Wash Post: Fassel Feels Manipluated

[PennSkinsFan]

[Read it (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/24/AR2008012403212.html)

Beyond this article, my two main concerns:

1. The promotion of Vinny Cerrato will hurt this teams ability to get quality coaching

2. Snyder has done irreparable harm to his image as well as this franchise with the way he has used people and alienated people in this search.

This search is a prime example of why Cerrato should immediately be hired and a true, professional NFL GM brought in to advise Snyder.

Think what you want about Fassel, but you have to feel for him as well in all this.

Two key sections:

Fassel, who was on the cusp of getting this position in 2004 before Gibbs was lured out of retirement, feels manipulated, according to a source close to him, though Snyder could offer him the job after talking to other candidates.

Meanwhile, Snyder has not spoken to Williams, leader of his defense the past four seasons, in a week, league sources said, and Williams believes he is no longer a serious candidate.

I am actually beginning to think That Snyder, as an NFL owner, may very well be incompetent.

[LATrueRedskin]

He completely botched this coaching search, and refuses to come clean with potential candidates, the media, and the fans. Why he chooses to operate in absolute secrecy I don't know, but he's burning a lot of bridges in the process and now he's going to scramble to find a decent staff. Who knows who we'll end up with as our head coach. I don't see why anybody would want to come into this situation, and it's purely because of Snyder and Cerrato. We were once thought to be the best situation to come into.

[akhhorus]

*takes another long belt from my flask*

[Biggie]

I am actually beginning to think That Snyder, as an NFL owner, may very well be incompetent.
DING DING DING DING DING DING - We have a winner!

[SkinsfaninNJ]

This is what I have been posting about all day today. His indecisiveness has cost this team. No one is saying he had to hire GW or Fassel if he wasn't comfortable, but the way he has gone about this is bush league.

[esmith1790]

how many other teams are still filling out their coaching staffs? It seems that the good ones left will be snatched up soon. Maybe the new HC will have to keep some old current guys under contract until next year?

[SkinsWest]

Clearly Dan has really hurt the credibility of the organization. I don't see a main guy taking this job now, but of course money can heal that betrayal they're feeling. I say he should go to GW and tell him he's the man, and make the deal. Better yet, bring in Russ Grimm, which would be brilliant. Unfortunately, this is not a brilliant organization.

[esmith1790]

Clearly Dan has really hurt the credibility of the organization. I don't see a main guy taking this job now, but of course money can heal that betrayal they're feeling. I say he should go to GW and tell him he's the man, and make the deal. Better yet, bring in Russ Grimm, which would be brilliant. Unfortunately, this is not a brilliant organization.


If they cant find a DC then it has to be GW as the HC right? from what i get they seem to want an O coach to be the head coach, and that means GW probably dont wana be here and Snyder and CO cant find a DC for the potential HC. a catch 22.

[ChapelHillMatt]

Looks like once again we don't know how to make a simple hire. If this doesn't prove we need a GM then I don't know what does. The people we have in place now just have no clue how to run a football operation.

[hogs86]

Josh McDaniels is the guy that would make me happy. Mr Snyder if you want to get back on my good side please hire Josh McDaniels thank you.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/dadssportsroom/joshm.jpg

[SkinsfaninNJ]

If they cant find a DC then it has to be GW as the HC right? from what i get they seem to want an O coach to be the head coach, and that means GW probably dont wana be here and Snyder and CO cant find a DC for the potential HC. a catch 22.

This is the type of thinking that has gotten us to this point. I can't think about coordinators. Anyone worth anything as a HC has a system and philosophy and is associated with people who can run that system. Pick the HC first and let the HC be the most influential person in putting together the staff.

Of course it would it be great to have a Rex Ryan or Schwartz, but we don't need that to be successful. Who was Mangini before he was groomed, who was McDaniels, Spags, Sparano, etc. The list goes on and on. You hire the HC first and then he knows of the 32 year old DB coach for some other team that is ready to coordinate and who knows the system and philosophy you believe in.

[cal_junior]

Josh McDaniels is the guy that would make me happy. Mr Snyder if you want to get back on my good side please hire Josh McDaniels thank you.

Do you think McDaniels would leave Tom Brady and the best team in the NFL for the mess we have going in D.C.? He'd be an idiot to do that.

[hogs86]

This is a prediction 10:15 Pats win the SB 10:45 Josh McDaniels meets with the Dan Snyder and company. 10:55 Josh McDaniels is named the new redskins coach. That would be more like a dream , Pretty Please.:sun:

[SkinsfaninNJ]

Do you think McDaniels would leave Tom Brady and the best team in the NFL for the mess we have going in D.C.? He'd be an idiot to do that.

He should to be the HC. He would be foolish not to. There are only 32 of these jobs and only a few change each year.

He absolutely should not if it was for OC.

[csquared]

This is a prediction 10:15 Pats win the SB 10:45 Josh McDaniels meets with the Dan Snyder and company. 10:55 Josh McDaniels is named the new redskins coach. That would be more like a dream , Pretty Please.:sun:

Um im sure who he has in N.E is whats making him what he is. We dont have nearly the talent he has. So ill pass on him. Besides if i were him i wouldnt be going anywhere close to D.C.

[hogs86]

Um im sure who he has in N.E is whats making him what he is. We dont have nearly the talent he has. So ill pass on him. Besides if i were him i wouldnt be going anywhere close to D.C.


I would for 5 + million a year. LOL

[SkinsfaninNJ]

Um im sure who he has in N.E is whats making him what he is. We dont have nearly the talent he has. So ill pass on him. Besides if i were him i wouldnt be going anywhere close to D.C.

You do realize that if Brady blows out his knee the first game next year, McDaniels has about as much chance of getting HC consideration again as I do.

He would be stupid to let any good opportunity walk.

[Biggie]

This is a prediction 10:15 Pats win the SB 10:45 Josh McDaniels meets with the Dan Snyder and company. 10:55 Josh McDaniels is named the new redskins coach. That would be more like a dream , Pretty Please.:sun:
He's had one or two years of coordinating and that was with Tom Brady. What has he done to show he's head coach material?

[hogs86]

He's had one or two years of coordinating and that was with Tom Brady. What has he done to show he's head coach material?

He knows talent he has learned maybe from the best coach in history.

[shally]

[Read it (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/24/AR2008012403212.html)

Beyond this article, my two main concerns:

1. The promotion of Vinny Cerrato will hurt this teams ability to get quality coaching

2. Snyder has done irreparable harm to his image as well as this franchise with the way he has used people and alienated people in this search.

This search is a prime example of why Cerrato should immediately be hired and a true, professional NFL GM brought in to advise Snyder.

Think what you want about Fassel, but you have to feel for him as well in all this.

Two key sections:



I am actually beginning to think That Snyder, as an NFL owner, may very well be incompetent.

nothing is close to the circus that surrounded the move of bellichick from the jets to the pats in 24 hours.. it will settle down

fassel has a lot to lose and should be quiet. if snyder hires spagnuolo (i can only hope) who better than fassel to be associate head coach and OC ? dont blow it, jim....

never mind the circus. snyder has to get this one right. he has every right to look at all the possibles including new england and the giants. there is no reason to rush into this

as to your idea that cerrato be replaced with a true football man, well, i agree, but it wont happen. think about how much grief a j smith got for the marty firing/norv hiring ? nothing like going deep into the playoffs to erase that memory. you can go from goat to hero very quickly.

let's get this one right. at least not hiring GW is a start. what does he have to lose , as he will get 2-3 mil for the next year to do nothing. and he was not owed anything.... i expect there will be a lot of sympathy for him just like there was for marty and for norv by the redskin haters..

let's get this one right. find the next joe gibbs, that is what the mission is..

[Biggie]

He knows talent he has learned maybe from the best coach in history.
He knows talent? What, is he in charge of the Pats' drafting?

Also, working under someone for a few years doesn't mean you're even close to being as good as they are. If that were the case, every coach the Pats have should be selling like hotcakes.

