When a unit is performing at a high level, the coordinator usually is launched onto the short lists for head coaching jobs.
However, Larry Coyer – the man behind the Broncos’ incredible defensive start – is not interested in parlaying the team’s defensive success into a promotion.
“No, no way. I’m not interested,” Coyer said of head coaching possibilities. “I don’t even like talking about that stuff. I’m not interested.”
Call Coyer, the grandfatherly and gentlemanly mind behind Denver’s aggressive defense, a defensive coordinator for life. Thus, when his defense – which has allowed an NFL-low 44 points – faces its biggest challenge of the season today when the Indianapolis Colts visit Invesco Field at Mile High, Coyer isn’t looking to make a career jump. He just wants to beat the Colts.
“I’m here for the guys on this team,” Coyer said. “Nothing more. Nothing else matters.”
So, while coordinators of high-profile defenses such as Chicago’s Ron Rivera, Baltimore’s Rex Ryan and Minnesota’s Mike Tomlin likely will be head coaching candidates come January, Coyer is satisfied right here. A career coach – 16 coaching jobs in 41 years – Coyer loves being an assistant.
“I like being in the background where I can just coach,” he said.
Coyer doesn’t even think he’s worthy of such talk. Even though he has guided the Broncos to a turnaround in red-zone defense this season, the fourth-season Denver defensive coordinator believes it’s not about him.
“I have nothing to do with this,” Coyer said. “I’m just a guy. The guys are doing everything. … I get my thrill from seeing them perform. I don’t need anything more.”
Lewis’ impact lessens
Baltimore: Many scouts around the league are starting to believe the Ravens’ outstanding defense is being less and less affected by middle linebacker Ray Lewis.
Many NFL insiders say Lewis has lost a couple of steps, is one of the Ravens’ least-effective defenders and his career is quickly winding down. Lewis likely is a Hall of Fame player, but it appears the Ravens’ success is more because of fellow linebacker Bart Scott and safety Ed Reed.
Rivera on short lists
Chicago: While Coyer is a coordinator for life, Rivera is a man waiting for an NFL head coaching job. And his wait likely will be short.
Rivera was mentioned last season for some jobs, but this upcoming year, Rivera should be a cinch. He’ll likely be one of the most sought after coaches.
He’s young and dynamic, and has proven he can coach. His unit is suffocating and plays with the same fire and intensity displayed by Rivera. His style is a mixture of Chicago head coach Lovie Smith and Jacksonville’s Jack Del Rio.
Rivera is innovative. His defense confuses teams with a variety of blitzes, and he is known as a great schemer. It should all pay off with a head coaching job come January.
No luck in Cleveland
Cleveland: Got to feel bad for the Browns. This team can’t catch a break – or at least a good break. The Browns try to get better, but every big move they make seems to result in a setback.
The latest came last week against Denver when cornerback Gary Baxter blew out the patella tendons in both his knees when covering receiver Javon Walker. Baxter missed most of last season after moving from Baltimore when he signed a $12 million deal with Cleveland. Baxter, out at least a calendar year, has played only eight games with the Browns in two seasons.
On the first day of training camp this year, big-money free agent LeCharles Bentley blew out his knee. Then there’s former first-round picks Kellen Winslow and Braylon Edwards, who suffered major injuries as rookies. It just makes you wonder about the luck of this franchise.
Kiss Hall goodbye
San Diego: Shawne Merriman’s four-game suspension, which he is appealing, might extend past this season. It could affect his legacy.
In his second NFL season, Merriman was been compared to all-time greats. It is early, but he could be a Hall of Fame candidate.
No matter what Merriman does the rest of his career, if his suspension is upheld, he’ll be remembered for being busted for steroids. Look at Barry Bonds. There’s already talk that he could be kept from the baseball Hall of Fame, and he hasn’t been caught using steroids. What’s going to happen to Merriman’s legacy?
Seahawks in trouble
Seattle: The Seahawks still might be a few weeks away from seeing Shaun Alexander return from a foot injury. The foot has been slow to heal, and the team is concerned.
The concern also has grown about quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, who is out for at least three weeks with a knee injury. With the inexperienced Seneca Wallace taking over as quarterback, the Seahawks will need a running attack.
Alexander’s replacement, Maurice Morris, has not been effective. Alexander, the NFL MVP last season, could give Seattle’s offense a huge boost with Hasselbeck out. But it’s unlikely he’ll be back in the next week.
