****OFFICIAL**** 2008 Washington Redskins Off Season Thread! (1 Viewer)

[fatness]

Interesting stuff from LaCanfora's blog.

I spoke to a source who knows Cerrato well who said he believes it will be Bill Cowher. He thinks that Cowher will get the keys to the kingdom and become the first $10-million coach, or in that range. "He's going to want the power Parcells had in Dallas," the source said. "Cowher's going to want to shop for the groceries. He lives in North Carolina, that keeps him pretty close to his home. I think that's where this thing is going."Given the heavy powers that someone like Cowher would hold, he would likely get a title similar to what Gibbs had, and thus that would continue to render a GM moot in the management structure.So, from what I can gather so far, and we're way early in this process, Williams and Cowher are the names to watch. People around the league have told me that Snyder and his people soured on Gregg after the 2007 season - it's usually hot today, not tomorrow around here - and were somewhat lukewarm at midseason, but became big fans again down the stretch, particularly after the Minnesota game. Still, these guys think indications point toward Cowher.Bill Cowher is without a doubt the biggest fish out there, and has a Super Bowl on his resume to boot, and that's usually who they target around here.

 

[redman]

Interesting stuff from LaCanfora's blog.

I spoke to a source who knows Cerrato well who said he believes it will be Bill Cowher. He thinks that Cowher will get the keys to the kingdom and become the first $10-million coach, or in that range. "He's going to want the power Parcells had in Dallas," the source said. "Cowher's going to want to shop for the groceries. He lives in North Carolina, that keeps him pretty close to his home. I think that's where this thing is going."Given the heavy powers that someone like Cowher would hold, he would likely get a title similar to what Gibbs had, and thus that would continue to render a GM moot in the management structure.So, from what I can gather so far, and we're way early in this process, Williams and Cowher are the names to watch. People around the league have told me that Snyder and his people soured on Gregg after the 2007 season - it's usually hot today, not tomorrow around here - and were somewhat lukewarm at midseason, but became big fans again down the stretch, particularly after the Minnesota game. Still, these guys think indications point toward Cowher.Bill Cowher is without a doubt the biggest fish out there, and has a Super Bowl on his resume to boot, and that's usually who they target around here.

I think that's a typo and he means 2006 season, based upon the rest of the sentence. If they bring in Cowher, I'm very worried about upheaval. Keep in mind that Cerrato may not be privy to the inner workings here between Snyder and Gibbs (who I'm sure is going to be heavily involved in this process). Cerrato may be talking out his ###.

 

[scoobygang]

The Skins could still satisfy the Rooney rule very quickly while conducting a entirely in-house search. They'd just have to interview Greg Blatche.

I like Cowher a lot, but if the choice is between hiring the sexier pick and having to install a new offense and defense, and hiring from within, I'd pick hiring from within.

 

[TankRizzo]

The Skins could still satisfy the Rooney rule very quickly while conducting a entirely in-house search. They'd just have to interview Greg Blatche.I like Cowher a lot, but if the choice is between hiring the sexier pick and having to install a new offense and defense, and hiring from within, I'd pick hiring from within.

Jerry Gray's name was batted around as a HC candidate a few years ago too. Regardless, it's a sad, pointless, degrading rule.

 

[dgreen]

If they bring in Cowher, I'm very worried about upheaval.

The upheaval could come from one of two sides. The players could not re-sign, opt out of contracts, refuse to restructure and force a cut. On the other side, Cowher may want to clean part of the house and get his guys in there.

I like Cowher a lot, but if the choice is between hiring the sexier pick and having to install a new offense and defense, and hiring from within, I'd pick hiring from within.

Agreed. While I've had my doubts about whether Williams is the right guy, I think the current state of the team should lead to giving Williams a couple years to build on the recent success and momentum. I hope Snyder takes a wait-and-see approach with the current team before deciding to go in a new direction.It's clear the team has strong bonds with the coaching staff. It's not clear yet if those bonds extend to Snyder, the Redskins, the city, and the fans. Gibbs did talk a lot the last week or so about all the players that mentioned how much they love to play here and how much they love the fans and organization. If Snyder makes a switch to Cowher, we'll see for sure with some of them.

 

[DCThunder]

If they bring in Cowher, I'm very worried about upheaval.

The upheaval could come from one of two sides. The players could not re-sign, opt out of contracts, refuse to restructure and force a cut. On the other side, Cowher may want to clean part of the house and get his guys in there.

I like Cowher a lot, but if the choice is between hiring the sexier pick and having to install a new offense and defense, and hiring from within, I'd pick hiring from within.

Agreed. While I've had my doubts about whether Williams is the right guy, I think the current state of the team should lead to giving Williams a couple years to build on the recent success and momentum. I hope Snyder takes a wait-and-see approach with the current team before deciding to go in a new direction.It's clear the team has strong bonds with the coaching staff. It's not clear yet if those bonds extend to Snyder, the Redskins, the city, and the fans. Gibbs did talk a lot the last week or so about all the players that mentioned how much they love to play here and how much they love the fans and organization. If Snyder makes a switch to Cowher, we'll see for sure with some of them.

