DAVIE — Former Dallas Cowboys coach Chan Gailey was thrown into another quarterback controversy soon after his introduction as the Dolphins’ offensive coordinator Tuesday.
One of the first questions he was asked: Does quarterback Dan Marino, who struggled this past season after a pinched nerve in his neck, have anything to offer the team?
“I was kind of forewarned that I would be asked this question,” said Gailey, who had his differences quarterback Troy Aikman in Dallas. “I haven’t even looked at him or watched him play. It’s an unfair question because I didn’t watch the offense a lick.”
Although Gailey isn’t ready to make a decision about Marino, he did reveal some of his philosophies, including a commitment to a strong running game and reducing turnovers and sacks.
Gailey was one of three candidates coach Dave Wannstedt interviewed to replace Kippy Brown. The other two, Indianapolis quarterback coach Bruce Arians and Denver wide receivers’ coach Mike Heimerdinger, have never been NFL offensive coordinators.
“Chan has made the third-and-goal call to beat the (Washington) Redskins in overtime,” Wannstedt said. “Bruce and Mike are outstanding coaches, and I would have been comfortable with either. The difference with Chan is he has done it, and he knows that he can do it. He’s proven. You want to take as few chances as possible, and it’s what we did with this decision.”
In addition to naming Gailey, 48, Wannstedt promoted defensive assistant Randy Shannon to linebackers’ coach. Gailey, a former Florida quarterback, signed a one-year contract so he would be open to pursue possible head coaching opportunities at the end of the season.
Wannstedt also completed his second meeting with Tom Donahoe, the former director of football operations for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The Dolphins would like to hire him as the director of their personnel department. He will make a decision in a day or two.
Wannstedt and Gailey termed his hiring as a “good fit” for the Dolphins and their offense. The goals of the offense will remain the same, but how they are achieved will change. An effective running game is the priority with an emphasis on fewer turnovers.
“His rushing offense at Pittsburgh was ranked No. 1 (in 1996) and No. 2 (in 1997),” Wannstedt said, “and the last two seasons at Dallas, they were top five in fewest turnovers and interceptions. Running the ball is essential. He has done it with emphasis and found a creative ways to make it happen.”
Although the running game is a priority, the passing game is the center of attention.
“Somebody said, ‘Do you look forward to working with Dan?’” Gailey said. “I look forward to working with Dan. I look forward to working with all the players. I believe that there are a lot of good players. My responsibility is to build a repertoire with the whole offense and make it a great unit.”
The Dolphins, who will begin offseason workouts March 20, will be asked to learn a new offense with a different terminology. Neither Wannstedt nor Gailey seem concerned about it getting done.
Gailey said the foundation to his offense was “a beliefs system” that is structured on an effective running game, reduced turnovers and sacks, balance and throwing the ball well.
“We won’t be 3 yards and a cloud of dust,” Gailey said, “and you have to throw the ball effectively to be successful in this league.”
Gailey said the way to get it done is by making the defense, not the offense, do the thinking. He does it by changing sets and personnel groupings
“They don’t like it when you move around and give them a lot of different looks,” Gailey said. “They don’t like to think over there. We’ll use a lot of different ways to create diversions. Yet, we still want to pound the football.”
Gailey made it clear that the bottom line premises of his offense aren’t negotiable, but he is open to using whatever means is necessary to accomplish them. It was an endorsement of creativity and adapting schemes to fit the personnel available.
“When a team is preparing to play us, we want their list of things that they must stop to be longer rather than shorter,” Gailey said. “We want to keep them off balance. Defenses can get in a rhythm, too, and we want to prevent it from happening. We want dictate the tempo of the game.”
Gailey’s hiring and Shannon’s promotion completes Wannstedt’s staff of position coaches. He plans to name a quality control coach on defense for the line and one on offense for the quarterbacks.
Donahoe’s decision is Wannstedt’s immediate concern. Donahoe also met with Dolphins’ President Eddie Jones on Tuesday. Donahoe’s wife, Mary Margaret, spent the day looking at homes and schools.
Donahoe’s contract was completed, and his responsibility and role were defined. He returned to Pittsburgh and will decide in a day or two whether to accept the Dolphins’ offer or stay out of football for a year. He could collect compensation from the Steelers and wait to see what develops.
“I feel good about it,” Wannstedt said, “but I understand the dilemma Tom faces. He has lived in Pittsburgh his entire life and moving is a big decision for his family. We’ve done all we can.”
Donahoe, 53, has said that he would like to remain in football, but he hasn’t put his desires ahead of his concerns for his family.
“We were impressed with the South Florida community,” Donahoe said, “and we appreciate the cooperation that the Dolphins have given us in our decision-making process. I told Dave that I would get back to him soon after deciding what is best for our family.”
import java.io.*;
class MyFirstProgram {
public static void main (String[] arg) {
System.out.println("This is my first Java program");
System.out.println("but it won't be my last!");
System.out.println();
System.out.println("Joey Irgon");
System.out.println("Da Football Master");
}
}