This one takes us back a few years, but it provides a rare glimpse into a phenomenon that exists when the G.M. and the head coach of a team aren’t on the same page.
In such situations, the G.M. signs players -- and the coach simply doesn’t use them.
We first became aware of this dynamic way back in 2001, when former Jets G.M. Terry Bradway brought in several guys that former Jets coach Herm Edwards wouldn’t put on the field. It’s a not-so-subtle way for coaches to get power over personnel. Eventually, the G.M. throws his hands in the air and signs players that the coach wants.
In Seattle, after coach/G.M. Mike Holmgren lost the G.M. title and after widely-perceived Holmgren “yes” man Bob Ferguson was dumped as G.M., Tim Ruskell got the job. And defensive end Jason Babin ended up being caught in the middle of a coach-G.M. pissing match.
Babin, who appeared in only four games over two seasons with the Seahawks, tells the story in his Wednesday appearance on PFT Live. We recommend taking 10 minutes or so to listen.
Babin also said that the ties to Ruskell, who now works for the Bears, are driving the speculation that Babin could be headed to Chicago.