Official Spagnuolo Thread/He's Staying in NY

[CanesSkins26]

My only hope is that Spagnuolo gets us a pass rush... He alone knows the importance of it, nobody else at Redskins park does.

This is what concerns me the most about Blache as the DC. His comments about corner backs being the most important part of the defense didn't help either.

Just FYI I remember a long time Richie Petitbone saying the same thing; with great corners playing man to man, it frees you up to do a lot more blitz-wise.

That may be true, but the current NFL rules make it nearly impossible for there to be such a thing as a shut down corner. All a corner has to do is look at a receiver the wrong way and it's pass interference. I'm not saying that corners aren't important, but games are won and lost in the trenches. The Giants don't have great corners, but they have a great defensive line and can get pressure with their front 4. We can't. In today's NFL it doesn't matter how good your corners are (see Denver) if you can't generate any pressure on the qb.

[CanesSkins26]

Posted at 2:13 PM ET, 02/ 6/2008
Spags Still In Town

As of 2:15, in real time, as I write this, league sources say that Giants DC Steve Spagnuolo is still in town interviewing for the Redskins head coaching job at owner Daniel Snyder's mansion. The sides began talking face-to-face last evening and Spagnuolo spent the night in a guest house on Snyder's property, as expected. The interview could continue for a while if necessary, as neither side has a pressing need to do anything else at this point.

Things are moving well and harmonious, sources said, and several sources close to the candidates believe that Snyder could make a decision tonight and begin the negotiating process, with a press conference possible Thursday or Friday. A source close to Steve Mariucci said today that the coach remains in the mix, and was given a courtesy phone call, while sources close to Jim Fassel, Spagnuolo and Ron Meeks said they do not believe Mariucci to be as much of a threat as the other candidates.

Until Snyder makes up his mind, no one will know for sure.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/

[BnGhog]

My only hope is that Spagnuolo gets us a pass rush... He alone knows the importance of it, nobody else at Redskins park does.

This is what concerns me the most about Blache as the DC. His comments about corner backs being the most important part of the defense didn't help either.

Really? I watched that feature, and his justification for that comment was that it's hard to generate a pass rush of more than four, if you have to drop people into zone coverage to help out weaker corners.

He basically said that if you have good man-to-man corners, you can take more chances with the pass rush.

Isn't that the reverse of what CLL always says?

Not from what I read. If I understand correctly (which I probably don't). If we can get a pass rush with the front four, and you can play zone, thats just even harder on an offense. Than leaving our guys on an island by themselves while blitzing 6.

If you can trust your corners to blitz 6 men there is no way the QB can sit in the pocket, but if he can get the ball out, all the WR has to do is break one tackle and its a TD.

But at the same time if you can get pressure with just your front 4 or 5 that is a sure sack also. but at the same time makes sure they don't get a home run if the QB does get the ball out.

[Bishop Hammer]

however, based on the Super Bowl...this guy clearly knows how to pepare a team.

Really? Where on his resume do you read that he has had experience preparing an entire team?

A head coach has got to get his start somewhere. If Spagnuolo becomes the coach I think he might do okay. At the very least, I think he is a better candidate than Fassel.

[SkinsJock]

From what I gathered on Sirius this pm - Spags has been high on Snyder/Cerrato's wish list for a month and that the finalists are Spagnuolo and Fassel (I still am hoping for Mariucci).

Word from the Sirius boys (3pm show from Hawaii) is that NY are thinking of offering Spags a super deal to stay there and that the HC job in DC with Snyder and Cerrato is not that good a deal for anyone

[Chris Luva Luva]

and that the HC job in DC with Snyder and Cerrato is not that good a deal for anyone

It isn't... Even we know that.

[Sir_Monk]

that the HC job in DC with Snyder and Cerrato is not that good a deal for anyone

Groundbreaking reporting there from Sirius NFL Radio.

[SkinsJock]

Regarding the fact that nobody wants the Redskins' HC job

It isn't... Even we know that.

