Fassel Could Be the 'Skins Next Head Coach

So maybe this wasn't Gregg Williams job to have after all. Joe Gibbs re-retired three weeks ago and the Redskins continue to search for his replacement. Williams, Washington's assistant coach-defense thought to be next in line, has had several interviews with owner Dan Snyder. but the team is still without a new head coach.

Snyder has also interviewed former Giants coach Jim Fassel, and now, seemingly out of nowhere, he looks to be the front runner.

Fassel, who was on the verge of getting the Redskins' job in 2004 before Snyder hired Joe Gibbs, was impressive in his interviews both at that time and during this round of talks, leading some league sources to expect he could be named coach as soon as today.

Williams, who has been strongly endorsed by coaches and players, was seen by agents and executives around the league as the front-runner for the position, but there has been some pause by ownership since he last was interviewed a week ago.

Fassel's not the most exciting hire, but maybe that's a good thing. The last time that happened the Redskins got the ol' ball coach and he ended up resigning after two seasons and a 12-20 record.

If Fassel does get the job, Williams is likely out as defensive coordinator. Speculation had Rex Ryan replacing him but that could be difficult because Ryan is remains under contract with the Ravens. Baltimore would have to release him from his deal to make a lateral move and they may not be inclined to do so.

No worries, though: Washington is notorious for creating fancy titles to work around such problems, and that might be an option. Whatever, this problem will be resolved in short order. Snyder has his best man on the case -- and he has a fancy new title.

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

1-24-2008 @ 4:45AM

Michael from san diego said...

You Have got to be kidding me with this fassel hiring rumor. Joe gobbs built a fine foundation to work with before his departure, and hiring fassel would destroy this. The couches and players on the redskins prefers williams and saunders, and I think hiring fassel without giving Williams his deserved chance is a perfect example of what the NFL is slowly becoming, an "OWNERS PLAY GROUND" or shall I say a carbon copy of the DALLAS JERRY JONES virus. If Snyder does not listen to Gibbs or his couching staff and players and decides that he knows best, then sorry redskin fans the closest thing your gonna get to the redskins ever winning a championship is watching the NFL channel when they show redskin past superbowls. Fassel clearly could not handle the NFC east in the early 2000,s which in my opinion is the toughest division in the NFL when he was with the Giants. Jim zorn, hmmmmmmmm lets see what has he won................Nothing, Al saunders gave you a prevew of what he can do to opposing teams defenses this year, And I do believe that Jason Cambell is the only reason why his offense sputtered this season. When Todd collin stepped in, you can see that in order to run an offense for Saunders you need to be experienced and you need to know the system in and out, and cambell proved that he wasnt ready and he needs more bench time behind collins.

1-24-2008 @ 4:54AM

I think it is funny that Dan Snyder keeps Williams in Washington by throwing out more money and a promise to succeed coach Joe Gibbs if he sticks around. And then finally when Gibbs Retires ................What your looking at a head couch who has failed in his last 2 jobs as a replacement, come on Dan, dont be the owner that every fan hates in Dallas, and please dont make Washington a place that super couches will not even consider because of you. I think given Greg Williams a chance in washington is the sure bet this next season, hey look at it this way if he doesnt work out I am sure bill cowher will be on the market by then. Keep the team together and let them grow under this current system, they have only been playing in it for 2 years.

1-24-2008 @ 10:24AM

dll95 said...

This is rediculous and the Skins are the laughing stock once again making STUPID decisions. I am a life long fan of the Skins and Dany Snyder absolutely needs to understand that consistency is the key to success not changing everything every 3-5 years. Dan, Listen to your players and stop looking for the next best thing. Gregg Williams is the best thing for this team at this time. The players are ready to play for him and the fans are 100% in support of him.

Please Dan, just stop thinking you actually know what you are doing as you clearly do not!.

Frustrated Skins Fan!