Slowik takes over defensive reins - National Football …prod.static.broncos.clubs.nfl.com/assets/images/imported/...Bob Slowik is settling in as Denver's third defensive boss in three

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September 03, 2008

Slowik takes over defensive reins

By FRANK SCHWAB THE GAZETTE

ENGLEWOOD • Even though Bob Slowik has been with the Denver Broncos since 2005, there were some bumps when he took over as leader of the defense. Slowik became head of the defense this offseason. He has the same defensive coordinator title as last year, but assistant head coach/defense Jim Bates ran the defense. Bates was offered a reassignment on the staff, but declined it. That left Slowik with top billing among defensive coaches, and a lot of changes to make this offseason. “There’s quite a bit of difference,” said Slowik, who coached the defensive backs his first two years in Denver. “The language is completely different. The terminology is completely different for the guys who were around last year. And the scheme is different. It’s a whole new package.” By the end of last season the Broncos were using a scheme similar to what Slowik will use. What took the longest time to learn was Slowik’s terminology. Even at the end of the team’s minicamps, the players were still adjusting. “It’s going to take a while to take hold,” Slowik said in June. The players’ familiarity with him certainly helped with some parts of the transition. Last year Bates was new to the Broncos, and his defense never took off. The players struggled with it starting with the first preseason game. Holdover players know Slowik’s teaching style and his basic approach. “They’ve got a feel for my personality,” Slowik said. “That is beneficial from those who have been here. It’s not someone completely new coming in.” The players reacted positively when Slowik was hired. His defense isn’t very tricky and shouldn’t change much from week to week. The Broncos introduced new wrinkles for some games last season, which seemed to add to the confusion. Under Slowik the Broncos will often play a safety near the line of scrimmage, with timely blitzing and a focus on stopping the run. “For the most part, I think it will allow us to do what we do best,” cornerback Dre Bly said. “We’re all fired up.”

Slowik eases into Broncos' hot seat Assistant will serve as Denver's third defensive boss in three years Associated Press Monday, July 28, 2008

ENGLEWOOD -- The hot seat? Sure. His comfort zone? You bet.

Bob Slowik is settling in as Denver's third defensive boss in three years under coach Mike Shanahan and he doesn't have the time or the gumption to give his job security a second thought.

"It's kind of like players. You don't tell them every day, 'Hey, if you don't start making plays or you're not getting the job done, you're not going to be here.' It's the NFL. They know that. Coaches know the same thing," Slowik said.

"But that's the last thing from my mind," he said. "I go to sleep at night and feel good."

After all, Slowik wasn't sure if he'd ever have the chance to build a defense again after his last gig didn't go so well in Green Bay in 2004.

He left the Packers after one forgettable season in charge of a defense that allowed a franchise record 37 touchdown passes and managed a measly eight interceptions.

"I kind of thought, hey, that might have been my last opportunity," Slowik said. "So, I'm very fortunate."

Slowik, who also served as defensive coordinator in Cleveland in 1999 and in Chicago from 1993-98, landed in Denver in 2005 coaching the defensive backs and tutoring perennial Pro Bowlers Champ Bailey and John Lynch.

Last year, Slowik was promoted to defensive coordinator/secondary coach, but it was Jim Bates who built the defense and called the plays. After a miserable start, though, the Broncos ditched Bates' big linemen scheme, opting for more agile athletes and putting eight men in the box, hallmarks of Slowik's philosophies.The hybrid scheme helped some, but the Broncos, shuffling their lineup and tenets, finished near the bottom of the league in rush defense and yards allowed and missed the playoffs for the second straight season.

As Larry Coyer did the year before, Bates paid the price. He refused a demotion to linebackers coach and left the team. He was replaced by Slowik, 54.

Cornerback Dre' Bly said Slowik brings a different feel to both the classroom and the football field.

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"Coach is a great teacher. And not to knock Bates or anything, but Slow makes sure everything is understood and everything is in detail," Bly said. "I think the guys respond well to Slowik, there's no laughing and joking in our meetings, it's all business. It's all teaching."

Players appreciate Slowik's respectful style, which they say was a big reason the Broncos pass defense allowed the seventh-fewest yards per game last year.

"He doesn't really yell at you or curse at you. When he's coaching you it's constructive criticism," cornerback Karl Paymah said. "He goes straight to the point, it's not him trying to put you down or demean you or make you look dumb in front of anyone else or try to prove a point. He brought the best out of the DBs and it's really going to carry on to the rest of the defense."

Shanahan thinks so.

"I've known Bob well over 20 years. He's a heck of a coach, one of the most knowledgeable people that I've been around and he's doing a heck of a job," Shanahan said.

Despite integrating some of his ideas in a futile attempt to save the season last year, Slowik said this scheme doesn't bear any resemblance to last year's.

"Zero. New terminology, new techniques," he said.

"Basically, he's simplified it," Paymah said. "You don't want to be out there week to week changing the scheme up because guys will get confused. You can't be out there thinking, you've got to be reacting."

© 2006 Daily Camera and Boulder Publishing, LLC.

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Broncos to rely on coordinated effort Slowik hopes not to fumble his shot in a position that is rife with turnoversBy Lee Rasizer

Monday, July 21, 2008

The third time's supposed to be the charm.

But here's Bob Slowik, on chance No. 4 as a defensive coordinator with the Broncos, via Chicago, Cleveland and Green Bay.

What the heck do you call that?

Good fortune, for starters.

Perseverance. Hard work.

"It just points out to me that you know he's good," said Dave McGinnis, now the Tennessee Titans assistant head coach and a member of the Bears' coaching staff with Slowik in the mid-1990s. "A lot of times you have to see through things that happen, such as, 'What were the injuries?' and get the overall picture."

When the Broncos report to training camp Thursday, Slowik will face the challenge of strengthening a defense that allowed 25.6 points a game last season, 28th in the NFL.

"I certainly don't lack confidence in what I do," said Slowik, the Broncos' third defensive chief in three years. "I've been in enough places and coordinated enough, for almost half my career."

Slowik, 54, was named the Broncos defensive coordinator in January 2007 after Larry Coyer's exit, but the top responsibilities fell to Jim Bates, with Slowik concentrating on the defensive backfield, much to the chagrin of many players who felt he deserved the promotion.

It wasn't until Bates left seven months ago that Slowik got another opportunity for the role he has longed for since heading the Packers defense for one maddening season in 2004.

Before that, Slowik's Bears teams (1993-98) finished fourth, 13th, 19th, 12th, 12th and 14th in total defense. But the group also finished in the top five in rush defense three times in his final five seasons before he followed head coach Dave Wann- stedt out the door in 1998.

"Given where we were and the talent we had, I thought he did a very good job," said Rod Graves, vice

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president of football operations for the Arizona Cardinals and formerly a member of the Bears' front office during Slowik's six years in Chicago. "He utilized people very well and got the most out of them. . . . I think Bobby is recognized by most people in the league as being an outstanding defensive coach."