Is it totally out of the question to have Cowher as team President and de facto GM and Williams as HC? Make Blatche the DC and some sharp youngish (like Russ Grimm) coordinator to be the OC. Grimm worked for Cowher in Pittsburgh, would he come back here for that job?

 

[redman]

If they bring in Cowher, I'm very worried about upheaval.

The upheaval could come from one of two sides. The players could not re-sign, opt out of contracts, refuse to restructure and force a cut. On the other side, Cowher may want to clean part of the house and get his guys in there.

I like Cowher a lot, but if the choice is between hiring the sexier pick and having to install a new offense and defense, and hiring from within, I'd pick hiring from within.

Agreed. While I've had my doubts about whether Williams is the right guy, I think the current state of the team should lead to giving Williams a couple years to build on the recent success and momentum. I hope Snyder takes a wait-and-see approach with the current team before deciding to go in a new direction.It's clear the team has strong bonds with the coaching staff. It's not clear yet if those bonds extend to Snyder, the Redskins, the city, and the fans. Gibbs did talk a lot the last week or so about all the players that mentioned how much they love to play here and how much they love the fans and organization. If Snyder makes a switch to Cowher, we'll see for sure with some of them.

Is it totally out of the question to have Cowher as team President and de facto GM and Williams as HC? Make Blatche the DC and some sharp youngish (like Russ Grimm) coordinator to be the OC. Grimm worked for Cowher in Pittsburgh, would he come back here for that job?

That's a very interesting scenario. Of course, what makes you think Cowher would make a good GM?

 

[DCThunder]

If they bring in Cowher, I'm very worried about upheaval.

The upheaval could come from one of two sides. The players could not re-sign, opt out of contracts, refuse to restructure and force a cut. On the other side, Cowher may want to clean part of the house and get his guys in there.

I like Cowher a lot, but if the choice is between hiring the sexier pick and having to install a new offense and defense, and hiring from within, I'd pick hiring from within.

Agreed. While I've had my doubts about whether Williams is the right guy, I think the current state of the team should lead to giving Williams a couple years to build on the recent success and momentum. I hope Snyder takes a wait-and-see approach with the current team before deciding to go in a new direction.It's clear the team has strong bonds with the coaching staff. It's not clear yet if those bonds extend to Snyder, the Redskins, the city, and the fans. Gibbs did talk a lot the last week or so about all the players that mentioned how much they love to play here and how much they love the fans and organization. If Snyder makes a switch to Cowher, we'll see for sure with some of them.

Is it totally out of the question to have Cowher as team President and de facto GM and Williams as HC? Make Blatche the DC and some sharp youngish (like Russ Grimm) coordinator to be the OC. Grimm worked for Cowher in Pittsburgh, would he come back here for that job?

That's a very interesting scenario. Of course, what makes you think Cowher would make a good GM?

Nothing specifically other than that it would sort of let us have our cake and eat it too. Didn't Cowher draft Big Ben and Joey Porter and Faneca? And it would keep Vinny as Danny racquetball partner and out of the draft room.

 

[fatness]

The Skins could still satisfy the Rooney rule very quickly while conducting a entirely in-house search. They'd just have to interview Greg Blatche.

I doubt Blache would want to be used in a charade like that, if he wasn't being considered for the real job. He's already thought of retirement, and does not at all strike me as someone who would go along with a fake show.

Greg Blache, the Redskins' defensive coordinator, has much expereince at the coordinator level, would fit that description, but he also has no head coaching aspirations, sources said, and has been mulling retirement himself for some time. So I don't think he would want to be a part of any dog and pony show; that's the opposite of Greg's style.

link

 

[fatness]

Here's the NFL briefing on the rule from 12/20/02:

"On the December 19-20 conference calls, the owners strongly agreed on the principle that any club seeking to hire a head coach will interview one or more minority applicants for the position. The one exception occurs when a club has made a prior contractual commitment to promote a member of its own staff and no additional interviewing takes place (e.g. Mike Martz and the St. Louis Rams in 2000)."

The exception to the Rooney RuleSo apparently if they're going to promote Williams, they need do no other interviews. Blache might then become D.C.?

 

[fatness]

Keep in mind that Cerrato may not be privy to the inner workings here between Snyder and Gibbs (who I'm sure is going to be heavily involved in this process). Cerrato may be talking out his ###.

He does have a history of self-serving "leaks" like this when the Redskin front office is doing some hiring, doesn't he? He's very talented (at self-preservation) for such an incompetent guy (at football personnel matters).

 

[redman]

FWIW, here's one fan's account of his conversation with Saunders last evening:

Last night, I had a long conversation with Al Saunders. He was at the local movie theater and I spotted him so I went up and congradulated him on a good season. He said he really wishes they could have beat Seattle so instead of seeing a movie, he would be at work preparing for Dallas. He said the game really would be a boost however going into next season and he thinks they would be very strong. I then asked him if he would be interviewing for any of the head coaching positions, and he said that he has done that before and he doesnt have any interest in that. He is comfortable doing with what he is doing now, and does not want to be a head coach. Then I asked he if he believed if Gregg Williams was going to interview for any of the coaching vacancies and he said that he thinks gregg really wants to be a head coach, and he thinks that at this point in his career that Gregg is ready.

