JLC: The HC Horserace

[MTK]

Redskins Insider

I'm calling this a four-man race at this point. Steve Mariucci is in. Made too much sense all along. I believe he was the covert candidate dating back to the weekend and it seems this thing has picked up considerable steam since we blogged about it Sunday night.

I am hearing from multiple sources that the Redskins will cross paths with Mariucci in Arizona during the Super Bowl. Owner Daniel Snyder and executive vice-president-football operations Vinny Cerrato were set to fly to Arizona today after completing their second interview with Ron Meeks - this time in Indianapolis - and they are expected to formally interview Mariucci this week.

So we've got Jim Fassel, Mariucci, Ron Meeks and, still to be interviewed, Giants DC Steve Spagnuolo (New England assistant Josh McDaniels could be interviewed as well, but I don't see him making this move and I don't see Snyder hiring a 31-year-old coach, either.)

Fassel - Still the leader as we come down the stretch. Despite the public reaction he has impressed Snyder and the Skins came ever-so-close to hiring him last Wednesday. Could not put together his dream staff, but Snyder and Cerrato have certainly followed many of his recommendations. He wants the job, no doubt about that, and has handled being put on hold for 10-12 days like a pro. There would be major questions with his hiring by the fans - judging by the initial flare up - but Snyder never pretended to be a man of the people.

Mariucci - Snyder may not be a PR maven, but he's anything but stupid. Just as the storm Wednesday gave him pause, so, too, I am sure his people have monitored blogs, message boards and talk radio to gauge support for Mariucci since the "Something TO Chew On" post went up. May be an easier sell, though Mariucci brings baggage as well, having been fired from his last job in mid-contract. There is a lot to sort out - issues about personnel, how he would interact with Cerrato, if his wife wants to leave the West Coast, and, as always, money. But no doubt all of this will be explored in depth, and I believe he's making a strong push down the stretch.

Meeks - I see this being more for down the line. He has solely a defensive backround and several NFL execs believe Meeks may not be ready to make the jump. His agent, Gary Wichard, is very tight with Cerrato, which never hurts, and no doubt many would herald the Redskins for hiring a minority as head coach, rightfully so in the nation's capital and a city as diverse as Washington.

Spagnuolo - If the Giants win the Super Bowl, and especially if they shut down the Pats, then he would leap past some other guys in a flash. Strange as that is - basing too much on one game - several sources who have talked to Snyder during this process believe that is very much the case. And, hey, nothing's been normal anyway, so why not? Only been a coordinator for one year, but interviewing him is a no-brainer, as one GM pointed out to me, given his extensive knowledge of NFC East foes Philly and New York. You can gain a lot of info in that regard and it's a smart business/football move. While this thing has had plenty of bizarre moments, Snyder's thirst for knowledge should be heralded if nothing else and this guy could be most beneficial of all in that regard.

Meanwhile, here's a news update:
The St. Louis Rams have hired Al Saunders as offensive coordinator, according to an Associated Press report out of St. Louis. LaCanfora says that it's virutually certain that Saunders' son Bob, a Redskins assistant, will join his father there. QBs coach Bill Lazor, whose responsibilities will be taken over by Zorn, could end up in St. Louis as well. ... League sources say RBs coach Earnest Byner had a strong interview Tuesday in Tampa Bay, but the Buccaneers intend to interview one more candidate before making a decision. Byner's contract with the Redskins expires Thursday (Jan. 31) and he is the only coach not under contract for 2008. He is mulling a one-year offer from the Redskins.