Chris Samuels - a volunteer coach

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Chris Samuels continues to learn from Redskins staff


Technically, Chris Samuels' internship with the Redskins' coaching staff expired at the end of training camp last month. But as the regular season hits Week 2, he's still been at every practice, in every meeting and has been a constant presence around Redskins Park.

Samuels was one of 96 players across the league to take part in the NFL's Minority Internship Program and one of five in training camp with the Redskins. As camp was winding down and fellow interns Terrell Davis and Steve Atwater returned to their homes, Samuels approached Coach Mike Shanahan and said he would like to stay with the team and continue working with the coaching staff.

"I talked to the coach and asked if I could stay for the season, and he welcomed me to stay," said Samuels, who retired following last season. "I thought that was huge of him to let me stick around. I try not to get in anybody's way. I'm pretty much really a fly on the wall, just picking up and learning how to coach he guys. I've learned a whole lot from Coach Shanahan, Kyle Shanahan and especially a whole lot from our offensive line coach here, Chris Foerster."

Samuels has been working with the offensive line and spending a lot of one-on-one time with rookie left tackle Trent Williams. He's not technically an assistant coach, though he's keeping the same hours and performing many of the same functions. He essentially remains with the team on a volunteer basis.

"My payment is knowledge," Samuels said. "That's what I told Coach. 'You don't have to give me anything. I just want to stick around and learn.'"

By Rick Maese | September 17, 2010; 12:59 PM ET

Redskins Insider - Chris Samuels continues to learn from Redskins staff

I'm surprised.. To go for millions of dollars a year to being a volunteer. He really loves football and is a class act. I hope we make him a coach on the O-line like he deserves.