He did not show any knowledge of the fact that Gibbs was going to step down, and he was actually a really nice guy. He said he has talked to Jason and they plan on getting him in there to watch film and rehab as soon as possible, and that it is his job to lose. Take it for what its worth, but I found it really interesting to talk to him.

Link

 

[fatness]

November, 2006 article in ESPN about the Redskins, much of it about Gregg Williams

Most of the criticism of Williams in that article (and there is a lot of it) is not stuff that would come from one new (at that time), disgusted player like Archuleta. Most of it is more long-term than Archuleta would have knowledge of. It's a fairly damning article, and the main thrust of it is that Williams was arrogant, believed far more in himself than in the players, believed the players were just interchangeable components, and was inflexible. It's not the only place I've read those criticisms, just the one where it is best explained.

The article was written 13-14 months ago and a lot has happened since then. The defense has rebounded greatly from the previous year's disaster. Williams has gone out of his way time after time to praise players publicly. If, and it's a big if, he has finally connected with the players who run his defense in such a way that they follow him out of belief, not fear, then perhaps he now has what it takes to run a whole team.

The article is worth reading for historical background if nothing else.

 

[dgreen]

One thing I know is most players reporters have talked to today have said Gregg Williams should be the next HC of the Redskins.

 

[fatness]

One thing I know is most players reporters have talked to today have said Gregg Williams should be the next HC of the Redskins.

Undoubtedly some of them mean that, too. But if you were a player, and a reporter asked you if you thought Gregg Williams should be the next head coach, would you feel free to answer "no"? I wouldn't.

 

[dgreen]

One thing I know is most players reporters have talked to today have said Gregg Williams should be the next HC of the Redskins.

Undoubtedly some of them mean that, too. But if you were a player, and a reporter asked you if you thought Gregg Williams should be the next head coach, would you feel free to answer "no"? I wouldn't.

If the player said, "Off the record, I don't think he's the right guy," I don't think he'd have anything to worry about.

 

[Marvelous]

A couple of interesting tidbits from Joe Gibbs' press conference:

1. When Gibbs was asked about the next head coach, he gave a canned answer (mirroring what Snyder said earlier) that it would go through a process. Then someone asked a questions about Gregg Williams, and Gibbs responded in depth about what a great job Williams did, calling it miraculous. He further said Dan Snyder knows all of the coaches well.

2. When asked about hiring a GM, Snyder very quickly responded that he and Joe both thought the current process worked well and "if it ain't broke, don't fix it." It sounds like Snyder wants the structure to stay the same with the new coach taking Joe Gibbs role in player acquisition and assessments. My big concern is that although Gibbs always said it was a committe approach (with Snyder and Cerato), Gibbs held all the juice. If Williams is hired, he probably will not, with makes Snyder and Cerato more influential,

 

[redman]

One thing I know is most players reporters have talked to today have said Gregg Williams should be the next HC of the Redskins.

Undoubtedly some of them mean that, too. But if you were a player, and a reporter asked you if you thought Gregg Williams should be the next head coach, would you feel free to answer "no"? I wouldn't.

If the player said, "Off the record, I don't think he's the right guy," I don't think he'd have anything to worry about.

God knows guys like La Canfora have no problems publishing stories from "unidentified players/sources close to the team", so I completely agree.

 

[fatness]

Posted at 4:04 PM ET, 01/ 8/2008

My Early Reaction To The Presser

For all of the yapping about continuity and stability, sure sounds like a blood-letting is upon us.

Owner Dan Snyder was given multiple opportunities to endorse an in-house candidate, and specifically Gregg Williams, and declined to do so, talking about their "process." The only definitive thing he did say is that they don't need a GM, and he's looking for a coach only. He loves their player procurement model, which involves him having intimate involvement in all aspects of negotiations.

JLC blogThat's just his guess, I realize that. But I'd guess he talks to as many people within the organization over the course of a year as anyone does (who isn't paid by the Skins). Steve Czaban, who's been predicting Gibbs would leave since about mid-season, strongly believes they'll go after Bill Cowher.

I start developing a rooting interest in hiring this or that person, and then I remind myself this is the Snyder show which doesn't think like us football fans think. His last hire was a good one. I hope he continues that tradition. This team has a lot going for it next year.

 

[fatness]

Redskin Salary Cap links (bookmark this page, it updates)

 

[fatness]

From a Redskin message board (talking about Charley Casserly):

Charlie said he spoke with Cowher this a.m. and he said he is not coaching this year... take it for what its worth.

Later in the day, from another Redskin message board:

According to Lindsay Czarniack and Dan Hellie on NBC 4 locally here in DC/MD/VA, Bill Cowher is in town and will meet with the Redskins brass over dinner tonight

I guess there will be lots of rumors flying for awhile now.

 

[jenja]

Interesting stuff from LaCanfora's blog.

