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  • Juan Castillo: The American Dream ... Awesome!

    Maybe this will change some people's minds...
    http://www.bleedinggreennation.com/2...american-dream

  • #2
    Nice article, answers my question about if he'd been in D meetings, good to know.

    There's no doubt; when the Eagles named Juan Castillo as their new defensive coordinator, it sent shock waves through Eagles nation and even the NFL coaching community. However, players and coaches who have worked directly with Juan quickly understood the move by Andy Reid. You see, Juan is a very special unique breed of coach. He is as tough as they come both mentally and physically, he’s a teacher and could be the hardest working coach in the NFL. People who know him know that he’s always been a defensive guy at heart.
    When I first transferred to Texas A&I University in the spring of 1982, I realized that I was in for a type of football I wasn't quite use to at Millersville University in Pennsylvania. My new teammates were bigger, stronger, faster and really rough around the edges. They were bred to play football and most of them were just downright nasty, especially the defensive guys.
    I first met Juan in the weight room, which back then looked more like a scene out of a Rocky movie then a college weight room. He told me he was training to play in the NFL even though he went undrafted the previous year. He also just became a grad assistant who was coaching the linebackers. After a brief conversation he politely and enthusiastically asked me if I wanted to fight him in the weight room. I said: "No! I don’t want to fight you." His professorial type reply was, (as he was getting the boxing gloves) "it’ll make you tough, its good training, and we used to do it here in the weight room all the time." When I turned him down he then hung out at the doorway looking for any takers to go a few rounds with him.
    I did eventually get in a scuffle with Juan a few weeks later during spring ball after one of his linebackers blindsided me while I was going across the middle for a pass. I bounced up and went after the LB when Juan stepped in to take me on, we went at it, me in full gear and him wearing a whistle; we eventually got separated and it was business as usual. As I went back to the huddle I remember Juan yelling at the offense "the field belongs to the defense and you are going to get hit and pay the price if you come over here". That’s the Juan I know; a defensive guy at heart who loves to fight, hit, train and intimidate. That's who he really is and always will be. He belongs on defense.
    Hard working and determined
    Juan's years at A&I were spent doing 3 things; going to school, coaching and training. When the USFL went into full swing in 1985 Juan was determined to play. We would hear him running bleachers at midnight by himself from our dorm next to the stadium. He had the key to the weight room and would be in there at 5am punishing himself. On top of graduate school and training he still found time to drill his linebackers for hours on end as well. I don't think the guy ever slept.
    In his early days with the Eagles, he used to make sure that he was always the first coach to the office and the last to leave. It practically became a contest between him and Jon Gruden. They both eventually would end up sleeping at the Vet.
    A Fundamentalist
    Regardless of whatever position Juan coached, he has and still does emphasize fundamentals. I have represented 4 players who Juan coached in college (including Jermane Mayberry and Jorge Diaz) and they said they never been drilled in fundamentals the way Juan drilled them. The good news for Eagles' defense is that they will most likely end up being the most disciplined unit in the league after Juan gets through with them. He will instruct his position coaches to get back to sound tackling and basic drills which has always been the core of his coaching philosophy.
    You probably didn't know
    Even though Juan coached the Offensive line for 13 seasons, he was also a fixture in the defensive meetings of Jimmy Johnson, Leslie Frazier and Ron Rivera. He once told me that if he understood how the best defensive minds planned and strategized, he could better prepare his offense. Those same great defenses coaches would then pick Juan's brain about how he would scheme and block their defense.
    Teacher and teammate
    One of the biggest disconnects in pro coaching is the ability for NFL coaches to teach and communicate. Unfortunately, many coaches lack this ever so important trait. While many NFL coaches don't put in the time to teach fundamentals anymore, nor be patient with young players and are quick to give up on a guy after one bad game, Juan is the opposite of all these. He's a patient teacher who possesses the ability to communicate with the 1st round star and the undrafted free agent and even treat both as equals.
    The fact Juan is well liked and respected by the players will give him the ability to get the most out of them and get them playing to their full potential. Former Eagles center Hank Fraley once told me that; "he owes his whole NFL career to Juan because he made me better than I ever knew I could be".
    Relax bird fans
    Our family had season tickets to the Eagles for 20 years and we grew up bleeding green. So I’m sure the bird faithful are skeptical about this move by Andy. But trust me, there is no need to panic. Juan truly represents the fighting Philly spirit that is the DNA of their fans. He's a self-made, hard-working blue collar guy who will find a way to win. The D is in good hands if it reflects the work ethic and fight of their new coordinator.
    One additional note. The Eagles landed two of the best trenchmen in the business, DL coach Jim Washburn and OL coach Howard Mudd. Also keep in mind that John Harbaugh went from special teams coach to defensive backs coach with much success. So give Juan a chance and I am certain you will see the Eagles made a great move.
    Follow me on Twitter: @jackbechta

