JLC: The HC Horserace
 

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I'm calling this a four-man race at this point. Steve Mariucci is in. Made too much sense all along. I believe he was the covert candidate dating back to the weekend and it seems this thing has picked up considerable steam since we blogged about it Sunday night.

I am hearing from multiple sources that the Redskins will cross paths with Mariucci in Arizona during the Super Bowl. Owner Daniel Snyder and executive vice-president-football operations Vinny Cerrato were set to fly to Arizona today after completing their second interview with Ron Meeks - this time in Indianapolis - and they are expected to formally interview Mariucci this week.

So we've got Jim Fassel, Mariucci, Ron Meeks and, still to be interviewed, Giants DC Steve Spagnuolo (New England assistant Josh McDaniels could be interviewed as well, but I don't see him making this move and I don't see Snyder hiring a 31-year-old coach, either.)

Fassel - Still the leader as we come down the stretch. Despite the public reaction he has impressed Snyder and the Skins came ever-so-close to hiring him last Wednesday. Could not put together his dream staff, but Snyder and Cerrato have certainly followed many of his recommendations. He wants the job, no doubt about that, and has handled being put on hold for 10-12 days like a pro. There would be major questions with his hiring by the fans - judging by the initial flare up - but Snyder never pretended to be a man of the people.

Mariucci - Snyder may not be a PR maven, but he's anything but stupid. Just as the storm Wednesday gave him pause, so, too, I am sure his people have monitored blogs, message boards and talk radio to gauge support for Mariucci since the "Something TO Chew On" post went up. May be an easier sell, though Mariucci brings baggage as well, having been fired from his last job in mid-contract. There is a lot to sort out - issues about personnel, how he would interact with Cerrato, if his wife wants to leave the West Coast, and, as always, money. But no doubt all of this will be explored in depth, and I believe he's making a strong push down the stretch.

Meeks - I see this being more for down the line. He has solely a defensive backround and several NFL execs believe Meeks may not be ready to make the jump. His agent, Gary Wichard, is very tight with Cerrato, which never hurts, and no doubt many would herald the Redskins for hiring a minority as head coach, rightfully so in the nation's capital and a city as diverse as Washington.

Spagnuolo - If the Giants win the Super Bowl, and especially if they shut down the Pats, then he would leap past some other guys in a flash. Strange as that is - basing too much on one game - several sources who have talked to Snyder during this process believe that is very much the case. And, hey, nothing's been normal anyway, so why not? Only been a coordinator for one year, but interviewing him is a no-brainer, as one GM pointed out to me, given his extensive knowledge of NFC East foes Philly and New York. You can gain a lot of info in that regard and it's a smart business/football move. While this thing has had plenty of bizarre moments, Snyder's thirst for knowledge should be heralded if nothing else and this guy could be most beneficial of all in that regard.

Meanwhile, here's a news update:
The St. Louis Rams have hired Al Saunders as offensive coordinator, according to an Associated Press report out of St. Louis. LaCanfora says that it's virutually certain that Saunders' son Bob, a Redskins assistant, will join his father there. QBs coach Bill Lazor, whose responsibilities will be taken over by Zorn, could end up in St. Louis as well. ... League sources say RBs coach Earnest Byner had a strong interview Tuesday in Tampa Bay, but the Buccaneers intend to interview one more candidate before making a decision. Byner's contract with the Redskins expires Thursday (Jan. 31) and he is the only coach not under contract for 2008. He is mulling a one-year offer from the Redskins.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

I'm calling Mooch. If anything he has a stronger pedigree than Fassel, plus the fans for whatever insane reason seem fine with him, whereas they vehemently oppose Fassel. Why? I don't know, but that's the case. I don't understand why all the ill-will and exasperation caused by the Williams situation goes away with Mariuchi but is magnified with Fassel, but hey, I don't understand a lot of things about this crazy world.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

I'll say Mooch. I think he'll work well with the coordinators/assistants we have in place, and he knows the NFC well. I'm like 51% Mooch, 49% Fassel right now. It would be interesting to see if everyone would be all for Fassel if he and Mooch switched places. By that I mean, if Mooch had been the "mystery candidate," would the sky still have been falling? Would Fassel have been more accepted as a HC candidate if he quietly emerged as Mariucci has?

