Sources: Gruden atop Snyder's wish list

[jeremyroyce]

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sport ... 19622.html

By: Rick Snider
Examiner Sports Columnist
October 13, 2009
Former Buccaneers coach Jon Gruden is on top of Redskins owner Dan Snyder's list to be the team's next head coach, according to Examiner columnist Rick Snider. (Getty Images)

Jon Gruden appears to be the frontrunner in Dan Snyder's offseason search for his seventh coach in 11 seasons.

Sources close to Snyder say he began considering options to replace coach Jim Zorn after losing to Detroit on Sept. 27; a victory that ended the Lions' 19-game losing streak. The Redskins loss to Carolina on Sunday was its second in three games to a winless team. It followed a turbulent week when Snyder hired an "offensive consultant" to give Zorn another "fresh set of eyes" on a beleaguered offense.

Snyder has not contacted Gruden, say sources, but he believes the former Oakland-Tampa Bay coach might be the best fit among five Super Bowl winning coaches without jobs. Gruden currently is a Monday Night Football commentator who arrives in Washington for the Redskins-Philadelphia Eagles game on Oct. 26. Snyder and Gruden could meet during routine pregame research for the MNF program.

Meanwhile, Snyder's interest seems to have tempered for former Denver coach Mike Shanahan, once considered the frontrunner because of his long relationship with Redskins executive vice president Vinny Cerrato. Sources won't rule out Shanahan, but the latter's demand for more front office control makes it a less-likely hire. NFL sources say the two have discussed the job.

Sources close to Gruden said he plans to resume a coaching job search at season's end in his first break since becoming a college assistant in 1986. Gruden spent five years at three colleges before one season on offensive coordinator Mike Holmgren's San Francisco staff in 1990. After coaching receivers at the University of Pittsburgh in 1991, Gruden worked three years as a Green Bay assistant before becoming Philadelphia's offensive coordinator from 1995-97.

Gruden became the Oakland Raiders head coach in 1998, reaching the playoffs three of four seasons under controversial owner Al Davis. Gruden then coached Tampa Bay for seven years, wining Super Bowl XXXVIII in his first season with the Buccaneers.

After missing the playoffs four of his final six years, including finishing 9-7 last season, Gruden was fired with three years remaining on his contract. He has since declined an offer to become the University of Oregon's offensive coordinator.

Sources close to Gruden say he's interested in the Redskins because of Snyder's free spending. Gruden felt undermined by Tampa Bay owners because they were $45 million under the salary cap in his final season. The NFL won't have a salary cap next year, leaving Snyder to spend freely for the free agents that Gruden prefers.

Snyder is seeking is a candidate willing to leave major personnel decisions to Cerrato and the owner. NFL sources close to Gruden said that's not an expected deal breaker.

"When the guy has worked in the worst environment in football in Al Davis, he'll not see this as a problem," an NFL source said. "Gruden really wants to coach."

Snyder also has considered former Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher and Holmgren, who won a title with Green Bay. The final available Super Bowl-winning coach - Tony Dungy - is expected to remain retired after leaving Indianapolis this year.

Cowher has long been Snyder's first choice, but NFL sources say the Steelers coach turned down the Redskins in 2007 before Zorn was hired and prefers to remain in broadcasting . Holmgren teased interest in an East Coast job and is expected to be pursued by several teams, including Dallas.

Indeed, Snyder's aggressive pursuit of coaches in coming weeks is partly to beat Dallas owner Jerry Jones to the top candidate should the Cowboys part with Wade Phillips.

Snyder has learned to be more proactive following the unexpected departures of Steve Spurrier (2003) and Joe Gibbs (2007). Snyder was completely surprised by Gibbs' retirement despite the latter indicating it in the weeks following Sean Taylor's murder. Gibbs quit two days after being eliminated in the opening round of the playoffs. Snyder met with a series of candidates before promoting Zorn from offensive coordinator.