    Comment


    • #3
      They handed Juan the "best" DL coach in the game,Just my opinion,but he will be given some FA talent to help . They are not going to do all this without a max effort to succeed.Earlier I joked that AR was waiting for the guy with a 3 ring binder and his career mapped out just as AR did when he came here. I think AR has found a latino version of himself.Those that have been around Castillo are saying he's knowledgeable and the hardest worker they know and puts in his time.I'll reserve judgement,but I am very excited to see what talent they bring in in the draft and in free agency. This site is gonna be a busy place for sure.
      We're looking for people that are fundamentally different,” vice president of player personnel Andy Weidl said Saturday night. “The love and passion for football, it's non-negotiable. They're caring, their character, they do the right thing persistently, and they have a relentless playing style that you can see on tape. The motor, it burns hot. You see them finishing plays. They have a team-first mentality. They're selfless individuals.

      Comment


      • #4
        Jeremiah Trotter just called Juan Castillo the hardest working coach he has seen EVER, and that he has no doubt that he'll be successful in whatever they want him to do.

        Comment


        • #5
          http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/...-Castillo.html

          There's no doubt; when the Eagles named Juan Castillo as their new defensive coordinator, it sent shock waves through Eagles nation and even the NFL coaching community. However, players and coaches who have worked directly with Juan quickly understood the move by Andy Reid. You see, Juan is a very special unique breed of coach. He is as tough as they come both mentally and physically, he’s a teacher and could be the hardest working coach in the NFL. People who know him know that he’s always been a defensive guy at heart.

          When I first transferred to Texas A&I University in the spring of 1982, I realized that I was in for a type of football I wasn't quite use to at Millersville University in Pennsylvania. My new teammates were bigger, stronger, faster and really rough around the edges. They were bred to play football and most of them were just downright nasty, especially the defensive guys.

          I first met Juan in the weight room, which back then looked more like a scene out of a Rocky movie then a college weight room. He told me he was training to play in the NFL even though he went undrafted the previous year. He also just became a grad assistant who was coaching the linebackers. After a brief conversation he politely and enthusiastically asked me if I wanted to fight him in the weight room. I said: "No! I don’t want to fight you." His professorial type reply was, (as he was getting the boxing gloves) "it’ll make you tough, its good training, and we used to do it here in the weight room all the time." When I turned him down he then hung out at the doorway looking for any takers to go a few rounds with him.

          I did eventually get in a scuffle with Juan a few weeks later during spring ball after one of his linebackers blindsided me while I was going across the middle for a pass. I bounced up and went after the LB when Juan stepped in to take me on, we went at it, me in full gear and him wearing a whistle; we eventually got separated and it was business as usual. As I went back to the huddle I remember Juan yelling at the offense "the field belongs to the defense and you are going to get hit and pay the price if you come over here". That’s the Juan I know; a defensive guy at heart who loves to fight, hit, train and intimidate. That's who he really is and always will be. He belongs on defense.

          Hard working and determined
          Juan's years at A&I were spent doing 3 things; going to school, coaching and training. When the USFL went into full swing in 1985 Juan was determined to play. We would hear him running bleachers at midnight by himself from our dorm next to the stadium. He had the key to the weight room and would be in there at 5am punishing himself. On top of graduate school and training he still found time to drill his linebackers for hours on end as well. I don't think the guy ever slept.

          In his early days with the Eagles, he used to make sure that he was always the first coach to the office and the last to leave. It practically became a contest between him and Jon Gruden. They both eventually would end up sleeping at the Vet.

          A Fundamentalist
          Regardless of whatever position Juan coached, he has and still does emphasize fundamentals. I have represented 4 players who Juan coached in college (including Jermane Mayberry and Jorge Diaz) and they said they never been drilled in fundamentals the way Juan drilled them. The good news for Eagles' defense is that they will most likely end up being the most disciplined unit in the league after Juan gets through with them. He will instruct his position coaches to get back to sound tackling and basic drills which has always been the core of his coaching philosophy.

          You probably didn't know
          Even though Juan coached the Offensive line for 13 seasons, he was also a fixture in the defensive meetings of Jimmy Johnson, Leslie Frazier and Ron Rivera. He once told me that if he understood how the best defensive minds planned and strategized, he could better prepare his offense. Those same great defenses coaches would then pick Juan's brain about how he would scheme and block their defense.

          Teacher and teammate
          One of the biggest disconnects in pro coaching is the ability for NFL coaches to teach and communicate. Unfortunately, many coaches lack this ever so important trait. While many NFL coaches don't put in the time to teach fundamentals anymore, nor be patient with young players and are quick to give up on a guy after one bad game, Juan is the opposite of all these. He's a patient teacher who possesses the ability to communicate with the 1st round star and the undrafted free agent and even treat both as equals.

