Jump to content

Fitzgerald named LB coach


Kazkal

Recommended Posts

The Bengals rounded out their defensive coaching staff Wednesday when they named former Ravens linebackers coach Jeff FitzGerald to the same position, replacing Ricky Hunley. FitzGerald, 47, has worked under Rex Ryan the past three years in Baltimore with one of the top defenses in the NFL. FitGerald is a 14-year NFL veteran.

"Jeff's recent experience is in our AFC North Division, and he's been instrumental in a very successful performance by the Ravens' front seven," said Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis in a statement. "He does a great job communicating with his players and we are excited to have him on our staff."

Fitzgerald

The four Ravens linebackers named to the Pro Bowl in 2006 were Ray Lewis, Bart Scott, Terrell Suggs and Adalius Thomas. FitzGerald led that group's contribution to No. 1 league rankings for the Ravens in points allowed per game (12.6) and yards allowed per game (264.1). Last season, the Ravens defense ranked second in the NFL against the run (79.3 yards per game) and sixth in overall defense (301.6 yards per game).

FitzGerald is a native of Burbank, Calif. He played LB at Oregon State and began his coaching career as a graduate assistant at the University of Cincinnati in 1985. Prior to Baltimore, he coached in the NFL at Tampa Bay (1990-93), Washington (1998-99) and Arizona (2000-03).

He has helped develop and coach the LB drills at the annual NFL Scouting Combine for the last 10 years. He also coached in college at Alabama and San Diego State.

from bengals.com

Rawr I like this move.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I have to say it sounds like he has a good pedigree.... now lets see if the Bengals can get him some healthy MOLDABLE bodies to work with. Who can he make into the next Bart Scott?

On a side note I think you can pretty much put a nail in the coffin of Caleb Miller. On the latest article about the Senior Bowl on Bengals.com there is a conversation with the Zimmer and he says he likes bigger size LB's. Rut Roh Caleb...pack your bags.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On a side note I think you can pretty much put a nail in the coffin of Caleb Miller. On the latest article about the Senior Bowl on Bengals.com there is a conversation with the Zimmer and he says he likes bigger size LB's.

I think Miller was already dead and buried regardless of who was hired. That said, Brooks, Thurman, Jeanty, and Henderson are all bigger LB's so it's possible Zimmer may not consider the cupboard completely empty. As for what they're looking for going forward you've got to wonder now if they'll even consider some of the 220 Lb. backers in the draft.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On a side note I think you can pretty much put a nail in the coffin of Caleb Miller. On the latest article about the Senior Bowl on Bengals.com there is a conversation with the Zimmer and he says he likes bigger size LB's.

I think Miller was already dead and buried regardless of who was hired. That said, Brooks, Thurman, Jeanty, and Henderson are all bigger LB's so it's possible Zimmer may not consider the cupboard completely empty. As for what they're looking for going forward you've got to wonder now if they'll even consider some of the 220 Lb. backers in the draft.

Hopefully they don't,230 -235 is one thing 220 should be a big nono.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Just thought I would add the quote I was talking about,

"I like size at linebacker, but you'd like to have all three (traits) with speed and instincts. With the 4-3 you can be a little smaller, but they've all got to be smart. They've got to make a lot of checks, know the different coverages. Things happen so fast for them with run fits and pass drops. You look to see how long it takes them to get to the ball."

Zimmer Senior Bowl article

Link to comment
Share on other sites

If both he and Zimmer are as good as they sound, things could be much better... I really like the fact that both are suppossedly no-nonsense coaches, maybe that will rub off on Marvin a bit...

Link to comment
Share on other sites

On a side note I think you can pretty much put a nail in the coffin of Caleb Miller. On the latest article about the Senior Bowl on Bengals.com there is a conversation with the Zimmer and he says he likes bigger size LB's.

I think Miller was already dead and buried regardless of who was hired. That said, Brooks, Thurman, Jeanty, and Henderson are all bigger LB's so it's possible Zimmer may not consider the cupboard completely empty. As for what they're looking for going forward you've got to wonder now if they'll even consider some of the 220 Lb. backers in the draft.

Can you smell it?

The fuse is burning and soon the 2007 Bengal defense will be flying out of Bengaldom as mad Marvin's explosion occurs.

Fitz and Zim will turn out a 2008 defense heavy on draft picks, light on FA's. Outside of these starters, I see new people: Geathers at end; Jeanty and Brooks at LB; Hall, JJ and Duke in the secondary. I could see them getting a starting DE, DT and safety from the draft, and the rest from FA or someone who steps up during the offseason.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm very pleased with this move.

Anyone want to do some investigative reporting at the Ravens board to see if they have anything to say about it?

I looked around and didn't see much other than a board where they were glad to see him land a job somewhere and wished him luck...they are however kinda edgy about how slow the staff of the Ravens is being hired, especially with the scouting that needs to be done at the Senior Bowl

Link to comment
Share on other sites

I'm very pleased with this move.

Anyone want to do some investigative reporting at the Ravens board to see if they have anything to say about it?

I too am quite pleased, and as a member of The Ravens Sanctuary, I don't mind going and asking.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

"cravnravn" replies...

I like how you had to put some bengalszone sass in there. nicee :cheers:

I'm pretty excited about our moves on D. After reading up on both him and zimmer I'm pretty fired up about what our defense could be. I just can't wait for the day where I wish carson would hurry up and score so our D could get back on the field and start murdering people.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Join the conversation

You can post now and register later. If you have an account, sign in now to post with your account.

Guest
Reply to this topic...

×   Pasted as rich text.   Paste as plain text instead

  Only 75 emoji are allowed.

×   Your link has been automatically embedded.   Display as a link instead

×   Your previous content has been restored.   Clear editor

×   You cannot paste images directly. Upload or insert images from URL.

×
×
  • Create New...