A mishmash of talent greeted Slowik during his one year heading the defense for the expansion Browns in 1999. The results were predictable: last-place league rankings in total yards, rushing yards and interceptions.

He spent several years working with defensive backs in Green Bay before becoming the coordinator. But playing three rookies at cornerback in '04, the Packers yielded a stunning 33 touchdown passes and forced a franchise-low 15 takeaways.

But more than time has passed since then.

"There's a lot to learn, and you keep learning and try to get better at what you do," Slowik said. "And I think I've grown since those jobs."

Computer whiz

That growth isn't limited to football concepts. Slowik also has tweaked his methodology.

He began to implement computer technology into his teaching during his brief stay in Cleveland. Mainly self-taught, he refined his skills with the Packers.

The past several years with the Broncos, Slowik has wowed his defensive backs with computer animation to add life to X's and O's.

"He believes if you see it, it registers a lot more with people," Broncos safety John Lynch said. "So he creates motions of the teams we play. It's like you're watching Madden football. It really helps. He goes to all lengths to be extremely detailed."

The thought behind the technology is that game tape, text and PowerPoint presentations don't have the same impact as making characters move, through computer modeling, like they would in a normal play.

"Right when he puts it up there, he knows exactly what he wants to do. And he never gets flustered about it," Pro Bowl cornerback Champ Bailey said. "It's kind of weird, because none of the coaches do it. And other guys in the room will be like, 'Hey, why don't we have that?' It's just funny to see the guys' reaction when coach 'Slo' puts stuff up there."

Slowik's technological malleability is an offshoot of his overall personality. He's detail-oriented, but things aren't always black and white.

"He's got a brilliant mind. He really does," said Coyer, who worked alongside Slowik in Denver for two years. "He's got great ideas. He's inventive."

Slowik appears to have forged tight bonds with Broncos defensive backs, the position he coached in 2005-06, his first two seasons in Denver. Still, he has been known to be tough with players when neededwhile patting them on the back when warranted.

"The one thing I like about 'Slo' is that he takes input from his players, his veteran guys," cornerback



Dre Bly said.

And when things don't work out, "He sticks behind his players," Bailey said.

Challenges await

The rebuilding job Slowik faces with the Broncos defense doesn't compare with the task he once had as a coordinator for an expansion franchise, but it will present its own challenges.

The Broncos finished 19th in yards allowed last season, 30th vs. the run. They also were in the bottom half in yards allowed per play (22nd), net passing yards per play (29th), interceptions per pass attempt (18th), first downs (22nd) and third-down efficiency (27th).

In the midst of compiling those numbers, Bates' seven- man front was scrapped after five games. Slowiktook on more responsibility, implementing an eight-man alignment designed to shore up the run defense.

"Contrary to what was said, my role was virtually the same role throughout the season," Slowik insisted. "Did I know maybe the scheme we evolved to a little bit more so than Jim did? Yeah, because I've been around it. That didn't change my role in any way, shape or form other than having a greater familiarity with what we're doing. There was no play-calling, no installing, no anything of that nature."

That all changed in January with the announcement Bates had declined a demotion to linebackers coach and Slowik would be given full oversight.

"We've got a philosophy on defense that I'd like to get back to a little bit," coach Mike Shanahan said in announcing Slowik's promotion. "Bob knows that philosophy and we've had some success with it. That's why I think he'll do a great job."

Slowik's top task is keeping the eight-man front to stop the run and pare points off the 409 allowed last season, a total that was fourth worst in team history.

" 'Slo' knows how important it is to get the run stopped and get it stopped in a way that you can still protect yourself versus the pass," McGinnis said. "I was really impressed with how bright he was with how everything tied together between the front and back end during our time together."

The Broncos relied heavily on the blitz under Coyer but dialed it back under Bates.

"Bobby will be aggressive," Graves predicted. "He's about attacking and trying to make things happen."

Slowik promises only a "good mix," while adding, "I don't think you can have blitzmania."

Implementing his vision

Some of the free-agent pickups the Broncos added this offseason, including linebackers Niko Koutouvides and Boss Bailey, safety Marlon McCree and defensive tackle Dewayne Robertson, should provide options.

"One of Bob's great talents is, he believes in certain principles of football but also believes in and utilizes his players well," Lynch said. "So it's not a set scheme. It's, 'Here's my collection of players and what they do best. Let's create a scheme.' I think that's what you'll see with Bob."



It's a delicate balance, though, in implementing that vision.

Some Broncos admitted to being confused about their roles last season. But in the offseason, Slowik got rave reviews from several veterans regarding the implementation of his vision.

"I know we'll be prepared and do what we're supposed to, because he's not only an X's and O's guy but a great teacher," Bly said. "And he's a guy the players want to perform for. We want people to talk about what 'Slo' has been able to come in and do this year."

© Rocky Mountain News



Slowik's top priority will be stopping runBy Lee Rasizer

Monday, February 25, 2008

There's a laundry list of items that Bob Slowik wants to accomplish as the new defensive coordinator of the Broncos.

But there's one matter above all that can keep the group from being hampered.

"That's pretty easy: stopping the run," Slowik said in his first public comments since replacing Jim Bates.

Slowik believes in an eight-man front to accomplish that goal and make opponents one-dimensional.

"I think you start there and if you have that aspect of the game under control and teams are throwing the ball, you can move in the other direction. It's hard to go the other way."

That's exactly the scenario that unfolded last season for Denver's 30th-ranked run defense when it converted from a seven-man front in the middle of the season.

Slowik's previous experience overseeing an eight-man alignment prompted speculation he was actually running the defense for the second half in 2007. But Slowik insisted that while he provided input, his involvement related more specifically to his job as secondary coach at the time, with "no play-calling, no installing, no anything of that nature."

There's no doubt now whose task it will be as he takes over for the fourth time as a coordinator after stints with Chicago, Cleveland and Green Bay.

The opportunity is one he hoped eventually would come, either in Denver or elsewhere in the future eversince the Broncos hired him in 2005.

"I enjoy coaching a position and the fundamental aspects," he said of his transition from guiding the team's safeties and cornerbacks. "But I really enjoy the tactical aspect and calling plays."

Slowik doesn't want to limit himself by saying exactly what kind of stamp he'll put on Denver's defense.

"I'm not going to make a proclamation that we're going to be a blitz team or name-me-a-team. It all depends on how the game is, what our guys are comfortable with," he said. "And we'll have a good mix."

MIDDLE MEN: With free agency thin at defensive tackle, the Broncos have expressed an interest in acquiring Detroit's talented but enigmatic Shaun Rogers, who's on the trade block. But one other name

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to watch via that route is the New York Jets'

Dewayne Robertson, who is only 26 years old and five years removed from being a top-10 pick.

Robertson has a balky contract that includes a high base salary and cap figure in excess of $11 million that will need restructuring if he's ultimately dealt.

But the feelers the Jets are putting out at the combine to gauge the market, which certainly has piqued the Broncos' interest, has more to do with the defensive tackle's lack of a fit within New York's 3-4 scheme than finances.