I spoke to a source who knows Cerrato well who said he believes it will be Bill Cowher. He thinks that Cowher will get the keys to the kingdom and become the first $10-million coach, or in that range. "He's going to want the power Parcells had in Dallas," the source said. "Cowher's going to want to shop for the groceries. He lives in North Carolina, that keeps him pretty close to his home. I think that's where this thing is going."Given the heavy powers that someone like Cowher would hold, he would likely get a title similar to what Gibbs had, and thus that would continue to render a GM moot in the management structure.So, from what I can gather so far, and we're way early in this process, Williams and Cowher are the names to watch. People around the league have told me that Snyder and his people soured on Gregg after the 2007 season - it's usually hot today, not tomorrow around here - and were somewhat lukewarm at midseason, but became big fans again down the stretch, particularly after the Minnesota game. Still, these guys think indications point toward Cowher.Bill Cowher is without a doubt the biggest fish out there, and has a Super Bowl on his resume to boot, and that's usually who they target around here.

I have mixed feelings about going after Cowher and not promoting from within. On one hand, it would be great to have a coach of his caliber coming in. He is a tough coach and one who drafted pretty good during his tenure in Pittsburgh. We need someone with an eye for talent and someone who will not trade away picks!From what I read in this thread as to Snyder saying they don't need a GM, it scares me to leave that kind of power in the hands of Williams. What worries me though is staff turnover yet again. Just when the team is starting to jell and being with the same coaching staff, now we are faced with the possibilty of implementing new defensive and offensive schemes. Williams will leave for sure if he doesn't get the HC job. Not sure if the new coach, whoever that may be, would keep Saunders.

 

[redman]

Interesting stuff from LaCanfora's blog.

I spoke to a source who knows Cerrato well who said he believes it will be Bill Cowher. He thinks that Cowher will get the keys to the kingdom and become the first $10-million coach, or in that range. "He's going to want the power Parcells had in Dallas," the source said. "Cowher's going to want to shop for the groceries. He lives in North Carolina, that keeps him pretty close to his home. I think that's where this thing is going."Given the heavy powers that someone like Cowher would hold, he would likely get a title similar to what Gibbs had, and thus that would continue to render a GM moot in the management structure.So, from what I can gather so far, and we're way early in this process, Williams and Cowher are the names to watch. People around the league have told me that Snyder and his people soured on Gregg after the 2007 season - it's usually hot today, not tomorrow around here - and were somewhat lukewarm at midseason, but became big fans again down the stretch, particularly after the Minnesota game. Still, these guys think indications point toward Cowher.Bill Cowher is without a doubt the biggest fish out there, and has a Super Bowl on his resume to boot, and that's usually who they target around here.

I have mixed feelings about going after Cowher and not promoting from within. On one hand, it would be great to have a coach of his caliber coming in. He is a tough coach and one who drafted pretty good during his tenure in Pittsburgh. We need someone with an eye for talent and someone who will not trade away picks!From what I read in this thread as to Snyder saying they don't need a GM, it scares me to leave that kind of power in the hands of Williams. What worries me though is staff turnover yet again. Just when the team is starting to jell and being with the same coaching staff, now we are faced with the possibilty of implementing new defensive and offensive schemes. Williams will leave for sure if he doesn't get the HC job. Not sure if the new coach, whoever that may be, would keep Saunders.

Was Cowher really the guy who handled personnel in Pittsburgh?

 

[redman]

Interesting stuff from LaCanfora's blog.

I spoke to a source who knows Cerrato well who said he believes it will be Bill Cowher. He thinks that Cowher will get the keys to the kingdom and become the first $10-million coach, or in that range. "He's going to want the power Parcells had in Dallas," the source said. "Cowher's going to want to shop for the groceries. He lives in North Carolina, that keeps him pretty close to his home. I think that's where this thing is going."Given the heavy powers that someone like Cowher would hold, he would likely get a title similar to what Gibbs had, and thus that would continue to render a GM moot in the management structure.So, from what I can gather so far, and we're way early in this process, Williams and Cowher are the names to watch. People around the league have told me that Snyder and his people soured on Gregg after the 2007 season - it's usually hot today, not tomorrow around here - and were somewhat lukewarm at midseason, but became big fans again down the stretch, particularly after the Minnesota game. Still, these guys think indications point toward Cowher.Bill Cowher is without a doubt the biggest fish out there, and has a Super Bowl on his resume to boot, and that's usually who they target around here.

I have mixed feelings about going after Cowher and not promoting from within. On one hand, it would be great to have a coach of his caliber coming in. He is a tough coach and one who drafted pretty good during his tenure in Pittsburgh. We need someone with an eye for talent and someone who will not trade away picks!From what I read in this thread as to Snyder saying they don't need a GM, it scares me to leave that kind of power in the hands of Williams. What worries me though is staff turnover yet again. Just when the team is starting to jell and being with the same coaching staff, now we are faced with the possibilty of implementing new defensive and offensive schemes. Williams will leave for sure if he doesn't get the HC job. Not sure if the new coach, whoever that may be, would keep Saunders.

