JLC: The HC Horserace

[SmootSmack]

Originally Posted by Redskins

I guess I don’t understand all of this mess and hopefully someone with greater knowledge can explain this to me.

I feel like we are picking between the lesser of two evils as neither Mooch nor Fassel really have good pedigrees in the “Wins Department” (and let’s face it, there is really too much against Meeks and Spagnuolo to make this a four horse race). Both Mooch and Fassel are mediocre coaches at best. Sure, Mooch appears to be very likeable and personable (which is why I figure he has many Skins fan in his corner), but this isn’t a personality contest. Fassel reminds me of a watered-down schlub (as if being a schlub were otherwise exciting). Fassel isn’t going to be burning up the sideline with coaching words of wisdom or giving fans hope with his outgoing demeanor (which is apparently how we’re judging coaching competency these days). He isn’t bringing to the table a resume of wins or a history of great player/personnel choices. And let’s face it, neither he nor Mooch has fans stammering for their time like other Redskin (or high profile) coaches we know.

Think back when we learned that Gibbs was coming back, or for that matter, when we pulled Spurrier out of college. Skins fans collectively had a stain forming on the front of their pants because of the simple knowledge that these guys were bonafide winners. Mooch nor Fassel are winners, and to be honest, other than the Skins, is anyone else actually pursuing these guys for head coaching positions? There is probably a reason for that.

When Cowher’s name was being thrown around, I pretty much felt the same thing…except for the fact that he IS a better coach then both Mooch and Fassel. Unfortunately, to me, winning a single Superbowl in a decade with a team really isn’t terribly impressive. Maybe I’m biased by the pre-free-agent years of Gibbs, the Niners, Cowboys, etc. and the runs recently made by the Bronco’s, Colts and Patriots, but is a single Superbowl in a 10-year period really that great of an achievement? Maybe I’m clueless on that issue, but in the end I don’t think Cowher would have been the right fit in DC anyway. Again, a personality thing.

I guess my point is that we all seem to be polarizing ourselves to Mooch or Fassel because that is the hand we’ve been dealt by the think-tank of Snyder/Cerrato – but really, should we be impressed with their efforts considering neither of these guys have records which would lead a reasonable person to believe a new savior is coming to town? Considering this factor, WHY NOT simply give the reigns to someone new in the pool of young up-and-comers who may make a difference in this league one day. If I were given the choice to have a guaranteed 8-8 season with mediocrity across the board or the questionable stakes of an unknown person who could run the gamut or fall on their face, I guess I’d choose the young unknown person because other things have been tried, failed, and all of this mess is just a short-term attempt to fix a big problem. If either fails, they are replaceable, so why not go with the “unknown hope” instead of the “known mediocrity”? I’d even be for making amends with Schottenheimer before signing Mooch or Fassel.

Just a thought.

I guess I really don't understand why people think Fassel has proven nothing as a head coach; or why there is a feeling he can't be successful (even more so than he was during his first stint) in his second go around. I mean I know I've been harping on this aren't Coughlin and Belichik prime examples that the past isn't necessarily prologue?

One Super Bowl in 10 years may not be much I suppose but it's better than most coaches accomplish in their lifetime.