Front Office Rumblings

[1niksder]

Front Office Rumblings
There are lot of rumors floating around out there right now about the Redskins front office. Some NFL people think The Snyder might finally cut the cord with Uncle Junior/Johnny Drama/Vinny C., and several executives I spoke to from other clubs were just as adamant that he would do no such thing.

I have heard the morale of the Skins scouts is a low, some are fearing for the future and wonder if a major shake-up might be afoot after the draft. There was also apparently an item on profootballtalk.com a few weeks back, speculating that the Skins would go Tony Soprano on their scouts and personnel guys after the draft that sent ripple waves of consternation through the corridors of Redskins Park from what I gather.

To that end, I know of at least one individual who was asked - through an agent - if he might have interest in personnel position of some sort with the Redskins. I have also heard that there is a sense among Washington's pro and amateur scouts that heads might roll. So I gathered a bunch of information to this end over the last few weeks and finally ran it up the flagpole at Redskins Park Monday.

After running it by the organization I was told that the team has no such plans. But it wasn't exactly the most emphatic denial of all time, and I am not entirely sold that at least a position or two in the front office won't open up after the draft. Some in league circles have said that Vinny has told people that he is a little worried about his job security; others say it'll never happen, he's The Snyder's boy 'til the end. One person who used to a key figure in the Skins front office believed The Owner is finally ready to put personal bias aside and get a new head of personnel. Several people who work in Redskins Park said they have never heard a word about chucking Vinny or any scouts in May.

Again, take it all for what it's worth, as no one is asserting anything definite and the Skins are saying no such changes are planned.

I also spoke to a few individuals who, if the Redskins really were seeking a GM/VP of football ops type, would surely be at the top of their list of candidates, and neither heard a thing from the Skins. They were under contract, and perfectly happy where they were, but these are guys who, if the team was really going to go in this direction and were conducting a search, would have to be prime candidates. Also spoke to a few agents who represent lots of GMs/personnel guys, and they had not heard a thing about the Skins actually going in a new direction and ending the Uncle Junior Era.

So, what do I think will take place? Well, I still could see them doing something along the lines of a adding a talented, young, scouting guru from another organization and giving him a promotion here to beef things up. Would they consider a new sidekick to Vinny - currently Louis Riddick - and try to add to the mix? I wouldn't rule it out. I wouldn't even rule them out putting a new face near the top of the college scouting pyramid.

But that's just me guessing based on the scuttlebutt I've heard. Bottom line is there are some edgy people in these parts, which is the way it goes after a 5-11 season with Super Bowl operations. Of course, I also think this is all farcical. The problems in this organization and its lack of a proven personnel leader have been pointed out at great length, and until they correct that flaw I don't expect to see a major turnaround.

Adding some scouts or getting rid of some guys who, at the end of the day, have no voice in actually pulling the trigger as Coach Joe/The Snyder/Uncle Junior call the shots, would be window dressing. Scouts are the lifeblood of any organization, under-paid and over-looked foot soldiers who log crazy hours, live out of a suitcase and get no glory (as a beat schlub myself how could I not relate?). I empathize with their plight and I know the Skins have some very competent scouts in their ranks; it's the personnel paradigm that's awry.

In an organization as top-heavy as this, where glitz and splash have overwhelmed sound thought for so long, could you really blame the scouts of all people? But they are also the first guys to end up taking a bullet when times are tough, hence the worries.

Man I hope this is true

[frankcal20]

Front Office Rumblings
There are lot of rumors floating around out there right now about the Redskins front office. Some NFL people think The Snyder might finally cut the cord with Uncle Junior/Johnny Drama/Vinny C., and several executives I spoke to from other clubs were just as adamant that he would do no such thing.

I have heard the morale of the Skins scouts is a low, some are fearing for the future and wonder if a major shake-up might be afoot after the draft. There was also apparently an item on profootballtalk.com a few weeks back, speculating that the Skins would go Tony Soprano on their scouts and personnel guys after the draft that sent ripple waves of consternation through the corridors of Redskins Park from what I gather.