Around the league
Unlike the firings of Jim Fassel in Baltimore and Keith Rowen in Arizona as offensive coordinators, the release of Maurice Carthon appears to be warranted. Carthon’s offense had struggled all season and the team appeared uninspired offensively last week against Denver. … The Broncos have had preliminary talks with some of their prospective restricted free agents, but no extensions appear imminent and talks likely will go into the offseason. … With rookie Wali Lundy running well for the Texans, it appears former Bronco Ron Dayne might be buried in Houston. … The Raiders considered bringing in Fassel as a consultant, but nothing appears imminent at this point. … Expect the NFL to approve the proposal to open the trading period for a time in February between the Pro Bowl and free agency. It would allow teams to attempt to trade players who otherwise would be salary-cap casualties. There isn’t an overabundance of trades anyway, but this will give teams options. … Don’t be surprised if you see Cedric Cobbs in Denver’s backfield soon. Cobbs might not play a lot, but he’s the team’s biggest back, and there could be place for him.
Getting defensive
Broncos defensive coordinator Larry Coyer has helped the team to a 5-1 start with little help from the offense, but Coyer says he has no aspirations beyond doing what he’s doing. Here’s a look at the best NFL defensive coordinators and their possibilities of moving on to head coaching jobs:
Larry Coyer, Denver
What makes him good: He’s aggressive and not afraid to take chances.
The future: Probably a coordinator for life.
Jim Johnson, Philadelphia
What makes him good: Works well with his personnel. Master schemer.
The future: Like Coyer, this is a defensive man. Could get some head coaching thoughts, but probably stays with Andy Reid.
Monte Kiffin, Tampa Bay
What makes him good: Brains behind the Buccaneers’ cover 2 success.
The future: Like Coyer and Johnson, he is a career D coordinator.
Dick LeBeau, Pittsburgh
What makes him good: Great player turned great coach. He just gets it.
The future: Former head coach could get calls again if Steelers wins another Super Bowl.
Wade Phillips, San Diego
What makes him good: Player’s coach knows how to utilize what he has.
The future: Former head coach seems to do best as a coordinator.
Ron Rivera, Chicago
What makes him good: Young, aggressive and wants badly to win.
The future: Should be a head coach in a few months.
Rex Ryan, Baltimore
What makes him good: Son of Buddy, has his father’s innovative genes.
The future: Might be a year or two, but should get head coaching looks.
Mike Tomlin, Minnesota
What makes him good: Kiffin protégé is succeeding right away in defense-poor Minnesota.
The future: He will be a head man in the NFL within three years.
EXTRA POINTS
AT ISSUE
Jake and Jay
What: The job security of Broncos quarterback Jake Plummer.
Background: This has been an issue since Denver traded up to draft Jay Cutler in April. Plummer’s job security has been brought up nearly every week as Plummer has struggled for much of the first six games of the season. The hysteria about replacing Plummer with Cutler hit a zenith with a pregame ESPN report the team was considering pulling Plummer in favor of Cutler last week at Cleveland.
Williamson’s take: We all know it’s just a matter of time before Cutler takes over this offense. The latest Cutler will be behind center will be opening day next season. It could happen sooner, but the Broncos don’t want to do this right away. They want Plummer to lead the way this season. Cutler isn’t getting many practice repetitions and hasn’t worked with the first team, so don’t think coach Mike Shanahan is planning his move right away. However, if Plummer continues to struggle and Denver loses back-to-back games to the Colts and Steelers, using Cutler is a possibility. A switch does not appear imminent.
THE HOT SEAT
Chargers defense
Who: The San Diego Chargers
When: Today at home against St. Louis.
Why: The Chargers have problems and must stop the bleeding right away. San Diego is coming off a loss at Kansas City and trails the Broncos by a game in the AFC West. Star linebacker Shawne Merriman is appealing a four-game NFL suspension for violating the league’s steroids policy – just one of several black eyes for this team. Add injuries to sack master Shaun Phillips, who could be out six weeks with a calf injury, and a knee injury to defensive end Igor Olshansky, out another month, and the stalwart defense has big problems. Linebacker Steve Foley is out for the year after being shot by police on the eve of the season. Safety Terrence Kiel is facing drug charges. Things are rough in San Diego – the team must pull it together.
ROOKIE WATCH
Addai under pressure
Who: Indianapolis Colts running back Joseph Addai.
When: Today at Invesco Field at Mile High against the Broncos.
Why: Addai is replacing Edgerrin James, previously the Colts’ special ingredient. With all their star power and passing explosiveness, it was James who gave the Colts balance. Peyton Manning’s passing arm often was set up by James’ running ability. After signing a free-agent deal, James is in Arizona. That’s where Addai steps in. It is up to him to provide the balance James gave the Colts’ offense. So far, Addai, a first-round pick from LSU, hasn’t been special – he has had his moments, but he is not James. He could grow into a star, but the Colts’ rushing game is missing its spark.
Broncos mailbag: Bill Williamson posts a new installment each Tuesday on DenverPost.com. Previous mailbags also are available on the website.
Bill Williamson can be reached at 303-954-1262 or bwilliamson@denverpost.com.
