What the hell happened?

[WillH]

You know about as much as we do about why they were let go. Suffice it to say that on certain personnel matters DS and GW differed (some have suggested that VC was the main point of contention). As a result, DS decided to look at more candidates then originally planned; during that time GW was getting fed up with being left in the dark, as were all the assistant coaches. Gibbs calmed them all down as best he could, and said the decision would not come until after the Super Bowl. Gibbs also encouraged GW to stay in the race, until GW met with DS and VC and they all decided "mutually" that GW not be considered a candidate.

Since then the OC, DC. and other assistant positions have been filled. This has led to speculation that there is already a candidate in mind, or at least that the candidates they do have in mind seem to have no objections to the assistant coaches hired. Candidates include Jim Fassel, Steve Spagnuolo (sp?), Ron Meeks (recently brought in for 2nd interview), and Steve Mariucci (scheduled for an interview today).

As far as Saunders, it seems that he was going to be fired whether GW was HC or not. Apparently the organization (ie. DS abd VC) was not satisfied with his performance and wants to go in a new direction offensively. The new direction is assumed to be a West Coast Offense, but the main concern in this transition seems to be the development of Jason Campbell. Hence, Jim Zorn (former QB coach of Matt Hasslebeck) replaced Saunders, and was given the position of OC.