It seems Larry and Curly can’t find Moe. From the people who came a whisker from naming Pepper Rogersinterim coach one late December night in 2000 comes the latest version of looking dumber than a fifth grader. Redskins owner Dan Snyder has been caught more flat-footed than a circus clown and looking much the same.
While most of the media suspected coach Joe Gibbs might retire at season’s end, team sources say Snyder had no clue. Maybe Gibbs told the owner he wasn’t leaving and changed his mind, but either way the owner should have a short list prepared just for this scenario. Indeed, this is exactly why a good general manager is needed. Instead, Snyder and his executive vice president of whatever Vinny Cerrato have looked as scatterbrained as ever.
Bill Cowher was always supposed to be the next big name as Gibbs’ successor, but the timing wasn’t right. Cowher isn’t a fan of Snyder anyway after the latter twice tried to hire away Steelers assistant coaches.
Jim Mora Jr. might have been the choice, only Seattle seemed to give him a wink and a nod of a promotion when Mike Holmgren retires in 2009. Maybe Mora saw the madness that is the Redskins front office and decided to have no part of it.
And we can’t forget Gregg Williams, the humiliated backup choice while the Redskins shop for someone better. It would serve Snyder right if Williams rejects the offer should it ever come to that. Williams isn’t a good fit for Snyder because he’d want some say and have sound reasoning for personnel moves, something the owner won’t abide in his renewed power grab. Essentially, Williams doesn’t have the Gibbs’ finesse to make Snyder and Cerrato feel important while shuffled off to a corner.
Jim Fassel is the latest prime candidate after nearly being hired in 2004. Fassel wouldn’t be the worst choice. He has been to a Super Bowl and three playoffs. However, negative fan reaction to the proposed hire has been stronger than anything I’ve ever seen locally. Redskins backers flat out don’t want Fassel, seeing him as a failed relic.They’re a little harsh, as Internet haters tend to be, but when extremeskins.com posters turn on the team — you know the last bridge is about to be burned.
Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is now a reported candidate. If the Redskins truly considered him earlier, they should have made contact instead of messing around with other long shots. Spagnuolo could have been interviewed again this week instead of waiting until after the Super Bowl. Once again, it shows lack of preparation.
This isn’t an exhaustive search. It’s an exhausting search.
Given the public scorn over this whole process, Snyder must get this one right or truly jeopardize the team’s fan base. Incompetence is no longer overlooked by those once charmed by Snyder overspending on players.
Snyder should take as long as he likes since they’re no longer competing for candidates, but he better come back with something more than Option C.
Rick Snider has covered local sports since 1978. Contact him at [email protected].
