fassel and rex

[Bob 0119]

Keep in mind that we don't know how much if any of what the media is speculating is actually true.

They don't even know what's really true, and a media that doesn't know the answer is just makes up whatever story they can with the facts they have.

Keep in mind that a little less than two weeks ago you'd have thought Cowher was a lock. Then Mora was the next "sure thing". Some even speculated Holmgren was coming this way.

No sense getting all riled up when we don't know what to be riled up about.

[HEROHAMO]

Danny just wants to hand pick his own head coach.

Greg Williams was brought in because Gibbs wanted GW, same as Al Saunders.

I guess all we can do is hope everything works out. At this point I just really would like a decent GM.

It is obvious Daniel Snyder does not want to name Greg Williams the coach. If so he would have named GW the head coach already.

[BossHog]

When will you guys realize that this entire process fits in with the Snyder mentality.

Regardless of who is chosen... we've spent a huge amount of time and press paper talking about WHO it's going to be and who it's NOT going to be.

All the while, the news is filled with Redskin-oriented tidbits.

Exactly what Snyder wants... regardless of the end result.

'There's no such thing as bad free press.'

[Irn-Bru]

This whole thing is now getting downright stupid.

That's true, but Snyder is only about 20% to blame for it. JLC himself is about 70% to blame, and the other 10% falls on the rest of the media that reports speculation as near-fact.

This entire debacle has re-emphasized to me how ridiculously and tediously self-centered and unprofessional JLC can be. Every time I go to his blog, all I see (that is, amidst the constant self-pity about how he'll sleep on the couch tonight. . .and all the spelling errors) is his next best guess reported as fact. He'll say 'this is what's "likely" to happen.' Then he heaps on caustic commentary—oh, only if that's true, by the way—and gets a few digs in.

The next day it's a new rumor and new commentary (don't forget the self-pity!), ad nauseam. This whole situation stinks, and the "coverage" of it is 80% to blame for it.

Imagine what this week would have been like without even 50% of the speculation and rumors.

[CanesSkins26]

This whole thing is now getting downright stupid.

That's true, but Snyder is only about 20% to blame for it. JLC himself is about 70% to blame, and the other 10% falls on the rest of the media that reports speculation as near-fact.

This entire debacle has re-emphasized to me how ridiculously and tediously self-centered and unprofessional JLC can be. Every time I go to his blog, all I see (that is, amidst the constant self-pity about how he'll sleep on the couch tonight. . .and all the spelling errors) is his next best guess reported as fact. He'll say 'this is what's "likely" to happen.' Then he heaps on caustic commentary—oh, only if that's true, by the way—and gets a few digs in.

The next day it's a new rumor and new commentary (don't forget the self-pity!), ad nauseam. This whole situation stinks, and the "coverage" of it is 80% to blame for it.

Imagine what this week would have been like without even 50% of the speculation and rumors.

The media has a roll in this, but what do you expect when a team takes 17 days (as of today) to name a head coach. Add in the fact that they have started interviewing coordinators before naming a head coach and it just doesn't look like an organized or professional process. The Dolphins and Falcons managed to go through this same process without it turning into a circus, and while we have no idea what our coaching staff is going to look like, other NFL teams are preparing for the draft and free agency.

[SkinsFreak]

This whole thing is now getting downright stupid.

That's true, but Snyder is only about 20% to blame for it. JLC himself is about 70% to blame, and the other 10% falls on the rest of the media that reports speculation as near-fact.

This entire debacle has re-emphasized to me how ridiculously and tediously self-centered and unprofessional JLC can be. Every time I go to his blog, all I see (that is, amidst the constant self-pity about how he'll sleep on the couch tonight. . .and all the spelling errors) is his next best guess reported as fact. He'll say 'this is what's "likely" to happen.' Then he heaps on caustic commentary—oh, only if that's true, by the way—and gets a few digs in.

The next day it's a new rumor and new commentary (don't forget the self-pity!), ad nauseam. This whole situation stinks, and the "coverage" of it is 80% to blame for it.

Imagine what this week would have been like without even 50% of the speculation and rumors.

