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Bright Future For Morris
Posted By Ira Kaufman at Jan 30, 2008 at 09:55 AM
Updated Jan 30, 2008 at 10:56 AM

Q: I was happy to see the Bucs re-sign Kiffin. He is clearly an asset to the organization and the community. The flip side, I fear, is losing Raheem Morris. I would have liked to have seen Kiffin re-up for another year (maybe two) while grooming Morris to be the new D-coordinator. The job Morris has done cannot be overlooked. Prior to heading to Kansas State in 2006 the secondary was fine. In 2006 they were the Achilles’ heel of the defense. Upon returning this year they were again exceptional. Surely this cannot be a coincidence. In 2006, many were questioning Phillips’ abilities. In 2007 (under Morris) he performed at a Pro Bowl level. Tanard Jackson not only started in the Tampa 2 (a rarity) but switched positions as well. I think the Bucs should do everything they can to keep Morris to be the next defensive coordinator and then head coach. Your thoughts?—Alan Moore, Treasure Island

A: Your points on Morris are well taken. When a Ronde Barber lauds you as being a difference-maker, that’s impressive. Morris lifted the play of every DB on the Bucs in 2007 and he’s got a big future in the league. If he stays for awhile, he’ll be the natural successor to Monte, but timing is everything. If he gets an opportunity to be a coordinator somewhere else, Morris could pull a Mike Tomlin and head elsewhere.

Send Us Your Comments

Posted by Roland Woltman, Plant City on 02/05 at 01:14 AM

Can Raheem Morris coach safeties? safeties.Although the fact the Phillips was playing for his job could have had some influence in his play. Don’t underestimate the motivational factor of your team spending a second rounder on your position. And as for his rookie phenom partner… It’s not like he was developed over a few seasons. He clearly has great natural instincts. I praise the scout(s) for him and Raheem for not messing that up.

Posted by Roland Woltman, Plant City on 02/05 at 01:13 AM

Raheem Morris can coach safeties. Period. Thats all we’ve seen from him so far. With him as the secondary coach, our corner play was about the worst it’s been in the last ten years. Especially on third down.
Ira, I can’t remember if it was u or Roy telling us how great of a coordinator our X-LB coach was going to be too. How’s that working out. Hehee. Like I said when he was here, he couldn’t even coach our LBers correctly. At least Raheem appears to know safeties…

Posted by Mark Vernetti, Fredericksburg, Va on 02/04 at 02:49 PM

Give Raheem all the credit he deserves, but don’t give him all of the credit and name him Monte’s successor just yet. Let’s not lose sight of Brian Kelly. Lost for most of 2006, his return to the defensive backfield in 2007 made a huge difference. Ronde had his partner in crime back and everyone could focus on their own responsibility instead of having to worry about picking up0 the slack for a much less qualified fill in. He will be missed if he leaves via free agancy.

Posted by Jose Enrique, Ft Myers on 01/31 at 07:57 AM

Its a good problem to have, and I do beleive that is why Kifin’s first offer was lower. Resign the designer of the Tampa 2 or have the young Buc climb up the ranks within. The problem is that if Morris is that good, and I beleive he is, then he will eventually be a head coach some day.

Morris is going to have a real bright career. But I do beleive Kiffin is a Hall of Fame defensive coordinator, first of his kind,

Posted by erik, Chester,Pa on 01/31 at 12:39 AM

I agree.

Posted by Greg M, Tampa, FL on 01/30 at 02:15 PM

question: is monte the longest serving offensive/defensive coordinator in the league? he must be right? Oh, and exactly how many head coaching job offers has he had over the years?