Originally Posted by JoeRedskin
In terms of the power dynamic at Redskins HQ, Snyder + FO Bootlicker is a bad combo no matter what the original agreement with the HC is. Cerrato/Allen both had Snyder's ear and, regardless of their title or express authority, they were apparently able to exert influence into key franchise decisions during stressful situations that, ultimately, undercut the HC's authority.
The exception this dynamic was Gibbs & Cerrato but Dan worshipped Gibbs; I am betting Cerrato did everything in his power to ingratiate himself to JG while he was here. When Gibbs unexpectedly quit, Cerrato stepped right back up and we ended up with <sigh> Zorn (stayin' medium!) who was 0 threat to Cerrato's influence.
I am with CRedskins on this. RR's being the first hire and a commitment from DS that the front office's head will be someone compatible with RR bodes well, IMHO.
If the new GM/[Title of Choice for FO head] is Kyle Smith, great. I think he is a solid choice and doesn't APPEAR to be a BA crony - at least I have seen nothing to suggest that. If RR and he are not on the same page, then out he goes. If they are, sweet! While housecleaning is necessary, if quality people can be retained who are on board and compatible with RR's "tough-nosed" professionalism, that is a good thing to me.
Giving RR say in who runs the FO is a solid move. RR has said "I don't want to run the organization or be in charge of player acquisition" (or words to that effect). Rather, he just wants "to pick the 46 that are going to play", to be consulted by those in charge of player acquisition about team needs, etc. and to have access to ownership if a dispute between him and the FO arises about the teams direction.
So, it seems to me that RR is looking to step into a situation where he and the FO are on the same page. I suggest it is RR's expectation that his relationship with the FO chief will work something like this -
--
FO Chief: Okay coach, what are we looking for?
RR: Well, we could use a MLB who is good at [X] and a TE who can really [Y]
FOC: Okay, we'll work on that. [TIME PASSES ...]
FOC: Okay, we got a couple of guys lined up who we think fit your needs.
RR: Great. Get them on the roster and we work'em out.
IF DISPUTES ARISE:
RR: Hey, those guys didn't really work out and we need to move on from them.
FOC: Not gonna do that. ... and BTW, we signed X and DS expects him to be our new starting RB.
RR: We need to have a sit down with DS and figure out this sh**, b/c this is not how 'teamwork' works.
FOC: No need, DS is already in the loop and on board.
RR: Yes. Need. DS is not in the loop until he has heard my piece. If he is on board after that, then so be it. Next time though, if you try an end-around, one of us is out the door and I will tell DS exactly that.
--
Again, I don't think RR really wants to run things. I do think RR really wants to have things run professionally and that, if thinks they are not, he will let DS know that.
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