Good - I hope nobody takes it - maybe Cerrato and Snyder can do it together Cerrato from the sidelines while Snyder does a Jerry Jones from his owner's box

[PulpExposure]

That may be true, but the current NFL rules make it nearly impossible for there to be such a thing as a shut down corner. All a corner has to do is look at a receiver the wrong way and it's pass interference. I'm not saying that corners aren't important, but games are won and lost in the trenches. The Giants don't have great corners, but they have a great defensive line and can get pressure with their front 4. We can't. In today's NFL it doesn't matter how good your corners are (see Denver) if you can't generate any pressure on the qb.

I understand your point, but if someone says corners are the most important position on the field, that doesn't automatically mean that DL isn't important at all.

It just may mean corners are #1, DL is #2. It's not the end of the world.

And as far as Petitbon having DL that could rush the passer, that's true. Look, he had Fred Stokes and Jumpy Geathers as productive pass-rushers in 1991...and both were rejects from other teams.

I have a suspicion that with the right scheme you can manufacture a pass-rush from your d-line (see Justin Tuck this year with the Giants...he of the 10 sacks in 16 regular season games this year, and 1 whole sack in the 20 games before that. I think he liked Spagnuolo's scheme....).

[playboy1972]

Why would anyone put themselves through 2 to 3 days worth of interviewing. Is this a Grand Jury or something? This whole charade is embarrassing. This season will be the most interesting season ever. I guess that means Snyder has done is job. Build up intrigue, false hope and sell tickets and advertising. That's what businessman do right?

[CanesSkins26]

That may be true, but the current NFL rules make it nearly impossible for there to be such a thing as a shut down corner. All a corner has to do is look at a receiver the wrong way and it's pass interference. I'm not saying that corners aren't important, but games are won and lost in the trenches. The Giants don't have great corners, but they have a great defensive line and can get pressure with their front 4. We can't. In today's NFL it doesn't matter how good your corners are (see Denver) if you can't generate any pressure on the qb.

I understand your point, but if someone says corners are the most important position on the field, that doesn't automatically mean that DL isn't important at all.

It just may mean corners are #1, DL is #2. It's not the end of the world.

And as far as Petitbon having DL that could rush the passer, that's true. Look, he had Fred Stokes and Jumpy Geathers as productive pass-rushers in 1991...and both were rejects from other teams.

I have a suspicion that with the right scheme you can manufacture a pass-rush from your d-line (see Justin Tuck this year with the Giants...he of the 10 sacks in 16 regular season games this year, and 1 whole sack in the 20 games before that. I think he liked Spagnuolo's scheme....).

I agree with you about the scheme. I'm more concerned about upgrading the talent on the defensive line. Talentwise, our line is mediocre at best. Imho opinion we need a starter at end and at tackle. I just don't want to see the team going after corners before they upgrade the line.

[CanesSkins26]

Another long interview [Ryan O'Halloran]

Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is still interviewing for the Redskins vacant head coaching job at owner Dan Snyder's house in Potomac, a league source confirmed.


The source said the group met for 8 or 9 hours Tuesday night and started talking again this morning around 8 a.m.


One of Gregg Williams' interviews last month lasted nearly 12 hours.


Today marks the four-week mark of the search, which has included interviews with seven candidates. Some research about coordinators who get their first head coaching job -- they generally sign a four- or five-year contract worth $2 to $2.5 million per season.


I'll have more details when/if they become available although it appears my hope for a Thursday press conference is disappearing with every passing hour.

http://video1.washingtontimes.com/redskins/

[PulpExposure]

I just don't want to see the team going after corners before they upgrade the line.

Oh that I completely agree with. Completely.

Line on both sides.

[SkinsFreak]

Just for the record, and I've said this several times before, the most recent interviewee has always been labeled the "leading contender". If they interviewed Homer Simpson tomorrow, he'd become the leading contender and the media would report SpagMagnolia is out. I'm not anointing this guy just yet.

