So long, Coach

Whether or not his second tenure was a success is a debate, but I put forward that it was. 2 playoff berths, plus building a core of young players like Landry, Taylor, Cooley, Portis, Campbell, Rogers, etc was a huge plus. He brought respect to a franchise that hadn't had a playoff berth since Norv Turner in 1999. Despite the valleys, who did we want to coach the Redskins this year? Who could hold the team together, and, even more impressive, rally them to an unlikely playoff berth? There is only one coach in the NFL I would have wanted to have, even though we didn't win the Super Bowl -- Joe Gibbs.

Joe Gibbs put his legacy, his reputation, and his personal health (he is a 67-year-old diabetic in a very high-stress, no sleep environment) on the line for the Redskins fans, and it is our job to appreciate him fully. He did a great job with a team that was mired in a losing culture and took them to the playoffs twice in four years. He will be missed.

Looking forward, I expect Gregg Williams to be our coach, and I think that is the right move. Our defense will remain the same, and hopefully we can keep Al Saunders on offense, for continuity if nothing else. I think most of our team will remain the same, and that we will be a great team next year. Gregg Williams is an inspirational guy and will have success, especially if Al Saunders remains on board.

The Redskins were headed in the right direction. Hopefully, they won't change much. According to the Washington Post: "The Redskins have renegotiated as many as 12 contracts some offseasons, and at $20 million over the cap are certain to continue the practice before free agency begins in March. Veterans Shawn Springs, Marcus Washington, Cornelius Griffin, Santana Moss, Jon Jansen, Randy Thomas, Chris Samuels and Brandon Lloyd also have huge spikes in salary, or hefty bonuses set for 2008, and although most will be restructured and retained, many within the team believe Springs and Lloyd will not be back. Nearly every player of note is under contract for 2008, with backup quarterback Todd Collins and return specialist Rock Cartwright the only prominent potential free agents." (http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2008/01/05/AR2008010502619.html)

Minus Lloyd, and maybe Springs, those guys are going to renegotiate (or retire? Jansen?) and we will be fine. Apparently, we're already talking about pursuing Lance Briggs (since Rocky Mac is going to be hurting for a while), which would be a huge boost to our team, especially Washington and Fletch are getting up there in years.

We will miss you, Coach. Even when we were down, you were the leader that everyone that loves the Redskins trusted. He dedicated a large portion of his life to the Redskins and I, for one, appreciate it very much. Best of luck to him, and here's hoping we sign Williams and just make this coaching search over with right away -- and retain most of the staff.