Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

From Redskins Insider:

[url=http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/?hpid=news-col-blog-viewall]Redskins Insider - Your daily source for news and commentary on the Washington Redskins, by Jason Reid[/url]

[quote][B]Blache Hands Media Duties over to Gray[/B]
A week after throwing himself "under the bus" for the Redskins' poor performance defensively, defensive coordinator Greg Blache has informed team officials he no longer will speak with the media this season, a team spokesman said today...

...Gray will handle Blache's previous media duties, a Redskins spokesman said, but Gray did not confirm that while speaking with reporters. "Ah, who knows?" Gray said. "We'll see."

NFL rules mandate that teams make coordinators available to the media and the Redskins said they received permission from the league to have Gray, who has served as a coordinator in his career, take over for Blache although Gray currently is not a coordinator.
[/quote]

Unless Grey is being promoted to defensive coordinator very soon, the Skins have to make Blache available to the media. So, what's going on here? I see 5 possibilities.

1. Blache, fed up with all the drama in D.C., is retiring, and Grey is taking over for him.
2. Blache is being demoted.
3. Blache is soon to be named head coach.
4. Nothings changed with the coaching staff. The Skins and/or Blache were unaware of the NFL requirement to make coordinators available to the media, and everything will return to normal next week.
5. Blache is sick of talking to the media, so he convinced Snyder to name him Assistant Head Coach - Defense and Grey Defensive Coordinator to satisfy NFL media requirements.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;604310]From Redskins Insider:

[URL="http://voices.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/?hpid=news-col-blog-viewall"]Redskins Insider - Your daily source for news and commentary on the Washington Redskins, by Jason Reid[/URL]



Unless Grey is being promoted to defensive coordinator very soon, the Skins have to make Blache available to the media. So, what's going on here? I see 4 possibilities.

1. Blache, fed up with all the drama in D.C., is retiring and Grey is taking over for him.
2. Blache is being demoted.
[B]3. Blache is soon to be named head coach[/B].
4. Nothings changed with the coaching staff. The Skins and/or Blache were unaware of the NFL requirement to make coordinators available to the media, and everything will return to normal next week.[/quote]

I sure hope not. Although he does seem to be making adjustments (albeit defensive) better than Zorn. Could be interesting.

I'll take... Retiring for $100, Alex.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

I hope he steps down and Gray is promoted.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

#3 is my guess. Right before the bye week.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

I hope this isn't the last thing someone takes over for Blache. There was a while where I really liked the idea of Jerry Gray as DC, but given how badly our secondary has performed, I'm not so sure anymore.

The circus continues.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

#4. He's sick of the media and is tired of talking about it. I would be too.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;604310]
1. Blache, fed up with all the drama in D.C., is retiring, and Grey is taking over for him.
2. Blache is being demoted.
3. Blache is soon to be named head coach.
4. Nothings changed with the coaching staff. [B]The Skins and/or Blache were unaware of the NFL requirement to make coordinators available to the media,[/B] and everything will return to normal next week.
5. Blache is sick of talking to the media, so he convinced Snyder to name him Assistant Head Coach - Defense and Grey Defensive Coordinator to satisfy NFL media requirements.[/quote]Did you read the entire article that you quoted? It clearly says "[I]NFL rules mandate that teams make coordinators available to the media [B]and the Redskins said they received permission from the league to have Gray, who has served as a coordinator in his career, take over for Blache although Gray currently is not a coordinator.[/I][/B]"
So, it sounds to me like neither #4 nor #5 are the case. Maybe #1 though...

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

My guess is Blache is a big grump and would rather focus his time on more important things.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

Honestly, I like Blache's personality and really enjoyed listening to him talk on Thursdays, so i'm hoping its option 4. Like, GMScud, i previously was hoping Grey would take over from Blache at some point, but i'm not so sure any more.

All I know is that whoever is responsible for our defensive backs giving 15+ yard cushions on every play needs to be demoted or fired.

