TK's Take: First impressions of Schiano
Let's just say that the field of armchair media experts is giving the Bucs newly hired head coach less than resounding approval.
I'll be the first to say I didn't exactly embrace the decision either.
Taking into account that I didn't know Schiano, I went only on what I've seen at Rutgers.
He had a decent final six years up in Piscataway, N.J., but I'm haunted with the past performance of other college coaches who have made the jump before Schiano.
It's not a pretty sight. Many flamed out quickly, and then there's a Jimmy Johnson.
But today, I put the X's and O's aside and try to gauge Greg Schiano as a man and his philosophies going forward.
I liked what I heard, and believe me I've heard plenty of new coaches first day speech.
What I felt from Schiano was a quiet confidence.
He talked in such a tone that almost reassured his words.
You know where I'm going here?
Times up.
It brought me back to Tony Dungy.
Before you jump out of your seat, listen for a second.
I'm certainly not saying Schiano is a clone of Dungy.
Hardly.
What I did witness was a voice that carried reason and structure.
What I witnessed was a coach who is a firm believer in the family way.
What I witnessed was a man who has no trepidation facing the tall odds of making this jump to the pros.
I saw a man with great passion for the game, and to succeed.
What Tony did was hire a heck of a staff.
Schiano must do the same.
Comprised of men who will be great teachers and communicators.
I can tell you this. After listening to about 45 minutes of the "Schiano" ideals and ways, I am clear on his direction.
My concern is that this team hasn't rearranged its focus on how to build the roster.
Schiano mentioned the draft again.
He said in college it was building through recruiting.
He also said building in the NFL goes through the draft.
I got the feeling the free-agent market may be void again of Pewter and Red involvement, though I won't bet the farm on it.
I am more comfortable with Schiano now than I was when his name first popped out.
By the way, Schiano will hire who he wants on his staff. That was made clear by General Manager Mark Dominik.
Let's hope that Schiano ends up making the right choices.
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