[shally]

how many other teams are still filling out their coaching staffs? It seems that the good ones left will be snatched up soon. Maybe the new HC will have to keep some old current guys under contract until next year?
norv got a far later start than any coach the skins might select. didnt exactly hurt the team's performance did it ?

[shally]

Josh McDaniels is the guy that would make me happy. Mr Snyder if you want to get back on my good side please hire Josh McDaniels thank you.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v642/dadssportsroom/joshm.jpg

mcdaniel
spagnuolo (my personal favorite)
caldwell
?? rex ryan

any would be a choice over GW well worth waiting for

[Biggie]

let's get this one right. find the next joe gibbs, that is what the mission is..
Except that Bobby Beathard and Jack Kent Cooke had at least a modicum of an idea as to what they were doing.

[cal_junior]

He completely botched this coaching search . . . Who knows who we'll end up with as our head coach . . . We were once thought to be the best situation to come into.

It's a little kid with a puppy. Everybody can see that the kid loves his new puppy. He's always wanted a puppy and now he has one.
The problem is that he's a little kid and doesn't know how to take care of a puppy.
The kid feeds the puppy candy and chocolate, because they're delicious, but doesn't realize that puppies need dog food.
When the puppy gets sick the little kid thinks that he can take care of it himself. He doesn't listen to his parents, who have had puppies before, when they tell him he needs to take the puppy to a vet.
The little kid thinks that if he holds the puppy in his arms and squeezes it tight it will eventually get better, just because it's his and he loves it so much.
Unfortunately for the kid - and especially for the puppy- he's squeezing the puppy so tight that it can't breathe and . . .

(I can't figure out who Vinny is. Maybe a special education student that lives up the street.)

[shally]

Except that Bobby Beathard and Jack Kent Cooke had at least a modicum of an idea as to what they were doing.

cooke had no clue

beathard was smart. but they still got a man who outperformed all expectations

the thing is to try and conduct the search out of the media-- a virtual impossibility when compared to the way things were when gibbs came on board

as long as they downt overreact and hire some clown like billick just to get back at the media....lol

[shally]

last year the media was all over jerry jones a** for the selection of garrett followed by re tread wade.. as long as they were winning it was no big deal.

noow they have some red meat and it will get hot under wades seat.

winning cures everything. pick the right guy and nobody cares how the choice was made or how long it took

[ChapelHillMatt]

last year the media was all over jerry jones a** for the selection of garrett followed by re tread wade.. as long as they were winning it was no big deal.

noow they have some red meat and it will get hot under wades seat.

winning cures everything. pick the right guy and nobody cares how the choice was made or how long it took

I agree but what are the chances the Redskins pick the right guy?

[shally]

I agree but what are the chances the Redskins pick the right guy?

we will see in a couple of weeks.

my guess is that either spanuolo or mcdaniel blows snyder away and that is it.

we will find decent coordinators once the head man is in place

[esmith1790]

norv got a far later start than any coach the skins might select. didnt exactly hurt the team's performance did it ?

I am not sure how much turn over there was in the whole coaching tree. Besides talent is what wins most games. I dont think he could have screwed it up bad enough for the talent not to show through.

[Biggie]

cooke had no clue

beathard was smart. but they still got a man who outperformed all expectations

the thing is to try and conduct the search out of the media-- a virtual impossibility when compared to the way things were when gibbs came on board

as long as they downt overreact and hire some clown like billick just to get back at the media....lol
Ok, so one of them had a clue. That's still one more than we have now. :(

[hogs86]

He knows talent? What, is he in charge of the Pats' drafting?

Also, working under someone for a few years doesn't mean you're even close to being as good as they are. If that were the case, every coach the Pats have should be selling like hotcakes.

He has been with NE for seven years. He worked his way up via Charlie Weiss and Bill Belichick. He is young bright and knows winning. I am kind of tired of all of the retread head coaches. Lets give someone young a chance.

[shally]

I am not sure how much turn over there was in the whole coaching tree. Besides talent is what wins most games. I dont think he could have screwed it up bad enough for the talent not to show through.

true.. and this team does have talent. the real key is going to be what kind of draft vinnie turns in and how many free agents we pick up.

talent wise, we are certainly the equal of the giants (except maybe at qb where eli truly has taken a big step forward this year). with a strong draft we can play on an equal field with all of the nfc

[joethefan]

AHHH (Sitting back drinking a cold pepsi)..Nothing like Washington in the offseason....

As much as I could pull my hair out..(Which would really hurt).....

I'm just taking the approach that they will pick the right guy when they are ready....

Now it maybe week of the draft...LOL but we'll be fine.

[WRSK1NS]

I just read everything that is said and take it with a grain of salt and try not ot let it rile me up....There has been so much secrecy and speculation through all of this, does anyone know for certain what is going on? IMO, no.

My plan is to take the wait and see aproach, hopefully Dan and Vinny will get this right.

[CNYSkinFan]

I see nothing wrong here. Everything is going acording to plan.

And for proof Don Rumsfeld, George Bush, the captain of the titanic, & Emperor Nero all agree with me.

[nicefellow31]

He has been with NE for seven years. He worked his way up via Charlie Weiss and Bill Belichick. He is young bright and knows winning. I am kind of tired of all of the retread head coaches. Lets give someone young a chance.

Sort of like Norv Turner in 1993......:)

[Patrick]

nothing is close to the circus that surrounded the move of bellichick from the jets to the pats in 24 hours.. it will settle down

fassel has a lot to lose and should be quiet. if snyder hires spagnuolo (i can only hope) who better than fassel to be associate head coach and OC ? dont blow it, jim....

never mind the circus. snyder has to get this one right. he has every right to look at all the possibles including new england and the giants. there is no reason to rush into this

as to your idea that cerrato be replaced with a true football man, well, i agree, but it wont happen. think about how much grief a j smith got for the marty firing/norv hiring ? nothing like going deep into the playoffs to erase that memory. you can go from goat to hero very quickly.

let's get this one right. at least not hiring GW is a start. what does he have to lose , as he will get 2-3 mil for the next year to do nothing. and he was not owed anything.... i expect there will be a lot of sympathy for him just like there was for marty and for norv by the redskin haters..

let's get this one right. find the next joe gibbs, that is what the mission is..
'
Couldn't agree more about getting the coaching staff "Right" and Synder SHOULD look at all his options - interview and reinterview. WHATEVER it takes to bring the who he thinks will be the best person for the position.
The only thing I think Synder has done wrong to this point is not make it clear from the beginning that he was going to take careful approach the selections for a head coach and explore all options.
If he had just stated that at the Gibbs conference I think fans, media, and players would have been more understanding and less confused about the "Who's the Top Choice". .................. But that just my take on it.

[BigFanRob]

If Dan Snyder was on Football Idol,The Judges would say,
Randy:Sorry Dawg Ownership ain't for you... That's a NO
Paula:You Look Nice and your hair's neat...BUT i have to say NO
Simon:What is this?YOUR Ridiculous...A Million % NO
Ryan:What did you expect them to say,Do You know what your doing?

REDSKINS RULE BABY!!!!!!!

[ihatedallas]

Honestly ..whats more important- offending a coach whos been desperate for another coaching job, or getting the right coach for the Redskins

So we didn't hire Fassel..people posting in this thread were falling apart when the news broke that we were probabally hiring him...now when we're not you turn around? I understand every one is looking for stability..but I think Snyder is making sure he gets the best coach available, no matter how many coaches we offend.

[CarMike]

This franchise is doomed.

[Keino]

Am I the only one that could care less how Fassel feels?

[wewantdallas]

I think part of the problem here really is the intensive media coverage, where sources are constantly leaking info and things become public when they shouldn't be. That gets people thinking something's about to happen, and then it doesn't, and then the whole braintrust looks like fools, even though they are really just carefully scrutinizing all available options and trying to get this right.