100% accurate. Thanks, JLC. You should have heard him on ESPN 2 yesterday.

[Irn-Bru]

The media has a roll in this, but what do you expect when a team takes 17 days (as of today) to name a head coach.

It depends on the situation.

In the first place, what is the average time period for a team to sign a head coach? Is 17 days that significant? The Falcons just got their man, and they've known that they would need a coach since before the season ended. We didn't know until a few days after the Wild Card playoff round.

Secondly, if the Redskins are set on interviewing candidates that can't be interviewed until after the Superbowl, then maybe that's what it will take. Assume for a moment that getting coaches from the NYG or Pats to sign is the best move: Are you saying you'd rather have an inferior coach now instead of putting up with a "circus" until we can get the right guy?

Third, who cares if it takes 17+ days? The only impact I see is if this will keep whomever takes over from being fully prepared for the draft. Are the next 10 days going to make the difference in our draft? I certainly don't think so. This whole PR "mess" is a product of JLC whipping up his followers—if nobody gave a rat's ass it would disappear almost overnight.

Add in the fact that they have started interviewing coordinators before naming a head coach and it just doesn't look like an organized or professional process.

Again, who cares? The Skins appear to have been looking for a package deal, instead of selecting a head coach first and then retro-fitting coordinators into the deal. Whose standards of "professionalism" are they violating here?

The Dolphins and Falcons managed to go through this same process without it turning into a circus,

And just who has turned the D.C. search into a circus? That's what I was trying to get at with my post. Snyder is doing his best to generate buzz by being so secretive (which very obviously has driven guys like JLC crazy), and the media eats it up.

It's not Snyder's fault that news outlets will buy the first unnamed source "close to the organization" who's willing to say anything on condition of anonymity. That's what is making this look so ridiculous: 'Oh, the Redskins are doing this, I'm serial! Just kidding! Okay, this time I'm super serial. . ."

and while we have no idea what our coaching staff is going to look like, other NFL teams are preparing for the draft and free agency.

OK, so this is the valid concern in all of this, and I share it with you. But then again, I'd strongly prefer to have the right coach taking over this team as opposed to a quick-but-wrong hire who then has an extra week to prepare for a draft in April.

I'm not saying that Snyder will make the right pick because he's taking longer, nor do I trust him in particular to make the right hire no matter what. But I think it's clearly on the shoulders of the media (and mostly JLC) that such a frenzy has been whipped up.

[skinsfan#33]

The media has a roll in this, but what do you expect when a team takes 17 days (as of today) to name a head coach. Add in the fact that they have started interviewing coordinators before naming a head coach and it just doesn't look like an organized or professional process. The Dolphins and Falcons managed to go through this same process without it turning into a circus, and while we have no idea what our coaching staff is going to look like, other NFL teams are preparing for the draft and free agency.

Most of what you said is either inaccurate or not in context.

First, Atlanta was in search of a HC since December 11, 2007. They just hired one, today, so the way I figure it they were without a HC for 44 days. We aren't even half way there. They couldn't get their first, second or third choice so they settled for Smith a month and a half after Bobby P resigned. Atlanta has been more of a laughing stock then the Skins, by far.

Second, almost no one in Miami or Atlanta care about their teams at all. The Dolphins are the second most popular football team in Miami. Atlanta barely supports the Falcons or Braves. You can't compare any media coverage of those two teams to the Skins. Washington lives and breaths Redskins football.

Besides Miami and Atlanta were not trying to replace a HoF HC. And both owners of those franchises are well respected.

And JLC didn't cover their HC search.

[Irn-Bru]

Agree with your post 100%, skinsfan33.

And JLC didn't cover their HC search.

Sadly, that's the key variable.

[CanesSkins26]

Again, who cares? The Skins appear to have been looking for a package deal, instead of selecting a head coach first and then retro-fitting coordinators into the deal. Whose standards of "professionalism" are they violating here?

A head coach should have a roll in choosing his staff. Most coach's are going to want to bring in their own people, and they should be able to, because they need to feel comfortable with their staff. How many times have u seen a head coach hired to a team that already has a new OC and DC in place?

