A lot has transpired that has lead me to the conclusion emphasized in the title to this story, Ryan Grigson must go. Period! I’m not one of those guys that calls for everyone to get fired, in fact I tend to be opposite of that, but it has become crystal clear for many reasons.
It took a long time for me to feel the need to champion this, but as this team falls deeper into the chasm of mediocrity-who else is to blame? Conventional thinking usually skews to the coach becoming a “scapegoat”, but in this team’s case Grigson has reportedly meddled in lineup and coaching decisions. This is significant in that it usually (and in most circumstances) is the role of the coaching staff-namely the head coach to make line up decisions . We now know that Grigson often forced decisions on Chuck Pagano which in hindsight now answers a lot of the questions many people have raised, including myself. No better case than last year in regards of the revolving door at center. Pagano was evasive in answering this and many of the questions often directed to him and now we have better understanding of the nature of his tenuous relationship with the GM. It all makes sense. Chuck was taking the high road and quite frankly both Grigson and owner Jim Irsay left him little option unless he were to say his hands were tied on the matter.
Similarly, this ties into the latest change at offensive coordinator and Pep Hamilton‘s departure from the team. This was probably spurred by Pagano as he always wanted Rob Chudzinski as his coordinator and reports indicated that Grigson/Irsay brought in Pep despite of Pagano’s wishes. Sure the GM has the right to do that, but if the head coach feels differently it’s probably not a good idea if the differences seem to far apart. I don’t think Pagano brought Chudzinski in for no reason other than to cash a check because they were bros. I think he knew this situation would eventually play out at some point and wanted to have his guy, the guy he truly wanted, waiting in the wings.
Besides this discord and the constant tinkering by Grigson, his drafting has been less than stellar in producing young upcoming players besides the 2012 draft-which I give him credit for as being one of the best in the team’s history. What happened to him though? That is the million dollar question. Part of me feels that some of it can be chalked up to being handed the number one pick. The first one was made without his decision by direction of the owner after that he was picking high in each subsequent round. You can argue up to this point his selections have been questionable at best, except a few players who the jury still remains out on. I also look to what his strength is supposed to be which finding players in unusual places. Besides Jerrell Freeman (a product of the CFL) none have really panned out.
Here is my breakdown of his job.
Tasked with protecting the new (at the time) quarterback for years to come – FAILED MISERABLY.
Rebuild a roster in serious cap money issues – First few teams successful, current roster considered to have to many holes.
Model a team similar to the Patriots to beat said Patriots – FAILED (0-5 since Luck has been QB, most games not even close).
Vontae Davis trade with Miami – Extremely successful.
Trade with Cleveland for Trent Richardson (1st Round Pick) – COMPLETE DISASTER
Bjorn Werner selected in 1st Round of 2013 Draft (23rd overall) – Nice guy, FAILED PICK.
Numerous “High Priced” Free Agents signings – FAIL (Credit to Grigson, none has really financially impacted the team).
These are just a few off the top of my head and with the previously mentioned discord between Pagano and interference in lineup decisions. It seems that the writing is on the wall, or at least it should be. Pagano has made his fair share of mistakes, but it’s hard to determine how much damage Grigson’s interference played into that. Pagano’s fate will be determined later, he only has 8 games left on his contract. Now is the time to part ways with Grigson, I don’t think a leopard changes his spots and he doesn’t seem to play well with others. Regardless of the outcomes remaining this season it is time to part ways with Grigson. At least that’s the way I see it. Will Irsay be able to?
Disagree, let me know. Comments always welcome!