That said, I DO have real problems with how SnyderAtto is handling this situation from a people perspective. It seems like SnyderAtto has learned nothing from Gibbs whatsoever when it comes to how to handle people. When something like this is happening, you should make it a HUGE point to stay in contact with your current people and players, let them know what's happening as best you can and do your best to assuage the unsettled feelings. It's a shame that lame duck Gibbs had to be on the phone calling people and apologizing to them. Snyder should've been doing that imo.

It's an absolute fiasco apparently, to be sure, but I have to admit, I AM glad that I might not have to convince myself to get behind "Coach Fassel" after all.

Danny could make this ALL go away real quick with the fanbase with one hire: Russ Grimm. That is, of course, only if the guy is qualified, and I have no way to gauge that personally. Obviously you don't want to hire someone on nostalgia, but I'm shocked that they apparently haven't even interviewed him.

[Redskinmayhem]

Honestly ..whats more important- offending a coach whos been desperate for another coaching job, or getting the right coach for the Redskins

So we didn't hire Fassel..people posting in this thread were falling apart when the news broke that we were probabally hiring him...now when we're not you turn around? I understand every one is looking for stability..but I think Snyder is making sure he gets the best coach available, no matter how many coaches we offend.

I sort of agree with this but from the outside looking in, Snyder and Co. look very incompetent. hopefully, we're all wrong.

[smoak]

This is a prediction 10:15 Pats win the SB 10:45 Josh McDaniels meets with the Dan Snyder and company. 10:55 Josh McDaniels is named the new redskins coach. That would be more like a dream , Pretty Please.:sun:

Here is my prediction:

Jun 4 - McDaniels celebrates his 21st birthday.
Oct 25 - McDaniels wins first game
Dec 20 - McDaniels fired
Jan 25 - We're all complaining about the coaching search and lack of GM again

Wash. Rinse. Reapeat.

[wewantdallas]

Am I the only one that could care less how Fassel feels?

No, you're not.

In fact, I expect Fassel any day now to hold a press conference and say, "If you want to get in, get in, put all your money on the table. Because I am GOING TO BE the next head coach of the Washington Redskins."

[ihatedallas]

Am I the only one that could care less how Fassel feels?

Im in this boat. Snyders not looking to appease the people he didn't hire, whether they thought they were going to be hired or not.

[Skins7ny]

cooke had no clue

beathard was smart. but they still got a man who outperformed all expectations

the thing is to try and conduct the search out of the media-- a virtual impossibility when compared to the way things were when gibbs came on board

as long as they downt overreact and hire some clown like billick just to get back at the media....lol

The difference is that, unlike this clown, Cooke was smart enough to know that he had no clue. He did not think that having money and success in marketing (and in Cooke's case, media acquisition) meant that he knew how to scout and pick players or run a football team. So he hired a competent football guy, gave him the title of GM and put him in control of the football operation, gave him money to spend, let thim and everyone in the organization know that he expected to win and would hold them accountable, and then got the hell out of the way and let them do their jobs. That is the formula for success and accountability, 2 things we have had little of since Snyder took over.

Snyder's problem, which makes it our problem, is that he either
(a) does not realize that he is not competent to run the football side of the operation and thinks he can build a Super Bowl winner with Vinny's input OR
(b) he realizes he and Vinny stink, but he is not willing to cede control of the football side of the operation because he has too much fun running it.

Why do I have the sinking feeling we will be engaging in another head coaching search around this time next year?

[SkinsfaninNJ]

Am I the only one that could care less how Fassel feels?

I care because it is indicative how everyone involved with the process including all of the other candidates feels. Fassel was the only one who said something, but you can bet he's not the only one who feels that way.

[SkinsfaninNJ]

Im in this boat. Snyders not looking to appease the people he didn't hire, whether they thought they were going to be hired or not.

OK, but they still are candidates. I have no problem with him alienating people, but at this point Fassel and GW still have a realistic chance of getting this job.

[ChiefPowhatan17]

The fact that fassel feels slighted is ridiculous. He should be happy his name even came up and got an interview. GW is the one who should really feel slighted. Fassel might have been the top candidate 4 years ago, but that was 4 years ago, which is old news now. I guess we will know on Feb. 5th or so who is the guy. Hopefully, in that time they will go ahead and interview Russ Grimm while waiting for McDaniels. If young McDaniels is the guy then good, but we still need a DC. And now it sounds like GW is going out the door if he is not the HC. What a mess. I am glad someone woke up over there about fassel not being a good idea.

[CNYSkinFan]

OK, but they still are candidates. I have no problem with him alienating people, but at this point Fassel and GW still have a realistic chance of getting this job.
if by realistic you mean, better then a random schmoe on the street, then yeah, sure realistic shot.

Right now I would be shocked beyond belief if either of the got the job, espescially Williams. It would be like a Bride who was at the altar watching her groom feel up each of the bridesmaid and possibly a few of the ushers and then marrying him anyways

[JsMaViSd]

am i the only one that does NOT want McDaniel here?

id rather have Spag or Schwartz

[Keino]

I care because it is indicative how everyone involved with the process including all of the other candidates feels. Fassel was the only one who said something, but you can bet he's not the only one who feels that way.

I think the process stinks, but again, I don't care about the feelings of grown and wealthy men. If he feels that way, then why doesn't he remove his name from consideration?

[Moe]

The fact that fassel feels slighted is ridiculous. He should be happy his name even came up and got an interview.

If Fassel is this thin skinned then how will he react to the scrutiny of being HC of the Skins when they hit a rough patch? You would think his time in NY would've toughened him up some, if no then no thanks.
In a roudabout way, he should thank Snyder for making him relevant in the discussion for head coaching positions once again.

[bergiemoore]

Did Dan Snyder ever make anyone a promise that this would be a quick search? The man is not exactly a paragon of virtue, but I don't see anything wrong with the way this search has been conducted, other than his reluctance to talk to his existing staff. When you consider the amount of leaks already pouring out of Redskins' Park as it is, it's really no wonder he's not talking to anyone.

I feel that he was disingenuous in claiming that he desired continuity right before embarking on an extensive coaching search while the heir apparent was already in the building, but beyond that, he's been doing what I would have expected him to do. He's taking this process seriously, exploring all possible avenues, and trying to find the best solution. I couldn't care less about Fassel's feelings, or about Williams' insecurities. Should the Redskins cave to media pressure and select a HC before having an opportunity to interview the coaches that were so successful their teams are still playing?

[SkinsfaninNJ]

if by realistic you mean, better then a random schmoe on the street, then yeah, sure realistic shot.

Right now I would be shocked beyond belief if either of the got the job, espescially Williams. It would be like a Bride who was at the altar watching her groom feel up each of the bridesmaid and possibly a few of the ushers and then marrying him anyways

I'm not so sure that Snyder is going to find what he is looking for in the next batch of candidates either. And if his focus is McDaniels and Spags (no disrespect to them) will they really deliver a better interview then long time veterans like Fassel, GW, Meeks and Schwartz?

[bergiemoore]

if by realistic you mean, better then a random schmoe on the street, then yeah, sure realistic shot.

Right now I would be shocked beyond belief if either of the got the job, espescially Williams. It would be like a Bride who was at the altar watching her groom feel up each of the bridesmaid and possibly a few of the ushers and then marrying him anyways

Your wife didn't let you do that?

We're not talking matters of the heart, here. We're talking about the keys to a BILLION dollar business. The owner has a right to "feel up" as many qualified candidates as he wants. Some would say that he has an obligation to thoroughly vet as many candidates as it takes until finding the right one.

It sucks that there is no HC yet, but I feel better knowing that the search will likely include some of the more successful coordinators from this past season.

[JsMaViSd]

im so tired of hearing bout Continuity of hiring GW

if GW became HC, Saunders would be gone

that would throw all continuity out the window

[SkinsfaninNJ]

Did Dan Snyder ever make anyone a promise that this would be a quick search? The man is not exactly a paragon of virtue, but I don't see anything wrong with the way this search has been conducted, other than his reluctance to talk to his existing staff. When you consider the amount of leaks already pouring out of Redskins' Park as it is, it's really no wonder he's not talking to anyone.