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

I'm on board with Mooch but I will certainly understand it if they go with Fassel. He was close to getting the gig in 2004 and there appears to be a strong relationship there between him and Snyder.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

My favorite is Mooch, but I'll be behind Fassel if he gets the job. We have a really good coaching staff in place, so if Fassel or Mooch can't have some sort of success then something is very wrong.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

Mooch because honestly he's the fan favorite and I'm a lemming and really don't know anything about these coaches. So I can't really pass judgement.

All I know is Fassel will probably end up with negative votes, seeing as how many people would rather perform hara-kiri than have him coach the team. :doh:

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

I'm gonna ask again b/c I'd really like to hear a few opinions on this one:
If Mooch was the "mystery candidate" and Fassel had been the quiet latecomer, would there still have been as much upheaval? Was it the candidate himself that caused the ruckus, or would it have been the same knee jerk, freak out, Synder sucks reaction regardless of the name? I say we would have also cussed the notion of Mooch if he had been Mr. ?.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

[QUOTE=djnemo65;415520]I'm calling Mooch. If anything he has a stronger pedigree than Fassel, plus the fans for whatever insane reason seem fine with him, whereas they vehemently oppose Fassel. Why? I don't know, but that's the case. I don't understand why all the ill-will and exasperation caused by the Williams situation goes away with Mariuchi but is magnified with Fassel, but hey, I don't understand a lot of things about this crazy world.[/QUOTE]

I couldn't have put it any better myself

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

Steve Mariucci: It's not likely the Skins will get a defensive minded head coach.

Jim Fassel has been idle a lot. If he's such a good prospect why isn't he in the game, or getting more interest?

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

[QUOTE=GMScud;415540]I'm gonna ask again b/c I'd really like to hear a few opinions on this one:
If Mooch was the "mystery candidate" and Fassel had been the quiet latecomer, would there still have been as much upheaval? Was it the candidate himself that caused the ruckus, or would it have been the same knee jerk, freak out, Synder sucks reaction regardless of the name? I say we would have also cussed the notion of Mooch if he had been Mr. ?.[/QUOTE]

It's an interesting question. I think much of the anger had less to do with Fassel and more to do with the perception that the old Snyder was back, and undoing everything that Gibbs had accomplished. Bitter Spurrier memories kicked in and everyone freaked out.

At the same time, Mariuchi seems to be more acceptable to people for reasons I can't quite seem to understand. The perception is that he's more accomplished (although the difference between the two candidates is nominal at best in that regard).

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

[quote=GMScud;415540]I'm gonna ask again b/c I'd really like to hear a few opinions on this one:
If Mooch was the "mystery candidate" and Fassel had been the quiet latecomer, would there still have been as much upheaval? Was it the candidate himself that caused the ruckus, or would it have been the same knee jerk, freak out, Synder sucks reaction regardless of the name? I say we would have also cussed the notion of Mooch if he had been Mr. ?.[/quote]

Very good question.

I think Mooch would be the more popular pick regardless because of his more likable personality, but I do think that initially a good portion of the venom towards Fassel was due to the backlash at not hiring GW.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

[quote=GMScud;415540]I'm gonna ask again b/c I'd really like to hear a few opinions on this one:
If Mooch was the "mystery candidate" and Fassel had been the quiet latecomer, would there still have been as much upheaval? Was it the candidate himself that caused the ruckus, or would it have been the same knee jerk, freak out, Synder sucks reaction regardless of the name? I say we would have also cussed the notion of Mooch if he had been Mr. ?.[/quote]

Now that is something to ponder and I think carries ALOT of weight.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

[quote=djnemo65;415544]It's an interesting question. I think much of the anger had less to do with Fassel and more to do with the perception that the old Snyder was back, and undoing everything that Gibbs had accomplished. Bitter Spurrier memories kicked in and everyone freaked out.

