[mlmpetert]

Originally Posted by SBXVII

I'm not expert on this but I don't think there is too much difference in the styles. Both Gruden and Zorn learned under Holmgren so if there's anyone wanting to keep maybe some sort of continuity Gruden might be a better fit. But both learned how to coach under Holmgren. Zorn being the smiley please and thank you HC. Gruden being the hard nosed frowner.

Shanahan actually learned under Walsh like Holmgren did when he was in San Fran. Shanahan learned from the Master him self like Holmgren did. Shanahan might have picked up some tips here and there that makes the WCO work better.

At this point I don't think it really matters. If we are going to clean house with most of the high priced prima dona's then Shanahan is probably the way to go. Call it "Rebuild" mode and have a 3 to 5 year plan. If we are not going to clean house then Gruden might be better to put those players in their place vs. holding their hands. Zorn is a dead man walking. No way he is staying, for what? to be demoted to QB coach? Sherm Lewis would be an interesting prospect for Gruden to have as an OC. Lewis learned under Walsh as well while with the 49ers. Two inovative minds might come up with some good plays.

You know i am starting to lean towards Gruden. I know it looks like a done deal at this point with Shanahan and Gruden might be locked in with ESPN, but I think Gruden might be the better fit. With him as coach, Sherm Lewis as O-Coordinator, Allen up in the office and Campbell on the ground this could be a really nice “marriage”.

Gruden turned the Raiders around, and since his departure they have fallen apart again. He "discovered" Rich Gannon, who was a perennial back up prior to signing with the Raiders, and turned him into a pro-bowler. In 4 seasons with the Raiders he went deep into the playoffs twice and went 40-28, with a unproven quarterback.

With Tampa he had Brad Johnson as qb, this is probably the best QB he has worked with. He went to the playoffs 3 times. Most amazingly Chris Simms was his qb in 2005 and took them to the playoffs with a 11-5 record (Chris Simms?!). He had a couple bad seasons with Tampa, but a lot of that is due (as many others have mentioned) Tampa not spending money, and a case of the injury bug.

I always thought of Gruden as somewhat of a quarterbacks-whore. But I cant really blame him, he has never really had a great qb to work with – just a whole bunch of Trent Dilfers. Considering the things Gruden has done with Gannon, Johnson, and Simms (let alone the other fill-ins he’s had) imagine what he could do with Campbell.

Sherm learned from the originator of the westcoast, Bill Walsh. Gruden learned from Holmgren and may be a little more innovative. Together they could be a really nice combo of old and new.