Is this guy a one year wonder, who knows? To me, he just doesn't seem to be a good fit. Will they hire him? We'll see. But based on what we do know, such as the hiring of Zorn and the promotion of Blache, he just doesn't seem to be the right fit. But that's just one man's opinion.

[CanesSkins26]

Just for the record, and I've said this several times before, the most recent interviewee has always been labeled the "leading contender". If they interviewed Homer Simpson tomorrow, he'd become the leading contender and the media would report SpagMagnolia is out. I'm not anointing this guy just yet.

Is this guy a one year wonder, who knows? To me, he just doesn't seem to be a good fit. Will they hire him? We'll see. But based on what we do know, such as the hiring of Zorn and the promotion of Blache, he just doesn't seem to be the right fit. But that's just one man's opinion.

I agree about him not necessarily being the leading candidate.. I still think that Fassel is the leading candidate. However, I would prefer Meeks, Spagnuolo, and Mooch over Fassel. I'm surprised that they are going so hard after a defensive coach considering Blache has more experience than does Zorn. The one thing that I like about Spagnuolo is that he is younger than the other candidates. He may be less experienced than the other candidates, but if he pans out he could a guy that sticks around for the next 10 seasons. Fassel being fired from his last two jobs is concerning, but I think that both Mooch and Meeks would do a good job.

[KazooSkinsFan]

I still think that Fassel is the leading candidate. However, I would prefer Meeks, Spagnuolo, and Mooch over Fassel.

I disagree Fassel is the leading candidate just because if he were Snyder would already have named him. I'm pulling for Spagnuolo, I think he has the highest potential to be the next Gibbs. Granted he also has a higher potential for being the next Spurrier too. Fassel's a solid pick and I will support him if he gets the job, but I prefer to swing for the fences even if it means you have a bigger chance of striking out too.

[CanesSkins26]

Posted at 7:52 PM ET, 02/ 6/2008
Spags and Williams

As of this moment - 8 pm. - Giants DC Steve Spagnuolo remains in meetings with owner Daniel Snyder about Washington's head coaching vacancy. Things continue to move along and sources close to several candidates believe Snyder will make a decision tonight, with Spagnuolo and Jim Fassel the most likely choices.

http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/

[ike075]

10:45 PM EST, February 6, 2008

Steve Spagnuolo spent all day and night interviewing with Redskins owner Daniel Snyder but as of late Wednesday night, the Giants defensive coordinator hadn't been won over.

A person familiar with Spagnuolo's thinking said it was "50-50 at best" that he would take the Redskins head-coaching position if offered after flying to suburban Washington, D.C., Tuesday afternoon, following the Giants victory parade and stadium rally. Spagnuolo reportedly met with Snyder and Redskins vice president Vinny Cerrato for nearly eight hours Tuesday night, stayed in a guest house on Snyder's property and resumed talks Wednesday morning that lasted well into the evening.

The Giants, meanwhile, have done their part to try and keep Spagnuolo at least for another season. A person familiar with the Giants' thinking said Wednesday that the team had a contract offer on the table should Spagnuolo leave Snyder's place without a deal. There were no numbers available, but the deal would reportedly make Spagnuolo one of the highest-paid defensive coordinators in the NFL.

The person added that there were 'no promises" in place for Spagnuolo, such as being named associate head coach or, as the Seahawks did with Jim Mora, Jr. Wednesday, any plans to have Spagnuolo take over for Tom Coughlin if the head coach decided to retire in the near future.

Coughlin is due a lucrative extension of his own with the Giants. His agent, Gary O'Hagan, said Wednesday that talks with the Giants had not yet begun.

Realistically, the Giants may only be looking to hang onto Spagnuolo for one more season. If his championship defense performs as well next season, when several more head coaching jobs should be available, the Giants are well aware he won't stick around.

According to the person familiar with Spagnuolo's thinking, as of Wednesday night he was not sold on the conditions that might restrict the Redskins' new coach. Snyder already has a nearly full coaching staff in place and the team is at least $17-million over the 2008 salary cap, by far the most cap-unfriendly team in the league heading into next month's free agency period.