I feel that he was disingenuous in claiming that he desired continuity right before embarking on an extensive coaching search while the heir apparent was already in the building, but beyond that, he's been doing what I would have expected him to do. He's taking this process seriously, exploring all possible avenues, and trying to find the best solution. I couldn't care less about Fassel's feelings, or about Williams' insecurities. Should the Redskins cave to media pressure and select a HC before having an opportunity to interview the coaches that were so successful their teams are still playing?

I have no problem with the length of the search. But to answer your question every candidate after the interview including Schwartz, Mora and Meeks all said they were told the team plans to make a quick decision.

[bergiemoore]

I'm not so sure that Snyder is going to find what he is looking for in the next batch of candidates either. And if his focus is McDaniels and Spags (no disrespect to them) will they really deliver a better interview then long time veterans like Fassel, GW, Meeks and Schwartz?

He won't know until he interviews them.

[Keino]

Quick is a relative term. Quick could mean 3 weeks or it could mean 3 minutes, depending upon who is using the term and for what it is being used. If it takes an extended amount of time to get comfortable with the guy who is going to guide the franchise for the next (hopefully) 10 years, then we should take our time and get it right. Still with that said, it would be nice if the HC would be hired sooner rather than later since there is this draft Thingee to deal with in about 3 months and I want the HC to be totally immersed in that process, especially since we have multiple picks on both days, which hasn't happened in some time.

[SkinsfaninNJ]

He won't know until he interviews them.

I know, but I have my doubts that any of the young coordinators will be hired.

[Moe]

...but I don't see anything wrong with the way this search has been conducted, other than his reluctance to talk to his existing staff.

I agree with you in general, but on the above point what is he supposed to talk to them about? Until there is a new head coach then their jobs are in limbo and they all know this. We're not talking about recent college grads who have little experience with career transtions here, these are veteran coaches who are well aware of the tenuous and transient nature of their chosen profession. Some might be retained, but most will not (and reports say that several of them will get paid regardless) and to their credit they are continuing with their contractual duties. I can see there being controversy should a new coach be hired and nothing be communicated to these staff members but until such a (very unlikely) situation arises I don't understand why this is a complaint.

[SkinsfaninNJ]

Quick is a relative term. Quick could mean 3 weeks or it could mean 3 minutes, depending upon who is using the term and for what it is being used. If it takes an extended amount of time to get comfortable with the guy who is going to guide the franchise for the next (hopefully) 10 years, then we should take our time and get it right. Still with that said, it would be nice if the HC would be hired sooner rather than later since there is this draft Thingee to deal with in about 3 months and I want the HC to be totally immersed in that process, especially since we have multiple picks on both days, which hasn't happened in some time.

Don't worry, Vinny has the draft covered.:)

[Keino]

Don't worry, Vinny has the draft covered.:)

I just dry heaved.....Good thing I didn't eat breakfast.

[bergiemoore]

I agree with you in general, but on the above point what is he supposed to talk to them about? Until there is a new head coach then their jobs are in limbo and they all know this. We're not talking about recent college grads who have little experience with career transtions here, these are veteran coaches who are well aware of the tenuous and transient nature of their chosen profession. Some might be retained, but most will not (and reports say that several of them will get paid regardless) and to their credit they are continuing with their contractual duties. I can see there being controversy should a new coach be hired and nothing be communicated to these staff members but until such a (very unlikely) situation arises I don't understand why this is a complaint.

He doesn't have to tell them anything of substance. He should pop by for chat, just to let them know that he remembers they are there. It is reassuring to just listen to people every now and again, even when you can't "fix" their problem. Ignoring them for 2 weeks isn't exactly the best plan, unless he's already certain he wants to clean house.

[CNYSkinFan]

im so tired of hearing bout Continuity of hiring GW

if GW became HC, Saunders would be gone

that would throw all continuity out the window
Saunders is gone anyways...that ship has sailed, and so has GW. the only continuity Dan was planning on is his moring "massage" from Vinnie

[LuvSkins17]

The wild thing is, no matter who the head coach is, there will be no availible jobs for any of our current staff and that is so wrong. Some of these people could be employed somewhere and then all of a sudden they are waiting.... This is wrong. Even Gibbs would let a guy go if he doesn't forsee any future with the franchise so that he can have "a chance" to get somewhere else. This is wrong on the front office.

We are looking very "Un Gibbs like" which in my opinion is lacking class. I didn't know my post was gonna end like this.... :(

[hail2skins]

I understand what a lot of folks are saying but there is no way you can say he wasn't handing the job to Fassel. Snyder himself was interviewing candidates for OC and DC jobs. That the coaches job, not the owner. People find that out and it points directly to someone has or will be hired soon. The problem didn't come from the media, it came from the fact they couldn't get the folks they wanted in assistant positions.

Now they're going to drag it along and the person chosen will be stuck with nothing to choose from in terms of a staff.

If I were GW, I'd get out of town and won't sit around to be the last resort. I'd tell Dan to take the job and shove it. Find some other iterim coach and then go get who you wanted all along next season.

[bergiemoore]

I have no problem with the length of the search. But to answer your question every candidate after the interview including Schwartz, Mora and Meeks all said they were told the team plans to make a quick decision.

Really? I haven't read anything to that effect. Everything reported on NFL.com, and from Jason La Canfora indicates that the Skins are interested in interviewing more candidates.

Aside from blogger speculation, I haven't seen any reason to think that this process is near over.

[openallnight]

[Read it (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/24/AR2008012403212.html)



Another anti-snyder hatchet job from the president of the hate on snyder club, JLC.
So, what's new?

[esmith1790]

they need to hire some 18y/o to just text message all the coaches, like getting a chain mail FW FW FW FW FW FW still in Limbo:

Please forward this to 10 of your coaching buddies and tell them you are in Limbo, If they reply back to you then you know you are still in Limbo as well. (Those in Limbo are still techincally employed so be blessed financially!!!!!!)
(Those that do not get a reply will be getting fired soon and be out of a job!)

Please dont be the one to break the chain! LOL

[SkinsfaninNJ]

Really? I haven't read anything to that effect. Everything reported on NFL.com, and from Jason La Canfora indicates that the Skins are interested in interviewing more candidates.

Aside from blogger speculation, I haven't seen any reason to think that this process is near over.

That's what is being said now. Back when those guys were interviewed, I guess its been a about a week now, they all reported the same thing that the team wanted to make a quick decision.

There is nothing wrong with Snyder not finding the HC he wanted in the first round of interviews and even if his best intention was to make a quick decision, he has the right to change his mind, but the process is shameful.

Like H2S said above, and I completely agree, Snyder, by his actions, did everything but schedule the press conference when it came to hiring Fassel. He backed off when he couldn't put what Snyder felt was an adequate staff together. If he believes in Fassel, why can't he hire him regardless of who will be OC and DC? He didn't wait on Spurrier, Gibbs or Marty.

[Moe]

He doesn't have to tell them anything of substance. He should pop by for chat, just to let them know that he remembers they are there. It is reassuring to just listen to people every now and again, even when you can't "fix" their problem. Ignoring them for 2 weeks isn't exactly the best plan, unless he's already certain he wants to clean house.

Again I generally agree, but it sure seems like Snyder has had a fairly full travel schedule with the current search/interview and many of the coaches are off on Senior Bowl duties, so it's not like they're all out at Ashburn and he turns around and closes his office door whenever he sees one of these guys in the hallway. I want to be clear that I'm not defending Snyder, but at the same time I'm not throwing stones considering the preponderance of rumor, inference and innuendo we're all operating with.

[Moe]

The wild thing is, no matter who the head coach is, there will be no availible jobs for any of our current staff and that is so wrong. Some of these people could be employed somewhere and then all of a sudden they are waiting.... This is wrong. Even Gibbs would let a guy go if he doesn't forsee any future with the franchise so that he can have "a chance" to get somewhere else. This is wrong on the front office.