As to option 3, its a worst-case scenario for me. As sick as I am of Zorn and as much as I want him out ASAP, the logical part of my brain knows our chances of attracting someone other than Gruden or Fassel after the seasons over deteriorate dramatically if Zorn's fired mid-season. I mean, why on Earth would a respectable HC come here if we fired our previous coach after somewhere between 19 and 22 games? IMO, the only way Snyder can convince Cowher (HC) and Shottenheimer (GM) (my #1 choice to replace Zorn/Cerrato) is to convince them that he's really changed. Firing Zorn midseason certainly wouldnt accomplish that goal. Remember, the only reason Zorn got the job was because no one else (other than Fassel) wanted it.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

[quote=ArtMonkDrillz;604319]Did you read the entire article that you quoted? It clearly says "[I]NFL rules mandate that teams make coordinators available to the media [B]and the Redskins said they received permission from the league to have Gray, who has served as a coordinator in his career, take over for Blache although Gray currently is not a coordinator.[/I][/B]"
So, it sounds to me like neither #4 nor #5 are the case. Maybe #1 though...[/quote]

I read it, but interpretted it differently. I interpretted it as indicating that because the league was aware that Gray would be made a coordinator soon, that they allowed the change now. Otherwise, I don't see how the league would make this sort of exception here. I guess it would depend on the leagues motivation for having that rule. If theyre primarily concerned with having an "experienced" individual speak with the media, then I can understand it. If its to give potential Head Coaching candidates some media exposure, I understand it. If its to ensure that the media has access to an individual who can answer questions reguarding the entire offensive or defensive units performanc, then I dont. Grey deals with defensive backs. Thats it.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

Maybe this is just blache getting his way, he's always said he didn't want to tallk to the press. But the timing is funny, a day after sherman lewis comes in. Obviously, we've noticed it here & speculated some reasons, I'm sure the media will follow up likewise.

It puts Gray in a bad position, he'll have to answer a lot of questions about blache & sherm lewis.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;604322]Honestly, I like Blache's personality and really enjoyed listening to him talk on Thursdays, so i'm hoping its option 4. Like, GMScud, i previously was hoping Grey would take over from Blache at some point, but i'm not so sure any more.

All I know is that whoever is responsible for our defensive backs giving 15+ yard cushions on every play needs to be demoted or fired.

As to option 3, its a worst-case scenario for me. As sick as I am of Zorn and as much as I want him out ASAP, the logical part of my brain knows our chances of attracting someone other than Gruden or Fassel after the seasons over deteriorate dramatically if Zorn's fired mid-season. I mean, why on Earth would a respectable HC come here if we fired our previous coach after somewhere between 19 and 22 games? IMO, the only way Snyder can convince Cowher (HC) and Shottenheimer (GM) (my #1 choice to replace Zorn/Cerrato) is to convince them that he's really changed. Firing Zorn midseason certainly wouldnt accomplish that goal. Remember, the only reason Zorn got the job was because no one else (other than Fassel) wanted it.[/quote]

Gray could also be promoted to interim head coach if Zorn is canned at the bye. He's been closer to being a HC candidate that Blache ever has.

As to the 'we can't fire Zorn mid-season and hope to get a respectable HC' logic, it's bs. One of the big boys (Holmgren, Shanahan, Cowher) will come because Snyder won't big time them like he did with small potatoes Fassel, Mariucci, Zorn or one of the other first time head coach candidates he interviewed. If one of the big fish said, I'll come but it has to be my way, Snyder will acquiesce. He's done it twice already (Schotty, Gibbs) and would do it again for the right guy. I don't think he will go to the length he did previously with Schottenheimer and give one man complete and ultimate power, but Shanahan and Holmgren may not want that, rather they'd want to name their own GM/Personnel Director which Snyder will agree to.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

[quote=Paintrain;604326]Gray could also be promoted to interim head coach if Zorn is canned at the bye. He's been closer to being a HC candidate that Blache ever has.[/quote]