Robinson is regarded as a high-character performer and would be a solid acquisition as an experienced player in his prime at a need position with Denver.

© Rocky Mountain News

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broncos

Slowik's promotioncomes with patience

By Mike Klis The Denver Post

Article Last Updated: 01/09/2008 11:07:09 PM MST

Whatever confusion the multiple layers of coaching titles brought to Dove Valley this season, Bob Slowik clarified through dignified silence.

It was training camp and Jim Bates, officially labeled as assistant head coach of the Broncos' defense, would bounce in and out of the field of play, slapping backs, yelling encouragement, screaming instruction.

Although Slowik also possessed a regal title of defensive coordinator, he usually stood quietly behind the play, intently watching his defensive backs, delivering a tip no more than an octave above his usual speaking voice, relaying through his humble manner that Bates was in charge.

Now Bates is gone, leaving Slowik to run the Broncos' defense for 2008.

"One can lead without being fiery or overly energetic," strong safety Nick Ferguson said. "You just have to get your point across to your players. Coach Slo can do that. It's nice that they would promote from within so we don't have all this disruption with guys having to learn a new defense."

Reached on Wednesday, Bates would not discuss the specifics of his departure, leaving it for Broncos coach Mike Shana-han to explain at his news conference today.

"I'm going hunting," Bates said. "I will say that it couldn't have been more professionally handled."

Shanahan dismissed defensive coordinator Larry Coyer after the 2006 season and thought then about hiring Slowik, who had extensive coordinator experience.

Belying his youthful appearance — Slowik is 53, or about 15 years older than he looks — the 2008 Broncos will mark his ninth season and fourth team as defensive coordinator. A Pittsburgh native who worked his way up through the

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college ranks, Slowik got his big break in 1993 when he was hired by former high school teammate Dave Wannstedt to be the Chicago Bears' defensive coordinator.

For the Broncos in 2007, though, Slowik needed patience. Shanahan felt the defense needed to be stirred after it all but collapsed in the second half of the 2006 season. Bates offered major change. Slowik, who had been Denver's defensive backs coach from 2005-06, would have meant status quo by comparison.

Shanahan picked Bates. A year later, Shanahan reconsidered.

"We were hoping Coach Slowik would take over last year," defensive back Domonique Foxworth said. "It would be an easy transition, and guys really like playing for him."

Spotlight on Slowik

Bob Slowik, the Broncos' new defensive boss, has been a top defensive coach before. How his units have ranked in the NFL in total defense (yards) and scoring defense, and the team's record: Year Team Yards Points W-L

2004 Packers* 25th 23rd 10-6

1999 Browns 31st 29th 2-14

1998 Bears 14th 23rd 4-12

1997 Bears 12th 29th 4-12

1996 Bears 12th 12th 7-9

1995 Bears 19th 22nd 9-7

1994 Bears* 13th 10th 9-7

1993 Bears 4th 3rd 7-9

*Reached the NFC playoffs

Mike Klis: 303-954-1055 or mklis@denverpost. com

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Slowik on rookie roller-coaster ride

Assistant admits it's 'scary,' but so far, so good for secondary

By Lee Rasizer, Rocky Mountain News October 14, 2005

ENGLEWOOD - If you've ever reached into a cabinet for a dish and it slipped out of your hands and hit the counter without breaking, then you might get a sense of the spectrum of emotions Bob Slowik has experienced this season.

The Denver Broncos' defensive backs coach has inserted three rookies into the lineup at cornerback at critical junctures. Andwhile Slowik knew each was talented and bright by working with them through minicamps into the summer, he also has 14 years as an NFL assistant to draw upon, and his practical side knew things, well, might come crashing down at some point.

"As someone who has been around a long time, rookies are a scary thing because this is a game that's played at such a different level than college and they see more things. And everybody is capable of beating them," said Slowik, who joined the Broncos staff in February. "It's always one of those close-your-eyes-and-hold-your-breath things."

The Broncos have been able to breathe easier in no small measure because of the job Slowik has done, along with assistants Jimmy Spencer and Ryan Slowik, preparing Darrent Williams, Dominique Foxworth and Karl Paymah for their early on-field experiences.

The three players hardly have been perfect - see Paymah's spearing penalty in the waning moments Sunday against the Washington Redskins for proof - but on balance, their quick ascension into key roles so far has been a smashing success.

Bob Slowik has had to hoist first-year players into big roles before as a defensive coordinator twice in Chicago and in Green Bay - including Walt Harris, Terry Cousin, Ahmad Carroll and Joey Thomas - but never so many simultaneously. It has created a scenario he has described as probably the biggest challenge of his career.

He has approached this test the way he always has: by breaking down offenses in ways that easily can be understood and absorbed.

"He's a brilliant teacher and a great communicator," Broncos defensive coordinator Larry Coyer said. "And he's knowledgeable. He's got the experience and knows how to teach each player, I think. That's an art form."

Bob Slowik and the other secondary coaches were able to spend more time individually with the young players during the off-season and summer. But since the regular season started, there hasn't been as much free time.

"For the most part, a little extra tutoring here or there is all you can do," Bob Slowik said.

The rookies have committed themselves to preparing outside of the team's Dove Valley headquarters, he added.

That has at least reduced the possibility of the young players being ill-prepared come game time.

"I've yet to have been shocked by anybody's skill or any scheme that any offense has presented to us," Foxworth said.

Bob Slowik's style is more positive reinforcement than in-your- face badgering.

"He puts the responsibility on us to be adults and take this seriously," Foxworth said. "He hasn't yelled since I've been here."

Williams noted when plays go well, Bob Slowik tends to address some of the finer points that might have gone unnoticed.

"He's a great coach," said Williams, who moved into the starting lineup in Week 2, even before a left hamstring injury

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Bob Slowik is in his first season on the Broncos staff.

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knocked out veteran Champ Bailey and necessitated many of the personnel shifts. "He always makes us feel like, even if we do go out there and make mistakes, that it's all right."

The Broncos have been fine despite playing 12 of 20 quarters this season without Bailey, a five-time Pro Bowl selection. The secondary, which could get Bailey back this week against the New England Patriots, hasn't been gashed badly by big plays in the passing game, despite, at times, playing all three rookies at the same time.

The Broncos have allowed only three pass plays longer than 30 yards, to the Redskins' Santana Moss (32), the Dolphins' Marty Booker (60) and the Jacksonville Jaguars' Jimmy Smith (45).

There have been 10 other 20-yard-plus completions.

Foxworth and Williams have combined for five starts, including one together, during that span. Paymah periodically has contributed in the nickel.

"The good thing is these guys are very bright," Bob Slowik said. "They're not only talented, they pick things up pretty quick."

Bob Slowik handles the big-picture aspects of making sure that happens by alerting his group to as many offensive keys as possible.

Spencer, a longtime NFL player, assists in technique work, while Slowik's son Ryan is responsible for whatever other duties are needed. Those tasks might or might not include keeping dad from getting too worked up over what the neophytes in the secondary can handle.