Third, who cares if it takes 17+ days? The only impact I see is if this will keep whomever takes over from being fully prepared for the draft. Are the next 10 days going to make the difference in our draft? I certainly don't think so. This whole PR "mess" is a product of JLC whipping up his followers—if nobody gave a rat's ass it would disappear almost overnight.

Yes the draft is in April. But the Senior Bowl is this week. The game isn't that important, but the 4 days of practice leading up to it are. Considering how much trouble this team has had in the draft, I would feel much more comfortable if our head coach and Snyder/Vinny were there evaluating players. This is the last chance before the draft to observe players in an actual practice/game setting and a chance for coachess to see players live that they otherwise would only see on tape. You might not think that this is important, but I think that it is.

Additionally, free agency starts on March 2nd. If we wait until after the Super Bowl to hire our coach, you're going to leave the staff with less than a month to prepare for free agency. That's not a lot of time when you are new to a team and have to evaluate how your current players fit into your system, determine which players to resign, and which players to target in FA.

To go along with what I said above, the NFL Combine is February 20-26th. So if we hire after the Super Bowl, the earliest we would have a coach in place is February 6th or 7th. That means that in a three week period (before FA starts), the new head coach and staff (if not GW) have to familiarize themselves with the current roster, analyze what changes they need to make for their system to work, analyze available free agents, attend the combine, etc. That is a hell of a lot of work to do in a very short period of time. It's not the end of the world, but it puts the new staff several weeks behind other NFL teams and that is very concerning imo.

[KazooSkinsFan]

what do you expect when a team takes 17 days (as of today) to name a head coach

So you think 17 days is a long time? By what standard? This is someone we want to run the team for a decade or more. Just do the math, you interview 5 or so guys, arrange travel and coordinate schedules and assess the discussions to pick a guy for Head Coach? To me it seems insane to expect that to take place for interviewing a guy to be THE GUY in ONLY 17 days is a LONG time.

Add in the fact that they have started interviewing coordinators before naming a head coach

So you're impatient they didn't hire a head coach in under 2 1/2 weeks, but you don't want them thinking yet about the rest of the org? Why?

and it just doesn't look like an organized or professional process

I differ again and in fact am IMPRESSED that rather then chasing the biggest name available and just asking how much cash has to be shoveled out Snyder is going about this systematically and doing it the right way. It is in fact rash decisions for such crucial roles that are unprofessional. I will be doubly impressed if after this he does hire GW. Even though he knew he had his guy he did due diligence.

The Dolphins and Falcons managed to go through this same process without it turning into a circus, and while we have no idea what our coaching staff is going to look like, other NFL teams are preparing for the draft and free agency.

Um...you can advocate we emulate the quick decisions made by bad teams. Snyder is doing the right thing process wise. Decision wise, we'll see.

[chiefhog44]

what do you expect when a team takes 17 days (as of today) to name a head coach

So you think 17 days is a long time? By what standard? This is someone we want to run the team for a decade or more. Just do the math, you interview 5 or so guys, arrange travel and coordinate schedules and assess the discussions to pick a guy for Head Coach? To me it seems insane to expect that to take place for interviewing a guy to be THE GUY in ONLY 17 days is a LONG time.

I am starting to think this is pretty unorganized, and yes, it's starting to take too long. CEO's of much larger companies are found within a couple weeks. But if it takes another two weeks to get a good coach, so be it...But noone can deny this is totally unorganized. think about it...

First...Report from Snyder that he wants to make a decision quickly
Then... 4 meetings with GW
Then... Few others are interviewed to cover the Rooney Rule
Then...Jim Mora removes his name from the running.
Up to this point...I'm satisfied

Then ...Fassel interviewed for second time (mystery candidate revealed)
Then...Report from Snyder that he wants to make a decision within a few days...looks like Fassel
Then...Rex Ryan brought in for interview for d-coordinator (which he can't be unless draft picks are traded)
Now I'm thinking...what is going on

Then...Skins nation goes nuts over the thought of that deadbeat Fassel coaching our team
Then...Rex Ryan doesn't want to leave the Lamehens
Then... Report from Snyder that no deal has been made with Fassel
Then we hear that he wants to take his time to interview other candidates, and we hear that the fans may have pressured him to reconsider. WHAT??? Does this make any sense?


