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Hollandhawk":14b270qf said:I don't know about Walt. Yes Walt had great work ethic, but he was also one of the physically gifted athletes in history. It might be hard to be able to teach things when they came to him so easy and naturally.
I don't know about Big Walt specifically, but THAT is a very valid point. Now that Spring Training has started (and I know a lot of us are Mariners fans), let me put it a different way. Why is it that guys like Scott Servais and Edgar Martinez make good coaches ... but not former superstars like Ken Griffey, Jr.? The answer of course is exactly what you're saying -- with the Griffeys of the world (and that may the case with Walter Jones too), everything just came so darned natural. Holmgren himself has said of Walt that he had the feet of a dancer -- very naturally talented athlete. With guys who aren't as naturally gifted and have to work incredibly hard just to stay in the game, they really had to focus on doing all the little things like proper technique, conditioning, and endless hours of film study (both examining their own game and that of their opponent). They had to constantly break down what they do and to think about it -- step by step -- piece by piece. And that's what makes those guys great coaches because they can then analyze their players in the same way and communicate to them where they see the mistakes and how they can improve.
Sure Big Walt worked hard, but he had a lot of natural talent -- but I'm not sure he ever truly had to put in THAT much work of having to really intentionally break things down step by step and do tons of film study just to survive. I could be completely, totally wrong here (and will fully admit it if I am), but that was always my sense of Walt during those years he was here and I followed him. As far as him becoming the Offensive Line coach -- I'm not so sure about that.
Now bring him in as a consultant during mini-camps and training camp? Absolutely. I think that would potentially be a great idea. One thing's for sure, improving the Offensive Line is absolute Priority #1 this offseason. I think you explore every possible option in looking to make that happen. I think all options should be on the table, including bringing in Big Walt in a consultant's role in working with Fant. I don't see how it could hurt.