on guys let’s make another bonehead hire….. Can we fire the owner????? Geez!
5150 UOAD
January 15th, 2012
3:18 pm
O’Brien sounds like the FALCONS not getting that 1/2 yard.
Devil's Advocate
January 15th, 2012
3:18 pm
Matt “CHOKE” Ryan,
I’m glad you agree with my statement but don’t get it twisted. I don’t view Ryan as a choker. I was quite frustrated how the media overhyped Ryan from the day he was drafted. It was very unfair to Ryan to say he’s the next Brady/Manning. People were so desperate to wash the taste of Vick from their mouths that they were willing to set Ryan up for failure.
Ryan is capable of leading the Falcons to a Super Bowl but he does need help from a dependable running game and stout defense. We must re-establish the run in 2012.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 15th, 2012
3:18 pm
ohhhhYEAH
January 15th, 2012
3:03 pm
@DA
It’s not better or worse than anyone’s “could,” nor did I make that statement. I’m just saying time will tell what he ends up as, nothing more. But I do agree that he isnt always great at making reads and calling audibles at the line. An area in which every qb in the league always has room to grow, even the greats
______________________________________________
Yeah I’m sure Ryan Leaf is still thinking that………………
HA HA HA
lombardi
January 15th, 2012
3:19 pm
Just from a PR standpoint this is hideous. BUT, the Jags had over 20 guys on IR this year and a rookie QB who was not supposed to be the starter.
That said, I’ll wait and see —- but in the meantime don’t think I’ll be renewing season tix.
JP
January 15th, 2012
3:19 pm
ohh yeah,…he can’t make the throws in practice, hence the OC doesnt see our chances of success in the game because as you said…game speed and practice speed is totally different…thanks for making my point…additionally, every QB faces 3 and 14 at some point….which again is why elite QB’s make plays when the pocket collapses…they don’t make excuses about the offensive line….we didn’t complain about the offensive line when the former QB was here…don’t start now..!!!
OPEN YOUR EYES
January 15th, 2012
3:20 pm
DOES ANYBODY WANT MY SEASON TICKETS?? MY EMAIL IS “SICKANDTIRED@YAHOO.COM”
ATl Sports
January 15th, 2012
3:20 pm
THAT IS IT FOR ME!!!! ARTHUR! ARTHUR! ARTHUR!
YOU SAID THERE WOULD BE A THOROUGH SEARCH AND YOU LET US DOWN!!!!!
SMITH HAS DONE ALL HE CAN DO AND DIMITROFF FALLS FOR THIS!
START HAVING A WINNING RECORD AND YOU THINK THAT MAKES US HAPPY.
WE ARE A MIDDLE OF THE PACK TEAM!
HOPE YOU PROVE ME WRONG!
FEEL SORRY FOR THE PLAYERS!
Mr. Blazingame
January 15th, 2012
3:21 pm
I like this hire. Expect huge results. Very excited.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 15th, 2012
3:21 pm
Gatorzone
January 15th, 2012
3:04 pm
Ryan is gutless
____________________________________________________
HA HA HA
O'Brien
January 15th, 2012
3:21 pm
MJD led the league in rushing, but he also had 43 receptions. Turner had 17. Will our RB catch more passes? Will Koetter run more screens? Time will tell.
ohhhhYEAH
January 15th, 2012
3:22 pm
Yeah, I’m sure Ryan Leaf wishes he was half the QB Matt Ryan is. I don’t recall Leaf ever having a winning season in pro ball, much less even playing in the playoffs. But that really was a nice try Mr Choke. Maybe one day you’ll try and make a stupid comparison that will actualyl land, but this one aint it. Better luck next time
ohhhhYEAH
January 15th, 2012
3:25 pm
Yes, they do face them AT SOME POINT, not every series though. And its a little easier to let a terrible O line slide when you’ve got a mobile vs immobile qb in the pocket. So lets not try and compare footspeed with Ryan and Vick, everyone knows its not even a debate, so that point is already moot. Ryan isnt a scrambler at all, not does he need to be. He needs a solid line, and no I’m not blaming his failure completely on the offensive line, but it helps when you have one that can give you at least 3 seconds to even peak downfield.
JP
January 15th, 2012
3:29 pm
ohhhh YEAH…Tom Brady is the work mobile QB in the league maybe…but he has the pocket awareness to make plays when the line doesnt protect…Matt has to improve in this area.and he has to improve now…the trends clearly show this…
JP
January 15th, 2012
3:30 pm
and it’s not every series….
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 15th, 2012
3:30 pm
I believe CHOKE should try out for the punter position once Arthur brings in the next qb
keepinitreal
January 15th, 2012
3:31 pm
“Reality says you are a complete idiot. Can you name the offensive coordinators of Pittsburg, New England, Philly, New Orleans, San Francisco, Baltimore…”
The only idiot is you if you think the Falcons can be compared to the NFL’s elite organizations. Continue to live in your delusional world while the Falcons still seek their first playoff win since 2004.