Who's running this ship??? This guy has too many chef's in the kitchen, and his top chef has no control. It's a three ring circus.

[Irn-Bru]

chiefhog, most of what you just expressed frustration over used the word "report" or discussed the fans' reaction. Notice a pattern there?

[chiefhog44]

chiefhog, most of what you just expressed frustration over used the word "report" or discussed the fans' reaction. Notice a pattern there?

Maybe I just would like a little better communication from the head honcho. Oh what a minute, I'm not still at my marriage counseling session am I.

[skinsfan#33]

chiefhog, most of what you just expressed frustration over used the word "report" or discussed the fans' reaction. Notice a pattern there?

Maybe I just would like a little better communication from the head honcho. Oh what a minute, I'm not still at my marriage counseling session am I.

That is the problem. You said several times that Snyder reported several things.

The ONLY thing he has ever reported was on the day Gibbs retired when he said he was going to do his "due diligence(sp?)" and he said he was going to be patient.

Other than that HE HASN'T REPORTED ANYTHING. The media has guessed and speculated about a bunch of stuff and we, me included, just took the hook and ran with it; like a big, hungry, stupid blue fish.

[CanesSkins26]

So you think 17 days is a long time? By what standard? This is someone we want to run the team for a decade or more. Just do the math, you interview 5 or so guys, arrange travel and coordinate schedules and assess the discussions to pick a guy for Head Coach? To me it seems insane to expect that to take place for interviewing a guy to be THE GUY in ONLY 17 days is a LONG time.

Snyder himself said he expected this to take only 2 weeks. Now if we wait past the Super Bowl we are looking at it being closer to 5. That is a very long time. And if GW isn't given the job, where exactly is our new head coach going to get his assistants from? Rules against lateral moves have basically stopped us from talking to Ryan, San Diego's qb coach, and makes it easier for Seattle to keep Zorn. For example, the Washington Times ran an article today about where Fassel's old assistants are...most are currently under contract with other NFL teams. So unless we stay with GW (which is unlikely at this point), it's going to be very difficult for the next head coach to put together an experienced staff.

[jazzskins]

I am starting to think this is pretty unorganized, and yes, it's starting to take too long. CEO's of much larger companies are found within a couple weeks.

I just started a mid-level sales management position with a very large company. It took them two weeks to announce the openings, communicate the openings, set the interviews up, etc. It took them three more weeks to hire me even after they knew I was the person that they wanted. So, five weeks for a mid-level position....this is the head coach...the face...of a huge national organization!

[chiefhog44]

I am starting to think this is pretty unorganized, and yes, it's starting to take too long. CEO's of much larger companies are found within a couple weeks.

I just started a mid-level sales management position with a very large company. It took them two weeks to announce the openings, communicate the openings, set the interviews up, etc. It took them three more weeks to hire me even after they knew I was the person that they wanted. So, five weeks for a mid-level position....this is the head coach...the face...of a huge national organization!

That's great. It sounds like your company had a plan in place to hire some people. Most well run companies do. Hell, there are much larger companies that take less time for much higher positions. My point is that the Skins don't seem to have a plan in place. If you communicate that it will only take two weeks to get it done, and it doesn't (with nothing very concrete in place), don't tell me that's not disorganized. Especially now that we are shifting our plan yet again to include coaches from the Super Bowl Teams. And all this will cost us quality coordinators.

[RayNAustin]

The point being missed here is the fact that NFL rules have been an impediment to a certain degree....as well as the philosophy which seems to suggest that Snyder wants a primary staff (HC, DC, OC) identified before making a decision to either replace or retain the current staff. I think that's smart.

Snyder understands that picking any HC other than Williams will necessitate replacing Williams also, and it looks like he's interested in replacing Saunders regardless, so that is what's taking time.

