Lions Re-Sign Scott Linehan, Gunther Cunningham, Danny Crossman
by Sean Yuille on Jan 12, 2012 11:54 AM EST
in Detroit Lions News
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Detroit Lions general manager Martin Mayhew met with the media today to wrap up the 2011 season and look ahead to the 2012 offseason. Several topics were discussed (I will get to them throughout the day), including the status of the Lions' three coordinators.
Because of what happened with the defense and special teams in 2011, there had been some speculation that changes could be made going into next season. The speculation wasn't based on anything concrete, though, and it turns out it was all off base. Mayhew confirmed today that all three coordinators will be back next season.
@davebirkett
Dave Birkett Martin Mayhew said Linehan, Cunningham and Crossman all have re-signed
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2012 will be the fourth straight season that the Lions have had Scott Linehan and Gunther Cunningham as their offensive and defensive coordinators, respectively. Continuity like that was rare in the previous decade for the Lions, so it's good that there will once again be no need to learn a new system or get used to a new coordinator.
Danny Crossman has been the Lions special team coordinator since 2010.
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For those who wanted Gunny gone
You will have to deal with that fiery Kraut alittle bit longer.
Charles Aaron "Bubba" Smith 1945 - 2011 R.I.P.
I am fine with it
Now if Schwartz can let him do his job without interfering, I would be even happier.
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"You can get a win with undisciplined jack asses, you create a winning team with discipline and poise." by Leonuro
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GROW THE F UP
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"Some people mistake the way I talk for the way I am thinking."
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Yeah
I’m still unsure about what’s going on there. I’d much prefer Gun’s older style mixed in a lot more (traditional 4-3 with exotic blitzing) to this wide 9 soft coverage all the time. Not that I don’t like the wide 9 at all or think Schwartz isn’t a good defensive coordinator, he obviously is. But we need to mix it up or at least get players that fit the scheme better if they’re going to be stubborn…
One way or another, that D has to be better than average next year. No more excuses!
The boys are back in town!
I'm going to hope a full proper off season helps
I just have a suspicious that the lockout made them shorten the playbook a bit, the mid-season suspension to Suh and injuries probably didn’t help either.
I know you’ve pointed out (as have I and others) that it seemed like last year they gave many different looks and this year – especially by the end – things got predictable.
I know you like to point to Schwartz, and I do agree that it has his fingerprints all over it, but just seems odd to go backwards which is why I think the outside factors played a part in it to some degree. Obviously you can’t account for the in-season stuff, but the full off-season to prepare and implement things should help.
Need some variety and creativity Gunny
And no excuse for our shithouse run D either. I love his fire but his unit was an absolute liability at times.
I'm conflicted
I love Gunther the man, but not so sure about Gunther the modern DC. But considering how weak our Def is, I’ll give him the benefit of the doubt.
"If guns cause crime then all of mine are defective."
by detroit_fan on Jan 12, 2012 12:07 PM EST up reply actions
I don't see any reason to give up on the coordinators yet.
After all, look at how badly the Packer D regressed, and I doubt they’re going to fire Capers because of that.
The Lions do have personnel issues to address, though — some players are just not getting the job done. Shouldn’t be too surprised, though, given where this team stood 2 years ago. Just keep drafting good players and things will settle down.
No slogans. Just win!!!
Take into consideration
That we put together both our offense and defense with both Linehan and Gunther. They’re the reason we’re this good. It coincides with the talent, but at the same time, their direction is what put us at 10-6, during the regular season.
I trust in them. NO was just a bad game in many aspects, but this is nothing but chalkboard material.
mmm fiery Kraut
makes my stomach grumble just thinking about it! Now I might have to head to Krzysiak’s soon!
Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul
I kind of wanted Crossman gone.
We have the worst special teams coverage in the league. It makes me wonder what he is coaching them to do.
But since Mayhew is sticking by him there’s no point in continuing to complain about it. Hopefully they can improve next year.
agreed
We had good ST players and shit for production…something has to give!
The boys are back in town!
Most of our ST players were hurt..
Our top 4 special teamers were Wendling (who kept having to spend time at safety), Ekejiuba (who went on IR early in the season), Davis (played with a broken hand then had to fill in on defense as well as play for benched offensive player), and Logan (whose KO return ability was pretty much nullified by the new rule). Then we kept plugging in different players in through out the year because so and so would get nicked up and then his replacement would get banged up. It’s no wonder why our ST stunk it up.
LITTLE MAN IN BACKFIELD! LITTLE MAN IN BACKFIELD! GO STEFAN LOGAN!
Crossman did give us one of the best ST the year before.
I think the rule change affected alot of it. Mayhew wouldn’t bring him back if the schemes werent good. Pacients is a virtue.