          The fact Juan is well liked and respected by the players will give him the ability to get the most out of them and get them playing to their full potential. Former Eagles center Hank Fraley once told me that; "he owes his whole NFL career to Juan because he made me better than I ever knew I could be".

          Relax bird fans
          Our family had season tickets to the Eagles for 20 years and we grew up bleeding green. So I’m sure the bird faithful are skeptical about this move by Andy. But trust me, there is no need to panic. Juan truly represents the fighting Philly spirit that is the DNA of their fans. He's a self-made, hard-working blue collar guy who will find a way to win. The D is in good hands if it reflects the work ethic and fight of their new coordinator.
          One additional note. The Eagles landed two of the best trenchmen in the business, DL coach Jim Washburn and OL coach Howard Mudd. Also keep in mind that John Harbaugh went from special teams coach to defensive backs coach with much success. So give Juan a chance and I am certain you will see the Eagles made a great move.

          Comment


          • #6
            http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/d...e_by_Andy.html

            Spagnuolo: Great move by Andy
            DALLAS -- You may think Andy Reid’s decision to promote offensive line coach Juan Castillo to defensive coordinator is crazy. But Rams coach Steve Spagnuolo doesn’t.

            Spagnuolo, who spent eight years on Reid’s staff as a defensive assistant under Jim Johnson before becoming the defensive coordinator with the Giants, applauded the decision.

            "I thought it was a great move by Andy,’’ Spagnuolo said. "The thing about Andy, Andy’s a football junkie. Juan’s a football junkie. Andy recognizes that he’s a good football coach."

            "Juan knows football. Anytime I was around Juan for the 8 years that I was there, he didn’t just talk offensive line football. He was always talking football in general. We had a lot of conversations late into the night that made both of us better. I think he’ll do a good job."

            Spagnuolo said Castillo’s knowledge of protection schemes as an offensive line coach should help him attack another offense’s protection schemes now that he’s on the other side of the ball.

            "In this league right now, we all know that there are a lot of passes thrown," he said. "And we all know that if you’re going to throw the ball, you gotta protect the quarterback. So if you know how to protect the quarterback, you should have a pretty good idea of how to attack those protections. I’m sure Juan will come at it from that standpoint."

            "When you’re putting together a (defensive) gameplan and want to pressure the quarterback, you find your way into the offensive line coach’s office and pick his brain. So Juan will already have that advantage."


            Comment


            • #7
              Great article, in fact I'm getting this strange deja vu

              Comment


              • #8
                Originally posted by eagle eye View Post
                Great article, in fact I'm getting this strange deja vu
                Hahaha...No, my version was better.

                Comment


                • #9
                  Here's another nice article on Juan Castillo. I'm not pasting this one since it's rather long, and in 3 parts...

                  http://www.philly.com/philly/sports/...g_journey.html

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Thanks for the articles guys. I'm very hopeful that Castillo will get this D in shape and turn them into one of the best defenses in the league. I'm worried that he may not be able to do that in a short amount of time. Normally I'd be pretty excited by this move because of Juan's reputation as a smart football junkie who is willing to work his ass off to make his players better. But as I've said before, we have an offense that is close to peaking int he next 2-3 years and we need the defense to catch up to give us a shot at a championship. Let's hope Juan is up to the challenge!!! Get it done Juan, and get it done fast!!!
                    Official Driver of the Eagles Bandwagon!!!
                    Bleedin' Green since birth!

                    "Do not regret growing older. It is a privilege denied to many." - Mike Willey

                    ”Enjoy The Ride!!!” - Bob Marcus

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      John Harbaugh says Juan Castillo will be a head-coach someday...

                      http://espn.go.com/blog/nfceast/post...e-a-head-coach

                      Harbaugh: Castillo will be a head coach

                      February, 24, 2011 Feb 24
                      3:30
                      PM ET

                      By Matt Mosley



                      In case you haven't attended an NFL combine, what happens is that hundreds of reporters sit around and complain about the lack of coffee while waiting to hear from head coaches and GMs from around the league. You normally hear from everyone except perhaps Bill Belichick, who can't be bothered with such trivial matters.

                      On another side of the room, the more recognizable players are brought to podiums. At least one reporter shouts out thoughtful questions such as, "Who's your agent?" On Thursday morning, Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh stopped by to visit with reporters. He once worked under Andy Reid for the Eagles, so folks naturally wanted to know what he thought about longtime offensive line coach Juan Castillo being promoted to defensive coordinator.

                      "Who knows how it's going to go, but Juan's an excellent coach, plus he's surrounded by a veteran staff," Harbaugh said. "Andy recognizes a good coach, plus I think he's always had a lot of respect for Juan ... I think he'll do really well. I'm a supporter of Juan. I think he'll be a head coach in this league someday. I just think he's a special guy."

