The Washington Redskins announced on Tuesday that Assistant Head Coach Gregg Williams has received a 3-year, $8 million contract extension.
Williams had one year left on his current deal, meaning the extension will take effect after the 2006 season concludes and will keep him under contract with the Redskins until the 2009 season.
The contract does not restrict Williams from interviewing for any potential head-coaching vacancies but it is safe to assume the extension is an unofficial announcement that he will take over head coaching duties when Joe Gibbs retires.
Williams, arguably the hottest head-coaching candidate being discussed, has repeatedly stated that he and his family are comfortable with his current position and with living in Virginia.
Since his arrival in 2004, Williams has brought the Redskins defense from a 25th overall ranking in 2003 to a top ten ranking in both 2004 (No. 1 in the NFC and No. 3 overall) and 2005 (No. 9 overall).
The Houston Texans, who fired head coach Dom Capers on Monday, contacted the Redskins and requested permission to interview Williams. It has been reported that Williams was the leading candidate for Kansas City and St. Louis’ vacancies. (Coincidentally, Williams grew up in Missouri, not far from either city).
Williams compiled a record of 17-31 as head coach of the Buffalo Bills from 2001-2003. Buffalo’s defensive units improved each year, ranking 21st, 15th, and 2nd in the NFL.
Edit: This blog was archived in May of 2016 from our original articles database.It was originally posted by Jake Russell