All of these guys are free to resign if they choose. Further, with all of the transitions around the league if there was interest in these coaches then we'd hear about it. My guess is that most teams who might have such interest are simply waiting until a new coach cleans house so they can pick and choose without the hassle of trying to pry a coach away from the Skins while he's still under contract; which is what is happening with the Rex Ryan situation.

[RoanokeSkin]

Another anti-snyder hatchet job from the president of the hate on snyder club, JLC.
So, what's new?


Is this an actual club? If so I would like to join as a lifetime member.

[Moe]

[QUOTE=hail2skins;1075234]I understand what a lot of folks are saying but there is no way you can say he wasn't handing the job to Fassel. Snyder himself was interviewing candidates for OC and DC jobs. That the coaches job, not the owner. People find that out and it points directly to someone has or will be hired soon. The problem didn't come from the media, it came from the fact they couldn't get the folks they wanted in assistant positions.
QUOTE]

But by all reports, those assistants were being interviewed due to their connection to Fassel as part of his wish list. I don't think it's unreasonable to assume that he has had conversations with them, nor do I think it's unreasonable for the boss to want to talk to them, especially considering the potential compensation that might be required to obtain them. While perhaps not conventional, this is nothing like the Garret/Wade situation and I think we should be happy about that.

[bergiemoore]

That's what is being said now. Back when those guys were interviewed, I guess its been a about a week now, they all reported the same thing that the team wanted to make a quick decision.

There is nothing wrong with Snyder not finding the HC he wanted in the first round of interviews and even if his best intention was to make a quick decision, he has the right to change his mind, but the process is shameful.

Like H2S said above, and I completely agree, Snyder, by his actions, did everything but schedule the press conference when it came to hiring Fassel. He backed off when he couldn't put what Snyder felt was an adequate staff together. If he believes in Fassel, why can't he hire him regardless of who will be OC and DC? He didn't wait on Spurrier, Gibbs or Marty.

I went back and looked at articles from the NFL and Canfora and couldn't find those references to a "quick resolution". It's irrelevant, now.

According to media reports (Comcast), Rex Ryan hasn't spoken to any other team about a lateral move. What actions did Snyder take that indicated he was ready to hire Fassel? Interviewing Zorn for OC? It's commonly accepted that there is a rift between Saunders and THE Snyderrato. It wouldn't be without precedent for the ownership to hire an OC prior to finding the HC. Zorn may still end up as the OC regardless of who is brought in.

2 other coaches have already used the Redskins interview process to secure guarantees on their careers with their current teams (Mora, Caldwell). It may be that Zorn is using the Snyderrato for similar ends.

[openallnight]

Is this an actual club? If so I would like to join as a lifetime member.

LOL, now that you mention it :thinker:

[Lacquer Head]

If Dan Snyder really listened to fans, we would have a GM. This reeks more of incompetence than empathy.

[smoak]

Am I the only one that could care less how Fassel feels?

I certainly don't care about his feelings ONE bit, but do you care about the fact that it is reported that we discussed parameters of a contract and then pulled back b/c we didn't get Ryan and Zorn?

We look like idiots IMO and while agree wholeheartedly that the media is the bigger culprit, I can only guess the conversations that respected football people around the league are having...

[SkinsfaninNJ]

I went back and looked at articles from the NFL and Canfora and couldn't find those references to a "quick resolution". It's irrelevant, now.

According to media reports (Comcast), Rex Ryan hasn't spoken to any other team about a lateral move. What actions did Snyder take that indicated he was ready to hire Fassel? Interviewing Zorn for OC? It's commonly accepted that there is a rift between Saunders and THE Snyderrato. It wouldn't be without precedent for the ownership to hire an OC prior to finding the HC. Zorn may still end up as the OC regardless of who is brought in.

2 other coaches have already used the Redskins interview process to secure guarantees on their careers with their current teams (Mora, Caldwell). It may be that Zorn is using the Snyderrato for similar ends.

Here are some blog articles about the quick resolution.

I continue to hear that the Redskins have told candidates they do not expect this to be a lengthy process, and contacts around the NFL believe Gregg Williams will ultimately get the gig.

The Redskins hope to move swiftly in the process, according to multiple league sources. And numerous league sources and agents have said that they believe Williams will get the job.

Either way the Redskins have told candidates this should be swift process.

The source said Schwartz believes the process will be short and that no GM will be hired--although there could be changes on the offensive side of the ball regardless of the coach.

I believe they have spoken to Ryan, but not necessarily as a DC option. In other words they got around the rule by interviewing but being vague with Baltimore as to the position he was interviewing. Nonetheless, all reports indicate Snyder entered negotiations with Balt. to dtermine what it would take to free Ryan, which is a substantial step toward his hiring.

So couple the steps taken toward hiring Ryan, plus the steps taken toward hiring Zorn, who both have substantial ties to Fassel, plus the reports on Snyder's own radio station that Fassel was hired, means to me that it was very close to happening.

[James F. Quinn]

nothing is close to the circus that surrounded the move of bellichick from the jets to the pats in 24 hours.. it will settle down

fassel has a lot to lose and should be quiet. if snyder hires spagnuolo (i can only hope) who better than fassel to be associate head coach and OC ? dont blow it, jim....

never mind the circus. snyder has to get this one right. he has every right to look at all the possibles including new england and the giants. there is no reason to rush into this

as to your idea that cerrato be replaced with a true football man, well, i agree, but it wont happen. think about how much grief a j smith got for the marty firing/norv hiring ? nothing like going deep into the playoffs to erase that memory. you can go from goat to hero very quickly.

let's get this one right. at least not hiring GW is a start. what does he have to lose , as he will get 2-3 mil for the next year to do nothing. and he was not owed anything.... i expect there will be a lot of sympathy for him just like there was for marty and for norv by the redskin haters..

let's get this one right. find the next joe gibbs, that is what the mission is..

All due respect, SHALLY, but what have you ever seen from Dan and Vinnie that persuades you they they can do something like this right?

This will settle down? When did Joe Gibbs announce his retirement? About 18 days ago. The search will continue for up to a week after SBLXI. Tht'll be a solid month of mystifying maneuvers and fan media fuming.

When the new guy comes in we will see coaches come and go, players come and go; essentially a top-down demolition of the team. The media and fan frenzy will continue through the draft and beyond.

Bobby Beathard, a veteran NFL talent judge found us the first Joe Gibbs. I don't think that Dan and Vinnie between them can find the next.

I think that Dan/Vin study successful franchises and take away the wrong lessons. The only thing they have learned from the Pats is Belichek's secrecy.

Unlike Belichek, they have nothing newsworthy to be secretive about.

[James F. Quinn]

'
Couldn't agree more about getting the coaching staff "Right" and Synder SHOULD look at all his options - interview and reinterview. WHATEVER it takes to bring the who he thinks will be the best person for the position.
The only thing I think Synder has done wrong to this point is not make it clear from the beginning that he was going to take careful approach the selections for a head coach and explore all options.
If he had just stated that at the Gibbs conference I think fans, media, and players would have been more understanding and less confused about the "Who's the Top Choice". .................. But that just my take on it.

At the press confernce, Dan stressed continuity. What he is now doing ensures a complete lack of continuity. Think Jason Campbell will be the franchise QB? Who picked him, the incoming Mr. X? Nope. Will the new guy take one look at Jason trying to run Al's offense and see a bright new talent or will he see another Pat Ramsey? Will he come in with a New Todd Collins or Mark Brunell in tow?

I see most of the offense and defense being blown up and starting from scratch. maybe 4-12.

We will not be competitve even in our own Division.

[James F. Quinn]

This franchise is doomed.

Where is Mighty Mouse when we really need him?

[Syllable]

Could it be possible that Fassel was manipulated because he is actually not a good coach and struggled to get jobs as a coordinator? Why all a sudden do you guys care what Fassel feels after bashing him for being our next head coach?

And most of us already didn't want GW in the first place.

[RedskinsDave]

Snyderatto are idiots but who cares what Fassel thinks? He wasn't a candidate for ANY job until Danny came a-callin. He should be happy his name is in the mix since he apparently has no more friends who will hire and fire him.

