Behind Every Franchise Quarterback Is a Franchise Head Coach

(Photo by Scott Boehm/Getty Images)

There has been a lot of discussion regarding what the Lions should do with the number one pick in the 2009 NFL Draft. 

One is taking a quarterback, most notably Matthew Stafford as many feel that he will be the savior to lead the Lions to the Promised Land.

One thing that concerns me is by taking Stafford, the Harrington mistake might happen again. Joey Harrington was drafted in the first round in 2002.  

In his rookie season, he was inserted as the starting QB by Marty Mornhinweg and promptly posted some of the worst yards per attempt seasons by a starting quarterback in the history of the NFL.

Knowing the history the Lions have with quarterbacks, Harrington’s failures were destined to occur. I’m sure there are many of us that can name several former Lion quarterbacks that were highly touted but flamed out much like Harrington did. 

For instance:

Chuck Long – 12th pick in 1986, Long had an impressive collegiate career.  His professional career didn’t fare as well though much of it had to do with a porous offensive line, a common theme in Lion recent history.  His best season was 1987 where he threw for 2,598 yards, 11 touchdowns and 20 interceptions. 

Andre Ware – Picked seventh in the 1990 draft, Ware came to the Lions with very high expectations.  His junior year at Houston, he threw for 4,699 yards and 44 touchdowns and became the first black quarterback to win the Heisman trophy. 

Much of his collegiate success was due to the Run & Shoot offense but still, the eye-popping statistics he had in college, many Lions fans felt Ware was finally “the guy” the Lions had been seeking. 

However, his pro career was summed up in a Sports Illustrated article as one of the top draft busts of the NFL’s modern era. The article also pointed out that Ware has the unique distinction of being a major flop in the Canadian Football League.

Long and Ware are the two quarterbacks the Lions have taken in the first round in recent history. Even at that, there haven’t been too many Lions quarterbacks that have fared any better. From Charlie Batch to Daunte Culpepper, recent Lions QB’s have never been known to make opposing defensive coordinators shake in their boots.

But just what is it that really makes a quarterback great? Outside of the physical tools needed such as arm strength, accuracy and toughness and the mental aspects such as game management and command of the huddle, there is an element that is rarely discussed:

The fact the starting QB and the head coach are in sync.

Below is a list of head coaches and quarterbacks that I consider successful. The criteria I used would be making and going deep into the playoffs on a consistent basis. Super Bowl appearances are included but success in the NFL’s second season is where I chose to focus.

Don Coryell and Dan Fouts– From 1979 to 1988, the Chargers

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