"We're rookies, so you never know what we're going to do game in and game out because we've never played in the NFL before, and in different situations, you don't know how we're going to react and how we'll go out and perform," Williams said, adding with a smile, "I'd be nervous, too."

But Foxworth hopes the past few weeks have proved to be a sedative.

"He should be a little more comfortable now and should know what to expect now in Week 6," he said. "We've been fairly consistent and I think surprised a lot of people, including them. I hope he can breath a little easier."

[email protected]

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Slowik plays whole new game Tuesday, July 5 at 12:01 AM

How much will the addition of new defensive backs coach Bob Slowik help the Denver Broncos' secondary?

In the past three seasons, Denver's secondary has accounted for 21 of the team total of 30 interceptions. Last season -- which was Slowik's first as the Packers' defensive coordinator -- the Broncos had more interceptions (12) than did Green Bay (eight). But in Slowik's previous two seasons spent as the Packers defensive backs coach, the secondary produced 35 of the team's 45 interceptions.

Broncos safety Nick Ferguson said he is glad to be working with Slowik. "Now in the league, you have what we consider 'old-school' coaches and 'new-school' coaches, and you have

to know how to relate to your players," Ferguson said. "Immediately when he came in, everyone felt a good vibe. You have to be comfortable with your coach and vice-versa.

"Bob makes meetings fun, but you learn. He's got this new system where it looks like a John Madden

(video) game. It's a better way for us to actually learn. It's just like the game -- guys get up in motion and we have to make calls in the meeting. So he's bringing new technical things to the game, causing us to be really technically sound. Everyone knows his responsibility and the responsibility of everyone else."

The Broncos' secondary will be tested by the likes of Pro Bowl receivers Randy Moss and Terrell Owens. Time will tell how well - and how fast - Slowik is able to turn the group of defensive backs into thieving ballhawks. "He has a different way of coaching," Ferguson said. "He's always encouraging players to come see him. That's what you want. He's going to tell you the bottom line."

NOTEWORTHY

› Sports Illustrated's Web site SI.com lists 25 athletes selected as "American Revolutionary Athletes" -- athletes who changed sports in America. Boxing great Muhammad Ali headlines the list, with the late Jackie Robinson at No. 2. SI.com cited former Denver resident Babe Didrickson Zaharias at No. 11. Former Denver Rockets player Spencer Haywood is at No. 23, "for successfully challenging the NBA rule requiring players to complete four years of eligibility before turning pro."

› The fifth of July hasn't been too bad a date for the Colorado Rockies, who go into tonight's game at Coors Field against Los Angeles having won four straight (and five of the past six) games played on the day after July 4.

› Fans of professional bowling might be glad to learn that the PBA Tour is expected to roll through Denver again. Last year's Denver Open held at Brunswick Zone Lakewood made a favorable impression on tour officials, who are finalizing the 2005-06 schedule that will be released soon.

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Shanahan adds familiar associate to coach team's secondary

By Jeff Legwold, Rocky Mountain News February 2, 2005

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan dipped into his past Tuesday, formally adding veteran assistant coach Bob Slowik to the team's staff as secondary coach.

Slowik will fill the vacancy opened when Shanahan fired David Gibbs during the Broncos' bye week in November. Former Broncos defensive back Jimmy Spencer, who handled the job on an interim basis after Gibbs' dismissal, will work with Slowik.

Slowik served as Green Bay's defensive coordinator this season. He was demoted when the Packers hired Jim Bates as defensive coordinator.

Slowik, who was on Charlie Pell's staff at the University of Florida with Shanahan between 1980 and 1982, also served as defensive coordinator with the Chicago Bears and Cleveland Browns.

Also Tuesday, Broncos running backs coach Bobby Turner interviewed with New Orleans Saints coach Jim Haslett for that team's offensive coordinator post.

Copyright 2005, Rocky Mountain News. All Rights Reserved.

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Posted Jan. 27, 2005

Slowik leaves Packers for Broncos

Ex-defensive coordinator will coach Denver’s defensive backs

By Pete Dougherty PackersNews.com

Bob Slowik is leaving the Green Bay Packers to become defensive backs coach for the Denver Broncos, NFL sources said Wednesday, giving coach Mike Sherman and new defensive coordinator Jim Bates another opening on their defensive coaching staff.

Slowik, who lost his job as defensive coordinator on Monday, had the option of returning to the Packers as defensive backs coach, a job he held from 2000 to 2003.

But he instead decided to go to the Broncos, who tried to hire him as defensive coordinator in 2003. The Packers blocked that earlier move because Slowik also was under contract as assistant head coach.

Slowik’s departure leaves at least two openings on the Packers’ defensive coaching staff:defensive line and defensive backs.

A top candidate for the latter is Lionel Washington, 44, who has been the Packers’ assistant defensive backs coach for the past six seasons.

Kurt Schottenheimer, who coached the Packers’ defensive backs last season, was fired by Sherman on Monday. He since has taken the same job with the St. Louis Rams.

Bates had two defensive backs coaches with the Miami Dolphins last year, but both already have jobs. Secondary coach Mel Phillips joined Miami’s new coaching staff, and defensive nickel package coach Bill Lewis will be a defensive assistant at Notre Dame.

Sherman made a major move by hiring Bates to replace Slowik as coordinator on Monday and likely will give him a strong voice in filling out the rest of the defensive coaching staff.

“I’ve heard a lot of good things about (Washington),” Bates said. “We’ll look at guys,

Bob Slowik

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and Coach Sherman and I will come up with a plan. I’ll make recommendations, but Mike will have the final say.”

Bates wouldn’t comment on specific candidates, but appears likely to bring former Dolphins assistant Bob Sanders to the Packers in some capacity.

Sanders was the Dolphins’ linebackers coach for the last four years but also has coached defensive ends in previous coaching stops and could be a candidate to replace Jethro Franklin as defensive line coach. Franklin left the Packers for the same job at the University of Southern California. Mark Duffner is under contract as the Packers’ linebackers coach and is expected to be back next season.

Bates said the structure of the defensive staff will depend on the coaches hired by the Packers.

At Miami, Phillips was defensive backs coach and Lewis coordinated and devised game plans for the Dolphins’ passing-down packages. Under Sherman, the Packers have used the more conventional titles of defensive backs coach and assistant defensive backs coach.

Slowik, 50, leaves the Packers after five seasons on Sherman’s staff, including one ill-fated season as defensive coordinator in 2004. The Packers gave up a team-record 33 touchdown passes and finished 25th in the 32-team NFL in yards allowed and 23rd in points allowed.

After Sherman demoted Slowik, Broncos coach Mike Shanahan immediately moved to hire him. Shanahan fired secondary coach David Gibbs last November, and is keeping interim secondary coach Jimmy Spencer as defensive backs assistant.

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Posted Sep. 10, 2004

Watch out — Packers unleash Sharper

By Rob Demovsky PackersNews.com

If Bob Slowik’s new defense is as advertised, perhaps no one will benefit more than safety Darren Sharper.