At the same time, Mariuchi seems to be more acceptable to people for reasons I can't quite seem to understand. The perception is that he's more accomplished (although the difference between the two candidates is nominal at best in that regard).[/quote]

I agree about the Williams point. Everyone was so emotional about GW taking over after Sean's passing and the way the late season surge happened. Couple that with the fact that Fassel got fired from his last job and has been out of coaching for a while (just like Mooch btw), and voila, fan freakout.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

Well my vehement reaction to hearing Fassel was going to get the job a couple weeks back was because I don't like him and I don't think he's a good coach. I just don't think he'd be a good coach in Washington and I remember when he was with the Giants I used to laugh at him and talk about what a horrible coach he was, when he was throwing temper tantrums on the sideline I used to think how lucky the Skins were not to have a coach like that. It basically stems because my earlier impressions of him back in the day weren't that good, and then what he did in Baltimore basically solidified that. Either way I've grown adjusted to the idea of having him as our head coach and if he does become our head coach I will wish him luck because I would certainly want him to succeed.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

My vote is still McDaniels. If hes out I guess its the Mooch. As long as its not Fassell.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

[QUOTE=mooby;415548]Well my vehement reaction to hearing Fassel was going to get the job a couple weeks back was because I don't like him and I don't think he's a good coach. I just don't think he'd be a good coach in Washington and I remember when he was with the Giants I used to laugh at him and talk about what a horrible coach he was, when he was throwing temper tantrums on the sideline I used to think how lucky the Skins were not to have a coach like that. It basically stems because my earlier impressions of him back in the day weren't that good, and then what he did in Baltimore basically solidified that. Either way I've grown adjusted to the idea of having him as our head coach and if he does become our head coach I will wish him luck because I would certainly want him to succeed.[/QUOTE]

Wasn't Mariucci fired from both of his last two jobs too, once in season because the GM claimed there was no intensity in the practices? I mean, the guy's had a pretty average career so far.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72;415545]Very good question.

I think Mooch would be the more popular pick regardless because of his more likable personality, but I do think that initially a good portion of the venom towards Fassel was due to the backlash at not hiring GW.[/QUOTE]

I agree with that. I'm wondering what the sentiment about Fassel was when Snyder wanted to hire him before he snagged Gibbs? I'd say it was probably a little better than what it is this time.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

[quote=djnemo65;415551]Wasn't Mariucci fired from both of his last two jobs too, once in season because the GM claimed there was no intensity in the practices? I mean, the guy's had a pretty average career so far.[/quote]

Yup, and yet Fassel hasn't gotten a single vote on this poll yet (as of the time of this post).

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

[QUOTE=Mattyk72;415532]I'm on board with Mooch but I will certainly understand it if they go with Fassel. He was close to getting the gig in 2004 and there appears to be a strong relationship there between him and Snyder.[/QUOTE]

We have come this far when we are wondering who will be a better fit Fassel or Mooch.....Unbelievable!!!!

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

Let it be Mooch!! Being very familiar with both Fassel and Mariucci. Mooch is a much better coach and younger.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

See, Fassel coached the giants. And... um... I hate the giants. Look, do I need a reason? What is this, a reason-using smart-people place? Me like football. Me no like Fassel.

The rest is rhetoric.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

Let me give you guys something to chew on. We're talking about what a lot people like to call "retreads". We talk about Steve Mariucci and how he was fired from the 49er's and from the Lions (but we give him a free pass with the Lions because....they're the Lions.) We talk about Jim Fassel and how he was successful early in his HC career with the Giants; taking them to a Super Bowl appearance. However, we can't get past the fact that he went 4-12 in his final season with the Giants and was fired soon after.