Canfora's now saying the Cowher interview rumors are false:

There have been some crazy rampant rumors about a private dinner between Dan Snyder and Bill Cowher taking place right now at the Morton's in Reston. Ain't true.Bill is not in the area, according to a source close to him, and has not been contacted by the Redskins. Snyder limo is still here at Redskins Park. I'd be stunned if the Skins don't reach out to Cowher soon, but this internet rumor is not true. Cowher continues to tell those he talks to that he has no plans to return to coaching until 2009 and is enjoying time with his family and watching his daughter play basketball in Carolina.We'll see if Snyder eventually convinces him otherwise.

 

[fatness]

It's Rumor Time!

POSTED 7:40 p.m. EST, January 8, 2008REX RYAN TO D.C.?Early speculation in some league circles is that former (kind of) Ravens defensive coordinator Rex Ryan could emerge as the leading candidate to replace Joe Gibbs in Washington. Ryan, as we hear it, is tight with agent Gary Wichard, who's very tight with Redskins' personnel honcho Vinny Cerrato. And while Cerrato has had his share of detractors over the years, there's a school of thought held by at least one leauge insider that Cerrato and owner Dan Snyder "have themselves fooled into believing they are heading in the right direction."The fact that Snyder and Cerrato presumably want to retain influence makes understandable the report from Adam Schefter of NFL Network that former Steelers coach Bill Cowher isn't interested. Though money isn't an issue for Snyder (and we think he'd pay a guy like Cowher more than $10 million per year), Cowher wants to call the shots.

Let's keep track of the rumored next head coaches of the Redskins. So far we have:1. Gregg Williams2. Bill Cowher3. Rex Ryan

 

[jenja]

Interesting stuff from LaCanfora's blog.

I spoke to a source who knows Cerrato well who said he believes it will be Bill Cowher. He thinks that Cowher will get the keys to the kingdom and become the first $10-million coach, or in that range. "He's going to want the power Parcells had in Dallas," the source said. "Cowher's going to want to shop for the groceries. He lives in North Carolina, that keeps him pretty close to his home. I think that's where this thing is going."Given the heavy powers that someone like Cowher would hold, he would likely get a title similar to what Gibbs had, and thus that would continue to render a GM moot in the management structure.So, from what I can gather so far, and we're way early in this process, Williams and Cowher are the names to watch. People around the league have told me that Snyder and his people soured on Gregg after the 2007 season - it's usually hot today, not tomorrow around here - and were somewhat lukewarm at midseason, but became big fans again down the stretch, particularly after the Minnesota game. Still, these guys think indications point toward Cowher.Bill Cowher is without a doubt the biggest fish out there, and has a Super Bowl on his resume to boot, and that's usually who they target around here.

I have mixed feelings about going after Cowher and not promoting from within. On one hand, it would be great to have a coach of his caliber coming in. He is a tough coach and one who drafted pretty good during his tenure in Pittsburgh. We need someone with an eye for talent and someone who will not trade away picks!From what I read in this thread as to Snyder saying they don't need a GM, it scares me to leave that kind of power in the hands of Williams. What worries me though is staff turnover yet again. Just when the team is starting to jell and being with the same coaching staff, now we are faced with the possibilty of implementing new defensive and offensive schemes. Williams will leave for sure if he doesn't get the HC job. Not sure if the new coach, whoever that may be, would keep Saunders.

Was Cowher really the guy who handled personnel in Pittsburgh?

True he did have a GM in Colbert. But for some reason I would feel more comfortable with Cowher and now GM then Williams and no GM. Now is that because of Cowher's name and being the sexier the pick, maybe? But I do think that even with him having a GM I am sure he had some say in who was drafted, cut, picked up, etc.

 

[Marvelous]

Posted at 4:04 PM ET, 01/ 8/2008

My Early Reaction To The Presser

For all of the yapping about continuity and stability, sure sounds like a blood-letting is upon us.

Owner Dan Snyder was given multiple opportunities to endorse an in-house candidate, and specifically Gregg Williams, and declined to do so, talking about their "process." The only definitive thing he did say is that they don't need a GM, and he's looking for a coach only. He loves their player procurement model, which involves him having intimate involvement in all aspects of negotiations.

JLC blogThat's just his guess, I realize that. But I'd guess he talks to as many people within the organization over the course of a year as anyone does (who isn't paid by the Skins). Steve Czaban, who's been predicting Gibbs would leave since about mid-season, strongly believes they'll go after Bill Cowher.

I start developing a rooting interest in hiring this or that person, and then I remind myself this is the Snyder show which doesn't think like us football fans think. His last hire was a good one. I hope he continues that tradition. This team has a lot going for it next year.

I actually think Snyder thinks too much like a fan. Many fans change their opinions quickly from year to year or even week to week. Management is supposed to provide the guidance and direction. It should be based on some philosphy and principles that are not changing rapidly. Snyder may be less prone to this than before, but over the past 4 years, Gibbs has been providing the direction to the team.

 

[thayman]

Posted at 4:04 PM ET, 01/ 8/2008

My Early Reaction To The Presser

For all of the yapping about continuity and stability, sure sounds like a blood-letting is upon us.