[James F. Quinn]

He doesn't have to tell them anything of substance. He should pop by for chat, just to let them know that he remembers they are there. It is reassuring to just listen to people every now and again, even when you can't "fix" their problem. Ignoring them for 2 weeks isn't exactly the best plan, unless he's already certain he wants to clean house.

The least he could do is put ice cream outside their doors.

[Patrick]

At the press confernce, Dan stressed continuity. What he is now doing ensures a complete lack of continuity. Think Jason Campbell will be the franchise QB? Who picked him, the incoming Mr. X? Nope. Will the new guy take one look at Jason trying to run Al's offense and see a bright new talent or will he see another Pat Ramsey? Will he come in with a New Todd Collins or Mark Brunell in tow?

I see most of the offense and defense being blown up and starting from scratch. maybe 4-12.

We will not be competitve even in our own Division.

Once Gibbs stepped down - "Continuity" was out the window. Danny's statement only reflects "Saying the right thing" - Stop the panic if you like.
AND what is so wrong with Synder exploring ALL possible options?
Like I said - other than leading everyone to believe this would be a quick process (and I believe was more Gibbs than Synder) - I think Danny to taking the correct approach. ................... BUT I'm not saying he'll make the right decision though.

[bergiemoore]

The least he could do is put ice cream outside their doors.

ROTFLMAO!!!!

[Skins7ny]

I understand what a lot of folks are saying but there is no way you can say he wasn't handing the job to Fassel. Snyder himself was interviewing candidates for OC and DC jobs. That the coaches job, not the owner. People find that out and it points directly to someone has or will be hired soon. The problem didn't come from the media, it came from the fact they couldn't get the folks they wanted in assistant positions.

Now they're going to drag it along and the person chosen will be stuck with nothing to choose from in terms of a staff.

If I were GW, I'd get out of town and won't sit around to be the last resort. I'd tell Dan to take the job and shove it. Find some other iterim coach and then go get who you wanted all along next season.
He may not be able to. He is under contract. He is not free to leave for a lateral move to (for example) the Jaguars. He can quit, but then the Skins can bar him from coaching in 2008 and not pay him.
That's what is being said now. Back when those guys were interviewed, I guess its been a about a week now, they all reported the same thing that the team wanted to make a quick decision.

There is nothing wrong with Snyder not finding the HC he wanted in the first round of interviews and even if his best intention was to make a quick decision, he has the right to change his mind, but the process is shameful.

Like H2S said above, and I completely agree, Snyder, by his actions, did everything but schedule the press conference when it came to hiring Fassel. He backed off when he couldn't put what Snyder felt was an adequate staff together. If he believes in Fassel, why can't he hire him regardless of who will be OC and DC? He didn't wait on Spurrier, Gibbs or Marty.

I wonder if the fan backlash had something to do with it. If so, I give Snyder credit for (finally) listening to his fan base about something.

Danny is somewhat infamous for, among other things, being uncommonly insensitive to employees, especially those he fires. I think that this is working out very poorly for our assistants, who will have few available openings if they are let go. Of course, they can sit on their contracts for a year, but being paid and not working for a year is not going to benefit any of their careers. Coaches are supposed to coach, not sit out an NFL season. Of course, the fact that Byner and Olivadotti, who are both free to leave right now and would probably have other opportunities, haven't left yet makes you wonder if there is more to this than we are being told or leaked. Still, it definitely looks as if we are flitting in the wind, and have no clue what direction we want to go. It definitely looked like we were about to hire Fassel. Leaks of this nature make us look like a laughingstock, and decrease the odds that some players and coaches will want to come here, although money often can repair that problem. Not for everyone though (Champ Bailey, for example).

That said, I am somewhat torn about this. I agree we look foolish, but I don't have a problem with Danny and Vinny taking their time to get the right coach. This is not a race, and I don't think artificial deadlines are appropriate. I do think the longer they wait, the less likely that the new coach will be able to put together a quality staff (unless GW gets the job). That is potentially a big problem.

[Meatsnack]

Fassel has no right to expect anything to be given to him other than what was promised between him and Snyder. Fassel couldn't get an OC job in Kansas City leading up to this, so if he has his nose out of joint over some perceived lack of respect then I don't care.

I certainly DO care that my franchise conduct itslef with class and present a strong sense of ethics in its dealings. Which automatically puts me at odds with Snyder who thinks he can buy class and wouldn't know ethics if one bit him on the ass and called him Alice.

I would feel badly if our franchise has, in fact, acted unethically with Fassell or broken promises made in good faith to him. Less for Fassell than for us.

[akhhorus]

I wonder if the fan backlash had something to do with it. If so, I give Snyder credit for (finally) listening to his fan base about something.

Any owner, GM or coach that runs their team on the whims/reaction of a fan base is a moron frankly. Any owner, coach or GM that is afraid to make important moves because they're afraid of the fans will find himself in charge of a losing team quickly.

[CNYSkinFan]

Any owner, GM or coach that runs their team on the whims/reaction of a fan base is a moron frankly. Any owner, coach or GM that is afraid to make important moves because they're afraid of the fans will find himself in charge of a losing team quickly.
check and check

so...you are saying it was then :)

[akhhorus]

check and check

so...you are saying it was then :)

If Snyder truly pulled the offer to Fassel because of fan reaction, he deserves whatever he gets because of that.

[bergiemoore]

Fassel has no right to expect anything to be given to him other than what was promised between him and Snyder. Fassel couldn't get an OC job in Kansas City leading up to this, so if he has his nose out of joint over some perceived lack of respect then I don't care.

I certainly DO care that my franchise conduct itslef with class and present a strong sense of ethics in its dealings. Which automatically puts me at odds with Snyder who thinks he can buy class and wouldn't know ethics if one bit him on the ass and called him Alice.

I would feel badly if our franchise has, in fact, acted unethically with Fassell or broken promises made in good faith to him. Less for Fassell than for us.

Being indecisive is not unethical.

Promoting Vinny Cerrato as Boss of All Things Football is unethical.

Making the hiring of certain coordinators a stipulation for employing a particular HC is not unethical. (It is definitely pretty stupid, though.)

[smoak]

Fassel has no right to expect anything to be given to him other than what was promised between him and Snyder. Fassel couldn't get an OC job in Kansas City leading up to this, so if he has his nose out of joint over some perceived lack of respect then I don't care.

I certainly DO care that my franchise conduct itslef with class and present a strong sense of ethics in its dealings. Which automatically puts me at odds with Snyder who thinks he can buy class and wouldn't know ethics if one bit him on the ass and called him Alice.

I would feel badly if our franchise has, in fact, acted unethically with Fassell or broken promises made in good faith to him. Less for Fassell than for us.

Very well said. I care about our reputation and how we treat our employees and prospective employees.

Basically we are creating an environment where only person looking to get paid will want to work for Snyder. The man projects to be one of the biggest jerks in the world.

[smoak]

Being indecisive is not unethical.

Promoting Vinny Cerrato as Boss of All Things Football is unethical.

Making the hiring of certain coordinators a stipulation for employing a particular HC is not unethical. (It is definitely pretty stupid, though.)

Without being involved in all the discussions and knowing what was offered/promised, we will never be able to judge...

BUT the perception is that the process was unethical and it isn't like there is a proven track record that would make this seem out of character for Danny.

[bergiemoore]

I think that part of the reason the Fassel deal didn't materialize is that the Redskins, as of yesterday, are now the only team without a HC. This allows Snyderrato to take its time making the decision since neither Fassel or Williams are going anywhere anytime soon, and also allows it to pursue the coordinators from the Super Bowl with no competition from teams like Atlanta. If the only blow back is Fassel's feelings, oh well. He'll live. If the Snyderrato does decided to eventually give him or Williams, or anyone else who "feels manipulated", a job, there is no doubt that the kind of money Snyderrato throws at them will more than assuage their wounded pride.

If anyone seriously thinks that Snyder listens to what the fans/media thinks about his decisions, he would have fired Vinny and hired a bona fide GM YEARS ago.

