Scott Linehan Looks to Bring Offensive Success to Detroit Lions

A common misconception among NFL fans is that there is a merit-based system for hiring and firing coaches. That just isn't the case. The NFL is a system based on sheer nepotism. It's an old boy's club.

Another misconception is that the best offensive and defensive coordinators are destined to be great head coaches.

Scott Linehan comes to Detroit with a career coaching record of 11-25. Fired near the beginning of the 2008 season, he was hot commodity among NFL teams looking for a new offensive coordinator, and was hotly rumored to be pursuing the 49ers job.

Linehan was never cut out to be a head coach. As a coordinator, Linehan has always been a players' coach. He is fiercely loyal to former players and assistants. As a head coach, he demanded that loyalty. When he didn't get it from guys like Mark Bulger and Steven Jackson as a head coach, he bristled.

Moreover, something has to be said about different kinds of football genius. Mike Martz, Cam Cameron, Herm Edwards; all these men failed at head coaching even though they are stellar coaches.

Scott Linehan is a stellar coach. When he coached with the Minnesota Vikings, his teams never finished outside the top 10 offenses in the NFL. In Miami, he pieced together a 16th ranked offense with Gus Frerotte at the helm.

Linehan comes to Detroit with an amazing resume and a connection in the old boy's club. His success in Miami was under head coach Nick Saban, a good friend of Lions' coach, Jim Schwartz.

However, the reason Scott Linehan will either succeed or fail in Detroit is dependant not on the reason he was hired, but rather, the tools he is given.

In 2002, Linehan had use of Daunte Culpepper, Michael Bennett and Randy Moss.

In 2009, the offense will consist of Daunte Culpepper, Kevin Smith and Calvin Johnson.

Linehan employs a vertical passing game—perfect for the strengths of the current Lions' roster. Randy Moss was already a superstar, but he refined his game under Linehan while succeeding in the post-Cris Carter era.

New tight ends Brandon Pettigrew and Will Heller will benefit from Linehan's work as well. Linehan likes to employ two tight end sets—keeping the field compact, forcing defenses to single cover wideouts.

Kevin Smith should also look to improve. Michael Bennett and Steven Jackson had career years under Linehan.

The Linehan system is simple, perfect for grooming a rookie QB with a big arm. However, it also leaves little room for error. Linehan will look to bring Stafford along at a measured pace. When Stafford shows he can handle 100 percent of the offensive playbook without the rookie jitters, he will start.

So what can Lions' fans expect? Realistically, expect a top-15 offense in 2009 with possibilities of top-10 in 2010.

The Lions have a lot of work to do, but fans should keep a close eye on offensive success. If Linehan fails, it could be a mark that business is usual in Allen Park—rewarding loyalty over merit. But don't count him out yet.

Linehan has always been a success as an offensive coordinator. Fully expect him to add Detroit to his list of triumphs.