Bears Coaching Candidate Mike McCoy: 5 Questions with Predominantly Orange
Oct 28, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) talks with offensive coordinator Mike McCoy in the fourth quarter against the New Orleans Saints at Sports Authority Field. The Broncos went on to win 34-14. Mandatory Credit: Byron Hetzler-USA TODAY Sports
To help get some extra insight into the Chicago Bears head coaching candidates, I’ve decided to use the weekly 5 Questions format to reach out to some of our friends around the blogosphere. First up is Denver Broncos Offensive Coordinator Mike McCoy.
To help us get some extra insight into McCoy, I reached out to longtime friend Kim Constantinesco, editor of Predominantly Orange. Here are my questions and Kim’s answers:
Nov 27, 2011; San Diego, CA, USA; Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Mike McCoy (second from right) is surrounded by quarterback Tim Tebow (15), running back Willis McGahee (far right), running back Lance Ball (far left), and tight end Virgil Green (second from left) during the fourth quarter against the San Diego Chargers at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports
1. Mike McCoy seems to be able to adapt to the talent he’s given. What changed in going from Kyle Orton to Tim Tebow and then Peyton Manning over the last two seasons? How has he been able to adapt so quickly and get good results?
I think Mike McCoy is stubborn in his vision, but flexible in the details. There’s something to say about the quarterbacks that McCoy coached and their work ethic. Orton’s was questionable, while Tebow’s was outstanding, and Manning’s is top of the charts. McCoy was able to work with Tebow and Manning to attain postseason success and a 13-3 regular season, respectively. McCoy is one of the hardest working coaches on the team. He spends extra long hours at the facility, making sure to bring his family to work rather than going home to see them (For every home game, his young son stands on the sidelines with him). McCoy knows the strengths and weaknesses of his offense so well because of his work ethic that adjusting the offense seems to come naturally. It doesn’t have to look pretty. It just has to put touchdowns up on the board.
2. Could you describe McCoy’s leadership skills? Is he a rah-rah guy or a fiery guy?
From the practices that I’ve witnessed first hand, McCoy is more of a quiet even keeled leader. He won’t get in someone’s face and yell, but he’s extremely involved. I think he’s great at bringing guys up if they’re too hard on themselves after making a mistake. He’ll let receivers stay in the game after a couple of dropped passes so they can gain some confidence back. He’s a leader that believes what he’s teaching and believes in his players.
3. How is Mike McCoy with the media? Is he a ‘cloak and dagger or a ‘cards on the table’ type of guy?
McCoy is as generic as it gets with the media. He may open up more in a head coaching role, but I think it will take a special beat writer to get any real good dirt.
Dec 30, 2012; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears running back Matt Forte (22) during the second quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
4. How does McCoy use his running backs? What do you think he’d do with a running back like Matt Forte?
The Broncos currently don’t have a lot of power behind their run game with Willis McGahee injured, but the team has seen some great production from Knowshon Moreno. Moreno is an athletic back that will jump over defenders rather than power his way through. He doesn’t get around the edge quickly, but he hits the holes up the middle faster than most. With Moreno’s style of running (and Manning’s presence), McCoy uses plenty of play action, and will send Moreno from out of the back field as a receiver. When Moreno runs, McCoy employs a great blocking scheme that has Moreno slowing down and then bursting through a seam with great patience.
With Forte, I could see McCoy using him a lot in the receiving game with a lot of screen passes. It will be fun to see what McCoy can do with Forte’s talent in the back field.
5. The all-important question since you know Mike McCoy and Jay Cutler – Do you think Mike McCoy could get the most out of Jay Cutler? Can he get Jay back to a Pro Bowl form?
I think this question should be can Jay Cutler make the most from Mike McCoy? McCoy seems to get along with everyone so I don’t think there will be any personality conflicts. It all depends on how hard Cutler is willing to work for him.
Thanks to Kim from taking time out of her busy schedule in the middle of a playoff push to take time to answer my questions. Be sure to get all your Broncos updates at Predominantly Orange.
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