With Slowik’s promise to be more aggressive and the addition of assignment-sure Mark Roman in the safety spot next to Sharper, the Green Bay Packers’ defense could look significantly different than last year.

“Cut loose, unleashed — whatever you want to call it,” Sharper said of his new role. “But it’s different having it in the game plan and then when the bullets are live getting it called. I believe Coach Slowik will call the things we have in the game plan.”

Though Sharper, who is arguably the Packers’ most important defensive player, stands to gain the most under Slowik’s plan to blitz more on early downs and play more press coverage on receivers, he insists he won’t be the only one to benefit beginning with Monday night’s regular-season opener at Carolina.

“I think a lot of guys are going to be unleashed,” Sharper said. “You’re going to see us flying around as a defense. Everyone’s been wondering what this new defense we’re running is, and I think everyone will get a taste of that Monday night.”

The key addition was Roman, the fifth-year safety who signed a three-year, $2.75 million contract in free agency. His steady play during the preseason has the Packers feeling confident in their safeties for the first time since LeRoy Butler’s career ended in 2001.

“It’s a good match for Sharper,” Slowik said. “They both are interchangeable. Now you can use Sharper to his full abilities as far as the different things we can do with him. We feel very comfortable with those guys back there.”

The Packers obviously don’t want to give away any of their secrets but judging by a preseason in which Slowik blitzed more than a coordinator normally would in exhibition games, it’s clear Slowik has taken the same basic style that Ed Donatell, who was fired after the season, ran last year and juiced it up.

Green Bay Packers safety Darren Sharper returns an interception for a

touchdown in a preseason game against the Saints. Patrick

Ferron/PackersNews.com

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“In the past, we’ve had a look that we’re going to show you, and that’s what we were going to do,” Sharper said. “Whether we blitzed or not, it didn’t matter. We came out with a certain look so you could kind of anticipate what we were going to do.

“Now, we’re going to come out with so many different looks that you’re not going to be able to say, ‘OK, that’s what we think you’re going to do.’”

For Sharper, that means playing more near the line of scrimmage instead of only back incoverage like he was for the majority of snaps last season. Perhaps because he didn’t trust Marques Anderson and Antuan Edwards, who shared time at the other safety spot last year, Donatell often left Sharper back in coverage.

This year, he will be a cover man, but he also will be brought up near the line of scrimmage.

Backup quarterback Doug Pederson, who often went against the Packers’ No. 1 defense during training camp, said he noticed a significant difference in Sharper’s role.

“He’s around the football a lot more,” Pederson said “He’s becoming that eighth or ninth guy down in the box and making more plays versus the run. They’re putting him in a position to kind of do his own thing back there and use his talent and his skill.”

Said Sharper: “There’s going to be more guys moving around and not letting offenses key on what I might do whether I’m going to cover or blitz or double team a receiver. It’s going to be harder for offenses to predict what I’m going to do.”

That said, Sharper in an interview on Thursday, never once complained about his role last year or the type of season he had. He recorded two sacks (tying the most he has had in a single season) and five interceptions (the fourth-highest total of his first seven seasons).

“I hope that my numbers go up,” Sharper said. “But I think us, as a defense, will be more stout. We won’t allow teams to drive the ball on us, and you’ll see a lot more sacksand turnovers.”




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Posted on Sun, Aug. 29, 2004

INSIDE THE NFL | STAN OLSON

Packers go to attacking style

Team blitzing more under new coordinator

When Green Bay comes to town Sept. 13 to open the season against the Carolina Panthers, look for a far more aggressive Packers defensive unit than last year's.

Five or more rushers is considered a blitz, and the Packers blitzed more than half of the time on pass plays eight days ago against New Orleans, a high number for an exhibition. But new defensive coordinator Bob Slowik is turning up the heat.

"My thinking is we're creating an identity in this defense," Slowik said. "If we want to be an aggressive, attacking style of defense, we've got to learn the ups and downs of it."

Last year's Packers (under defensive coordinator Ed Donatell) blitzed 29.4 percent of the time. It was the highest ratio in Donatell's four years, but should pale compared with Slowik's charges.

"I don't think it's something you can turn on and turn off," Slowik said. "Like, `OK, we're going to be this when the time comes, but right now in the preseason we're going to be this group that bends but doesn't break.' That's not realistic. You are what you are."

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Slowik takes the stand for defense

Promotion allows him to change, adjust schemes

By RICK BRAUN [email protected]

Posted: Feb. 4, 2004

Green Bay Packer coach Mike Sherman wasn't looking for an overhaul of his defense, just some changes and adjustments, so he stayed in-house when it came to naming his new defensive coordinator.

Sherman promoted Bob Slowik, the defensive backs coach and assistant head coach, as the Packers' new defensive coordinator last Wednesday, replacing Ed Donatell, who was fired on Jan. 16.

At the same time, Sherman hired Kurt Schottenheimer, recently released as defensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, to take over Slowik's duties as the defensive backs coach.

Slowik had served as defensive coordinator for the Chicago Bears from 1993-'98 and as defensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns in 1999, the team's first season in the league.

"A few days ago when I was up here talking about the change, I said that I would make a decision that would help us get to where we want to get, and I believe I had done that," Sherman said in announcing Slowik's promotion. "I have a lot of confidence in Bob Slowik and his abilities. I've been watching him the last four years and he's done a tremendous job in helping us grow as a football team and as a defense.

"My goal is for us to continue to do the things we do well and try to fix some of the things that need to be fixed. It's as simple as that. I don't think we're that far away and I think Bob Slowik is the guy that can help get us there."

Presumably, Slowik won't make major changes.

Nick Barnett, who just finished a highly successful rookie season in which he led the Packers in tackles, was pleased with Slowik's promotion - once he found out about it.

Barnett was in Houston last Thursday during the week leading up to the Super Bowl as part of the ceremony in which Houston Texan running back Domanick Davis was named the Pepsi Rookie of the Year in Internet voting.

Barnett was told by reporters of Slowik being named defensive coordinator a day earlier and hadn't been aware of it until then.

"When did you hear that? They announced it yesterday that coach Slowik is the coordinator?" Barnett asked.

Once he absorbed the news, Barnett approved.

"He's a great guy; anyone of those coaches that are there (would have been a good coordinator)." Barnett said. "I know coach Slowik, he's a great coach, so I look forward to him being my defensive coordinator."

The Packers' most notable failure on defense came in late-game situations, particularly in the painful playoff loss at Philadelphia that eliminated the Packers on Jan. 11.

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The Packers allowed the Eagles to convert a fourth-and-26 play that eventually led to the tying field goal and Philadelphia won the game, 20-17, in overtime.

Other late failures by the defense included blowing late leads in losses to Kansas City on Oct. 12 and Philadelphia on Nov. 10. The Packers also allowed a final-drive touchdown by Seattle that tied the score and forced overtime in the opening weekend of the playoffs, but they won that game on cornerback Al Harris' interception and 52-yard return for a touchdown.