Snyder was ready for the 2002 search after one season with Marty Schottenheimer, who also was team president. Snyder disliked not participating in personnel decisions for the only time since buying the team in 1999. A heated argument developed between Schottenheimer and Snyder's then minority partner, Fred Drasner, after one member of the coaching staff wouldn't let Drasner use a team vehicle. This, coupled with an 0-5 start, saw Snyder preparing for a switch in September. Schottenheimer was dismissed despite finishing 8-8.

Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Read more at TheRickSniderReport.com or e-mail rsnider@washingtonexaminer.com.

[frankcal20]

Let me guess. this writer's source is from thehogs.net.

[JansenFan]

[Champsturf]

If we're getting a new and proven coach, then this is who I would want. I have to admit, if he could do it under Platic Pants' watch then it wouldn't be a stretch to say he could do it here.

I still don't like not having a real GM though. That irks me a bit. That is what this team needs more than anything, but I'd take Gruden over doing nothing.

[Gnome]

To state the painful and the unfortunately obvious - the above is nothing new. Same formula as Dan's entire ownership. A formula proven to fail. Dan repeats the same mistakes over and over. Hopefully the source is full of baloney and Dan will at the least hire a Coach/GM with final say and have Vinny report to the Coach/GM.

The Gruden formula is the same as the Zorn formula - you have multiple candidates who won't work for you because of the structure you have in place. So you have narrowed your candidates to those who will. And that means you're not hiring the best person for the fans, meaning someone to bring respect back to the Skins, and instead hiring someone who let's you continue to do what you've done for a decade.

I hope and pray that's not the way it will be - if it is nothing will change.

I have no respect for fans who change teams - but after a decade of Snyder - my countdown clock is a two minuted to midnight.

Thank God for the Caps!

[Warmother]

While Gruden may be an upgrade at coach. The decisions on players are still made by Vinnie and Dan. Sadly nothing will change.

Vinnie can't judge talent, especially linemen, and when he does get one he has them change postion to linebacker.

Dan Snyder needs to come to the concluesion that while he is a successful businessman. He has no idea how to build a football team.

Hey Dan hire a GM. Winning a Super Bowl will go a long way to winning back some fans.

[RedskinTexan]

If Gruden is the choice, and I like him alot, he will have a great deal of input in who we draft. He is a strong presence and will push for his guys. You can also pretty much count on a QB being picked in the first two rounds because Gruden loves quarterbacks. He has passion, is young, and you got to love his sound bites. He would be an excellent hire for the Skins.

[RedskinsFreak]

As long as the top-two toxins are in place, it won't matter who the coach is.

He'd be nothing more than a new clown in the same ol' tired unsuccessful circus.

[skinsfan#33]

Vinnie can't judge talent, especially linemen, and when he does get one he has them change postion to linebacker.

The only thing Vinnie had to do with that switch is the fact that he left a gaping hole at SAM. Orakpo is playin SAM, because there is no one else on the team that can, but it isn't like Vinnie drafted the guy and then told the coaches you have to play him at SAM. They made that choice all by themselves, but it isn't like they have many options.

[frankcal20]

I really just want a GM - and Vinny gone. I've really never liked him as a person. When you listen to his radio show, people call in and question his moves. He always responds with a "what do you know? who are you to question me attitude." Why have a radio show - JERK.

[Redskin in Canada]

The clueless Danno has not changed:

Meanwhile, Snyder's interest seems to have tempered for former Denver coach Mike Shanahan, once considered the frontrunner because of his long relationship with Redskins executive vice president Vinny Cerrato. Sources won't rule out Shanahan, but the latter's demand for more front office control makes it a less-likely hire. NFL sources say the two have discussed the job.

Snyder is seeking is a candidate willing to leave major personnel decisions to Cerrato and the owner. NFL sources close to Gruden said that's not an expected deal breaker.

...

Snyder was ready for the 2002 search after one season with Marty Schottenheimer, who also was team president. Snyder disliked not participating in personnel decisions for the only time since buying the team in 1999 ...

His ego has no limits, his stubborness is without bounds and his ignorance about football is greater than most people.

