Thinking in the present tense
By: John Keim
Examiner Staff Writer
January 30, 2008
WASHINGTON — They’re not thinking about the job. So they say. They’re focused on the Super Bowl, but they also know the reality of their situation. There’s one team with a head coaching job available; and they’re two of the hottest assistants.
So the New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo and New England offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels both had to address their future. One that might occur in Washington. The Redskins are expected to interview one, or both, of the assistants after the Super Bowl.
They talked with Indianapolis defensive coordinator Ron Meeks againTuesday. Larry Brooks could be hired soon as the defensive line coach.
But during Super Bowl media day, the talk centered on the head coaching job. Spagnuolo said he hasn’t thought about the Redskins’ job. But sources close to him say he clearly would be interested.
"When you get into this business, two dreams of any football coach are to win a Super Bowl and possibly be a head coach at the highest level," said Spagnuolo, an intern with the Redskins in 1983. "It is a dream. But I’m focused on the one dream right now."
Meanwhile, McDaniels, who had been telling people before now that he wasn’t ready to be a head coach, left open the possibility. Before the playoffs, McDaniels said he wasn’t thinking about being a head coach. At least not now.
"I haven’t thought about that at all," McDaniels said. "At the time I made that decision, it was because I wanted to focus on the playoffs. If that comes up in the future, I’ll make a decision at that time."
Then there was ex-San Francisco and Detroit coach Steve Mariucci, who may or may not be a candidate. Mariucci, who works for the NFL Network, was asked on-air about his interest in the Redskins job.
"If there’s a coaching job that’s a possibility I am open minded," Mariucci said. "But right now there’s nothing to talk about."
The Redskins already have hired both coordinators, promoting Greg Blache on defense and luring Jim Zorn on offense. Zorn’s roots are in the West Coast offense, as is Mariucci’s and another candidate, Jim Fassel. Quarterback Jason Campbell’s strengths — big arm, mobile — don’t fit this offense, which requires more quick reads. But any full decision on the offense would be made by the head coach. Whoever it is.
"I’ll let all of that take care of itself after this game," Spagnuolo said. "Everything is happening so fast that I’ve tried to stay focused on the one thing at hand and trust that the other things will take care of itself."