Owner Dan Snyder was given multiple opportunities to endorse an in-house candidate, and specifically Gregg Williams, and declined to do so, talking about their "process." The only definitive thing he did say is that they don't need a GM, and he's looking for a coach only. He loves their player procurement model, which involves him having intimate involvement in all aspects of negotiations.

JLC blogThat's just his guess, I realize that. But I'd guess he talks to as many people within the organization over the course of a year as anyone does (who isn't paid by the Skins). Steve Czaban, who's been predicting Gibbs would leave since about mid-season, strongly believes they'll go after Bill Cowher.

I start developing a rooting interest in hiring this or that person, and then I remind myself this is the Snyder show which doesn't think like us football fans think. His last hire was a good one. I hope he continues that tradition. This team has a lot going for it next year.

I actually think Snyder thinks too much like a fan. Many fans change their opinions quickly from year to year or even week to week. Management is supposed to provide the guidance and direction. It should be based on some philosphy and principles that are not changing rapidly. Snyder may be less prone to this than before, but over the past 4 years, Gibbs has been providing the direction to the team.

IMO this is when we will see if Gibbs 2.0 was a success or not. If Gibbs being here, has settled Snyder down then I will consider it a success.

 

[dgreen]

Regarding Cowher, I've heard Charley Casserly say he actually spoke to him yesterday after the Gibbs news broke and Cowher was clear he was going to sit out 2008. Adam Shefter also said last night on Total Access that Cowher will not be coaching this year. Shefter then dropped Jason Garrett's as someone who will be getting some interviews.

 

[phrozen]

Regarding Cowher, I've heard Charley Casserly say he actually spoke to him yesterday after the Gibbs news broke and Cowher was clear he was going to sit out 2008. Adam Shefter also said last night on Total Access that Cowher will not be coaching this year. Shefter then dropped Jason Garrett's as someone who will be getting some interviews.

what program did you hear this on?

 

[dgreen]

Regarding Cowher, I've heard Charley Casserly say he actually spoke to him yesterday after the Gibbs news broke and Cowher was clear he was going to sit out 2008. Adam Shefter also said last night on Total Access that Cowher will not be coaching this year. Shefter then dropped Jason Garrett's as someone who will be getting some interviews.

what program did you hear this on?

He was on with Riggins in the afternoon.

 

[phrozen]

Regarding Cowher, I've heard Charley Casserly say he actually spoke to him yesterday after the Gibbs news broke and Cowher was clear he was going to sit out 2008. Adam Shefter also said last night on Total Access that Cowher will not be coaching this year. Shefter then dropped Jason Garrett's as someone who will be getting some interviews.

what program did you hear this on?

He was on with Riggins in the afternoon.

Thanks

 

[fatness]

Let's keep track of the rumored next head coaches of the Redskins. So far we have:1. Gregg Williams2. Bill Cowher3. Rex Ryan

4. Al Saunders (reported on Sportstalk 980 this morning)

 

[fatness]

JLC blog

Spoke to a bunch more people driving home tonight and they believe all signs points to a major push for Bill Cowher. He's by far the biggest fish out there and two people who used to work closely with Daniel Snyder believe that's where this thing is going. Beyond that, Pete Carroll meets the description, but not much more.

Two GMs said that they think if it's Williams, the process will be over in 3-5 days. They also believe that if Gibbs knew one of his existing guys was getting the job, he might have delayed his decision. But their take is that he was giving Snyder as much time as possible to do what he has to do and get any outside candidates that are already interviewing with other teams. As of now, the Redskins have not contacted Cowher, Carroll or anyone else that I can verify.

"I've watched Dan closely. He's definitely matured as an owner, I really do believe he has. He realizes this is a people business and he's figured a lot of things out. But just because you have stability with the roster and the coaches right now, he doesn't understand that when you're talking about a transition like this you need a GM - you need a bridge - to oversee the process. If you're bringing in someone from the outside, you're talking about a new system, new ideas. You're in Washington - it's like changing a regime from the Democrats to the Republicans - you're talking about a tremendous turnover. I watched him talk about stability and chemistry today, but that can be undone pretty quickly, and if you're going outside, it will be undone. There's really no way around it."

 

[dgreen]

Another thing Casserly talked about on Riggins last night was "the process", as Snyder kept saying in yesterday's presser. Like any other large organization, Casserly said teams must go through a certain process to fill positions and it's possible Snyder wasn't using yesterday as a chance to pimp Williams because he didn't want to violate any part of that process. IOW, Snyder and Gibbs may have already discussed that the job should be Gregg's, but they will do everything by the book to avoid any unnecessary fines or whatever.

 

[phrozen]

take this FWIW.

A host of a morning radio show (The Junkies) has a good source that is close to the Redskins organization. This source has been accurate on issues dealing with the Redskins including the high probability of Gibbs retiring.

This source says that Gibbs choice for a replacement is Cower and not Williams. If true this would be a big blow to Williams and would definitely prompt Williams to go elsewhere if Cower was hired. I know the rumor mill is going at full speed right now so I just wanted to throw this out there.

