Ex-Skins coordinator flourishes with Saints
ASHBURN – The stories usually return to one topic: his mouth. Gregg Williams did not exactly tiptoe around their feelings with his words, dropping cuss words to emphasize his displeasure. The rookies, in particular, received his barbs.
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“As a rookie I was like, ‘Is that even legal to say that?'” defensive tackle Kedric Golston said. “Then I realized we’re grown men so it’s all good.”
In between the, uh, more colorful words was plenty of wisdom. It’s why the players wanted him to replace Joe Gibbs after the 2007 season.
“You can ask any player,” corner Carlos Rogers said. “They like playing for him.”
He didn’t get the job because, sources said at the time, Williams’ abrasive personality would likely result in clashes with the front office.
After a year as Jacksonville’s defensive coordinator, Williams now is in charge of New Orleans’ defense. He’ll make his first regular season return since exiting.
“Gregg wants to stick it to every offense,” linebacker London Fletcher said. “Do I think he’ll want to get ours more? Probably, considering everything that transpired a couple years ago.”
Rogers, knowing how much pressure Williams brings — though he’s just as likely to rush only three or four to confuse quarterbacks — said Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell, “needs to have his track shoes on.”
But …
“Some of his better game plans were conservative,” Saints coach Sean Payton said. “Gregg has brought a level of leadership and confidence to that unit. I like the passion he coaches with.”
Nine Redskins expected to start Sunday played under Williams, provided corner Fred Smoot starts, as expected, for injured DeAngelo Hall (knee).
Safety Reed Doughty quickly learned what Williams demanded. On draft day, after speaking with Gibbs, Williams got on the phone.
“He said, ‘Are you in shape?’ I said, ‘Yes, sir.’ And he said, ‘We’ll see. I’m going to make you puke,'” Doughty recalled. “It was tough and I learned a lot from Gregg. I respect him a lot. What people don’t know about Gregg, as hard as he is, especially on rookies, once you gain his respect and he can trust you, he’ll have your back.”