Daniel Snyder represents incompetence, failure and greed to true Skins fans. What an embarrasment.

Sources close to Gruden say he's interested in the Redskins because of Snyder's free spending. Gruden felt undermined by Tampa Bay owners because they were $45 million under the salary cap in his final season. The NFL won't have a salary cap next year, leaving Snyder to spend freely for the free agents that Gruden prefers.

Welcome to the candy store Mr. Gruden. The Skins has become the wealthy retirement pension plan for quite a few inept and finished players and coaches seeking a comfortable retirement.

There is ONLY one way with this stupid owner. DO NOT buy anything from any of his businesses. NOTHING.

[VetSkinsFan]

That's completely absurd. People, namely ME, won't boycott everything burgundy and gold. I can't look at myself and call myself a fan not watching games, not wearing my jerseys on Sunday, or anything else of the like.

I'm all for people showing dissatisfaction their own way, but that's not going to happen.

[SKINFAN]

I prefer that we pass on Chucky.... He won the SB with Dungy's team, Tampa was always declining the more years he coached there. I prefer Holmgren. I mean why get the branch wen you can get the tree.

[CanesSkins26]

Out of the available coaches I would definitely prefer Gruden. He is still young and I think would bring a lot of fire to this team. The problem, as others have mentioned, is that Cerrato would still be in charge of personnel decisions and as long as that is the case we are going to be a mediocre team. This is a huge offseason for us, we need an offensive overhaul (new qb, upgraded line, change of pace back) and if Vinny is in charge of that it isn't going to turn out well for us.

[Redskin in Canada]

That's completely absurd. People, namely ME, won't boycott everything burgundy and gold. I can't look at myself and call myself a fan not watching games, not wearing my jerseys on Sunday, or anything else of the like.

I'm all for people showing dissatisfaction their own way, but that's not going to happen.

I understand your desire to watch. I understand your desire to wear your jerseys.

Everybody knows that the only way in which owner will stop playing fantasy football with the Skins is the business side.

I am sure you do not want another ten years of the same and I know you are a loyal fan. Snyder is taking advantage of that loyalty. He is taking it for granted. He takes advantage of it.

It is your prerogative to complain and show your disatisfaction in WHATEVER way you wish. Like you, I may not agree with everything you advocate, like booing the players in a the Stadium, but I understand it and respect it. It is one of YOUR ways to show that things are going from bad to worse.

Each fan will decide what to do. I do not call absurd your ways. Your way -and- my way may or may not work after all. Perhaps we are doomed to stand this guy and his ways until he runs the franchise to the ground.

All I say is:

Whatever way a fan wishes to complain is fine with me. I respect and understand all forms of disatisfaction even if I do not agree with some. I will not call any of them absurd.

And you know what? It can get worse. Remember when the players themselves did not care anymore in the last year of Spurrier? That was worse. I hope it does not get to that stage again.

Peace brother.

[frankcal20]

Whats the point of a new coach coming if the same players are still going to be here and a front office that fails to address REAL problems. Remember, it was very important for us to have like 10 linebackers here and use 1/3 of our draft for that position while not addressing our key issue for this team. If you root for Gruden, I would think that that you are ok with Vinny b/c he isn't going to do anything to change the front office.

[MEZZSKIN]

That's completely absurd. People, namely ME, won't boycott everything burgundy and gold. I can't look at myself and call myself a fan not watching games, not wearing my jerseys on Sunday, or anything else of the like.

I'm all for people showing dissatisfaction their own way, but that's not going to happen.

I understand your desire to watch. I understand your desire to wear your jerseys.

Everybody knows that the only way in which owner will stop playing fantasy football with the Skins is the business side.

I am sure you do not want another ten years of the same and I know you are a loyal fan. Snyder is taking advantage of that loyalty. He is taking it for granted. He takes advantage of it.

It is your prerogative to complain and show your disatisfaction in WHATEVER way you wish. Like you, I may not agree with everything you advocate, like booing the players in a the Stadium, but I understand it and respect it. It is one of YOUR ways to show that things are going from bad to worse.