Still, Slowik recognizes such situations as a point of focus for 2004.

"The biggest thing this last year, which we were close to getting to where we want to go, but there's our fourth-down defense, being able to hold a lead in the fourth quarter, closing out the game and putting the nail in the coffin in the two-minute drill," Slowik said. "We've got to be able to generate more sacks. We've done good in sacks in the past but we didn't generate quite as many of the sacks as we needed, particularly with the game on the line.

"Those are the real primary areas that we need to improve in dramatically."

Slowik believes his experience as a defensive coordinator and his past four years as the Packers' defensive backs coach will serve him well.

"As a coordinator, as a football coach, the longer you're in the NFL you understand that the game is constantly evolving," Slowik said. "It's evolving on offense, it's evolving on defense. There are things during the course of a season that will change.

"And I think that the seven years I was a coordinator - the six with Chicago and the one with Cleveland - that I was able to evolve and change with the game and find some new little wrinkles that can help a team get over the hump.

"It's like coach Sherman said: We're not that far away. There's a lot of good things that we did on defense. There really are. Interceptions and takeaways have always been high, stopping the run made a dramatic jump this year from last year. Our pass defense and keeping down explosive passes is something that we've always been pretty good at. So those things we've got to continue to do pretty well."

As he continued, it became apparent that Slowik's assignment is to take the Packers from a division-winning defense to a championship defense. And he doesn't see the climb as that big a hill.

"We've got to find that little new wrinkle, that new scheme, that way to teach better at tackling or whatever it might be that's going to get us over the hump," Slowik said. "It's not just good enough here with the Packers to win games. We're here to win championships, and that's what the bottom line is here with the Packers."

Schottenheimer served the last two seasons as the defensive coordinator for Detroit and he was the defensive coordinator in Washington in 2001 and in Kansas City for the 1999 and 2000 seasons.

His Detroit defense held the Packers to just 52 rushing yards in the Lions' 22-14 victory on Thanksgiving Day.

Schottenheimer and linebackers coach Mark Duffner give the Packers two position coaches who are former defensive coordinators. Duffner was the defensive coordinator in Cincinnati in 2001 and 2002.

"I'm certainly excited about this opportunity," said Schottenheimer, 54, who is the younger brother of San Diego Charger coach Marty Schottenheimer. "Obviously we all know about the great, great tradition here."

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It’s Slowik for the defense

He’s likely to fine-tune existing unit

By Pete Dougherty PackersNews.com

Green Bay Packers coach Mike Sherman’s decision to promote Bob Slowik to defensive coordinator suggests he quibbled less with Ed Donatell’s scheme than with the way he implemented it with the game on the line.

Sherman could have changed his defensive approach drastically by hiring someone such as former Arizona coach Dave McGinnis, former Chicago defensive coordinator Greg Blache or someone else from another organization.

Instead, he has entrusted his defense to Slowik, 49, who was defensive coordinator in Chicago from 1993 to 1998 and in Cleveland in 1999 before becoming one of Sherman’s last hires as defensive backs coach when he put together his first Packers staff in 2000.

Slowik won’t change the terminology of the Packers’ defense and will use the same basic scheme, but he’ll mix in some of what he did in Chicago and Cleveland.

Most importantly, he brings a different personality and temperament to the play-calling.

“I don’t want to just blow up our defense and start over again. There are some things we do well,” Sherman said Wednesday. “The players understand what we want to get done. It’s just that I felt the leadership needed to go in a different direction. Ed did a fine job for us, we’ve done some very good things defensively. I just want to take things to another level.”

Bob Slowik, the Green Bay Packers’ new defensive coordinator, fields

questions from the media at Lambeau Field on Wednesday afternoon. He

succeeds Ed Donatell, who was fired two weeks ago. Corey Wilson/PackersNews.com

The Slowik file

Who: Bob Slowik

Age: 49

New job: Packers defensive coordinator

College experience: Assistant coach, 1977-91 (Delaware, Florida, Drake, Rutgers, East Carolina).

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Sherman fired Donatell two weeks ago, interviewed Slowik extensively last week at the Senior Bowl and then told Slowik of his promotion on Monday. Sherman waited until Wednesday to publicly announce that move and the hiring of Kurt Schottenheimer as defensive backs coach.

Donatell made a little less than $400,000 a year as the Packers’ defensive coordinator, and Slowik’s two-year deal is believed to be in that ballpark. Slowik also retains the title of assistant head coach, which Sherman gave him in 2002.

When Slowik touched on the things he wants to improve — the defense’s play in the fourth quarter in general and in the final 2 minutes in particular, the pass rush (especially in the fourth quarter) and fourth-down efficiency — he in effect gave a laundry list of what cost Donatell his job.

The Packers blew a 17-point fourth-quarter lead to Kansas City, and twice lost to Philadelphia because of final-minute drives by the Eagles, including the infamous fourth-and-26 in an NFC divisional playoff game on Jan. 11.

Slowik also emphasized that he wants to take an especially aggressive approach, though he acknowledged that every defensive coordinator in the league would say that.

“It’s not what you say, it’s what you do that determines your identity,” Slowik said. “On game day, we plan on carrying through with that promise.”

Though Slowik brought the Dallas Cowboys’ defense of the early 1990s with him when the Bears hired him as defensive coordinator in 1993, he said he no longer runs that scheme. Instead, he pointed to the New England Patriots’ defense as perhaps the best model in the league.

The Patriots have been one of the NFL’s top defenses the past three seasons despite not having dominating personnel. Coach Bill Belichick runs a three-lineman, four-linebacker scheme as his base alignment, but he’s best known for creating confusion by giving offenses multiple looks, and for tailoring the scheme and play calling to the skills of his personnel better than anyone in the league.

Slowik said the Packers’ base defense will remain a 4-3, though he’ll mix in some 3-4 looks, which Donatell rarely — if ever — did, among other wrinkles.

“You talk to offensive coaches around the league, when you play New England, it’s really a challenge,” Slowik said. “They create targeting problems and indecision.”

Slowik’s defenses ranked fourth, 13th, 19th, 12th, 14th and 14th in the NFL during his six years as the Bears’ defensive coordinator.

He wouldn’t second-guess Donatell’s ill-fated call to rush only four players and drop seven into coverage on fourth-and-26 against the Eagles.

“No matter what you call, you should be able to stop fourth-and-26,” Slowik said, taking much of the responsibility as defensive backs coach. He characterized it as a play that will “haunt” him.

NFL experience: Defensive coordinator (Cowboys, 1992; Bears, 1993-98; Browns, 1999; defensive backs coach (Packers, 2000-03).



Slowik gave an idea of how he might differ in his play-calling when he talked about the aggressive pass coverages he’ll play with cornerbacks Mike McKenzie and Al Harris, and safety Darren Sharper in his secondary. He suggested he’ll have fewer qualms about putting them alone in one-on-one coverage, which would open up more and varied blitzes or unusual defenses.

“You put the heat on your talent,” Slowik said, “and our talented players are in the secondary now.”