To that end, I know of at least one individual who was asked - through an agent - if he might have interest in personnel position of some sort with the Redskins. I have also heard that there is a sense among Washington's pro and amateur scouts that heads might roll. So I gathered a bunch of information to this end over the last few weeks and finally ran it up the flagpole at Redskins Park Monday.

After running it by the organization I was told that the team has no such plans. But it wasn't exactly the most emphatic denial of all time, and I am not entirely sold that at least a position or two in the front office won't open up after the draft. Some in league circles have said that Vinny has told people that he is a little worried about his job security; others say it'll never happen, he's The Snyder's boy 'til the end. One person who used to a key figure in the Skins front office believed The Owner is finally ready to put personal bias aside and get a new head of personnel. Several people who work in Redskins Park said they have never heard a word about chucking Vinny or any scouts in May.

Again, take it all for what it's worth, as no one is asserting anything definite and the Skins are saying no such changes are planned.

I also spoke to a few individuals who, if the Redskins really were seeking a GM/VP of football ops type, would surely be at the top of their list of candidates, and neither heard a thing from the Skins. They were under contract, and perfectly happy where they were, but these are guys who, if the team was really going to go in this direction and were conducting a search, would have to be prime candidates. Also spoke to a few agents who represent lots of GMs/personnel guys, and they had not heard a thing about the Skins actually going in a new direction and ending the Uncle Junior Era.

So, what do I think will take place? Well, I still could see them doing something along the lines of a adding a talented, young, scouting guru from another organization and giving him a promotion here to beef things up. Would they consider a new sidekick to Vinny - currently Louis Riddick - and try to add to the mix? I wouldn't rule it out. I wouldn't even rule them out putting a new face near the top of the college scouting pyramid.

But that's just me guessing based on the scuttlebutt I've heard. Bottom line is there are some edgy people in these parts, which is the way it goes after a 5-11 season with Super Bowl operations. Of course, I also think this is all farcical. The problems in this organization and its lack of a proven personnel leader have been pointed out at great length, and until they correct that flaw I don't expect to see a major turnaround.

Adding some scouts or getting rid of some guys who, at the end of the day, have no voice in actually pulling the trigger as Coach Joe/The Snyder/Uncle Junior call the shots, would be window dressing. Scouts are the lifeblood of any organization, under-paid and over-looked foot soldiers who log crazy hours, live out of a suitcase and get no glory (as a beat schlub myself how could I not relate?). I empathize with their plight and I know the Skins have some very competent scouts in their ranks; it's the personnel paradigm that's awry.

In an organization as top-heavy as this, where glitz and splash have overwhelmed sound thought for so long, could you really blame the scouts of all people? But they are also the first guys to end up taking a bullet when times are tough, hence the worries.

I just got done reading this from JLC and wow. Seems like its going to be pretty interesting. It also sounds like he's pulling for Vinny to be gone also. I'm with him. We need some brass......well you get my drift.... in the front office to run this ship. Vinny isn't the guy. He's a "YES MAN." and his laugh is terrible.

[ike075]

If this is going to happen.....why wait? Why allow more damage be done over free agency and the draft? Cut em loose now and find replacements in time for the draft. Don’t allow them an opportunity for one last hurrah.


Ikester

[Chris Luva Luva]

I hate Snyder and whenever I mention that people tell me that he's a owner who just wants to win. I feel he's an owner who just wants to make money because this team will profit regardless as history has shown.


However! If he fires that rat Vinny C, I'll begin to believe that he wants to win more than profit.

[sonofyens]

Front Office Rumblings
There are lot of rumors floating around out there right now about the Redskins front office. Some NFL people think The Snyder might finally cut the cord with Uncle Junior/Johnny Drama/Vinny C., and several executives I spoke to from other clubs were just as adamant that he would do no such thing.

I have heard the morale of the Skins scouts is a low, some are fearing for the future and wonder if a major shake-up might be afoot after the draft. There was also apparently an item on profootballtalk.com a few weeks back, speculating that the Skins would go Tony Soprano on their scouts and personnel guys after the draft that sent ripple waves of consternation through the corridors of Redskins Park from what I gather.

