Was only ever a WR coach and nothing else (never an OC) until, after briefly being out of football, took over as HC for the Pats midway into the ’84 season for the fired Ron Meyer. He then rehires Ron Rust as his DC, whom Meyer fired, and has his team in the Super Bowl the end of the following season. Then wins a division title in ’86 followed by more winning seasons the following two years but just missing the playoffs each time.
What are your takes on the HOF WR as a coach? I would have liked to see a second stint with he as a HC elsewhere.
PS - he being Fontes’ QB coach in ’91 (Kramer) had to play a significant part in that special 12-4 NFCCG-clinching campaign.
Raymond Berry as a coach
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GameBeforeTheMoney
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Re: Raymond Berry as a coach
Raymond Berry is a consummate football pro. One thing to note is that his dad was a high school coach in Paris, Texas, and also Gene Stallings' high school coach.
In doing a documentary podcast for the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, I was lucky enough to have a good long chat with him and also interview one of his teammates, players, and Gil Brandt. Every story about him pretty much centered around him being one of the most prepared, knowledgeable, professional, and overall high-character people that they had worked with. He was so highly respected and trusted that I can see how he got the head coaching without being a coordinator. Chances are the coordinators were learning from him - or at least gaining insight from him.
I will post a link for those of you interested in hearing all of the stories but one that always stood out was from Cowboys training camp. Gil Brandt said that one day Raymond was coaching some patterns. After running a few patterns, he said, "I don't think this field is marked correctly." They measured the field and sure enough, it was a few inches too narrow! Inches! He was able to recognize that on a full-sized field.
When the Patriots promoted him from receivers coach, I would be surprised if many people around the league questioned it. Berry was very popular with and well-respected by the players and the rest of the staff. He turned out to be a great head coach - getting the Patriots to the Super Bowl by putting together a great run against favored teams, all on the road, including against his ex-teammate Don Shula's Dolphins.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e ... 0426303565
In doing a documentary podcast for the Texas Sports Hall of Fame, I was lucky enough to have a good long chat with him and also interview one of his teammates, players, and Gil Brandt. Every story about him pretty much centered around him being one of the most prepared, knowledgeable, professional, and overall high-character people that they had worked with. He was so highly respected and trusted that I can see how he got the head coaching without being a coordinator. Chances are the coordinators were learning from him - or at least gaining insight from him.
I will post a link for those of you interested in hearing all of the stories but one that always stood out was from Cowboys training camp. Gil Brandt said that one day Raymond was coaching some patterns. After running a few patterns, he said, "I don't think this field is marked correctly." They measured the field and sure enough, it was a few inches too narrow! Inches! He was able to recognize that on a full-sized field.
When the Patriots promoted him from receivers coach, I would be surprised if many people around the league questioned it. Berry was very popular with and well-respected by the players and the rest of the staff. He turned out to be a great head coach - getting the Patriots to the Super Bowl by putting together a great run against favored teams, all on the road, including against his ex-teammate Don Shula's Dolphins.
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/e ... 0426303565
Podcast: https://Podcast.TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com
Website/Blog: https://TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com
Author's Name: Jackson Michael
Website/Blog: https://TheGameBeforeTheMoney.com
Author's Name: Jackson Michael
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Brian wolf
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Re: Raymond Berry as a coach
Thanks Jackson ...
Berry was such a detailed player, everyone learned from him, including Don Shula as a defensive player and of course Unitas and Weeb Ewbank, who knew from watching Raymond and John practice, that they had a special connection. With Lenny Moore's speed on the other side and Mutscheller catching passes inside, Ewbank allowed the Colts to throw the ball at John's discretion and win those championships.
Haha ... if only Berry had trusted Doug Flutie more in NE.
Berry was such a detailed player, everyone learned from him, including Don Shula as a defensive player and of course Unitas and Weeb Ewbank, who knew from watching Raymond and John practice, that they had a special connection. With Lenny Moore's speed on the other side and Mutscheller catching passes inside, Ewbank allowed the Colts to throw the ball at John's discretion and win those championships.
Haha ... if only Berry had trusted Doug Flutie more in NE.