Jon Gruden fired defensive line coach Brentson Buckner on Tuesday and intends to replace him with an old friend, according to NFL Network’s Jim Trotter. Buckner was hired in 2019 and did a commendable job taking a defensive line that had lost ends Khalil Mack and Bruce Irvin the previous season and molding it into
Jon Gruden makes first coaching-staff change this offseason; bringing in friend from Tampa Bay days
I agree that if defense falters, Gruden will not have to look too far for Guenthers replacement.
Gruden likely thinks that as commendable a job that Buckner did, having Marinelli on the staff will not only be a strong defensive line coach, but also provide an insurance policy as Guenthers replacement.
I disagree with the “rapid development” of Ferrell. I expect him to be much better next season with Rod. I know Gruden has said they put Ferrell out of position and asked to much of him to start the season. That should not be the case next season.
We still had issues getting to the QB and stopping the run at times. We need to get more inside pressure, not just off the edges. I think getting a guy like Derrick Brown in the draft could help with that. He can help the whole line be better.
Maxx has proven to be a huge addition to the D line as well as a steal in the draft.
All that said, the expectation going into next season is that our 7-9 team becomes a playoff team. Marinelli helps with that. I have to think if Rod is moved into the DC job, its always possible that Buck comes back after next season. Especially if he has left on good terms, as has been reported.
Buckner seemed to really connect with his young d-linemen. Not sure a 71-year old retread best known for leading a team to the first 0-16 season is going to have the same chemistry with Ferrell, Key, Hurst, Crosby and Hall. Mainly remember Marinelli for his weird “Get Low!” introductory press conference in Detroit.
Why not just keep Buckner and move someone else or make another position for Martinelli to be the DC in waiting? While I understand Gruden’s reasoning here, I would prefer to keep Buckner who did some good things and had a good rapport with the youngsters on the DLine. Remember what a disaster it was when Del Rio replaced Musgrave with Downing because he didn’t want to lose Downing . . . I know, not quite the same situation, but still somewhat analogous in my mind.
I also agree that “rapid development” and Ferrell do not belong near each other.