Just wondering if Ryan Clark might be joining the staff (53 Viewers)

[bayoumilitia]

We all have heard the Dan Orlovsky rumors and obvious ties to KM so it wouldn’t be a stretch if Dan came on as the QB coach.

With that said what about his ESPN cohost and Marrero’s own RC. He went to Shaw, played at LSU, had a successful NFL career and has mentioned possibly coaching in the college ranks.

https://thespun.com/college-football/espn-analyst-ryan-clark-thinking-about-college-football-coaching-job

I think RC could be an asset as a DBs/secondary coach. What do you guys think?

 

[St. Geezy]

I had the privilege of playing in the same secondary with Ryan at one point in my life…one of the best leaders, one of the smartest football minds and smartest people period I have ever met. Game smart and book smart.

That said, though I think he’d make a hell of a coach, and quite honestly would likely VERY quickly ascend to being someone’s head coach, I doubt he’d have an interest in leaving the media spotlight, especially after the big contract he just got.

Also, for what it’s worth, he doesn’t care much for the Saints. Doesn’t hate us per se; just isn’t a fan and the local team nature of the job wouldn’t necessarily sway him. One of those guys that just loves the game, was great at it, but wasn’t a fan of any particular team or anything.

 

[bayoumilitia]

I had the privilege of playing in the same secondary with Ryan at one point in my life…one of the best leaders, one of the smartest football minds and smartest people period I have ever met. Game smart and book smart.

That said, though I think he’d make a hell of a coach, and quite honestly would likely VERY quickly ascend to being someone’s head coach, I doubt he’d have an interest in leaving the media spotlight, especially after the big contract he just got.

Also, for what it’s worth, he doesn’t care much for the Saints. Doesn’t hate us per se; just isn’t a fan and the local team nature of the job wouldn’t necessarily sway him. One of those guys that just loves the game, was great at it, but wasn’t a fan of any particular team or anything.

Thanks for the insight and cool backstory St. I believe he’s making $2 mil/year at ESPN now, likely less hours and travel than a coaching gig would require for sure. Unlike you I’ve never had the pleasure of playing with or against him (I’m a bit older) but have always appreciated his football IQ, skill and professionalism on and off the field throughout his career.

 

[Optimistic Ozzy]

Do not want Ryan Clark around my team.

 

[3ParStillDriver]

Do not want Ryan Clark around my team.

Any reason?

 

[3ParStillDriver]

I had the privilege of playing in the same secondary with Ryan at one point in my life…one of the best leaders, one of the smartest football minds and smartest people period I have ever met. Game smart and book smart.

That said, though I think he’d make a hell of a coach, and quite honestly would likely VERY quickly ascend to being someone’s head coach, I doubt he’d have an interest in leaving the media spotlight, especially after the big contract he just got.

Also, for what it’s worth, he doesn’t care much for the Saints. Doesn’t hate us per se; just isn’t a fan and the local team nature of the job wouldn’t necessarily sway him. One of those guys that just loves the game, was great at it, but wasn’t a fan of any particular team or anything.

Didn't he play opposite of Troy Polamalu? If I recall right, Clark being a general blanket of coverage allowed Polamalu to focus specific areas to make big plays. I don't recall him being great, but I do recall him being dependable and one of the reasons defenses rarely went deep against Pittsburgh (along with their pass rush). A very solid compliment to the rest of the team makeup, if you will in what was (IMO) one of the best defenses if NFL history.

It was my favorite time ever in the NFL. We had a abundance of smart QB's able to make rhythm offenses look easy, and some really awesome defenses. While most people thought Steelers vs Ravens were boring, it was one my favorite matchups to watch because of the defenses.

 

[St. Geezy]

Didn't he play opposite of Troy Polamalu? If I recall right, Clark being a general blanket of coverage allowed Polamalu to focus specific areas to make big plays.

Yep, he played next to Troy. Ryan was a field general at every level he played at. Got people lined up, knew all the “tells,” told guys what the offense was about to do…coach on the field type. Developed into a really hard hitter as well. If you caught a ball in his area, he made you pay.

 

[El Caliente]

I don’t think he is giving up that podcast/ESPN platform/money to come be a coach where the hours are more taxing.

 

[3ParStillDriver]

I don’t think he is giving up that podcast/ESPN platform/money to come be a coach where the hours are more taxing.

That's assuming ESPN wants to keep him. I'm uncertain what's going on with them, but ESPN has had lots of struggles and shaken a lot of things up. It's possible he doesn't feel secure there, and the idea of competition again is typically alluring to people who have spent their entire life competing. But likewise, some people just get burnt, and don't want to compete at all anymore. Can't really say where his thoughts are.

 

[Optimistic Ozzy]

Any reason?

Yeah, I got a list.