[Meatsnack]

Being indecisive is not unethical.

Promoting Vinny Cerrato as Boss of All Things Football is unethical.

Making the hiring of certain coordinators a stipulation for employing a particular HC is not unethical. (It is definitely pretty stupid, though.)

No, hiring and then promoting Vinny is stupid, irrational, and counterproductive but not unethical. Unless the long hours he is forced to "work" playing raquetball with his boss is considered cruelty to animals.

I haven't promoted anything alleged in the Fassell hiring as unethical. I said that I would be displeased if we had actually done something unethical or unnecessarily crass that has led to "someone close to Fassell" alleging that Fassell feels "manipulated". There are so many holes in this chain of "information" that no sound conclusions can be drawn. Stupid people feel manipulated all the time because they don't examine their enviroment enough to see logical results coming. Maybe this is the case with Fassell. Maybe Fassel doesn't feel anything and his"friend" has an axe to grind. Maybe Fassell was told this was his job as soon as the staff was cleared up and now he has had the rug pulled out from under him and he feels legimately jerked around. Or maybe something completely different.

The point is, we need to be better than what we have been in the past under Snyder. Would anyone believe a story like this connected to the Rooneys? No. Snyder conducts himself in such a way that it is easy to believe nearly anything of the man. Gibbs brought respectability and class and it has left the building with him. Any hope that it had rubbed off on Dan is eroding pretty quickly.

[bergiemoore]

Without being involved in all the discussions and knowing what was offered/promised, we will never be able to judge...

BUT the perception is that the process was unethical and it isn't like there is a proven track record that would make this seem out of character for Danny.

If you want to talk about unethical business practices in the NFL, pay attention to how Parcells has managed to sap the Cowboys of their coaches/FO personnel.

The biggest knock on Snyder right now is that he is NOT a people person. His employees are understandably disgruntled due to the precarious state of their employment, and his unwillingness/inability to discuss their future with them. He did get wise to it, and brought Gibbs back to talk with them.

[SkinsfaninNJ]

The worst part of this entire situation is that I'm going to have to go to a SB party without a HC with this debacle unfolding and listen to fans of other teams mock me. I don't think I can come with an adequate defense right now.

[VegasSkinsFan]

The worst part of this entire situation is that I'm going to have to go to a SB party without a HC with this debacle unfolding and listen to fans of other teams mock me. I don't think I can come with an adequate defense right now.

Not to mention that we have 2 coaches I believe that have contracts taht expire on 1/31. If not signed they can be scooped up as well. I like what Olividotti (sp?) has done with the lb's. GO SKINS !!!!!

[bergiemoore]

No, hiring and then promoting Vinny is stupid, irrational, and counterproductive but not unethical. Unless the long hours he is forced to "work" playing raquetball with his boss is considered cruelty to animals.

Does "driving me to drink" count as "unethical"? If so, then Vinny's hiring certainly qualifies, along with my wife, my kids, Happy Hour, etc....


I haven't promoted anything alleged in the Fassell hiring as unethical. I said that I would be displeased if we had actually done something unethical or unnecessarily crass that has led to "someone close to Fassell" alleging that Fassell feels "manipulated". There are so many holes in this chain of "information" that no sound conclusions can be drawn. Stupid people feel manipulated all the time because they don't examine their enviroment enough to see logical results coming. Maybe this is the case with Fassell. Maybe Fassel doesn't feel anything and his"friend" has an axe to grind. Maybe Fassell was told this was his job as soon as the staff was cleared up and now he has had the rug pulled out from under him and he feels legimately jerked around. Or maybe something completely different.

The point is, we need to be better than what we have been in the past under Snyder. Would anyone believe a story like this connected to the Rooneys? No. Snyder conducts himself in such a way that it is easy to believe nearly anything of the man. Gibbs brought respectability and class and it has left the building with him. Any hope that it had rubbed off on Dan is eroding pretty quickly.

I hear you on this, and I understand where you're coming from. A lot of this stems from Danny's predilection towards secrecy. It seems that Redskins Park is content to let the media speculation run wild until they get something so wrong that they are forced to make a correction.

Like you said, we have no idea what transpired in those interviews. Half the time, we aren't privy to was interviewed. We will only get one half of the story. Danny has not been a media darling, and is especially hated by the Washington Post for obvious reasons. You can be certain that the press is not going to jump to Danny's defense if a candidate levels accusations.

[openallnight]

Any owner, GM or coach that runs their team on the whims/reaction of a fan base is a moron frankly. Any owner, coach or GM that is afraid to make important moves because they're afraid of the fans will find himself in charge of a losing team quickly.

Isn't there an old axiom?
Listen to the fans and shortly you'll be sitting with them.

[CNYSkinFan]

welcome to the board but you might want to edit your language

[WarEagle]

[Read it (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/24/AR2008012403212.html)

Two key sections:

I am actually beginning to think That Snyder, as an NFL owner, may very well be incompetent.

OT: CNBC is airing a one-hour special on Bob Kraft Sunday night at 10PM ET. The organization was in shambles when he bought it, and this program examines how he turned it around. Should be interesting to compare and contrast his style with Dan's.

[colkurtz]

Fassel may not like the way this is going down, but he also has no other offers for a HC position. Neither does Williams.

This has been done poorly, but frankly i'd rather get a current, younger DC or OC who could stay longer if they do well. THAT's continuity.

[RedskinRyan]

This is a prediction 10:15 Pats win the SB 10:45 Josh McDaniels meets with the Dan Snyder and company. 10:55 Josh McDaniels is named the new redskins coach. That would be more like a dream , Pretty Please.:sun:

Hiring the next Lane Kiffin....

[Skins7ny]

Fassel has no right to expect anything to be given to him other than what was promised between him and Snyder. Fassel couldn't get an OC job in Kansas City leading up to this, so if he has his nose out of joint over some perceived lack of respect then I don't care.

I certainly DO care that my franchise conduct itslef with class and present a strong sense of ethics in its dealings. Which automatically puts me at odds with Snyder who thinks he can buy class and wouldn't know ethics if one bit him on the ass and called him Alice.

I would feel badly if our franchise has, in fact, acted unethically with Fassell or broken promises made in good faith to him. Less for Fassell than for us.
Very well said. I agree totally.
Any owner, GM or coach that runs their team on the whims/reaction of a fan base is a moron frankly. Any owner, coach or GM that is afraid to make important moves because they're afraid of the fans will find himself in charge of a losing team quickly.
Normally, I would agree with you on this. I think a leader has to lead, regardless of public sentiment. However, in this case, I think listening to the fan base on Fassel would be warranted. Given the way the fans have felt jerked around on this, I think at least accounting for the overwhelmingly negative sentiment is a wise thing to do. After all, the fan base is Danny's customer base as well. Although, generally, I do agree with your post.
Without being involved in all the discussions and knowing what was offered/promised, we will never be able to judge...

BUT the perception is that the process was unethical and it isn't like there is a proven track record that would make this seem out of character for Danny.
It is unfortunately very much in character for Danny.
...[T]he point is, we need to be better than what we have been in the past under Snyder. Would anyone believe a story like this connected to the Rooneys? No. Snyder conducts himself in such a way that it is easy to believe nearly anything of the man. Gibbs brought respectability and class and it has left the building with him. Any hope that it had rubbed off on Dan is eroding pretty quickly.
Absolutely correct. The Rooneys prove that you can have class, a great reputation and still win. A nice lesson that even goes beyond football. I wish Danny would learn it.
Not to mention that we have 2 coaches I believe that have contracts taht expire on 1/31. If not signed they can be scooped up as well. I like what Olividotti (sp?) has done with the lb's. GO SKINS !!!!!
I mentioned in a previous post that Byner and Olivadotti could have left already and have not. I was wrong. As you point out, their contracts don't expire until 1/31. Let's see what they do then.

