RI: Early reflections

[SmootSmack]

I wouldn't be thrilled per se if it is Cowher, but I think of worse "big name" choices. Ultimately, I think Cowher sits out another year before he returns to coaching. Which could be worse because then we might be facing a situation where we have a one year lame duck coach until Cowher is ready to join the team (not unlike Spurrier wanting to spend one more year at Florida).

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

If it is Gregg Williams. Don't be surprised if Randy Mueller and Chris Polian emerge as potential front office (GM/President?) candidates

Isn't Chris being groomed to replace Bill in Indy?

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

Isn't Chris being groomed to replace Bill in Indy?

Not necessarily, he nearly interviewed with the Falcons until he turned it down. Mainly because it looks like Tom Heckert (Eagles) is going there. I believe he might be interviewing with the Bills as well

[12thMan]

I gotta tellya, it just has to be Williams - has to be. I understand that Cower is a great coach and all, but I really think this team is beyond just another great head coach.

I think these guys are bidding for something a little more at this point. They want to enter next year fighting together. I also still get the sense, they want to somehow fully redeem Taylor; at least on the field. Just because they've turned the calendar on a new NFL season, Taylor will live on with them. I know that kind of inspiration can only last for so long, but I think it's still very present in their minds.

Secondly, Gregg Williams is now connected to this group of players that transcends contracts, the salary cap, and the business aspect of football. He inheirently understands the marching orders now. For the past four years, Gregg Williams has re-learned leadership 101 from Joe Gibbs. He understands the vibe. I think he knows when to back off and when to press.

[Beemnseven]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

Gregg Williams MUST be the successor to Joe Gibbs.

We talk a lot about how Jason Cambell probably learned quite a bit as he watched Todd Collins operate Al Saunder's offense, but I also have to think coach Gregg Williams took away some invaluable lessons about leadership, character, and, yes, even coaching at the master's feet. It's quite possible that while Gibbs made some missteps on the field during his second tenure, the true impact of his return may have been the deposit he made on this coaching staff, particulary Gregg Williams.

I think more than know how, the players on this team want family to take over. After all they've been through together this season, I just can't see an outsider trying to get these guys to play for him. NFL players respond to coaches that have people skills and thrive under adversity.

Finally, Gregg Williams has restored the luster back to the defensive unit. Finishing eighth in the NFL 'aint too shabby. He's going to get back a couple of key starters from last year, Laron Landry just might be developing into one of the better safties in the NFC, and we've found our on the field general in London Fletcher. Williams has a good foundation to build on, and I think the players actually want him to be Gibbs successor. Let's hope so.

You've made some really good points, and I agree wholeheartedly. But something tells me Dan Snyder isn't listening.

Call it a hunch.

[BrudLee]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

I certainly want Grilliams to be the next head coach. That said, I have my reservations. Word is that his Buffalo players hated his cocky, "my way or the highway" philosophy. Coaches like Williams need to field consistent winners or they wear out their welcome fast.

Three things about this issue that may be comforting:

1. That Buffalo team wasn't a cohesive football team held down by a tyrant. His successor compiled a 14-18 record there in two years before leaving. Maybe Williams was a "tough guy" because that's what they needed to compete.
2. This Washington team is very aware of what they're getting (if he is hired). Gregg has been with the team for four years. He arrived in Buffalo as the head coach after they had just had three years of Wade Phillips (who isn't a taskmaster by reputation) - the Redskins know what to expect.
3. He's had Joe Gibbs as a mentor and friend for these past four years.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by BrudLee

Three things about this issue that may be comforting:

1. That Buffalo team wasn't a cohesive football team held down by a tyrant. His successor compiled a 14-18 record there in two years before leaving. Maybe Williams was a "tough guy" because that's what they needed to compete.
2. This Washington team is very aware of what they're getting (if he is hired). Gregg has been with the team for four years. He arrived in Buffalo as the head coach after they had just had three years of Wade Phillips (who isn't a taskmaster by reputation) - the Redskins know what to expect.
3. He's had Joe Gibbs as a mentor and friend for these past four years.

Good point. Losing teams tend to have a problem with tough coaches, and typically that's why they are losers in the first place.