Saunders, Williams Out... Officially

by TexSkins on Jan 26, 2008 4:26 PM EST in Redskins News

Offensive Coordinator Al Saunders and Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams have been fired, per this Yahoo! Sports article. From the article:

The Washington Redskins fired assistants Gregg Williams and Al Saunders on Saturday, promoted Greg Blache to lead the team's defense and announced that a head coach would likely not be in place for at least another week.

The Redskins also formally announced the hiring of Jim Zorn, who agreed to a three-year deal Friday to lead the offense.

So... for those of you scoring at home, that's Zorn on O, Blanche on D and... well, no Head Coach. The article mentions the names of Fassel, current Pats offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, as well as current Giants coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, for the position of HC.

It's a good thing head coaches are flexible by nature, you know, because otherwise they might want to put together their own staff.

And, even more damning, is the way that Snyder is treating his coaches. Again, from the article (bold mine for emphasis):

A person familiar with the selection process told The Associated Press that the Redskins have granted the St. Louis Rams permission to interview both Williams and Saunders for coordinator positions. The person said the Rams had to seek permission because, even though Williams and Saunders were told they were being dismissed, the team hasn't formally terminated their contracts. The person spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to speak publicly on the subject.

Wow. Not only has Dan waited until there are no more jobs, he is also keeping the now former coaches under contract, further keeping them from finding a job for next season. Ben over at Curly R called it burning bridges, but I call it just plain mean.

The news is also at the official site.

By the way, welcome to the par-tay Mr. Zorn.

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Comments

I can't wait to find out who your new coach is!

Denver fan here.

I know just the housewarming gift for your new coach when he gets there:

A brand spanking new Draft Day Trade with the Denver Broncos!!

How 'bout it guys? Please pass the following along to your inutterably generous leader, Mr. Snyder:

Dear Mr. Snyder,
We would like to offer our #12 and our 4th rounder #116 (1262) in exchange for your #21 (800) + #52 (380)=(1280).

We here at the Broncos firmly believe this trade is sound and will move you ever closer to your goal of a champeenship. Sure it is short a few points but... What's that? Oh, you want to just give us those extra points? Why! How generous!!

Mile High Report!

by styg50 on Jan 26, 2008 4:48 PM EST reply actions

Please, please, please...

don't give him ideas.

by TexSkins on Jan 26, 2008 5:01 PM EST up reply actions

legit question...

What do you guys remember about the play of Warrick Holdman? He spent the season on IR for us, so he is a huge question mark going into our offseason. We didn't have much depth to begin with, and we ended up playing our "Break Glass in case of Fire" guy, Nate Webster. Baaaaaaaaad idea. Overpursuit is Webster's game. We all believe the Broncos are going to target OLB on day one in the draft, but if Holdman can just...erm...hold his own to prevent Webster from sneaking back into the depth chart, I think we could all breathe a sigh of relief...

Mile High Report!

by styg50 on Jan 26, 2008 5:25 PM EST reply actions

I saw a few DEN games...

Holdman's better than Webster. Well, he was prior to a season on IR.

But, if he's starting... you might be in trouble.

by TexSkins on Jan 26, 2008 7:41 PM EST up reply actions

Oh thuper

Oh the changes that are coming on the roster...

Brunnell gone. Collins gone. Skins need a competent and highly efficient backup West Coast QB before camp (who may very well end up being the starter).

I guarantee other upcoming moves/trades brought forth by the dynamic duo will make the Duckett and Lloyd deals look like steals.

by CptChaosSidekick on Jan 27, 2008 5:04 PM EST reply actions

Well...

There should be a west coast QB in free agency-it's a fairly common scheme. Collins will follow Al, but Brunell may stay-and he should do well with it...though thinking about his past, the nuances of the WC offense may make him less-than-ideal. Campbell may have a bit of a time, as he is not the most accurate QB-and is perhaps a little too aggressive for the west coast. Ladell Betts would make a better WC back, as his hands are reliable (remember that he had a bunch of catches during the 06 season). Portis' aren't bad, but Betts' hands are better. We will still need a pair or larger recievers...and mock drafts have us taking (a pair of) guys that are 6-2 and even 6-4. here's hoping...

by JustinU804 on Jan 27, 2008 6:12 PM EST reply actions