To that end, I know of at least one individual who was asked - through an agent - if he might have interest in personnel position of some sort with the Redskins. I have also heard that there is a sense among Washington's pro and amateur scouts that heads might roll. So I gathered a bunch of information to this end over the last few weeks and finally ran it up the flagpole at Redskins Park Monday.

After running it by the organization I was told that the team has no such plans. But it wasn't exactly the most emphatic denial of all time, and I am not entirely sold that at least a position or two in the front office won't open up after the draft. Some in league circles have said that Vinny has told people that he is a little worried about his job security; others say it'll never happen, he's The Snyder's boy 'til the end. One person who used to a key figure in the Skins front office believed The Owner is finally ready to put personal bias aside and get a new head of personnel. Several people who work in Redskins Park said they have never heard a word about chucking Vinny or any scouts in May.

Again, take it all for what it's worth, as no one is asserting anything definite and the Skins are saying no such changes are planned.

I also spoke to a few individuals who, if the Redskins really were seeking a GM/VP of football ops type, would surely be at the top of their list of candidates, and neither heard a thing from the Skins. They were under contract, and perfectly happy where they were, but these are guys who, if the team was really going to go in this direction and were conducting a search, would have to be prime candidates. Also spoke to a few agents who represent lots of GMs/personnel guys, and they had not heard a thing about the Skins actually going in a new direction and ending the Uncle Junior Era.

So, what do I think will take place? Well, I still could see them doing something along the lines of a adding a talented, young, scouting guru from another organization and giving him a promotion here to beef things up. Would they consider a new sidekick to Vinny - currently Louis Riddick - and try to add to the mix? I wouldn't rule it out. I wouldn't even rule them out putting a new face near the top of the college scouting pyramid.

But that's just me guessing based on the scuttlebutt I've heard. Bottom line is there are some edgy people in these parts, which is the way it goes after a 5-11 season with Super Bowl operations. Of course, I also think this is all farcical. The problems in this organization and its lack of a proven personnel leader have been pointed out at great length, and until they correct that flaw I don't expect to see a major turnaround.

Adding some scouts or getting rid of some guys who, at the end of the day, have no voice in actually pulling the trigger as Coach Joe/The Snyder/Uncle Junior call the shots, would be window dressing. Scouts are the lifeblood of any organization, under-paid and over-looked foot soldiers who log crazy hours, live out of a suitcase and get no glory (as a beat schlub myself how could I not relate?). I empathize with their plight and I know the Skins have some very competent scouts in their ranks; it's the personnel paradigm that's awry.

In an organization as top-heavy as this, where glitz and splash have overwhelmed sound thought for so long, could you really blame the scouts of all people? But they are also the first guys to end up taking a bullet when times are tough, hence the worries.

Man I hope this is true

Would like to know the author of this article, and who he works for, b/c this represents in essence everything that is wrong with journalism.

[Fios]

Would like to know the author of this article, and who he works for, b/c this represents in essence everything that is wrong with journalism.

One, you can answer that question by clicking on the link.
Two, why is that? I work in journalism and I like this piece, he admits that all he is working with is speculation and attempts to discover whether there is any truth behind that speculation. He admits he is guessing, how can you possibly condemn him for that?

[Fios]

General note: Folks, when someone posts a long piece like that, quoting the entire thing in your reply makes the thread a bit unwieldy. This is not a moderator thing, it's a make-things-easier-to-read suggestion.

[TincoSkin]

now, vinny has been a problem.. we have made several if not many free agency mistakes over the years.. deon? neon deon??? i mean common... but is a shake up really what we need? i think we are trying to build consistancy as an organizaation. we brought in gibbs, weve built a solid rushing attack, we brought in some heavy hitting guys on D and we have a core of great wide outs. now do we really need a new front office to say, "well i think we need to trade moss cooley and portis for some new linebackers. "

i dont know what a new staff would do but the question remains. are we trying to build consistancy or are we trying to, yet again, make major changes and expect the win the next year?