Former Giants coach Jim Fassel is considered the other top candidate. A person familiar with the Redskins coaching search said Wednesday that even while Spagnuolo was in the midst of his lengthy interview process, Fassel was told to be "standing by." Fassel met with Snyder three times to talk about the job, and Snyder's decision to hire Jim Zorn as offensive coordinator and Greg Blache as defensive coordinator before naming a head coach signaled to some that Fassel, who's currently out of coaching, may have given his approval to the hires.

Former 49ers and Lions coach Steve Mariucci and Colts assistant Ron Meeks are reportedly still in the running, but Snyder has wanted to speak to Spagnuolo for a month, since Joe Gibbs retired.

http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/ ... rint.story

[CanesSkins26]

When Spagnuolo's name first surfaced as a candidate for the HC, I was very skeptical of him and was worried that he was too inexperienced for the job. However, looking around the NFL, there are several coaches with as little (if not less) experience than Spagnuolo that are doing well in their current jobs. Both Mike Tomlin and Jack Del Rio only had one year of experience as defensive coordinators before getting head coaching jobs, and Spagnuolo has more overall coaching experience than both of them. Both Tomlin and Del Rio have done well with the Steelers and Jaguars.

[CanesSkins26]

According to the person familiar with Spagnuolo's thinking, as of Wednesday night he was not sold on the conditions that might restrict the Redskins' new coach. Snyder already has a nearly full coaching staff in place and the team is at least $17-million over the 2008 salary cap, by far the most cap-unfriendly team in the league heading into next month's free agency period.

Fantastic

[welch]

According to sources close to Snyder/Cerrato insiders, Snyder is frustrated. He has flown to Chennai, India, for high-level discussions with TaTa Consulting Company with an aim that the Redskins outsource all front-office activity to the powerhouse consulting company.

In a comment to close associates, Snyder is said to have said, "The coaches are professionals...the players are professionals...maybe I need professionals in the front office?"

[yupchagee]

According to the person familiar with Spagnuolo's thinking, as of Wednesday night he was not sold on the conditions that might restrict the Redskins' new coach. Snyder already has a nearly full coaching staff in place and the team is at least $17-million over the 2008 salary cap, by far the most cap-unfriendly team in the league heading into next month's free agency period.

Fantastic

Sounds like he is smart. Maybe it would be a mistake to hire anyone who is willing to take the job

[por-tiz2skins]

Come on Mooch!!!!!!

[hogproud]

Wow....I gotta say, this is starting to look ugly.

Okay...so here are the Skins interviewing Spagnuolo and Fassel is told to "stand by".

That is lame...it makes Fassel look like a desperate loser.

Akin to the love-sick nerd that is watching the hottest girl in school dance with everybody else while he is relegated to the back of the cafetria. The fact that Fassel doesn't have the dignity and testicular fortitude to stand up and say..."hey you either want me or you don't, but I'm not just going to 'stand by' until you decide to hire me" is troubling at best and at worst pathetic.

This Sucks.


"I wish Danny wouldn't flirt with Steve."

[El Mexican]

Wow....I gotta say, this is starting to look ugly.

Okay...so here are the Skins interviewing Spagnuolo and Fassel is told to "stand by".

That is lame...it makes Fassel look like a desperate loser.

Akin to the love-sick nerd that is watching the hottest girl in school dance with everybody else while he is relegated to the back of the cafetria. The fact that Fassel doesn't have the dignity and testicular fortitude to stand up and say..."hey you either want me or you don't, but I'm not just going to 'stand by' until you decide to hire me" is troubling at best and at worst pathetic.

This Sucks.


"I wish Danny wouldn't flirt with Steve."

Totally agree, hogproud.

This is the WASHINGTON REDSKINS! There should be a line a mile long of people who would like to coeach this team and be honored by it.

Oh, wait! I just remembered we have Danny and Vinnie running the team...