Let's look at everybody's favorite coach </sarcasm> Bill Belicheck. During his tenure with Cleveland, he went 36-44, 5-11 his final season in Cleveland. I'm sure what really helped him was to be back assisting Tuna in NYJ and NE before taking over in NE. However, in reality, according to our definition of a retread, Bill Belicheck would fit the mold. Heck, I'm sure the Patriot fans were ready to give him the heave ho after his initial 5-11 season with New England. But, things turned around obviously.

The truth is, we have no idea what these coaches are capable of if they have the right coaching staff in place. I think we have a pretty good coaching staff in place, and we have some very good players on this team. It's not like either guy is going to have to go in and start fresh with new players in highly skilled positions. I guess, for me, that's why I give the edge to Mooch because he's got personality and I like the guy. But, I believe both coaches, in reality, give us an equal chance at winning.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

[QUOTE=skinsguy;415574]Let me give you guys something to chew on. We're talking about what a lot people like to call "retreads". We talk about Steve Mariucci and how he was fired from the 49er's and from the Lions (but we give him a free pass with the Lions because....they're the Lions.) We talk about Jim Fassel and how he was successful early in his HC career with the Giants; taking them to a Super Bowl appearance. However, we can't get past the fact that he went 4-12 in his final season with the Giants and was fired soon after.

Let's look at everybody's favorite coach </sarcasm> Bill Belicheck. During his tenure with Cleveland, he went 36-44, 5-11 his final season in Cleveland. I'm sure what really helped him was to be back assisting Tuna in NYJ and NE before taking over in NE. However, in reality, according to our definition of a retread, Bill Belicheck would fit the mold. Heck, I'm sure the Patriot fans were ready to give him the heave ho after his initial 5-11 season with New England. But, things turned around obviously.

The truth is, we have no idea what these coaches are capable of if they have the right coaching staff in place. I think we have a pretty good coaching staff in place, and we have some very good players on this team. It's not like either guy is going to have to go in and start fresh with new players in highly skilled positions. I guess, for me, that's why I give the edge to Mooch because he's got personality and I like the guy. But, I believe both coaches, in reality, give us an equal chance at winning.[/QUOTE]

You know who else would've been a retread? Yeah...exactly, he's interviewing for the Jags D-Coordinator job now. Just sayin'

I'm worried that Steve Mariucci has too many syllables in his last name. The fact is (I think) that the only Super Bowl winning coach with more than two syllables in his last name was Lombardi. If he legally changes his name to Steve Mooch then I'm all for it.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

[QUOTE=SmootSmack;415578]You know who else would've been a retread? Yeah...exactly, he's interviewing for the Jags D-Coordinator job now. Just sayin'

I'm worried that Steve Mariucci has too many syllables in his last name. The fact is (I think) that the only Super Bowl winning coach with more than two syllables in his last name was Lombardi. If he legally changes his name to Steve Mooch then I'm all for it.[/QUOTE]

LOL! Belicheck? ;)

You're right. That's another good example. Seems like to us fans, picking a good head coach is a crapshoot. All of the "retread" candidates can either turn out to be the next Belicheck or Norv Turner. Of course, Williams situation was probably more comparable to what Belicheck's situation was in NE when he took over after Parcells left. Still, I have to say that I'm neither dreading nor very excited over who the Redskins select. Call it cautious optimism (wow I don't think the doom and gloomers believe in that.) I expect the best, of course. I guess this is the feeling ya get when a hall of fame coach steps down. At least one thing might be made a little more clearer. I believe fans will soon realize all the good things Gibbs did for this team....some of those things they couldn't see while he was here.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

[quote=SmootSmack;415578]You know who else would've been a retread? Yeah...exactly, he's interviewing for the Jags D-Coordinator job now. Just sayin'

I'm worried that Steve Mariucci has too many syllables in his last name. The fact is (I think) that the only Super Bowl winning coach with more than two syllables in his last name was Lombardi. If he legally changes his name to Steve Mooch then I'm all for it.[/quote]

Isn't Belicheck 3 syllables?