[Chris Luva Luva]

now, vinny has been a problem.. we have made several if not many free agency mistakes over the years.. deon? neon deon??? i mean common... but is a shake up really what we need? i think we are trying to build consistancy as an organizaation. we brought in gibbs, weve built a solid rushing attack, we brought in some heavy hitting guys on D and we have a core of great wide outs. now do we really need a new front office to say, "well i think we need to trade moss cooley and portis for some new linebackers. "

i dont know what a new staff would do but the question remains. are we trying to build consistancy or are we trying to, yet again, make major changes and expect the win the next year?

Putting a GM in place is not a strategy to win now. Hiring a GM is totally different than trying to land Nate Clements. A GM won't have an impact on this team until at least 2+ years. Hiring a GM is a long term commitment.

This whole consistency thing didn't really get hardcore until this year anyway.

One issue that we have that I read in the ESPN mag is that we outsource our scouting. It's not just as but many teams do. But who doesn't? The Baltimore Ravens is one team. They have a huge inhouse staff that KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THE TEAM NEEDS. They work with the team to be able to determine who will fit in the schemes. This staff grooms and critiques the younger hirees so they can keep the tradition going.

We need a Ozzie Newsome, he has an incredible set up in Baltimore. A setup that we need to mimic.

[rick301]

Hold on there ... what's all this talk about what might be coming down the road?

Lets talk about the paradigm shift we have just been seeing ... the new approach to free agency. Have they hired a GM that we don't know about yet? or has someone grown a set of big brass 'ones'? Either way, common sense seems to be back, with a thoughful strategy in play. er heads (Joe's?) have prevailed.

It seems to be working at the moment. We'll see where we stand after the draft.

The team has given up so many picks and signed such large contracts in the recent past (that didn't fully pan out) in an effort to 'win quick' that its going to take a while to recover. I like the idea of hiring a proven GM and agree with CLL that their impact will not be fully felt for at least a couple of years ... but at least the front office is acting 'responsibly' now.

[PulpExposure]

One issue that we have that I read in the ESPN mag is that we outsource our scouting. It's not just as but many teams do. But who doesn't? The Baltimore Ravens is one team. They have a huge inhouse staff that KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THE TEAM NEEDS. They work with the team to be able to determine who will fit in the schemes. This staff grooms and critiques the younger hirees so they can keep the tradition going.

It's not outsourcing. It's using BLESTO and other scouting services in addition to your inhouse staff, just as an additional source of information.

But if I remember right, the Colts don't use outside scouts either. But successful teams like the Steelers and (I might remember wrong here) the Patriots also use the scouting services.

It comes down to really how good your people are that make the decisions.

We need a Ozzie Newsome, he has an incredible set up in Baltimore. A setup that we need to mimic.

I keep bringing this up for a reason, but read John Feinstein's Next Man Up, which is a great read for all football fans. The way the Ravens do things in house is contrasted often by Feinstein to the Redskins, and the difference will make you ill. Because our team is run bush-league.

[Chris Luva Luva]

One issue that we have that I read in the ESPN mag is that we outsource our scouting. It's not just as but many teams do. But who doesn't? The Baltimore Ravens is one team. They have a huge inhouse staff that KNOW EXACTLY WHAT THE TEAM NEEDS. They work with the team to be able to determine who will fit in the schemes. This staff grooms and critiques the younger hirees so they can keep the tradition going.

It's not outsourcing. It's using BLESTO and other scouting services in addition to your inhouse staff, just as an additional source of information.

But if I remember right, the Colts don't use outside scouts either. But successful teams like the Steelers and (I might remember wrong here) the Patriots also use the scouting services.

It comes down to really how good your people are that make the decisions.

We need a Ozzie Newsome, he has an incredible set up in Baltimore. A setup that we need to mimic.

I keep bringing this up for a reason, but read John Feinstein's Next Man Up, which is a great read for all football fans. The way the Ravens do things in house is contrasted often by Feinstein to the Redskins, and the difference will make you ill. Because our team is run bush-league.

Thanks for correcting my errors. I was speaking loosely from something I read months ago.