You probably think Matt Ryan is as good as Drew Brees and Aaron Rodgers, too. People like you are the reason Atlanta sports are forever mired in mediocrity, because you don’t hold anyone accountable and tolerate being just pretty good.
ohhhhYEAH
January 15th, 2012
3:32 pm
Jp, I think you misread my opinions. I’m not saying Ryan is elite, I’m saying he can improve. I’m not saying he’s top teir, I’m saying he has the potential. I’m not saying he doesn’t need to improve, he does. Every single person on this team needs to be better next year than they were this past year, other than Spoon, I don’t know how he could be much bigger than he was this year.
JP
January 15th, 2012
3:35 pm
First some asked for a “pocket passer”, we got that (so we thought)…then some asked for “back to back” winning seasons..we got that (does not amount to much if you can’t win in the playoffs)…next a new offensive cord was wanted (now no one is happy with the selection)…and now ohhh YEAH wants a new offensive line…(if we get that will we then win the Super Bowl)…????
ohhhhYEAH
January 15th, 2012
3:37 pm
Also……never asked for a new O line. Not once. All I said was it’d be nice for Ryan to have more than 3 seconds to look for a receiver. Are you a lawyer? If not, you shuold really consider it, you’re quite capable of twisting words
ohhhhYEAH
January 15th, 2012
3:37 pm
should*
Manny
January 15th, 2012
3:39 pm
ohhhhYeah-
Please stop holding water for Matt Ryan. We all know that Matt Ryan checks down out of the deep ball. My 11 year-old son can see that he’s uncomfortable throwing it deep.
Gatorzone
January 15th, 2012
3:40 pm
Ohyeah, he can improve. That is for sure. He is a smart player, but you can’t teach arm strength or toughness and he lacks in both categories!
JP
January 15th, 2012
3:40 pm
ohhh YEAH, we speak the same language now……because Ryan does need to improve..that’s all I’m saying. If we were Jets fans we would be “SCREAMING” for Ryan’s head at this point…..it’s one of our biggest deficiencies IMO….the QB who makes the most elite plays will win the Super Bowl…we can all watch and see ..after all the Falcons were one and done…
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 15th, 2012
3:41 pm
ohhhhYEAH
January 15th, 2012
3:37 pm
Also……never asked for a new O line. Not once. All I said was it’d be nice for Ryan to have more than 3 seconds to look for a receiver.
____________________________________________________
HA HA HA
Clowns still making excuses for CHOKE
This O Line is wayyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyyy better than any line Vick ever had and he didn’t have any problem winning in the playoffs…………………
This CHUMP justs SUCKSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS
HA HA HA
Gatorzone
January 15th, 2012
3:41 pm
Yates is a better qb than ryan
Gatorzone
January 15th, 2012
3:42 pm
Fire Dimitroff!!!!
JP
January 15th, 2012
3:43 pm
ohhhh YEAH, you didnt ask for a new line, correct…but you implied that the line was reason for lack of success on 3rd down conversions….im sure you will agree with that…
5150 UOAD
January 15th, 2012
3:44 pm
CHOKE…………WHO do you want to be the Falcon QB? WHO can we Draft, Free Agent purchase, or Develop right now?
Since you don’t like RYAN to find the Falcons a new QB.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 15th, 2012
3:45 pm
If you can’t lead your team to a single field goal in the playoffs, you are a BUST. Plain and simple.
HA HA HA
ohhhhYEAH
January 15th, 2012
3:45 pm
Gatorzone
I was with you up until you said “toughness.” Yes, he does lack arm strength, but the beating he took this year (and everyone saw it, dont say you didnt) shuold leave not a single question about his toughness. Does he get happy feet? Absolutely, but what quarterback is gonna stand there and give a d lineman or linebacker a free shot? Not sure I’ve ever seen too many willing to do that. Stepping into a throw when you know you’re gonna get leveled is one thing, I’ve seen plenty qbs take hits after the throw, INCLUDING Ryan, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen a qb just want to stand in and get killed without tryin to move. So long story short Arm strength:avg-below avg. Toughness:above avg.
GulfwavesGary
January 15th, 2012
3:45 pm
We are still looking for a DC. Let me thrown my name into the hat. I have no success yet but no worse than the OC from the last place offensive team. I have watched football my whole life, that counts for something. My hire could not be any worse than this OC hire. Please contact me my email. I can be bought for a relative small amount. I am very unhappy with Arthur Blank. Cannot even believe it.
ohhhhYEAH
January 15th, 2012
3:46 pm
JP, on 3rd and a half yard…absolutely thats the lines fault if we cant get enough push for that. When a defense gets to the qb rushing only 3 or 4(as often happened this past season) then absolutely its on the offensive line. Disagree?