Over the past four seasons, Slowik has been more of a conspicuous presence at practice than the reserved Donatell, though he’s not as boisterous of a personality as linebackers coach Mark Duffner, defensive line coach Jethro Franklin or offensive line coach Larry Beightol.

Slowik said he’ll call his defenses from the press box, unlike Donatell, who worked games from the sidelines.

In the past decade, the Packers have used both approaches. Fritz Shurmur worked from the sidelines under coach Mike Holmgren from 1994 to 1998, but Emmitt Thomas worked from the press box under coach Ray Rhodes in 1999.




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Sherman: Slowik Part Of The Answer For Packers by Jason Bellamy, Packers.com posted 01/28/2004 The good thing about new and improved is that it doesn't require starting from scratch. The Green Bay Packers learned that from the Lambeau Field redevelopment project, which turned one of the NFL's most historic venues into a modern marvel without throwing out the baby along with the bathwater. GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman hopes that what worked for the Packers' storied stadium also will work in his efforts to upgrade the defense that plays there. Wednesday, Sherman promoted assistant head coach/defensive backs coach Bob Slowik to the role of assistant head coach/defensive coordinator, and by doing so suggested that the Packers aren't a team in need of a new defensive foundation, so much as some specific remodeling. "My goal is for us to continue to do some of the things we do well and to fix some of the things that need to be fixed, as simple as that," Sherman said Wednesday. "I don't think we're that far away and I think Bob Slowik is the guy that can help get us there." The place the Packers are looking to go is the Super Bowl. They weren't far off in 2003, rallying down the stretch to make it all the way to the NFC divisional playoffs where they finished a fourth-and-26 away from advancing to the NFC championship game. If that fourth-and-26 situation that the Packers couldn't win late in the fourth quarter against the Philadelphia Eagles was a sign that they needed new defensive leadership, the fact that the defense allowed the Packers to get that far in the first place was an argument for its preservation. In Slowik, Sherman has a coach who can continue to promote the values that have allowed the Packers to be successful in recent seasons -- creating takeaways and shutting teams down in the red zone, most notably -- while hammering away on the areas that may have fallen apart. Meeting with members of the Wisconsin media Wednesday, Slowik said that he hoped to upgrade the Packers' fourth-down defense, pressure on the quarterback and ability to shut down opposing offenses when the game is on the line. He didn't unveil any schematic specifics, but did indicate potential philosophical changes. "I'll say this," Slowik said, "if there's ever a doubt as to take a conservative approach or an aggressive approach, we will always choose the aggressive approach." Speaking as someone who has served as a defensive coordinator twice before, first with the Chicago Bears and then with the Cleveland Browns, Slowik admitted that any of his 31 other NFL counterparts would repeat the same sort of mantra. Talking about being aggressive is one thing. Producing results with that defensive style is something else. But for this Packers defense, a change in attitude may be the most significant step they can take. "The players have to buy into the system," Slowik said. "Any player, on defense in particular, wants to be an aggressive, attacking style. They want to think they're making the offense play us; we're not playing them. "We want to get to the point where we can go on the field on Sunday and not have to count on how the Green

Bob Slowik

Related Information

: Slowik Named Defensive Coordinator

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Bay Packers offense or special teams play. We want to be able to go out and dominate a game on our own if necessary." Unlike previous coordinator Ed Donatell, Slowik plans on calling defensive plays from the press box rather than the field. That's the vantage point from which Slowik has observed games for the majority of his career and where he feels he's best able to remove the emotions of the situation to make the best defensive calls. Success in the NFL, Slowik said, isn't so much about coming up with something revolutionary as it is about finding ways to better use the players and techniques that are already in place. "The longer you're in the NFL, you understand that the game is constantly evolving," Slowik said. "And like Coach Sherman said, we're not that far away. There are a lot of good things we did on defense (in 2003). There really are. "So those things we have to continue to do well, but we have to find whatever it is, that new little wrinkle, that new scheme, that way to teach better tackling or whatever it's going to be that's going to get us over the hump. Because it's not just good enough here at the Packers to win games. "We're here to win championships and that's what the bottom line is here at the Packers."

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Slowiks discovered NFL’s best secret in Green Bay

By Sean Schultz [email protected]

When Bob Slowik got his first look at Green Bay four years ago, he called his wife, Carol, with a scouting report: “It’s the best-kept secret in the NFL,” he told her.

She had trusted his judgment before as they moved for his coaching jobs to several colleges and then to NFL cities, including Dallas, Chicago and Cleveland. So Carol Slowik said she trusted him again when he took the job as defensive backs coach in Green Bay. Since then, he’s been named assistant head coach and she’s settled in with their children.

“I hope I don’t have to leave because it’s great,” Carol said. “It’s got everything you want,” she said, citing safety, low crime, nice neighborhoods and good schools. And, she added, “where else can my kid go to a Lombardi Middle School?”

Carol gave up her own college coaching career to accommodate her husband’s NFL work. But strangely enough, their first job move after the college sweethearts married came when she was offered the job of head women’s track coach at the University of Florida-Gainesville. Bob, still a graduate student, later landed a part-time assistant’s position with the Gators’ football team.

The Slowiks’ first two children were born in Florida, and the young family resided in the athletic dorm on campus.

“Ryan learned to walk on Florida’s football field,” Carol recalled.

From Florida they followed Bob’s coaching career to Drake University, Eastern Carolina and Rutgers before he hit the NFL. Carol said she was lucky enough to land assistant coaching and/or teaching jobs in the university towns, “but when he went to the professional ranks, I retired.”

Carol Slowik, wife of Packers secondary coach Bob Slowik, is an

athlete in her own right. She is shown with the family dog, Zoe. B.A.

Rupert/Press-Gazette

Meet the family

The Slowiks: Bob, Carol and children Ryan, 23; Andrea, 21; Bobby, 16; Steve, 15

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By then she had four children, plenty to keep her busy.

During the football season, coaches’ wives “operate as single mothers,” Carol said. But she recognizes that her husband can do his job better knowing she’s handling family matters. Then he can savor being with his kids when time allows.

“He’s a wonderful father, and he’s as nice as the day I met him,” she said.

Her only complaint mirrors that of coaches’ and players’ wives all over the NFL.

“The men get the job and they’re gone within the week,” she said. “Then the women do it all — showing the house, selling it, packing up.”

The Slowiks have had nine “major” moves, so Carol is a pro at relocation.

The Slowik children all have inherited their parents’ athletic ability. Bob was a two-year starting cornerback at Delaware, and track star Carol was inducted into the Delaware Sports Hall of Fame in 1995 and the university’s Athletic Hall of Fame in 2000.

Much of her Green Bay life revolves around the kids’ sporting events. It’s busy with sons Bobby and Steve still at home. (Son Ryan is a senior at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh and daughter Andrea is a gymnastics coach in Illinois.) And Carol serves as a volunteer assistant with the Green Bay Southwest High School boys track program.

“I was raised that if a sport is good to you, you need to give back to the sport,” she said.