But we both agree that our F/O is a joke and that changes need to be made. People don't make us cus they're just stupid head meanies, some areas of this franchise is a joke.

[Redskin in Canada]

Would like to know the author of this article, and who he works for, b/c this represents in essence everything that is wrong with journalism.

Two, why is that? I work in journalism and I like this piece, he admits that all he is working with is speculation and attempts to discover whether there is any truth behind that speculation. He admits he is guessing, how can you possibly condemn him for that?

Interesting questions. Let me add another one:

Could this be Vinny Cerrato or a close associate in Redskins Park as a new poster of THN?

I ask this because there is not anything remotely wrong with anything relating to journalism here:

Of course, I also think this is all farcical. The problems in this organization and its lack of a proven personnel leader have been pointed out at great length, and until they correct that flaw I don't expect to see a major turnaround.

Sure, there are LOTS of things wrong with "sports journalism" these days. But the one above is not one of them.

[Fios]

Precisely ... I think I have established a track record of pointing out when reporters are allowing bias to color their work but this is not one of those instances

[UK Skins Fan]

Precisely ... I think I have established a track record of pointing out when reporters are allowing bias to color their work but this is not one of those instances

You have established a track record for many things, my friend. Some of them, a little disturbing.

I like reading what La Canfora writes, but this is one of those pieces that might just end up breaking my heart all over again. I yearn for the day that the Redskins have a top notch personnel operation, run from the top by somebody with the right credentials. I'm not sure that it's the scouting that's the problem, or whether it's the final decision making process that sees us picking up players that don't contribute or fit the need. But a true NFL professional running the whole personnel operation would surely help.

I'm just trying not to get my hopes too high.

[SkinsJock]

I hate Snyder and whenever I mention that people tell me that he's a owner who just wants to win. I feel he's an owner who just wants to make money because this team will profit regardless as history has shown.

However! If he fires that rat Vinny C, I'll begin to believe that he wants to win more than profit.

CLL, your issues with Snyder are well known, however, I do not think the reasons for your issues will go away with Cerrato's departure. The many things that the group who manage the Redskins do that p*** you off will not change without Cerrato's input or presence.

I hope Cerrato goes too but all the other things that Snyder does do not make me near as upset as they do you and many others. I do not think (or really want) him to change at all as I do not think he needs too - I think he needs to get better talent evaluators and such but IMHO he is letting Joe mainly manage the team and in my view it is that part of our team that needs to be improved.


I agree with a lot of the thoughts in the article but boy is it all over the place or what?

My fear is that nothing happens and we get successful - this would mean that the management group might not think there is anything "wrong" with our "process" when to most of us that is obviously a big problem

[fleetus]

In the modern era of football with free agency and a salary cap, you need to go about business just like building a new house. Each part of the process is equally important. If you take the easy way out at any point it will cost you in time, money, quality, or all three. The right way to do things is to find exactly the property you want, build a strong foundation, have an intimate knowledge of the building plans you want implemented. Your personal wishes should be a major part of every important decision. The Snyder/Cerrato partnership has been the equivalent to a man giving his wife the credit card to go buy a house with. She flips through the classifieds, sees the prettiest house and pays top dollar for it plus interest with little knowledge of the actual condition of the house. So here we are, loyal Redskins fans, looking at a pretty nice house yet nowhere closer to a Superbowl than 5 years ago. The organizational structure must be changed and the credit card needs to be cut in half.

[REDEEMEDSKIN]

After running it by the organization I was told that the team has no such plans.

I bet the scouts must feel REAL good after reading that, especially after the Skins traded a player (Archuleta) that was part of the team's plans for '07.

[BossHog]

live out of a suitcase and get no glory (as a beat schlub myself how could I not relate?)

The guy gets THE best access of ANY reporter in town and he can still find a way to whine about it.

Some would love to have his level of access, and could likely do a lot more than write blogs with absolutely no journalistic integrity whatsoever.

Oh right... it's a blog, not an article, integrity, sources, and basis in fact are completely optional.... my bad. No wonder in this age of instant technology, fans are still often extremely misinformed.