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 15th, 2012
3:46 pm
Gatorzone
January 15th, 2012
3:41 pm
Yates is a better qb than ryan
____________________________________________
That is an UNDERSTATEMENT…………………
Joey Harrington is not far behind……………..
HA HA HA
JP
January 15th, 2012
3:47 pm
ohhh YEAH ……..please continue to watch the remaining playoff games, in spite of our early exit…..while watching…take note of when QB’s make elite plays and how thats helps a team win…afterwords compare what you saw to what you’ve seen in our QB….and then tell me what you think….offensive lines are more comparable than one might think….!!
Manny
January 15th, 2012
3:48 pm
Oh, and I watched a good portion of Tom Brady’s performance last night. The ball was out of his hands in less than 3 seconds most of the time. It’s hard to sack a quarterback when he distributes the ball so quickly.
So you really don’t have to throw the deep ball, but you have to distribute it in such a way to improve YAC numbers.
Matt "CHOKE" Ryan
January 15th, 2012
3:48 pm
Flacco is showing how to close a win in the playoffs………………
CHOKE are you taking notes?
HA HA HA
UGA89
January 15th, 2012
3:48 pm
Before Falcon fans cast stones towards other organizations and put them down, you should look within your own organization. If you do have success next year remember both your head coach and OC came from, wait for it…Jacksonville.
5150 UOAD
January 15th, 2012
3:49 pm
Gatorzone
HOW the F do you think YATES is better than RYAN? he has played 6 games and he didn’t get his team to the playoffs. A few other QBs did that.
YDS CMP% TD INT RAT
949 61.2 3 3 80.7
ohhhhYEAH
January 15th, 2012
3:50 pm
I’ve been watching. Saw Brady not come close to getting touched last night and putting up gaudy numbers on a Bronco’s d that was one of the better ones in the league. Watched Alex Smith, who is not elite, have a great game yesterday afternoon because….what do you know, his line gave him plenty of time.
boots
January 15th, 2012
3:50 pm
whiff. There will be ZERO enthusiasm about the 2012 season. ZERO. ZIP. NADA. ZZZZZZZ… LAME. DISAPPOINTING.
JP
January 15th, 2012
3:50 pm
ohhh YEAH, …I think this one is a push..for on one of the 4th downs,,,Ryan was trying to push forward using his “BACK” as he was not facing forward….its was like he was moving a huge appliance down the street by pushing it with his back…an elite QB would have led with the ball first..not his back…c’mon…
Jay Dubu
January 15th, 2012
3:51 pm
From reading the snippits of the press conference, I really thought that the Falcons were going to make some moves that would be alligned with their retoric, but sadly, they’ve done the usual.
With the running game that Jacksonville had, you’d think their passing game would have been prime for play action passing, yt they didn’t fair well.
ohhhhYEAH
January 15th, 2012
3:51 pm
Choke….showing how? Handing off to Ray Rice? So you’re saying Flacco is great because Ray Rice is great? Ahhhh, it makes sense now
john13
January 15th, 2012
3:51 pm
Stay the course. In due time the Falcons will ascend to the next level. Mike Smith is the best in team history and the front office is in great hands. Stay the course and reap the rewards. Knee jerk react and experience another long run of futility.
Tuscaloosa Steve
January 15th, 2012
3:51 pm
I was skeptical as well but read the interview here:
http://xandolabs.com/2011/07/dirk-koetter-exclusive-interview/
The four verticals concept they are talking about is the one that the Saints are using. And from the sounds of this quote Del Rio would not let Koetter run it in Jax.
Quote:
“To me, it’s something that has been around for over 15 years now. Depending on your level of competition, your conference affiliation and the part of the country you live, it’s really not that new. Where I’m at, it’s probably more out of vogue, and done by guys who only truly believe in it. From an offensive coach’s standpoint, you get the ball to your playmakers running down the field vertically. It’s the perfect formula for an explosive play. It’s not like you’re in 2×2 and you’re throwing quick outs to the outside and stick routes to the inside. You might complete that concept 67 percent of the time, but you’re only getting six yard plays. However, you may complete four verticals 48 percent of the time but you’re getting 18 yard gains, those are the kinds of plays I like better. I don’t like to work hard for four yard gains.”
Gatorzone
January 15th, 2012
3:52 pm
Ohyeah, I saw Ryan slide short of a first down 3 times this season! That shows lack of toughness! How often do you see ANY qb not willing to take a hit fighting for a first down? They were all during critical situations that cost the Falcons!
Dirty Boyd
January 15th, 2012
3:52 pm
I have only just stopped laughing over the announcement that the Braves had resigned Jack Wilson. Can this town ever stop stepping on its Richard?