The Coaching Tree: Assistants

The following is a thumb-nail skech of the assistants.

Bill Muir, offensive line coach – This 67-year-old former offensive coordinator for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 2000-2008 was fired along with Jon Gruden. He adds experience to a young coaching staff.

Bob Bicknell, tight ends- a holdover from the prior staff built his resume in NFL Europe coaching the Berlin Thunder, Cologne Centerions and Frankfurt Galaxy.

Steve Hoffman, special teams – A former college QB and kicker has been a long-time special teams coach. Most recently was assistant special teams coach for the Dolphins and Bill Parcells.

Dedric Ward, wide recievers – A native of Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Northern Iowa played in the league form 1997-2004. Began coaching career at Missouri State and last year served under coach Haley as a quality control offensive coach for the Arizona Cardinals

Tim Krumrie, defensive line – After a distinguished playing career at Wisconsin and with the Bengals, he has previously coached at Buffalo and Cinncinnati. One of the stars of Hard Knocks a couple years ago oversaw one of the all-time worst defensive line performances in 2008. I am clueless why he was retained after his players miserable performance in 2008.

Ronnie Bradford, defensive backs – This former Colorado Buffalo blocked a Notre Dame extra point in 1991 perserving the victory and the National Championship. After a NFL career with Denver, Atlanta and Arizona he has coached special teams and defensive backs for the Denver Broncos. No known association with either Haley or Pioli.