 

[dgreen]

Just for fun, here are Gibbs' drafts:

2007Rd   Sel  Player1	  6  LaRon Landry 5	143  Dallas Sartz6	179  H.B. Blades6	205  Jordan Palmer7	216  Tyler Ecker2006Rd   Sel  Player2	 35  Rocky McIntosh5	153  Anthony Montgomery 6	173  Reed Doughty 6	196  Kedric Golston7	230  Kili Lefotu 	7	250  Kevin Simon2005Rd   Sel  Player1	  9  Carlos Rogers1	 25  Jason Campbell4	120  Manuel White5	154  Robert McCune6	183  Jared Newberry7	222  Nehemiah Broughton2004Rd   Sel  Player1	  5  Sean Taylor3	 81  Chris Cooley5	151  Mark Wilson6	180  Jim Molinaro

 

[Meast21]

Just for fun, here are Gibbs' drafts:

2007Rd   Sel  Player1	  6  LaRon Landry 5	143  Dallas Sartz6	179  H.B. Blades6	205  Jordan Palmer7	216  Tyler Ecker2006Rd   Sel  Player2	 35  Rocky McIntosh5	153  Anthony Montgomery 6	173  Reed Doughty 6	196  Kedric Golston7	230  Kili Lefotu 	7	250  Kevin Simon2005Rd   Sel  Player1	  9  Carlos Rogers1	 25  Jason Campbell4	120  Manuel White5	154  Robert McCune6	183  Jared Newberry7	222  Nehemiah Broughton2004Rd   Sel  Player1	  5  Sean Taylor3	 81  Chris Cooley5	151  Mark Wilson6	180  Jim Molinaro

So nice to finally see us getting potential out of our later round picks (6th round specifically)...hope this trend doesn't stop with Joe leaving.

 

[DCThunder]

Just for fun, here are Gibbs' drafts:

2007Rd   Sel  Player1	  6  LaRon Landry 5	143  Dallas Sartz6	179  H.B. Blades6	205  Jordan Palmer7	216  Tyler Ecker2006Rd   Sel  Player2	 35  Rocky McIntosh5	153  Anthony Montgomery 6	173  Reed Doughty 6	196  Kedric Golston7	230  Kili Lefotu 	7	250  Kevin Simon2005Rd   Sel  Player1	  9  Carlos Rogers1	 25  Jason Campbell4	120  Manuel White5	154  Robert McCune6	183  Jared Newberry7	222  Nehemiah Broughton2004Rd   Sel  Player1	  5  Sean Taylor3	 81  Chris Cooley5	151  Mark Wilson6	180  Jim Molinaro

So nice to finally see us getting potential out of our later round picks (6th round specifically)...hope this trend doesn't stop with Joe leaving.

True, but there were still some wasted picks, like why did we draft Jordan Palmer last year and where IS Dallas Sartz?

 

[dgreen]

From JLC:

Odds, Or Lack Thereof

Got an email from one of those on-line casinos with the odds for the next coach of the Skins. It's notable for what it doesn't say more than what it does:

Gregg Williams - 2/1

The Field - 2/1

Bill Cowher - 5/1

Al Saunders - 5/1

Brian Billick - 6/1

Jason Garrett - 9/1

Mike Singletary - 12/1

Rex Ryan - 12/1

Jim Caldwell - 15/1

So, basically, Vegas has no idea at this point

 

[southeastjerome]

Just for fun, here are Gibbs' drafts:

2007Rd   Sel  Player1	  6  LaRon Landry 5	143  Dallas Sartz6	179  H.B. Blades6	205  Jordan Palmer7	216  Tyler Ecker2006Rd   Sel  Player2	 35  Rocky McIntosh5	153  Anthony Montgomery 6	173  Reed Doughty 6	196  Kedric Golston7	230  Kili Lefotu 	7	250  Kevin Simon2005Rd   Sel  Player1	  9  Carlos Rogers1	 25  Jason Campbell4	120  Manuel White5	154  Robert McCune6	183  Jared Newberry7	222  Nehemiah Broughton2004Rd   Sel  Player1	  5  Sean Taylor3	 81  Chris Cooley5	151  Mark Wilson6	180  Jim Molinaro

So nice to finally see us getting potential out of our later round picks (6th round specifically)...hope this trend doesn't stop with Joe leaving.

True, but there were still some wasted picks, like why did we draft Jordan Palmer last year and where IS Dallas Sartz?

You could call guys like Sartz and Palmer wasted picks, but nobody, Patriots included, hits all the time in the 6th and 7th rounds. Obviously there aren't that many first day picks in this group, just 6, but you could probably say that the team went 6 for 6 there. I guess you could say that the jury is still out on Campbell and Rogers, but there are zero huge swings and misses here. Not many teams can say that about the first day of their drafts over the past 4 years. 2006 was a pretty good draft all things considered. The trade up for Rocky leaves something to be desired, but based off of the actual players drafted, that was a great draft. To have one pick in rounds 1-4 and come away with 4 guys who can be starters or at least guys who can stick around and produce is pretty darn good. We all know that Gibbs was part of the decision making process with the draft, as did Snyder/Cerrato, but who had final say on draft day?