Keep in mind we were on our 3rd punter. ..from the sounds of it the bad punt coverage was mostly on the punter this year…(bears game)
I don't buy that it's the punter's fault.
Kickoffs (when they were returned) weren’t good either. Graham (our 3rd punter) did a great job. Looking at the stats, on 28 kicks he stuck ten of them inside the 20 against only three touchbacks. I remember several of them landing inside the 5 and just dying. I think there’s something to the rugby style of kicking.
Again, to my eye the problem has been the coverage unit. The blocking unit also wasn’t very good. Logan made a lot of stupid moves this year but it didn’t help that the gunners were on him right away on almost every punt.
Thought he was gone for sure. Look for ekejiuba and a couple other special teamers to return from injury and our st will improve. Hopefully noticeably
Matt millen:He puts the oron in moron and the upid in dumb.
by awayfromthepride on Jan 12, 2012 12:26 PM EST up reply actions
This is great!!!!
All of the great teams dont have turnover with alot of their coaches.
GB, NO, NE, PIT..retaining coordinators is awesome especially considering the young talent we have.
Before Injurys hit we had a top 10 D…and the best 3rd down D in the league.. I’m confident the staff will be better suited to make adjustments….This is a great thing!!!!
decent point with the 3rd down %
We were also vying for #1 in points by the defense and #1 in turnover differential (first half of the season) so there are things to build off of. We need players that Gun can have fun with and keep it interesting IMO – like an excellent blitzer, a taller DB who’s excellent in man coverage, and for Suh to get back to dominance and Fairley to follow in his path…those things should make a huge difference. But we have to get Gun the pieces IMO
The boys are back in town!
The only thing i would like to see is....
more deception and blitzes if our front 4 is having a rough day.
I love gun…I think we just need better luck with injurys and a few more players.
Agreed
Part of the problem might be the lack of back 7 talent. I don’t think they had a lot of confidence in the CBs and we could use another quality LBer.
by Parrothead Mike on Jan 12, 2012 4:37 PM EST up reply actions
speaking of GB and losing coaches/staff
I’ll be curious who else leaves to go to the Raiders. Latest rumor has Capers interviewing as HC there. That along with losing some of the personnel guys could have some profound changes on the team.
Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul
ST teams coordinator has to be the worst coaching job!
You always get new faces each and every year, it’s not a work in progress. You have to plug rookies in ST’s and that’s not a task I’d judge a coach on.
You lose your job easily and all you do is play a bunch of rookies, not an easy task.
I like it.
Now if the Lions can just get Danny Crossman a return man…
http://twitter.com/#!/rumbulls
Yeah I think Stephanie
was a one hit wonder. The rule changes completely destroyed his value
by Suhper Megatron on Jan 12, 2012 12:28 PM EST up reply actions
First, Its a reinstated OLDER rule.
2nd, it did not dramatically affect the League’s KR performance…. just seemed like it as the Lions sucked.
http://twitter.com/#!/rumbulls
I don't have the stats to prove it.
But I bet there were a lot more touchbacks this year than usual.
Lets take a look at some league leaders in KR .... 2011 vs 2010
2011
Darren Sproles…. 40 returns, 1089yds, 27.2 avg (92 long)
Leon Washington…. 43 returns 1084yds, 25.2 avg (54 Long)
Brandon Banks…. 51 returns 1174 23avg (47long)
2010
Sproles… 51 returns 1257yds 24.6avg (45 long)
Washington… 57 returns 1457yds 25.6 (101 longtd)
Banks…. 46 returns 1155 25.1avg (96 tds)
For Year one, the averages barely moved…. and for some increased. Opportunities decreased (only slightly for some). That tells me that efficiency has improved, which is what the NFL was looking for when bringing back this rule.
I for one, like the rule…. It keeps Jason Hanson in the league(LOL), it increases strategy to the kickoff, and barely affects the “return game” in itself.
http://twitter.com/#!/rumbulls
Nice work.
That’s not nearly as much of an increase as I would have suspected. Looks like our team was just especially bad on kickoffs.
That said, I have come around to liking the rule for the sole reason that it might have extended Jason Hanson’s career by 5 years.
I agree the Lions kick returning was terrible compared to the rest of the league
also, they seemed to such on punt returning and as far as I know there were no major changes there. The blocking was just not good. It seemed like on every punt Logan had no room to get started. Kick and punt coverage was also terrible at times (although we did have some good games e.g. MNF)
we it was new in the sense it was a change from last year...
also, kickers legs are getting more powerful…ergo 50% of the kicks going through the endzone.
What was wrong with the way things were?
I'm still left to wonder about Logan
Did he lose his heart this year? I highly doubt it. Somehow I still think he was being told to be more conservative with when to call for fair catch. I just can’t see him as having changed so much on his own since last year. Then again, he did seem more tentative in his lane choices this year too.
Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul
Logan was no one-hit wonder. He had a great year of returns when he was with the Steelers.
I’m going to go with the blocking as the main problem for now.
No slogans. Just win!!!
wow....just wow!
I just was knew crossman crossman was gone! He’s terrible as a st coach! It’s not about our returns….It’s about giving up so many return yards in critical situations. I wish they would’ve pulled the trigger on him….but i guess that’s why I’m just a fan….and mayhew gets the big bucks.
by hostage42 on Jan 12, 2012 12:50 PM EST via mobile reply actions
true, the chicago game was a meltdown by the punter.
What's so funny 2011 Lions? Gordon Bombay doesn't think losing is funny.
Leshoure = 2012 Beastmode
Draft Konz!!
I like the idea of keeping continuity on the coaching staff for 2012.
But I hope Gunny and Crossman can improve their units’ performance in 2012. Hopefully they are on notice that they need to do better with what they have next year.
I was very happy that Linehan is sticking with the program. I think the guy is one of the top OCs in the NFL, not to mention his outstanding mentoring of Stafford.
I guess we can all look forward to another season of POD bitching about the “unimaginative” play calling of Linehan. LOL Scoring 30 points a game is just not good enough for these fans.
"I’m sorry for all the people who want us to run the ball 40 times a game, but we’re going to put the ball in No. 9’s hands and he’s going to make plays for us like he did today," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. Amen to that Jim!
I thought Linehan had some extreamly creative plays...
the only problem was we have no power running game…thats due to our players more than anything
Also agree with coaching staff continuity
Imagine how many points the offense might have put up with a more solid ground game. We may have been able to keep the defense off the field more.
by Parrothead Mike on Jan 12, 2012 4:41 PM EST up reply actions
Biggest problems on O are poor 3rd down conversion percentage, and lack of running.
No slogans. Just win!!!
I'll admit to being one of those fans
it sure isn’t that his passing game approach isn’t good enough. What I find objectionable is the unimaginative way he uses the line in the run game and the way he uses the runners in the run game. A prime example, just one of quite a few, is how many times do you need to see Best run into the back of Raiola before you decide to mix it up a little bit?
There really are large periods of time he has very predictable play calling. Perhaps that’s all part of the master plan, beats me. Then again, other games he seems to be a friggin genius with the diversity of plays.
Individuals should protect themselves. Governments can't protect individuals from themselves, it's just impossible, otherwise they become a tyranical state. -Ron Paul
North you hit the nail on the head with Linehan
re-signing him was a major bonus for us
I have a little grin just thinking about our offense next next year. Stafford, CJ, Pettigrew, Young. I think Young is gonna start to push Nate for the number 2 spot, love that kid…
maybe Stan left behind some secrets for Crossman
On how to survive while underacheiving. Jk Some of it may have to do with injuries. I like the idea of keeping same people around, as long as they aren’t stubborn and are willing to adjust. Aka vanilla wide 9 mix some things up.
It’s nice Linehan opened up the playbook. Maybe those days of running Best up the middle for -1 yards on first down are over. Now its lets look for CJ for the big play. I like that!
by hasselhoff on Jan 12, 2012 2:09 PM EST via mobile reply actions
maybe Stan left behind some secrets for Crossman
On how to survive while underacheiving. Jk Some of it may have to do with injuries. I like the idea of keeping same people around, as long as they aren’t stubborn and are willing to adjust. Aka vanilla wide 9 mix some things up.
It’s nice Linehan opened up the playbook. Maybe those days of running Best up the middle for -1 yards on first down are over. Now its lets look for CJ for the big play. I like that!
by hasselhoff on Jan 12, 2012 2:10 PM EST via mobile reply actions
those days are definitely in the past
and would’ve been this year if LeShoure wasn’t hurt. I don’t think any of those “up the middle” carries would’ve been handed to Best. next year – if all is well – I don’t think he’ll be the guy in for those, but instead for things to the outside except for the change of pace every so often.
your right
It was painfull to watch and predictable to say the least.
by hasselhoff on Jan 12, 2012 3:58 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
its good to see continuity now give "THE SCHWARTZ" an extension he earned it
Linehan -
I was definitely not impressed at the beginning of the season or when they suffered the home losses to 49ers, and Falcons however from about mid nov- playoffs he seemed to take advantage of the lack of run game and opened up the passing game intelligently. He’s been a great mentor and I definitely feel he’s earned another year here for sure. However if he’s given the pieces next year I want to see him open up the offense even more.
I found this article http://www.49erswebzone.com/commentary/711-digging-into-linehans-offense/ its a couple of years old and at the time when he was interviewing for the 49ers as well as the Lions. Funny how we ended up w/ Shaun Hill and Linehan all at same time.