I believe the reports that Snyder was prepared to hire the Fassel/Ryan/Zorn team was in fact true, but unanticipated problems in securing Ryan and Zorn have derailed that decision, and he isn't willing to scrap the current staff just for the sake of hiring Fassel.

Perhaps the Redskins falsely assumed that since Ryan was passed over (similar to what may be taking place with Williams) that Ryan would not be interested in continuing with the Ravens?

Perhaps the plan A, and plan B ran into snags, and they are exhausting all possibilities before making a final decision.

Overall, I think that's smart....and it's a huge contradiction for those who accuse Snyder of being a quick fix guy to simultaneously suggest he's taking too much time hiring a new coach.

Some people just can't take yes of an answer

[CanesSkins26]

I believe the reports that Snyder was prepared to hire the Fassel/Ryan/Zorn team was in fact true, but unanticipated problems in securing Ryan and Zorn have derailed that decision, and he isn't willing to scrap the current staff just for the sake of hiring Fassel.

I agree with you that they wanted Fassel/Ryan/Zorn. That's why I'm becoming concerned that the longer this takes, the more difficult it is going to be to hire talented, experienced coordinators.

[SkinsFreak]

Question:

With regard to the league rules prohibiting a lateral move, in the case with Ryan, if the Skins gave him Williams' current title, asst. head coach, is that still considered a lateral move? Blache is listed as our defensive coordinator.

So for example, in this scenario...

Fassel - Head Coach
Ryan - Asst. Head Coach
Blache - Defensive Coordinator

[RayNAustin]

That probably wouldn't fly, otherwise everyone would do it, and we'd already have heard about it done elsewhere.

[CanesSkins26]

Question:

With regard to the league rules prohibiting a lateral move, in the case with Ryan, if the Skins gave him Williams' current title, asst. head coach, is that still considered a lateral move? Blache is listed as our defensive coordinator.

So for example, in this scenario...

Fassel - Head Coach
Ryan - Asst. Head Coach
Blache - Defensive Coordinator

Still a lateral move. Under the NFL rules, anything other than a head coaching job for a current coordinator is a lateral move. Getting fancy with the titles wont do any good.

[RayNAustin]

I believe the reports that Snyder was prepared to hire the Fassel/Ryan/Zorn team was in fact true, but unanticipated problems in securing Ryan and Zorn have derailed that decision, and he isn't willing to scrap the current staff just for the sake of hiring Fassel.

I agree with you that they wanted Fassel/Ryan/Zorn. That's why I'm becoming concerned that the longer this takes, the more difficult it is going to be to hire talented, experienced coordinators.

Yes that's the point, but Snyder is not the one holding things up or dragging his feet. Plan A didn't work, so he's either working on plan B or trying to work around the hurdles in plan A. I'm sure he'd like to get it done as quickly as possible, but maybe Ryan is simply not going to budge, and the idea now is to go after Spagoulo which would require us to wait till after the Super Bowl.

Clearly, the current staff is still under contract so that is always the fall back option, though at this point, the damage is already done, I'm afraid. But who knows, maybe Snyder believes that GW is a better option than a Fassel without a top level DC to come in with him.

This has always been the sticking point here I believe. If you hire anyone other than GW, you'll need a replacement for GW. Hire GW and GW can surrogate coach the defense with Blache. But it's pretty clear at this point that Snyder wants to clean house, but unwilling to do so until he has all of the replacement pieces in place and secured.

[KazooSkinsFan]

CEO's of much larger companies are found within a couple weeks

Now you're in MY bailiwick and I tell you you have no idea of that of which you speak.

Maybe I just would like a little better communication from the head honcho

Look dude. I'm really not trying to bust on you or anything, but this really doesn't make any sense at all. This is a high profile search and he's interviewing a lot of people. The press obviously like a lot of "fans" of the team give him no latitude, trust or consideration at all ever and you want him to tell them and the people vying for the job what he's thinking before he knows what he wants to do himself? Just so we can get updates on what he's thinking because we can't wait a month or so in the off season for an update?