Was just about to say the exact same thing. Though I think Blache was very close to being named 49ers coach a few years back and then I think they shocked everyone and hired Dennis Erickson. But yeah I could absolutely see Gray being the head coach (interim head coach)

[quote]As to the 'we can't fire Zorn mid-season and hope to get a respectable HC' logic, it's bs. One of the big boys (Holmgren, Shanahan, Cowher) will come because Snyder won't big time them like he did with small potatoes Fassel, Mariucci, Zorn or one of the other first time head coach candidates he interviewed. If one of the big fish said, I'll come but it has to be my way, Snyder will acquiesce. He's done it twice already (Schotty, Gibbs) and would do it again for the right guy. I don't think he will go to the length he did previously with Schottenheimer and give one man complete and ultimate power, but Shanahan and Holmgren may not want that, rather they'd want to name their own GM/Personnel Director which Snyder will agree to.[/quote]

Talked to some people close to the NFL at lunch today, they still believe Shanahan is the guy. Gruden might be an option in Dallas

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

[quote=BigHairedAristocrat;604324]I read it, but interpretted it differently. I interpretted it as indicating that because the league was aware that Gray would be made a coordinator soon, that they allowed the change now. Otherwise, I don't see how the league would make this sort of exception here. I guess it would depend on the leagues motivation for having that rule. If theyre primarily concerned with having an "experienced" individual speak with the media, then I can understand it. If its to give potential Head Coaching candidates some media exposure, I understand it. If its to ensure that the media has access to an individual who can answer questions reguarding the entire offensive or defensive units performanc, then I dont. Grey deals with defensive backs. Thats it.[/quote]Well said. Too many times here people have posted and quoted from articles without actually reading the entire thing, and that always bugs me.

More importantly, like freddyg12 just said, the timing of this is really interesting. One day we bring in a guy who could, most of us assume, take over the reigns of the offense for Zorn fairly quickly. And then the next day the guy who many assume would make the most sense to be the interim coach should Zorn get canned dumps of his "non-football essential" roles onto an assistant who could, most would also assume, take over the D pretty quickly.
Neat.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

[quote=SmootSmack;604331]Talked to some people close to the NFL at lunch today, they still believe Shanahan is the guy. Gruden might be an option in Dallas[/quote]

He just makes too much sense for it to not happen with Shanahan. I can see him co-existing with Snyder (perhaps even teaching him some things from his experiences with Bowlen) than him co-existing with Jerrah down in Dallas.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

[quote=Mattyk72;604321]My guess is Blache is a big grump and would rather focus his time on more important things.[/quote]

I'd like to believe that this is in fact the explanation, and this was my initial thought, but the scenario is simply altogether too weird. Ordinarily, I would think that a coordinator or other member of a team or coaching staff proclaiming that he is no longer talking to the media would be a reaction grounded in a brief fit of frustration, with the possibility wide open for a change of heart. But the fact that the team has gone so far as to communicate with league officials to get permission to excuse Blache seems to imply something more complex than a mere grump reaction.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

I would be ok, very ok, with Blache falling on the sword and retiring, but I think the episode with Matich early on just showed that he wasn't really in the mindset this year to deal with the media.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

[quote=ArtMonkDrillz;604332]Well said. Too many times here people have posted and quoted from articles without actually reading the entire thing, and that always bugs me.

More importantly, like freddyg12 just said, the timing of this is really interesting. One day we bring in a guy who could, most of us assume, take over the reigns of the offense for Zorn fairly quickly. And then the next day the guy who many assume would make the most sense to be the interim coach should Zorn get canned dumps of his "non-football essential" roles onto an assistant who could, most would also assume, take over the D pretty quickly.
Neat.[/quote]

The problem with this train of thought, from my perspective, is the one thing a HC has to do ad nauseum is discuss things with the media. Blache, while ok with that as a DC, would not do well when confronted with the whole scope of Redskins media. I think that Blache is just tired of the whole media circus, his unit is doing what it should, even Tripp lost his ax ;), and Blache doesn't want to deal with questions that have nothing to do with his unit.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;604338]I would be ok, very ok, with Blache falling on the sword and retiring, but I think the episode with Matich early on just showed that he wasn't really in the mindset this year to deal with the media.[/quote]

Effing Matich needs to watch where he's going in the damn parking lot. Nearly wrecked my car.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

I dont mind blatche and I really don't like this. Blatche just leaving isn't going to solve a ton of things IMO.