As far as firing goes, hard to cast someone as a bad hire just because they've been fired before. 5 outta the 8 head coaches of the final 8 teams in the playoffs this year had been fired before, including Dungy, Coughlin, and Belicheck. That's just the nature of the NFL. Trump would fit in well.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

[QUOTE=skinsguy;415581]LOL! Belicheck? ;)[/QUOTE]

Hahaha. Whoops, forgot about him

(um, did I say two syllables? I meant 3!)

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

[quote=djnemo65;415551]Wasn't Mariucci fired from both of his last two jobs too, once in season because the GM claimed there was no intensity in the practices? I mean, the guy's had a pretty average career so far.[/quote]

I give him a pass for the Lions job, I've never seen anyone successfull there, I think it has a lot to do with Matt Millen. I was starting to think they might be turning the corner this year when they started 6-2 but they ended up finishing 7-9, that's pretty damn horrible. But yeah you do have a good point, I don't know if Mariucci would be successfull here but I think he'd be a better coach than Fassel, but hey I've been wrong in the past and I could end up being wrong on this one too.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

[quote=SmootSmack;415596]Hahaha. Whoops, forgot about him[/quote]Shanahan?

I'm stealing two of his syllables for being a general dickhead/cheater though, so I guess he counts.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

[QUOTE=GTripp0012;415604]Shanahan?

I'm stealing two of his syllables for being a general dickhead/cheater though, so I guess he counts.[/QUOTE]

I've edited the post you quoted. Clearly, I meant 3 syllables :)

Aw heck, I tried :(

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

My vote goes to Meeks, not because I actually thought Snyder would hire him, but because I feel he has the potential to be a good HC.

Considering the way this coaching staff has been put together, it would be difficult for me accept any concept other than it was Snyder's every intention to hire Jim Fassel from the very beginning. I believe Fassel was on board with Zorn, and Blache after the deal for Ryan fell through.

After witnessing the backlash to Fassel from the Redskin nation because of the overwhelming support for Williams, somewhere, it was leaked that Williams had made some derogatory coments about Gibbs, in an atempt to subdue the support for Williams.

Snyder then proceeded to expand his search to other prospective candidates while public opinion chilled. I believe it is his intention to use this [so called, expanded search] to interview other candidates so in the end he'll be able to say, we've exhausted our search, interviewed numerous candidates extensively, and have come to the conclusion that Jim Fassel is the best candidate to lead the Redskins into the future. I hope I'm wrong, but I honestly believe that Fassel was Snyder's man all along. I believe this simply because of where Fassel was in the interview process when the remainder of the staff was agreed upon.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

[QUOTE=Longtimefan;415606]My vote goes to Meeks, not because I actually thought Snyder would hire him, but because I feel he has the potential to be a good HC.

Considering the way this coaching staff has been put together, it would be difficult for me accept any concept other than it was Snyder's every intention to hire Jim Fassel from the very beginning. I believe Fassel was on board with Zorn, and Blache after the deal for Ryan fell through.

After witnessing the backlash to Fassel from the Redskin nation because of the overwhelming support for Williams, somewhere, it was leaked that Williams had made some derogatory coments about Gibbs, in an atempt to subdue the support for Williams.

