In a rare interview, ex-Dolphins assistant Jim Caldwell did not name the Dolphins but said hes philosophically opposed to teams letting top players get away. He even called it a firing offense.
When Jim Caldwell arrived in Miami, it seemed like a perfect match: a veteran, Super Bowl-winning coach serving directly under Brian Flores, a young, rookie head coach.
Then, on July 13, came the announcement that Caldwell was taking a leave of absence from the Dolphins. What can best be described as stunning at the time has since morphed into a mystery of sorts. Caldwell took time to deal with unspecified health issues, which anyone can understand, but, very quietly, as his health improved, it was decided that he wouldnt be rejoining the Dolphins staff for 2020, even though he put the word out that he was interested in coaching again.
How come?
Caldwell, 65, rarely does interviews, but Thursday, Glover Quin, who played safety under Caldwell with the Detroit Lions, posted a 75-minute interview with Caldwell on his YouTube program The DB Room.
One takeaway is that, thankfully, Caldwell is happy and healthy. Hes on a plant-based diet that helped him shed 32 pounds.
A little different body type than youre used to seeing, Caldwell said from his home in Clemmons, N.C.
As for the Miami mystery? Perhaps midway through the interview, Caldwell sprinkled in a sliver of light. I say perhaps because, before quoting him, its crucial to point out the context. Caldwell was describing to Quin his philosophy in general on rebuilding ailing programs after being hired (key words being in general).
I dont believe in getting rid of good players, he said. I see that happen all over the league. I mean, its crazy. I see guys run guys out of the building that are excellent football players. Im not just talking about Detroit, OK? I talking about all around the league. I could name some places.
Did Caldwell name Miami? He did not.
Was he referring to the Dolphins and the 2019 strip-down, start-from-scratch project? You decide.
Keep in mind that Caldwells leave was announced July 13, 2019. It wasnt until Sept. 1 that left tackle Laremy Tunsil and receiver Kenny Stills were traded to Houston, and not until Sept. 17 that defensive back Minkah Fitzpatrick was dealt to Pittsburgh.
But: It was no secret that the Dolphins were looking at this as a project for the long haul, one that may pan out better than expected since they won five of their final nine games last year yet still landed quarterback Tua Tagovailoa without trading up.
Even if Caldwell didnt have an inkling talent would be traded away before he went on leave, he certainly knows now that the Dolphins traded two players who made last seasons Pro Bowl (Tunsil and Fitzpatrick).
I dont understand that, Caldwell said, again, in general about losing talent. Itd take you four or five years to find another player like that, right? And youre going to run that guy out of the building. Find a way to work with that guy.
Now if it was just somebody who just you cant deal with because hes doing so many things that dont make sense that hes tough to handle, that hes arrogant, that he cant be coached thats different. But for guys that are manageable and they can play? It makes no sense to me. Thats counterproductive.
If I was the GM or the owner of the team, Id fire him, OK? You know, getting rid of good players, thats just ridiculous, right?
One source said Caldwell did not return to Davie for this season simply because he had sights on only a head-coaching job, which he obviously is more than qualified for. But the last hiring cycle came and went with no takers.
Today, hes spending much time in his familys bubble because of the pandemic, keeping in shape by running, cycling and an occasional round of golf.
Maybe that route gets him the job he covets next year. Maybe spending a season as assistant head coach of the Dolphins would have been a surer path. Well never know.
Just as we may never know what really happened behind the scenes of a Dolphins coaching stint that never was.
@gunnerhal
See more here:
Habib: Jim Caldwell says 'it's crazy' when teams part with good players. Was he referring to Miami Dolphins? - Palm Beach Post