I am also not sure Blatche would just tell the Skins he doesnt wnat to talk to the media. The dude has pride, and even though he hates talking the media, I am sure he wouldn't just run away from it.



This and the Sherm thing. Man I am not too excited about either move.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

Actually I wouldnt mind the Sherm thing if actually are gonna hire MH this season or next.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

Why would he retire after a game where the defense finally got back on track?

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

[quote=SmootSmack;604331]Was just about to say the exact same thing. Though I think Blache was very close to being named 49ers coach a few years back and then I think they shocked everyone and hired Dennis Erickson. But yeah I could absolutely see Gray being the head coach (interim head coach)



Talked to some people close to the NFL at lunch today, they still believe Shanahan is the guy. Gruden might be an option in Dallas[/quote]


Smootsmack - when they said Shanahan was the guy did they mention anything about the current Front Office setup? Would Vinny still be part of the organization? Would Shanhan only come if he gets to bring his Front Office people including a new GM and would Synder get out of all things except signing the paychecks and marketing?

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

The more this circus goes on, the more I wish Snyder would just sell the team and just blow it all up and start all over again. It realy ashame whats happened to this franchise since he has taken over. For all the idoits who say "dont blame Snyder" he is the constant common dominator over this pathetic last 10 years.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

[quote=Bill B;604351]Smootsmack - when they said Shanahan was the guy did they mention anything about the current Front Office setup? Would Vinny still be part of the organization? Would Shanhan only come if he gets to bring his Front Office people including a new GM and would Synder get out of all things except signing the paychecks and marketing?[/quote]

I didn't really ask specifics. Next time I will

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

[quote=Paintrain;604326]Gray could also be promoted to interim head coach if Zorn is canned at the bye. He's been closer to being a HC candidate that Blache ever has.

As to the 'we can't fire Zorn mid-season and hope to get a respectable HC' logic, it's bs. One of the big boys (Holmgren, Shanahan, Cowher) will come because Snyder won't big time them like he did with small potatoes Fassel, Mariucci, Zorn or one of the other first time head coach candidates he interviewed. If one of the big fish said, I'll come but it has to be my way, Snyder will acquiesce. He's done it twice already (Schotty, Gibbs) and would do it again for the right guy. I don't think he will go to the length he did previously with Schottenheimer and give one man complete and ultimate power, but Shanahan and Holmgren may not want that, rather they'd want to name their own GM/Personnel Director which Snyder will agree to.[/quote]

That would certainly be ideal; however both times Snyder gave a big fish what he wanted, it didnt really work out. Shottenheimer was fired after one season and Gibbs, by all appearances, had no problems with Snyder meddling. I don't think Snyder has done enough to prove to a big fish that he's changed and won't: A) Meddle or B) Fire them for refusing to let him meddle. At the end of the day, Snyder's still the owner, and there's always the possiblity he'll change his mind, no matter what he tells them when they sign the contract.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

I just wish whatever is going to happen to go ahead and happen. I'm so tired of this constant starting over again. I really wished Gibbs would have coached out his contract with the Redskins.

I have a feeling if the Redskins lose against Carolina this Sunday, Zorn is good as gone. But, isn't it funny that there are teams with 0-4 records who, at least to us, appear to not be going through the same drama as the Redskins, who are 2-2?