                      I've always been told that Castillo's one of the most underrated assistants in the league. Now we'll see how he performs in the spotlight. I believe he'll be the most highly scrutinized defensive coordinator in the league in 2011. But again, other coaches around the league swear by him.

                      I've had the pleasure of knowing Browns offensive line coach George Warhop for years now. And he has no doubt in his mind that Castillo will be a success as a defensive coordinator. And if Castillo turns this unit around, you can guarantee he'll be in the mix for a head-coaching gig.

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        If he doesn't will Harbaugh pay me some money?

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/...8.html&team=85

                          NFP Sunday Blitz

                          My Sunday Best: Impact Assistants

                          Here, in alphabetical order, are the new assistant coaches who could have the best impacts on the 2011 season.

                          Tom Cable, Seahawks offensive line. You can’t underestimate the value of a solid offensive line coach who gets his players to use proper technique, brings the best out of individuals and then gets them to work in unison. Cable could have the same kind of effect on the Seahawks that Mike Tice had on the Bears last year.

                          Juan Castillo, Eagles defensive coordinator. The former offensive line coach will be the most scrutinized assistant in the NFL. The possibility of him failing spectacularly is there, but those who know Castillo think there is a much greater possibility of Castillo succeeding spectacularly. Worth noting: Andy Reid has an excellent track record with assistant coaches.

                          Jay Gruden, Bengals offensive coordinator. If he’s Jon Gruden light, little bro Jay might have a lot of defensive coordinators staying up all night. Gruden’s ability to confuse opponents might be limited by inexperienced players, however, especially if Carson Palmer doesn’t come back.

                          Ray Horton, Cardinals defensive coordinator. He isn’t making wholesale changes in the Cardinals’ scheme, but he is bringing the Steelers’ aggressive mentality. Look for more blitzing and risk taking.

                          Dick Jauron, Browns defensive coordinator. This proven defensive signal caller is converting the Browns to a four man front. The players will like playing for him, and Jauron could have quick success.

                          Sean McDermott, Panthers defensive coordinator. Free from the shadow of Jim Johnson, McDermott may cut loose in Carolina. Too bad he doesn’t have more to work with.

                          Chuck Pagano, Ravens defensive coordinator. The former secondary coach of the Ravens is well liked in the locker room and in the front office. He can take a very good defense and make it better.

                          Wade Phillips, Texans defensive coordinator. As I wrote about last week, he’s making some radical changes that could backfire, going from a 4-3 to a 3-4. But if Phillips is flexible enough, he could have some success because he has quite a bit of talent to work with.

                          Rob Ryan, Cowboys defensive coordinator. A little of the Ryan temperament is likely to go over well in Big D. He’s got some horses to ride and he’ll ride them.

                          Dave Wannstedt, Bills assistant head coach. His experience as a head coach at the NFL and college levels should make Wannstedt a valuable resource for head coach Chan Gailey.

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            http://www.nationalfootballpost.com/...e.html&team=85

                            Why Castillo has the right idea for Eagles
                            by Matt Bown, NFP

                            I respect Mike Florio’s opinion over at ProFootballTalk.com, but after reading his post today about new Eagles defensive coordinator Juan Castillo “simplifying” his scheme for the 2011 season, I felt the need to give my own thoughts from a player’s perspective.



                            Because shortening game plans happens all over the league with coordinators on both sides of the ball when it comes to play calling.

                            I saw it during my own career, and Castillo has a point when he says (via the Philadelphia Inquirer): “To play fast, you can’t be thinking,”
                            Teach landmarks, run-pass keys and specific techniques that apply to the front seven and the secondary. The rest? Just play football. The exact theory behind the Tampa 2 scheme under Tony Dungy and what we see today in Chicago with Lovie Smith.

                            That doesn’t mean we won’t see blitz concepts from the Eagles this season—because that is far from the truth. Even the Bears use fire zones and man-pressure schemes.

                            However, at the core of Lovie’s defense is a system that relies more on speed, pursuit and eleven players understanding their own technique on every snap. And it works.

                            Understandably, Jim Johnson had a complex scheme, no different than a Rex Ryan in New York or a Gregg Williams in New Orleans. But having played for Williams when I was a Redskin, there were game plans that were “simplified” to put us in a better position to make plays. More Cover 2 and Cover 4. Smaller blitz packages. Read and react on Sunday.

                            I know there have been multiple opinions on the hiring of Castillo (an O-Line coach) to run the defense in Philly, but if you are going to coach in the NFL, you won’t survive without knowing both sides of the ball.

                            And, to be honest, it is more about teaching and the ability to sell your scheme to pro players in this league. I like the idea here with or without the time constraints of the NFL lockout. Coach fundamentals and let your guys attack the football. We can call it a simple scheme—but often times that is the way to go.

                            Follow me on Twitter: MattBowen41

                            Comment

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