Each fan will decide what to do. I do not call absurd your ways. Your way -and- my way may or may not work after all. Perhaps we are doomed to stand this guy and his ways until he runs the franchise to the ground.

All I say is:

Whatever way a fan wishes to complain is fine with me. I respect and understand all forms of disatisfaction even if I do not agree with some. I will not call any of them absurd.

And you know what? It can get worse. Remember when the players themselves did not care anymore in the last year of Spurrier? That was worse. I hope it does not get to that stage again.

Peace brother.

[VetSkinsFan]

I may not agree with everything you advocate, like booing the players in a the Stadium,

Let's get one thing straight. I've never boo'd a player donning burgundy and gold and I never will. In a mass forum, when the play call was a sweep in the end zone, we boo'd. If it wasn't obvious that it was directed at the staff and playcalling, then I don't know what could have made it more obvious.

...and I may have reacted a bit harshly to your thread (not directed at you, but to the masses of people who are 'all of the sudden' up in arms), but I think we're arguing details of the same point.

I just have a hard time hiding gear and then feeling that I'm a true fan.

[riggofan]

I'm actually proud to read most of the above comments. It doesn't seem like anybody will be fooled in the least by this type of coaching move. The whole thing about the Shanahan hiring being unlikely because of our "front office structure" pretty much says it all, doesn't it?

btw What does Vinny have on Snyder that makes him so impervious to firing? Seriously, whatever you think of Zorn, how unfair is it to have him hanging out there in the wind while Cerrato is apparantly in no danger of getting the axe?

Zorn, a real football player, is going to get sent packing with his reputation shredded mainly by these two clowns at the top of our organizational chart. That makes me sick.

[Redskin in Canada]

I just have a hard time hiding gear and then feeling that I'm a true fan.

Hey! Who said hide it! All the contrary !!! Wear it PROUDLY! I do.

Just do not buy anymore gear for a while ...

And I know you support the players at all times. No worries mate.

[SnyderSucks]

I'm actually proud to read most of the above comments. It doesn't seem like anybody will be fooled in the least by this type of coaching move. The whole thing about the Shanahan hiring being unlikely because of our "front office structure" pretty much says it all, doesn't it?

btw What does Vinny have on Snyder that makes him so impervious to firing? Seriously, whatever you think of Zorn, how unfair is it to have him hanging out there in the wind while Cerrato is apparantly in no danger of getting the axe?

Zorn, a real football player, is going to get sent packing with his reputation shredded mainly by these two clowns at the top of our organizational chart. That makes me sick.

Vinny stays around because he is an enabler, a yes man, for Snyder. He strokes his ego, agrees with him, does whatever he asks no matter how stupid. He's Smithers to Snyder's Mr. Burns.

[RedskinsFreak]

http://www.washingtonexaminer.com/sports/Sources_-Gruden-atop-Snyder_s-wish-list-8371348-64019622.html

By: Rick Snider
Examiner Sports Columnist

Snyder is seeking is a candidate willing to leave major personnel decisions to Cerrato and the owner.

This is the first sentence I've ever read on THN that has brought me to tears.

Any coach who would come in here, take the job and then say anything along the lines of "I'm OK with how things are done here" instantly drops to zero on my credibility and respect scale.

[riggofan]

He's Smithers to Snyder's Mr. Burns.

Pretty good comparison!

[DEHog]

Well he covered all the bases didn't he...Gruden the frontrunner...but Shanahan was offered but refused...He likes Holmgren...Dungy will stay retired...His first choice was Cowher...Suprised he didn't say Snyder was going to dig up Lombardi....He also fails to mentioned the one thing that Snyder must do....Interveiw a minority canidate...who gets that Blache??

Oh and we did we fire Zorn

[SkinsJock]

Zorn will not be here next year based on what we have already seen - unless something dramatic happens from here on out, and we have seen no evidence of that possibility since he has been a part of this team - Zorn may in fact resign before Snyder lets him go