Thomas Davis released

[t96]

49 minutes ago, LinvilleGorge said:

If he wants to coach, my bet would be in Washington or Buffalo. That's where most of his coaching connections from his playing days are. 

The closest connection though would be Al Holcomb his former LB coach, who is here...

[TheRed]

Come home...

[MountaineerChemist10]

He actually looked pretty good last season. Had similar stats to Luke.

I say one more year with us, along with Shaq & Spiderman & possible a rookie. Retire as a Panther at the end.

[SmokinwithWilly]

We have so many holes that Davis at a very team friendly deal actually makes sense. Sure he's not what he once was, but he's also the epitome of grit and determination to succeed.

[CPcavedweller]

51 minutes ago, MHS831 said:

Folks,  great players do not make great coaches.  The reason?  They can't teach things that came naturally to them.  They started their own development on a different level and never had to work to develop basic skills like lesser players--they worked to be elite--not everyone is.  The best coaches (as a general rule) are the overachievers--the people who did not have all the tools but exceeded expectations because they loved the game and wanted to win on the highest level possible.  Rhule, for example.  He was not going pro, but managed to find playing time for Penn State.  He outworked more skilled and gifted players.  That is what you need as a coach.  Nothing against Davis, but the best coaches were not elite players in most cases.

Davis and Kuechly were coaches on the field. It isn't ironic that Kuechly retired the season following Davis leaving.

[TheSpecialJuan]

Good!

[Captain Obvious]

sometimes the past needs to remain in the past. just enjoy the good memories.  

 

[TheRed]

1 hour ago, MHS831 said:

Folks,  great players do not make great coaches.  The reason?  They can't teach things that came naturally to them.  They started their own development on a different level and never had to work to develop basic skills like lesser players--they worked to be elite--not everyone is.  The best coaches (as a general rule) are the overachievers--the people who did not have all the tools but exceeded expectations because they loved the game and wanted to win on the highest level possible.  Rhule, for example.  He was not going pro, but managed to find playing time for Penn State.  He outworked more skilled and gifted players.  That is what you need as a coach.  Nothing against Davis, but the best coaches were not elite players in most cases.

Or maybe you're really overthinking this, and it depends more on the individual and not just their life circumstances?

[MHS831]

22 minutes ago, CPcavedweller said:

Davis and Kuechly were coaches on the field. It isn't ironic that Kuechly retired the season following Davis leaving.

Luke was a coach--Davis a leader.

[KillerKat]

1 hour ago, Pantherzack179812 said:

Shaq thompson says hi. We're letting our vet corner walk with no tangible replacement. Donte Jackson is your #1 as of today.

Shaq? lmfaoooo

[Real1zOnly]

Honestly with all the holes we have on the team and the fact that he would be a cheap filler on defense I wouldn't be mad at a return. He's also close to Cam. Would be nice to see these two trash talking each other in training camp again.

 

Come home TD!

[MHS831]

1 hour ago, EgoDogg said:

Out of curiosity, do you think Kuechly would make a good coach?

Thomas Davis overcame a ton of adversity, switched positions multiple times, had to have the perseverance to come back from 3 straight ACL tears. These are not things that are the result of being naturally gifted. It's about adaptation, although on a personal level. Do I think he'd be a great coach just because of all of this? No. Do I think he wouldn't be a great coach just because he was a great player for us? Alsoh no.

There are exceptions to every generalization. Maybe. There is no indication that he was relying on his God-given talents--he watched a lot of film and he directed the team on the field.  I would say that his work ethic and knowledge of the game would make him a good coach.  My question to you is:  Do you think Luke's approach to the game (work ethic, extensive film study, etc.) is typical of a great player?  Or was he an exception to the rule?

In basketball, the best players who were given jobs coaching did not really have the same levels of success.  In baseball, Ted Williams struggled as a manager--I am not sure if any major superstars ever managed successfully.  So I dunno--the point is that a great player does not equate to a great coach--but I am sure there are exceptions.

[TheSpecialJuan]

 

[BrianS]

With regards to coaching potential, Kuechly and Davis are completely different.

While Kuechly had all the physical tools in the world, what set him apart from every other LB was his level of preparation.  He was a film junkie along the lines of a Payton Manning.  This is what elevated Kuechly to greatness.

Davis was a really good player, with a lot of heart and a great story.  He was an emotional leader for the team.  He also had well above average physical tools.  But he was never a student of the game.

This is why it's much easier to project Kuechly as a coach.  That film watching and preparation directly translates to coaching, and it's also something you can teach.  You can't teach someone to have a great heart, or be an emotional leader.