Since his supporters only want to focus on why we shouldn't fire him, I guess one of his detractors will start the conversation about the positive aspects of Lovie Smith as I see them. 1) Drafting. Given the improper way our ownership executed their last round of hires and delegated authority, I'm not sure if even they know who has what impact on our success tbh. Still, because of how Lovie was hired, he has to get some level of credit for our last two drafts. They have been well above average in their selections imo. All else being equal, I would definitely want to see whoever is making these picks, keep making these picks a while longer. Beyond that, just general college scouting has been good. We've picked up a couple no drafted players who look NFL quality. 2) Demeanor. I know this is a negative for some. Hell, I (censored) about it. It's frustrating when you are losing. If we had a successful franchise, it's the best kind of demeanor for long term stable success imo. I hear a lot about "fire" in a coach. Give me that in my position coaches. Maybe my DC. I want a stoic HC tbh. I will take the guy who might look disinterested over the guy who looks like he is barely in control of himself. I think it is better for the team to see that anytime they look at him. Then when he does come over and blow up, it means a (censored) ton more to the guys. 3) Character. This is honestly huge and affects so much positively. I have not liked how he has handled his secondary players this season publicly, but ALL indications remain that players love him. Anyone can see how much better we are doing in free agency. As far as who we have a chance to get, and how much we have to pay them to play in Tampa. Night/day against what we saw before. That is big, to be able to go out every year and pick which mid level FA you want to fill that off seasons holes, and actually get your first choices a lot. At a decent rate. Without being able to sell the FA on winning. Beyond players, it goes for coaches. I think Lovie Smith will always have the ability to have a good staff if he can identify them. No doubt in my mind Dirk had, or would have had, options. He chose to go to the worst offense in the league the year before for a HC that totally face planted in his first season at his new job. That says something very positive about who Lovie Smith is imo. 4). Some adapting. We kill him for being too conservative. When I think about it, that has significantly changed for the better this season imo. We have gone aggressively in several situations this season. After taking time and timeouts into the locker room last season because we had already scored enough first half points. This was honestly not a bad season from the HC in time management and go/kick decisions after being truly horrific last season. Many talk about Rivera adapting his conservative style to a modern NFL. I saw some of that from Lovie this season. 5) Jameis. Lovie does seem to have a great relationship with Jameis. He does seem to understand how special he is. I think Lovie is a good influence and role model for maturing Jameis as a man. Lovie might be stubborn as hell about his defense, but I see no indication he will ever put its needs ahead of our QB. Anyone else see other real positives for Lovie as our HC?
