RI: Early reflections

[BrudLee]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

I certainly want Grilliams to be the next head coach. That said, I have my reservations. Word is that his Buffalo players hated his cocky, "my way or the highway" philosophy. Coaches like Williams need to field consistent winners or they wear out their welcome fast.

Three things about this issue that may be comforting:

1. That Buffalo team wasn't a cohesive football team held down by a tyrant. His successor compiled a 14-18 record there in two years before leaving. Maybe Williams was a "tough guy" because that's what they needed to compete.
2. This Washington team is very aware of what they're getting (if he is hired). Gregg has been with the team for four years. He arrived in Buffalo as the head coach after they had just had three years of Wade Phillips (who isn't a taskmaster by reputation) - the Redskins know what to expect.
3. He's had Joe Gibbs as a mentor and friend for these past four years.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by BrudLee

Three things about this issue that may be comforting:

1. That Buffalo team wasn't a cohesive football team held down by a tyrant. His successor compiled a 14-18 record there in two years before leaving. Maybe Williams was a "tough guy" because that's what they needed to compete.
2. This Washington team is very aware of what they're getting (if he is hired). Gregg has been with the team for four years. He arrived in Buffalo as the head coach after they had just had three years of Wade Phillips (who isn't a taskmaster by reputation) - the Redskins know what to expect.
3. He's had Joe Gibbs as a mentor and friend for these past four years.

Good point. Losing teams tend to have a problem with tough coaches, and typically that's why they are losers in the first place.

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

Gregg Williams MUST be the successor to Joe Gibbs.

We talk a lot about how Jason Cambell probably learned quite a bit as he watched Todd Collins operate Al Saunder's offense, but I also have to think coach Gregg Williams took away some invaluable lessons about leadership, character, and, yes, even coaching at the master's feet. It's quite possible that while Gibbs made some missteps on the field during his second tenure, the true impact of his return may have been the deposit he made on this coaching staff, particulary Gregg Williams.

I think more than know how, the players on this team want family to take over. After all they've been through together this season, I just can't see an outsider trying to get these guys to play for him. NFL players respond to coaches that have people skills and thrive under adversity.

Finally, Gregg Williams has restored the luster back to the defensive unit. Finishing eighth in the NFL 'aint too shabby. He's going to get back a couple of key starters from last year, Laron Landry just might be developing into one of the better safties in the NFC, and we've found our on the field general in London Fletcher. Williams has a good foundation to build on, and I think the players actually want him to be Gibbs successor. Let's hope so.

You've made some really good points, and I agree wholeheartedly. But something tells me Dan Snyder isn't listening.

Call it a hunch.

[scowan]

I am just saying that the Skins not only spent more than anyone else on players, they also spent more than anyone on coaches. I am a huge Gibbs supporter and have been following our team since 1979. With this kind of payroll, the Skins should EXPECT to be better than .500 every year. Gibbs leaves the team in good shape, not great shape for the future, but he had a losing record and no Division Crowns to hang on the wall. I live in Tennessee Titans country and they made the playoffs with a terrible QB in Vince Young and $20 million still in the bank (under the salary cap.)

My expectations are high for this team and I don't want us to just say Aw Shucks he did a great job when we had only one season in four of 10 wins.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by scowan

My expectations are high for this team and I don't want us to just say Aw Shucks he did a great job when we had only one season in four of 10 wins.

True, but he fielded 2 playoff teams in 4 years; lightyears better than what Spurrier and Norv managed to do. We were in just about every game we lost in those 4 seasons. We have a good roster. We may have a franchise QB. In short, those 4 years under Gibbs were better than any we've had since Gibbs left in 1992.

[hooskins]

It sounds stupid but I am just really scared. I don't want this team to become a mess. I really do hope it's Gregg. I don't think Al is head coach material, but at the same time I hope he isn't fired.

Because if we get a new coach, it will bring up QB controversy, along with a brand new system to learn, etc etc.

[Stacks42]

This is just a thought, i was discussing with co-workers. Do you think J Gibbs stepped aside not only for personal reasons, but because GWilliams was going to leave for an open coaching position, ala Miami? Gibbs knew that would tear this team apart, so by retiring he allows the team and system to stay in place. Like I said, just a thought/theory.

[12thMan]

Someone here just brought up an interesting point, the Skins have to interview a minority before they offer the job to Williams - The Rooney Rule. This will almost certainly cause things to drag out a little longer. They could interview Blache then Williams just to be safe, but I'm sure those two don't want to be a part of that dog and pony show.

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

Someone here just brought up an interesting point, the Skins have to interview a minority before they offer the job to Williams - The Rooney Rule. This will almost certainly cause things to drag out a little longer. They could interview Blache then Williams just to be safe, but I'm sure those two don't want to be a part of that dog and pony show.

Yeah, I'd honestly be surprised if we heard anything before the end of the week for that very reason. However, the Rooney Rule supposedly got Tomlin the job even though he wasn't the running favorite heading into the interviews.

[hooskins]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

Someone here just brought up an interesting point, the Skins have to interview a minority before they offer the job to Williams - The Rooney Rule. This will almost certainly cause things to drag out a little longer. They could interview Blache then Williams just to be safe, but I'm sure those two don't want to be a part of that dog and pony show.

What is the Rooney Rule? Is it official NFL rule?

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by hooskins

What is the Rooney Rule? Is it official NFL rule?

The Rooney Rule is a league rule that requires teams to interview at least one minority candidate prior to naming a new head coach. The NFL may levy substantial fines on clubs that violate the Rooney Rule.

[hooskins]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

The Rooney Rule is a league rule that requires teams to interview at least one minority candidate prior to naming a new head coach. The NFL may levy substantial fines on clubs that violate the Rooney Rule.

As a minority, I really think that is a stupid rule but whatever I don't want to make this thread into a affirmative action thread.

[BDBohnzie]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

The Rooney Rule is a league rule that requires teams to interview at least one minority candidate prior to naming a new head coach. The NFL may levy substantial fines on clubs that violate the Rooney Rule.

Certainly not to discredit any minorities, or minority candidates, but I would see Dan Snyder opening the checkbook and taking care of any substantial fines to put his guy in place...

It certainly sounds like Gregg Williams is the forerunner amongst the players.

[davy]

I'm a Brit, do I count as a minority?

If I do I'd be more than happy to pop over for an interview if it helps GW get the job.

[SmootSmack]

I'm sure Cowher is (if he hadn't already) discussing with Marty what it was like to work with Snyder. Marty has good things to say about DS but I'm sure he'll tell him that Snyder took a back to seat to Gibbs, but he may not do that with anyone else.