Art Valero officially named assistant head coach/offense

[Nick]

Valero named Rams assistant head coach
January 11, 2008

Bucs running backs coach Art Valero has been named assistant head coach of the St. Louis Rams.

Valero said Friday he's uncertain which position he may eventually coach in St. Louis: offensive line, running backs or tight ends. He also could still become the team's offensive coordinator under head coach Scott Linehan.

One of the most popular assistants among Bucs players for six seasons, Valero made it clear Friday he butted horns with coach Jon Gruden in Tampa Bay.

Valero had always been part of Gruden’s staff in Tampa Bay, serving as tight ends coach (2002-03), running backs coach ('04-’05) and assistant head coach ('06-’07). But Valero credited the players — not Gruden — for most of the Bucs’ success.

"First of all, when coach (Tony) Dungy left Tampa Bay, he left a lot of great character on that team,'' Valero said. "The thing I will miss the most is the players and not only the ones I got to work with. There's a lot of great people in that locker room and all they want to do is win an all they wanted was to be led.''

[Varg6]

I can't say I know much about him, but that doesn't seem like a bad move if he sticks to either what he knows best (TEs, RBs, whatever) and doesn't go to O-Coordinator. We need a HUGE improvement in the Coordinator department (discluding Haslett)...We need a guy like Cameron or Saunders, and fast.

[RamFan_Til_I_Die]

I can't say I know much about him, but that doesn't seem like a bad move if he sticks to either what he knows best (TEs, RBs, whatever) and doesn't go to O-Coordinator. We need a HUGE improvement in the Coordinator department (discluding Haslett)...We need a guy like Cameron or Saunders, and fast.

That's exactly how I feel as well.

Although the way Graham stepped in and succeeded this year might have been all player talent, I'd like to believe some of that was coaching by Valero.

[Tony Soprano]

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What is lost in all this is that is that Tampa didn't want him there anymore.

Everyone seems to be avoiding that basic fact.


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[Nick]

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What is lost in all this is that is that Tampa didn't want him there anymore.

Actually it seems that Gruden didn't want him there anymore, not Tampa. According to the article, Valero was one of the most popular assistants among Bucs players for six seasons.

[RamFan_Til_I_Die]

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What is lost in all this is that is that Tampa didn't want him there anymore.

Everyone seems to be avoiding that basic fact.

Valero has said many times he doesn't get along with or respect Chucky...can you blame him? Who does respect or get along with that psycho?

[Tony Soprano]

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The didn't sign him and made no attempt to according to ESPN Radio.

Gruden has won Super Bowls - I have to think he'd do what he had to in order to retain
the Coaches that he feels are integral to their success.

[RealRam]

I can't say I know much about him, but that doesn't seem like a bad move if he sticks to either what he knows best (TEs, RBs, whatever) and doesn't go to O-Coordinator. We need a HUGE improvement in the Coordinator department (discluding Haslett)...We need a guy like Cameron or Saunders, and fast.

Ditto. ...Seems like Valero will bring value to the Rams offensive coaching staff in some capacity as well as character emphasis. Now let's keep hammering on the OC steel.

[smizzhfx]

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The didn't sign him and made no attempt to according to ESPN Radio.

Gruden has won Super Bowls - I have to think he'd do what he had to in order to retain
the Coaches that he feels are integral to their success.

...Gruden won one superbowl, with a team built by Dungy.

[Nick]

Gruden has won Super Bowls

How many has he won again?

I have to think he'd do what he had to in order to retain the Coaches that he feels are integral to their success.

Or it could be that he's parting ways with a guy he didn't get along with?

Besides, if Gruden didn't think Valero was a part of their success, why was he promoted to assistant head coach two seasons ago? Why did Tampa refuse to let Valero interview with the Rams last season?

With these basic facts under consideration, your theory doesn't make much sense.

[Mooselini]

hmmm. maybe Valero would be a good pick up if he does stick to what hes good at (as mentioned above).

hope this is a good move

[Rambos]

At least he is coming from a winner and has had an impact on the players. We need someone to get our TE's rolling get SJ going he had done well with the players he's coached.

[AvengerRam]

I'm not going to scream that its a bad hire, but there's nothing about this that makes my toes tingle either.

[Tampa_Ram]

I like this pick-up, its not a huge make or break deal but it something that can help. I have followed the Buc's for a while, and they might not even keep Kiffen, there greatest asset in my opinion on there coaching staff. Gruden is terrible and should of been fired last year. Im glad we got Art, now we need to get Cam and i'd be extremely happy, but it doesnt look like the FO might let us down....shocking.

[CanadianRam!]

Did we have an assistant head coach before? I think Joe Vitt was one when Martz was around.