Gun-
I think the offseason lockout played a big part to the downgrade this year. Beyond the injuries. The early talk was that OFFENSES would fall behind more than Defense yet we have seen the biggest OFFENSIVE season w/ 3 players passing for 5000 yds +. And only a handful of Defenses actually show up this year.
however I would like to see a new RB coach, CB/secondary coach. I was almost hoping for Raheem Morris but Washington snatched him up. I just figure he fits the mold of young up and coming. I think he took on more than he can chew being a HC but was a good position coach.
Final Note here … if Spags wasnt considering taking a year off.. in a heartbeat i would snatched him up and replaced Gun even if it meant changing Scheme up a bit.
Yes, I think we need a few new position coaches.
I agree about the secondary guy, and perhaps the D Line too [although I am very impressed with Willie Young’s improvement]. Hard to rate the O Line coach as his two projects [Fox and Culbreath] never really got a chance to play at all.
The RB coach was fine IMO. I thought Best looked a lot more decisive this year and may have been on track for a good season when he went down. I would give him another year with Leshoure and Best and Smith and lets see what happens.
"I’m sorry for all the people who want us to run the ball 40 times a game, but we’re going to put the ball in No. 9’s hands and he’s going to make plays for us like he did today," Lions coach Jim Schwartz said. Amen to that Jim!
I'm all for keeping the entire coaching staff...for now.
Now that we finally have talented players at every position, let’s see how they improve(or don’t) over a full offseason with the same talent core. Its hard to coach so many new players every year, I’m willing to give them a chance and see if they can improve.
It's turkey, Lions and Macy's. Any other combination is just ludicrous.
Twitter is for pussies. I follow people in real life.
"Ambition is a poor excuse for not having sense enough to be lazy." - Charlie McCarthy
Linny
was going bananas the last quarter of the season, glad to have him back. Gunther: underachieving players may be his fault may be their fault. Never the less I expect more next season. Special teams was adequate thank you Jason Hanson.
Love that they did that
I think all 3 are really good coordinators. People wanted Linehan gone last season and Gun this season, but I believe in those guys. Linehan has turned this offense into the best in Lions history and Stafford a top-5 quarterback. Once Gun gets the right personnel for the defense they run I expect a good unit there as well. Crossman is a fiery and smart special teams coach, personnel and new rules kinda limited that unit early, but they recovered in time to make the playoffs.
I was worried about Linny leaving, now I know he’s staying.
From 0-16 to the Superbowl baby!
by DLions4Eva on Jan 12, 2012 6:17 PM EST via mobile reply actions
Bottom line
I don’t think Gun or Linny re-sign if they don’t think there’s a legitimate shot at a championship run to be had in Motown. So stoked!!!
by LionGuy016 on Jan 12, 2012 7:28 PM EST via mobile reply actions
I agree +1
Linehan has a top-5 offense with a franchise qb and Gun has a top-5 d-line that only needs a few secondary pieces to complete the unit. I’m also very excited because I know that this Lions team coached by Schwartz could actually get to a superbowl and win the big one.
Its just too bad that we had to swap places with the Pistons in order to finally get a good team! Man are they putrid, they remind me of the Millen years but on a basketball court.
From 0-16 to the Superbowl baby!
by DLions4Eva on Jan 12, 2012 8:15 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
Yeah but the good thing for the Pistons is.
They’re always one star away from relevance. Football doesn’t work like that unfortunately.
"You've got to respect your opponent, no matter who it is. You respect him best by going out there and beating him up." - Calvin Johnson
by Mavyrk on Jan 12, 2012 9:19 PM EST via mobile up reply actions
I'm glad we are keeping our defense and offense coordinators.
I do expect some changes on some of the other coach positions like the linebacker coach and maybe the d-line coach due to no run defense.
Honestly what has Cunningham ever done? He was .500 as a head coach.
His defenses were always mediocre, especially in KC. He gave up over 30 points in the last 6-7 games of the season (besides the Chargers game) Which I think was because our offense kept the defense off the field.
He seems stubborn and just too old school. I’d much rather see Spag get signed as our D-cord. But, oh well.
I like Gunther on a personal level but I’m not sure if he can take this Defense to the next level.
What's so funny 2011 Lions? Gordon Bombay doesn't think losing is funny.
Leshoure = 2012 Beastmode
Draft Konz!!
Inflexable with a overly conservative Schwartz behind him.
All I know is they must scrap the scheme.
They took a good d line from last year, added a healthy Avril, signed another starting CB and two starting LBs who are a huge upgrade over the mess we had, the results:
We dropped from 19th last year to 23rd this year.
There is no excuse for adding talent and getting worse.
Offense was a lot better this year
It seems like tams with better offenses tend to give up more yards and points on defense, not sure why that is.
Formerly WestSideLionsFan. Fan of all Detroit sports teams.
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