The lone defensive opening could soon be filled. One job on offense might soon be open. And if it doesn’t, the new head coach of the Redskins could be left with no hires to make.
The only thing for certain with the Redskins coaching situation is who won’t be hired. For starters USC coach Pete Carroll. He interviewed with the Redskins about replacing Joe Gibbs, but never became a serious candidate, a team source confirmed.
Various reports suggested Steve Mariucci was a candidate, but two team sources said he wasn’t and hasn’t even been interviewed.
“We need someone quick,” Redskins guard Randy Thomas said. “We really need to figure out who will be the head coach … I just want someone to lead us to that big dance.”
But Thomas was buoyed by the return of line coach Joe Bugel.
“That was a big plus,” Thomas said. “That rejuvenated me a little bit.”
And one NFC assistant coach said he knows why another coach would take a job with a staff already in place: money.
“If you get one of those [head coaching] jobs, you’re in good shape,” he said. “You will give up some of that [control] to take this job. … And they have a built-in excuse if they don’t win: ‘I don’t have my guys.’”
In other developments:
» Larry Brooks, who worked one season as a line coach under Greg Blache in Chicago when he was the defensive coordinator, visited Redskins Park on Monday, according to a coach. Brooks coached Redskins defensive end Phillip Daniels for one year in both Seattle and Chicago. Daniels was upbeat about Brooks possibly coming to Washington.
“He’s a good coach,” Daniels said.
» Gregg Williams, released on Saturday, will interview with Jacksonville for its vacant defensive coordinator position. A Jaguars source said coach Jack Del Rio was inclined to promote from within, perhaps elevating former Maryland coach Mark Duffner. There’s also a chance Williams could land in St. Louis or Tennessee. One friend of Williams said he was “struggling” with how things transpired.
» Redskins running backs coach Earnest Byner will interview with Tampa Bay on Tuesday, according to several sources. Byner’s contract expires Thursday, buta team source said he would be welcomed back if he desires. If he returns and Brooks is hired, then the new coach would not have any new positions to fill.