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

[quote=Chico23231;604355]The more this circus goes on, the more I wish Snyder would just sell the team and just blow it all up and start all over again. It realy ashame whats happened to this franchise since he has taken over. For all the idoits who say "dont blame Snyder" he is the constant common dominator over this pathetic last 10 years.[/quote]

as an idoit who says "dont blame Snyder", I agree he is the constant dominator over the past 10 years. I agree it has been a pathetic 10 years. I don't agree that selling the team to another rich billionaire fan who is going to repeat the same pattern of mistakes makes any sense. I don't agree that the Snyder that bought the team is the same Snyder that currently is trying to figure out what his appropriate role is. I don't agree that change for change sake is a good thing. And finally, I don't see how calling for something that won't happen in my lifetime (and I have a bit of time left Lord willing) is in any way the thought of a sensible/rational person.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

[quote=skinsguy;604359]I just wish whatever is going to happen to go ahead and happen. I'm so tired of this constant starting over again. I really wished Gibbs would have coached out his contract with the Redskins.

I have a feeling if the Redskins lose against Carolina this Sunday, Zorn is good as gone. But, isn't it funny that there are teams with 0-4 records who, at least to us, appear to not be going through the same drama as the Redskins, who are 2-2?[/quote]

How do you know the team is going through all this drama and its not just something on the internet.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

[quote=skinsguy;604359]I just wish whatever is going to happen to go ahead and happen. I'm so tired of this constant starting over again. I really wished Gibbs would have coached out his contract with the Redskins.

I have a feeling if the Redskins lose against Carolina this Sunday, Zorn is good as gone. But, [B]isn't it funny that there are teams with 0-4 records who, at least to us, appear to not be going through the same drama as the Redskins, who are 2-2[/B]?[/quote]

I've thought about this as I look at our schedule. I don't know what the fans are like in Carolina but that team went 12-4, lost in the playoffs w/a 6 int. day from its qb, who then comes back in 09 to throw more int.s and they're 0-3!

At the beginning of the year everyone (most polls anyway) had W. Phillips as most on the hot seat. Now they're 2-2 & it seems that Romo & garrett are getting more heat than phillips.

think about this, what if tampa had signed AH instead of us? They might still be winless, but they'd have that huge contract to deal with. I think much of it comes back to that, the money that's being spent while either losing or fielding a mediocre team.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

Zorn: "He needed a break....I would put it as personal reasons."

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

[quote=SmootSmack;604356]I didn't really ask specifics. Next time I will[/quote]


Thanks - I have a feeling it will be Shanahan as well.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

[quote=firstdown;604364]How do you know the team is going through all this drama and its not just something on the internet.[/quote]


Not sure I'm following you with your question. Do you mean just on the forums from fans, or the internet in general? Either way, I've read articles in newspapers and I've heard it discussed on television as well. No matter where it's being discussed, there has been some form of drama created around the Redskins. Certainly it may appear to be more drama for 'skins since we 'skins fans keep up with our team more than other teams, but I live closer to Carolina Panther country than Redskins country, and haven't heard a word about any drama with the Panthers other than them just starting off very slowly.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

[quote=SmootSmack;604369]Zorn: "He needed a break....I would put it as personal reasons."[/quote]

Interesting. Let's over analyze this statement for the next three pages and see what we come up with...lol!

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

[quote=Bill B;604370]Thanks - I have a feeling it will be Shanahan as well.[/quote]

When all is said and done, I have a feeling it won't be...maybe because I'm hoping it won't be Shanahan (not as GM at least)

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

I'm personally hoping that we will start a big win streak so that we can put all the speculation to rest.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

It could just be he is tired of having to answer stupid questions. Maybe this will do some good for our defense and Gray's career.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

God everything that is happening with this team seems like chaos.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

[quote=saden1;604380]It could just be he is tired of having to answer stupid questions. Maybe this will do some good for our defense and Gray's career.[/quote]
Well that would be way to easy.

Re: Jerry Gray takes over Media Duties from Blache
 

Probably a move Blache welcomes if not suggested. There may be no need to read a great deal into it. Small changes taking place, can a bigger one be far away?