It wasn't long ago that Gunther Cunningham was considered one of the league's best defensive coordinators. He was responsible for those dominating Chiefs defenses of the late 1990s, but, unsurprisingly, had less success in recent seasons in Kansas City. In fact, according to Football Outsiders, the '08 Chiefs ranked 28th in total defense and were equally as inept against the rush as the pass (coincidentally, 28th in both categories).
New Lions head coach Jim Schwartz was unmoved by Cunningham's struggles of late, and has named him Detroit's new defensive coordinator. The two worked together in Tennessee for three seasons, and, according to Schwartz, "instantly bonded, literally in about the first hour of conversation."
Cunningham is known for his intensity, which is something the Lions defense had been lacking under Rod Marinelli.
Goodbye Gunther and thank you for your intensity and passion. Gunther was an awesome defensive coordinator but had his hands tied by Herm Edwards and stuck playing a cover 2 defense that he never chose or wanted. I have no doubt that he will again succeed and build a fierce defense in Detroit.
2 comments:
Lord knows Detroit can use a fierce defense... or any defense
;-)
I can't believe how fast this football season zipped by. And now there's only one game left...
*sigh*
I prefer Sundays with football.
Me too, Cube. Who's his replacement gonna be, Jason?
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