I used to really like LaCanfora's stuff... but once Nunyo left and JLC took the beat spot... his stuff just got more and more sensationalistic. Is it Jason? Or is it just the Post's Modus Operandi?

I don't profess to know and personally, I don't really care... it's still just drivel to me.



PS - obviously the editors at the Post work very hard... ... but not on the blogs.

Here's my WP blog for the day...

Today I spoke to the Redskins about whether or not Sonny Jurgensen is going to return to quarterback the Redskins. They just kind of looked at me funny when I asked, so obviously there's a modicum of truth to it.

I spoke to Sonny and to Sonny's family, and they all told me i was craazy. But 'it wasn't exactly the most emphatic denial of all time.'

Where there's smoke, there's usually fire... stay tuned!

[SkinsJock]

good point BH - BTW I think Sonny could still throw the ball further downfield AND more accurately than Mark, so there may be something to this "report"



I heard on a NFL show the other day that at this time of year, with all the rumors floating around, it was not important (to their bosses) if the rumors (or facts) were correct (or factual) just get it out there before someone else creates the same story.

[HEROHAMO]

Bye Bye Vinnie!!! This is long overdue!

[1niksder]

I hate Snyder and whenever I mention that people tell me that he's a owner who just wants to win. I feel he's an owner who just wants to make money because this team will profit regardless as history has shown.

Wouldn't a winning team produce more revenue than a losing team

However! If he fires that rat Vinny C, I'll begin to believe that he wants to win more than profit.

I'm thinking this is more a Gibbs move than "the Danny". Gibbs took back the Redskins late last year (finally). He gave us back Redskin (smachmouth) football, now he's taking back the off-season. Last year he let the Co-ordinators pick the free agents they wanted (AS= Lloyd and ARE - GW= AA and AC), this year not so much who they want but what they need. Safety wasn't really a need last year and Saunders really wanted BLloyd, Gibbs is getting players that are needed and are sure to fit.

This goes so far against what the team has done in the past, it looks pre-"the Danny" . Now Gibbs is calling all the and may feel as we do, the problem has been Vinny all along, maybe it's just the way Vinny runs the department, maybe it's the type of input he provides but I've said it before.

I'll say it again...

Marty fired him, "the Danny" fired Marty and re-hired Cerrato 1 year later. There's your starting point for what goes on with thus team. Look at what was done BEFORE Vinny C was fired, what happened the one year he was gone and what happend AFTER he came back.

"the Danny" doesn't-didn't and won't see it(because he was having FUN) Gibbs on the other hand can deal with losing but I don't think he can deal with the Redskins not winning. That's a good thing for us

[ike075]

If this is going to happen.....why wait? Why allow more damage be done over free agency and the draft? Cut em loose now and find replacements in time for the draft. Don’t allow them an opportunity for one last hurrah.


Ikester

Why has it not happened yet?

Ikester

[1niksder]

It would be hard to get a new staff in place before the draft and free agency has already started. The rumors started around the combines, so maybe something happened there that opened some eyes.

[frankcal20]

http://www.profootballtalk.com/rumormill.htm

VINNY TWISTING IN THE WIND?

We reported several weeks ago that big changes could be coming to the Redskins front office after the draft, but there were no specifics as to who might stay and who might go.

The current scuttlebutt in league circles is that V.P. of football operations Vinny Cerrato could be out as soon as right after the draft, and as late as the end of the season -- if the team doesn't win at least 10 games in 2007.

Cerrato was fired by the Redskins during the Marty Schottenheimer era, but was brought back by owner Daniel Snyder after Schottenheimer was cut loose after only one season.

Some league insiders thought that current coach Joe Gibbs would have run Cerrato off by now, but Vinny has made it through three seasons under the Hall-of-Famer.

Frankly, we're not sure why Cerrato should be held accountable for anything, since the widespread belief is that Snyder and Gibbs are the ones calling the shots.

What they fail to remember is that Vinny was here before Gibbs' current tenure and we have sucked since Vinny came here.