Snyder then proceeded to expand his search to other prospective candidates while public opinion chilled. I believe it is his intention to use this [so called, expanded search] to interview other candidates so in the end he'll be able to say, we've exhausted our search, interviewed numerous candidates extensively, and have come to the conclusion that Jim Fassel is the best candidate to lead the Redskins into the future. I hope I'm wrong, but I honestly believe that Fassel was Snyder's man all along. I believe this simply because of where Fassel was in the interview process when the remainder of the staff was agreed upon.[/QUOTE]

The sad thing is that you are probably right. I would much rather have Mariucci, Meeks, Schwartz or Spagnuolo than Fossil.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

[quote=SmootSmack;415578]You know who else would've been a retread? Yeah...exactly, he's interviewing for the Jags D-Coordinator job now. Just sayin'

I'm worried that Steve Mariucci has too many syllables in his last name. The fact is (I think) that the only Super Bowl winning coach with more than two syllables in his last name was Lombardi. If he legally changes his name to Steve Mooch then I'm all for it.[/quote]

Thats funny, I was gonna say that the reason everyone favors Mariucci is because his nickname is Mooch, and Fassel is said Fossil.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

I'm good with Fasselucci.. Either of those 2 is fine with me..

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

bring on mooch

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

[quote=Longtimefan;415606]My vote goes to Meeks, not because I actually thought Snyder would hire him, but because I feel he has the potential to be a good HC.

Considering the way this coaching staff has been put together, it would be difficult for me accept any concept other than it was Snyder's every intention to hire Jim Fassel from the very beginning. I believe Fassel was on board with Zorn, and Blache after the deal for Ryan fell through.

After witnessing the backlash to Fassel from the Redskin nation because of the overwhelming support for Williams, somewhere, it was leaked that Williams had made some derogatory coments about Gibbs, in an atempt to subdue the support for Williams.

Snyder then proceeded to expand his search to other prospective candidates while public opinion chilled. I believe it is his intention to use this [so called, expanded search] to interview other candidates so in the end he'll be able to say, we've exhausted our search, interviewed numerous candidates extensively, and have come to the conclusion that Jim Fassel is the best candidate to lead the Redskins into the future. I hope I'm wrong, but I honestly believe that Fassel was Snyder's man all along. I believe this simply because of where Fassel was in the interview process when the remainder of the staff was agreed upon.[/quote]

Whether it's intentional or just a symptom of this exhaustive "search," Snyder is certainly giving himself an out. Regardless of the outcome of all this, no one will be able to say he wasn't thorough in his search.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

[QUOTE=GMScud;415633]Whether it's on intentional or just a symptom if this exhaustive "search," Snyder is certainly giving himself an out. Regardless of the outcome of all this, no one will be able to say he wasn't thorough in his search.[/QUOTE]


That's exactly the point, when this is all said and done, no one will be able to say he made a hasty decision. He exhausted all his options and arrived at the conclusion he wanted to origionally pursue. Imagine the difference in what the public opinion would have been had his initial interview been with Williams, and his second option had been Marriucci.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

mooch wins in a landslide. that's pretty decisive.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

[quote=That Guy;415661]mooch wins in a landslide. that's pretty decisive.[/quote]

Probably means it's going to be Fassel.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

[quote=That Guy;415661]mooch wins in a landslide. that's pretty decisive.[/quote]

Probably means it SHOULD be Fassel.

I dont believe the fan base can make the best pick for a coach since we aren't nearly informed enough and turn it into a popularity contest. The popular choice when made by people without all the information needed to make that pick is usually the wrong one.

BTW I hate the idea of Fassel. I dont really know why I just hate it. I really wanted GW but he must have been really bad in his interviews to be dismissed from the process while two retreads that no other teams seem to have interest in lead the way especially since he had the endorcement of Gibbs who Snyder worships.

Re: JLC: The HC Horserace
 

I think its Fassel, and I'm coming to grips with it. The Giants didn't suck during his tenure, they actually made a Super Bowl and he won with Dave Brown and Kerry Collins. I don't like Jason Campbell in the west coast offense, but I didn't like Clinton Portis for the Gibbs smashmouth either. If I had a vote, I'd cast it for Meeks but with staff already assembled the coach has already been picked. Maybe in business you bring in a manager after you have a staff, but team chemistry involves the coaching staff too.