Defensive coordinator

[barrett]

If kubiak is back, I would be shocked if we go with a DC that runs primarily a 3-4.

Kubiak returning would show that McNair (mistakenly) thinks we are so close we don't need drastic change. The DC move would be more of a fan appeasement in this case in my opinion. It would be a guy brought in under Kubiak to try to get better results from the existing framework. I would guess that players and system would not be significantly changed in this scenario.

As to the 3-4 in general, it would underutilize a healthy Mario and the things he does well if he lined up there exclusively. I also think he is ill suited to standing up as a rush LB. But most teams don't run the 3-4 exclusively. The patriots usually have 4 down lineman in passing downs. Or they slide their 3 DL into a 4-3 alignment and stand the LB up where the other DE would be. So Mario as a 3-4 DE on running downs, and sliding out to 4-3 DE width on passing downs works just fine.

It comes down to a coach who puts players in positions where they are most likely to succeed, rather than a coach trying to force players into his idea of proper football scheme.