On Packers game days she loves to sit outside in the stands.

“You need to be outside in the elements to see what they’re going through,” Carol said. “The crowd is electric. It’s good to experience that, as long as you’ve got your layers on.”

And while she claims to have just four children, Bob often says he has 14, counting the 10 Packers defensive backs — among them Darren Sharper, Al Harris and Mike McKenzie.

“He loves his players,” Carol said.

She’s also active with the Packers Women’s Association, serving on its leadership council and helping year-round with the group’s charitable activities. Carol works out at the YMCA and plays on a tennis team. In true Green Bay tradition, she recently took up bowling after being recruited to a team called Split City.

“I’m the weak link,” she admits.

Holidays during the football season are spent at home in Green Bay. Because they seldom can be with their own parents, Bob and Carol have developed their own family traditions. At Christmas, they have a “wishing table” ritual each Christmas Eve. The six of them gather around a glass dish that holds six candles. Beside it are six blank notecards, one for each family member to record hopes and dreams for the coming year.



“They can be global or personal,” Carol said.

The family lights the candles for hope and opens the wishes they made the year before to see if their dreams came true.

“The kids look forward to it,” she said. “It takes some thinking.”

With the Packers enjoying some post-season success, it’s easy to figure what some of the family’s “wishing table” dreams were this past Christmas Eve — like maybe beating Philadelphia today and keeping the season alive.

“It would be nice to win (today),” Carol agreed, acknowledging a rivalry that’s not just between the Packers and the Eagles. “I grew up in Delaware, which those people think isa suburb of Philadelphia.”




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Packers Name Bob Slowik Defensive Coordinator posted 01/28/2004 The Green Bay Packers have named Bob Slowik assistant head coach/defensive coordinator, GM/Head Coach Mike Sherman announced Wednesday. Slowik, 49, is the ninth defensive coordinator in Green Bay history. He has served the last four seasons as the Packers' defensive backs coach, including the last two as assistant head coach. He has 27 years of coaching experience, 12 in the NFL and seven as a league defensive coordinator. Only six current defensive coordinators have more NFL experience in that role. "I have a lot of confidence in Bob Slowik and his abilities," Sherman said. "I've watched him over the last four years and he's done a tremendous job in helping us grow as a football team and as a defense. My goal is for us to continue to do some of the things we do well, and to fix some of the things that need to be fixed, as simple as that. I don't think we're that far away and I think Bob Slowik is that guy that can help get us there." Seven of Slowik's 12 seasons in the NFL were under Dave Wannstedt, one of the league's top defensive minds. Slowik coordinated Wannstedt's nickel defense in Dallas (1992), then served as Wannstedt's defensive coordinator in Chicago (1993-98). In 1999, Slowik was defensive coordinator for the expansion Cleveland Browns before coming to Green Bay in 2000. During his tenure as Chicago defensive coordinator, the Bears allowed 312.8 yards per game. That figure ranked eighth in the NFL over the six-year span (1993-98). The Bears were consistently in the NFL's top half, without a single Pro Bowler from 1994-98. As Bears coordinator, Slowik's defenses ranked fourth, 13th, 19th, 12th, 14th and 14th, respectively. In 1992, Slowik won a Super Bowl ring with Dallas, where his main responsibility was the Cowboys' top-ranked nickel package. That year, Dallas led the NFL in third-down conversions (27.2 percent), fewest total yards (249.5/game), rushing yards allowed (77.8/game) and first downs (241). The Cowboys ranked fifth in passing defense (167.9 yards/game). In 1999, his only year with the expansion Browns, Slowik's defense ranked 11th in passing and 31st overall. The Browns carried at least 16 rookie/first-year players on their roster for every game, more than any of their opponents that season. Slowik (pronounced "SLOW-ik") has the advantage of having guided two previous NFL defenses. In fact, only three current defensive coordinators - San Diego's Wade Phillips (five), Seattle's Ray Rhodes (five) and Baltimore's Mike Nolan (four) - have held that role with more teams than Slowik (three). Before entering the NFL in 1992, Slowik worked 15 seasons on staffs of five college programs: Delaware (1977-78), Florida (1979-82), Drake (1983), Rutgers (1984-89) and East Carolina (1990-91). As a college player at Delaware, he started for two years at cornerback. Slowik and his wife, Carol, live in Green Bay and have four children: Ryan, Andrea, Bobby and Steven. His wife is a former two-time All-America track competitor at Delaware, and served as the head women's track coach at the University of Florida. Slowik replaces Ed Donatell, who was relieved of his duties Jan. 16.

Bob Slowik

Related Information

: Audio

: Kurt Schottenheimer Replaces Slowik

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Slowik named assistant head coach

Sherman delegates some of his workload

By TOM SILVERSTEIN of the Journal Sentinel staff

Last Updated: April 27, 2002

Green Bay - The desire to delegate his enormous workload and reward one of his top assistant coaches led Green Bay Packers coach Mike Sherman to name Bob Slowik assistant head coach Saturday.

Sherman picked Slowik, the team's defensive backfield coach and 10-year National Football League coaching veteran, to attend to some of the coaching responsibilities Sherman must neglect as a result of also being the team's general manager.

"I went through the season and free agency and the draft and I just felt that this was an opportunity for me to tap into a resource, what I consider a very good resource (in) Bob Slowik," Sherman said. "He's a guy who sees the big picture, he has great people skills. He can take some of the burden off me in regard to some football issues."

When asked what Slowik's responsibilities would entail, Sherman joked, "Everything I don't want to do."

Among the things Slowik will do is attend to league matters that require Sherman's attention and address issues players and coaches raise throughout the season.

The move wasn't made to prevent other teams from stealing Slowik from his staff, Sherman said, because league rules now make it difficult for an assistant coach under contract to make a lateral move.

For his part, Slowik, 48, said he was thrilled to get the promotion.

"I feel good that he thought enough of me," Slowik said. "Whatever the head coach wants, a project or something he needs evaluated or if he needs me as a sounding board, anything he deems necessary, that's what I'm there for. My top priority hasn't changed and that's coaching the secondary."

Slowik began his pro coaching career as a defensive assistant in Dallas in 1992 and moved to Chicago in '93, where he was defensive coordinator until '98. He was defensive coordinator in Cleveland in '99 before coming to the Packers.

Sherman also promoted quality control assistant coach Darrell Bevell to offensive assistant. The move means Bevell will spend more time working with the quarterbacks in practice and in meetings, although offensive coordinator Tom Rossley will remain the quarterbacks coach.

Bevell, 32, turned down an opportunity to interview for the Oakland Raiders' quarterbacks job recently because he felt he had a future in Green Bay.

"Coach Sherman has done a lot for me and showed loyalty to me in bringing me here, so I wanted to be loyal to him and stay here with him," Bevell said. "He has a plan for what he has for me and the rest of us as a team and coaches, and I trust him."

Page 1 of 1JS Online: Slowik named assistant head coach

1/30/2005http://www.jsonline.com/packer/news/apr02/38768.asp?format=print

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