Pep Hamilton would be crazy to leave the Chargers, but he might get forced out at this point. I don't know... I just don't think a 17-year vet like Saleh is necessarily a "rookie" and I'm willing to bet that LaFleur had way more responsibility in SF than you'd think by looking at his title. At some point people have to rise through the ranks. This is LaFleur's shot. His brother is succeeding, his mentor is succeeding, I'd put good money on him being competent enough to succeed.
Part of the reason I love the Saleh hiring is that he is bringing in Lafleur with him. A bright young offensive mind that will bring in a system that has proven success with a HC with leadership qualities is just about the dream pairing.
I somewhat agree with you, but at the same time Shanahan did deny LaFleur the opportunity to go coach with his brother in GB. The guy must be a sharp mind if you are denying him the opportunity to go coach with his family.
I know nothing about any of these people. Benton is the Niners OL coach of the last 4 years. I like that.
I'm not saying I'm totally down on the hire, just skeptical. For all I know he's a genius and the best of the lot. The surface read isn't a good look though.
Not often you see a full time Passing game specialist w.o another position.He could be being groomed to be the contingency for if/when lafleur leaves.
Fair point, but AFIK Mike LeFleur hasn't officially been hired at this point. Still, it's likely he will be the OC. And while maybe that's a little incestuous, there are some good (IMO) reasons they would do so: 1. LeFleur is very familiar with the system that has enabled QBs to thrive. 2. Saleh is familiar with LeFleur and each knows the other's way of doing things. I'm not saying these things should be more heavily weighted than longevity as a successful OC, but I think they're pluses.
This adds up with what I posted in the Mike LaFleur thread. There was a sports illustrated column this morning about our hiring process and one of the tidbits was how Saleh laid out a plan for offensive stability beyond LaFleur when he inevitably gets hired somewhere else.
I’m asking this as someone who doesn’t know any better and hasn’t really studied up yet… Is there any concern about Becton now that we are likely running an outside zone scheme? His size and athleticism says she could be a monster but I don’t know that I love relying on athleticism for a guy his size for too long… If that makes any sense.
They actually ran a zone running scheme at Louisville so I think he will be comfortable mentally. Physically Becton has shown no issues getting to the second level so far. The big boy can move but he needs to be careful how much he eats
These are brilliant moves. I don't get the concern about close relationships. This league is full of sons and brothers of coaches every where. BB, Williams, Shanahan, Harbaugh etc, etc, etc. You pick who you think is the best. Of course familiarity has a strong input, it inspires confidence. I take that every minute as opposed to bringing back same all goofers like Bowles and Gase did. We wanted a brilliant offensive mind and apparently we got one. And top that off with a plan to back fill LeFleur if or when he leaves. A HC with long term thinking, God forbid. We are moving in the right direction. That is all I care to see. Now we have to give JD and RS time, something Jet's fans have very little of in their make up.
Interesting question, but I'll be honest - my huge concern with Becton right now is COVID. I know all offensive lineman are big dudes carrying a lot of weight so it's a bit irrational, but man I can't shake the ominous feeling that he just seems like a guy that's going to have elevated complications if he contacts the virus.
Can you start this as a new thread? Let’s track Saleh’s choices for position coaches. I don’t know who they are either but maybe somebody knows.