 

[(HULK)]

the longer it takes to name a successor, the less chance it will be Greggg Williams. Otherwise, they'd go ahead and name him already.why do I have visions of Richie Pettibone, circa 1993, with a Bob's Big Boy menu attached to his belt?

Rooney rule says they have to interview a minority candidate - so they just can't name GW the coach. Regardless, my choice is to have GW as head coach, with Saunders as Offensive Coach - lets unleash both of them. Attacking, highpower offense and an attacking, run stuffing, blitz crazy defense.

 

[(HULK)]

From a Redskin message board (talking about Charley Casserly):

Charlie said he spoke with Cowher this a.m. and he said he is not coaching this year... take it for what its worth.

Later in the day, from another Redskin message board:

According to Lindsay Czarniack and Dan Hellie on NBC 4 locally here in DC/MD/VA, Bill Cowher is in town and will meet with the Redskins brass over dinner tonight

I guess there will be lots of rumors flying for awhile now.

Lindsay!

 

[fatness]

Lindsay!

Kind of pretty, but gives me a creepy "am I really looking at a Tyrannosaurus?" feeling.

 

[DCThunder]

Lindsay!

Kind of pretty, but gives me a creepy "am I really looking at a Tyrannosaurus?" feeling.

There's a better photo of her on the cover of the December Washingtonian magazine. She's got on attire for going clubbing and looks pretty hot.

 

[fatness]

It'll probably turn out to be nothing, but there's a guy at a Redskin message board who says he saw confirmation that there was a meeting last night between the Redskins and Bill Cowher. Link

 

[dgreen]

It'll probably turn out to be nothing, but there's a guy at a Redskin message board who says he saw confirmation that there was a meeting last night between the Redskins and Bill Cowher. Link

Interesting.Shefter's report last night was that Cowher would take anyone's phone call about a job, but he wasn't going to coach in 2008.

Of course, Marty said he'd never work for Snyder while at ESPN. And, it was pretty unbelievable that Snyder could get Gibbs out of retirement.

 

[southeastjerome]

It'll probably turn out to be nothing, but there's a guy at a Redskin message board who says he saw confirmation that there was a meeting last night between the Redskins and Bill Cowher. Link

Interesting.Shefter's report last night was that Cowher would take anyone's phone call about a job, but he wasn't going to coach in 2008.

Of course, Marty said he'd never work for Snyder while at ESPN. And, it was pretty unbelievable that Snyder could get Gibbs out of retirement.

True. And JLC flat out denied that rumor. And yes, I guess money does talk. If it is true that they met last night and Snyder truly wants Cowher, I'd be surprised if he's not the coach of the Redskins in 2008.

 

[Arsenal of Doom]

It'll probably turn out to be nothing, but there's a guy at a Redskin message board who says he saw confirmation that there was a meeting last night between the Redskins and Bill Cowher. Link

Interesting.Shefter's report last night was that Cowher would take anyone's phone call about a job, but he wasn't going to coach in 2008.

Of course, Marty said he'd never work for Snyder while at ESPN. And, it was pretty unbelievable that Snyder could get Gibbs out of retirement.

True. And JLC flat out denied that rumor. And yes, I guess money does talk. If it is true that they met last night and Snyder truly wants Cowher, I'd be surprised if he's not the coach of the Redskins in 2008.

If it isn't going to be Williams (or perhaps Saunders), I think Cowher absolutely has to be the guy. Obviously having someone come from the outside will be disruptive, but the credibility that comes with bringing someone with his track record will go a long way to quelling any grunbling in the locker room.I'd have to think this would be a pretty attractive option to Cowher as well. It's close to home, the Redskins can still probably be considered an elite organization (in terms of resources/fan base), and there is enough talent on board that it shouldn't be a complete rebuilding project.

 

[thayman]

It'll probably turn out to be nothing, but there's a guy at a Redskin message board who says he saw confirmation that there was a meeting last night between the Redskins and Bill Cowher. Link

Interesting.Shefter's report last night was that Cowher would take anyone's phone call about a job, but he wasn't going to coach in 2008.

Of course, Marty said he'd never work for Snyder while at ESPN. And, it was pretty unbelievable that Snyder could get Gibbs out of retirement.

True. And JLC flat out denied that rumor. And yes, I guess money does talk. If it is true that they met last night and Snyder truly wants Cowher, I'd be surprised if he's not the coach of the Redskins in 2008.

If it isn't going to be Williams (or perhaps Saunders), I think Cowher absolutely has to be the guy. Obviously having someone come from the outside will be disruptive, but the credibility that comes with bringing someone with his track record will go a long way to quelling any grunbling in the locker room.I'd have to think this would be a pretty attractive option to Cowher as well. It's close to home, the Redskins can still probably be considered an elite organization (in terms of resources/fan base), and there is enough talent on board that it shouldn't be a complete rebuilding project.

As far as rebuilding goes I would think Washington has to be the most attractive job out there. Coaches have to know they are going to get paid a ton of money, and have near limitless resources to get whatever and whoever they want.