[shally]

Hiring the next Lane Kiffin....

which is why i think it will be spagnuolo, rex ryn or possibly meeks

[syphy]

Danny could make this ALL go away real quick with the fanbase with one hire: Russ Grimm. That is, of course, only if the guy is qualified, and I have no way to gauge that personally. Obviously you don't want to hire someone on nostalgia, but I'm shocked that they apparently haven't even interviewed him.

I agree wholeheartedly. I've been griping up a storm to all these damn Pats fans at work about why in the hell the Skins haven't even interviewed Grimm or Singletary.

[Syllable]

Any owner, GM or coach that runs their team on the whims/reaction of a fan base is a moron frankly. Any owner, coach or GM that is afraid to make important moves because they're afraid of the fans will find himself in charge of a losing team quickly.

See Newcastle United. Owner sits with fans and pretty much makes his decisions based on fanbase. The GM/Head of Scouting is a moron who overpays for has-beens and badmouths. And like the Redskins, Newcastle thinks they are a big club just because they have a whole bunch of fans, when they havn't won anything in a loooong time.

[RedskinsDave]

See Newcastle United. Owner sits with fans and pretty much makes his decisions based on fanbase. The GM/Head of Scouting is a moron who overpays for has-beens and badmouths. And like the Redskins, Newcastle thinks they are a big club just because they have a whole bunch of fans, when they havn't won anything in a loooong time.

An English soccer comparison. Beautiful.

[TrueOracle]

First a couple of comments regarding the opinions expressed on the subject thread by my Skins brethren:

_______ (you can use your own adjective here) Fassel!! He deserves what he got. If he didn't want to be put in this position he should've: 1) Won more as an HC in the past, 2) Knocked Danny boy's socks off in the interview, 3) Never interviewed for this job, and finally 4) Acted like a high-paid executive and understood that whatever happened, mostly happens at his level. Nobody cares how you feel when you're knocking down the UPPER six-figures. Deal with it and stop sniveling like a cheerleader at the GB/NYG title game. For the record I always knew he was a little, weak, ______ (you do the honors for me).

Now for the next head coaching possibility. If you think Josh McDaniels and his seven years of experience is what Snyder is waiting for, please stop with all the hallucinogens. Think of any star performer (if you think Joshie is) in any other billion dollar pre-web based franchise and tell me when they were plucked to lead that org BACK to the glory days of yesteryear with a whole seven years of experience? Go ahead and tell me, I'll wait (crickets chirping in the background... Rats are now eating the crickets...). It ain't happening folks!!! Review the current state of post Belichick disciples - Mangini, Weiss and Crennel - couple that with massive dissension and then add a pre-30 y/o kid that never played a down of blue-chip football, forget pro ball. And you think Snyder would risk his entire franchise on a decision like that? I mean, I don't give Snyder a ton of credit but I'm giving him this one for sure. If he hires Joshie for anything I'll let everyone take turns on flogging me while strapped to a pole at the next hR tailgating event.

Which brings me to the point of my reply, and a good segue I might add - Snyder knows nothing about building a winning team. I'm not referring to those corny little corporate teams that are disbanded when companies are profitable but not profitable enough [save for the Jack Welch period at the helm of GE (which is questionable in and of itself)]. I'm talking about the closest team sport to war there is. Where the best meet regularly to destroy one another on every single play. Snyder doesn't understand this. He tries but his latest antics proves he knows not very much about this concept (in his mind) called a football team. Hell, I'll go out on a limb and say he's probably never even played an organized team sport in his whole life.

A head coach is akin to a General on the field of battle. His underlings are his brass: Colonels and Majors. The Captains are the QB and the MLB. One runs the O, one runs the D. Our problem is our General retired and the brass is probably "going away" too. Stability of the organization starts there! If what we're reading is true, we've just not been decisive enough (which is what coaches and players need) with GW and it will permeate the entire organization in a short span of time. GW should've been told, "you're not getting this job." If you want him beyond that, then you may have a shot. But now, no way does he stay (unless he's offered the HC job). Well he might but I doubt it (he'll be a lame duck next year).

The point is Snyder doesn't know what running a team like this means. It looks great on paper, but owning an NFL team with rich history and then trying to be the COO on top of all of it is akin to me "buying" DC's Metro police dept and attempting to personally decrease crime rates with policies I've created. Snyder needs help from those that KNOW how to run a football team, not those that know how to run a corporation. He's out of his league. Problem is nobody can tell him that since he "bought" part of the league.

[WarEagle]

which is why i think it will be spagnuolo, rex ryn or possibly meeks

When Shally speaks, I listen. So here's a 3 min clip of Spag talking about the Giants' D. I'm struck by his vigor and manliness as he interacts with the players on the practice field. If he's the next HC, some of you better get used to his Boston accent. :D

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PzSZxnuRrv8

[shally]

I agree wholeheartedly. I've been griping up a storm to all these damn Pats fans at work about why in the hell the Skins haven't even interviewed Grimm or Singletary.


self promotion without substance in singletary's case ?

not that impressive grimm? he hasnt even garnered an interview. tells you something (not sure excatly what)

[PHIL32]

OH DANNY BOY WHERE ARE WE GOING NOW!NEW OC WITHOUT A HEAD COACH?CLEARLY HIRED TO BLOW OUT AL SAUNDERS ASAP.ZORN HIRING GOOD MOVE FOR JASON CAMPBELL FUTURE.

ALTHOUGH YOUR GUESS IS AS GOOD AS MINE MAYBE HIRING OF GIANTS
SPAGNOLA WOULD HANDLE DEFENSIVE NEEDS AND STAY WITHIN NFC EAST
EXPERIENCE.

STAY TUNED???????????????????????

[bigcmr]

Fassel better be quite because he is still in the running for this job.

[joethefan]

Fassel better be quite because he is still in the running for this job.


Yea Danny may pull of an old "Al Davis" but hire him one day and fire him the next...LOL

[jtovb2005]

nothing is close to the circus that surrounded the move of bellichick from the jets to the pats in 24 hours.. it will settle down

fassel has a lot to lose and should be quiet. if snyder hires spagnuolo (i can only hope) who better than fassel to be associate head coach and OC ? dont blow it, jim....

never mind the circus. snyder has to get this one right. he has every right to look at all the possibles including new england and the giants. there is no reason to rush into this

as to your idea that cerrato be replaced with a true football man, well, i agree, but it wont happen. think about how much grief a j smith got for the marty firing/norv hiring ? nothing like going deep into the playoffs to erase that memory. you can go from goat to hero very quickly.

let's get this one right. at least not hiring GW is a start. what does he have to lose , as he will get 2-3 mil for the next year to do nothing. and he was not owed anything.... i expect there will be a lot of sympathy for him just like there was for marty and for norv by the redskin haters..

let's get this one right. find the next joe gibbs, that is what the mission is..

Wow some common sense in these coaching threads.

[Jon Creveling]

Hiring the next Lane Kiffin....

As of yesterday you may be able to get the original, just write him a letter:)

[skinfan43]

I truly think Snyder now wants a younger buck as H/C (no more than in his early 40's but as young as McDaniels is possible).
Snyder was one of them not very long ago himself...young, hungry, smart...I wonder if he thinks that is what he now needs at the H/C position for his team to become successful?
After this circus so far, McDaniels, Spagnola or Meeks look to be on the horizon.
Fine by me, let's just get it done, we still got our annual Free Agent Playoffs to win;)

[Jon Creveling]

I'm not exactly buying the "source"in the original article, does not come off to me having watched Jim with the Jints as his style. Was there any evidence of sour grapes by Jim directly in 04? Like I said it just smells fishy, not that it's not true but doesn't sound right to me . Guys in NY/NJ please chime in to either back this up or shoot it down as I assume you have watched and took the Jints in over the years. Not to exclude others but when I read stuff like ( duh when Ferotten bumped his head who was the coach for the Giants?) and Jim didn't help Tiki's hands, stuff like that is crazy. Realy it almost seemed like some this past week based their anti-Fassel sentiments solely on the 14 games played between 2 crappy clubs?

[Skins57]

All teh creditability Gibbs brought back to DC, has left with him. Here we go again