Redskins' Search for New Coach Heats Up

Strategic Insights -

Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder and vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato embarked on a private plane to meet with top coaching candidates, including former New York Giants coach Jim Fassel, former Minnesota Vikings coach Dennis Green, and Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes. The meeting with Fassel is scheduled first, while Green is expected to be interviewed by the end of the weekend, and Rhodes may be interviewed as early as Monday, provided the Seahawks lose in the first round of the playoffs.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Redskins' coaching search is focused on candidates with a track record of success in the NFC East, with Jim Fassel emerging as the top choice due to his two division titles and success against the Redskins.
  • The team will need to interview at least one minority candidate, which would satisfy the NFL's diversity guidelines, making Ray Rhodes or Dennis Green the likely choice for the second interview.
  • The meeting with Fassel is significant, as he has been considered the favorite to land the Buffalo Bills job, but the Redskins are willing to offer a substantial contract to outbid other teams.
  • The Redskins' management structure, with owner Dan Snyder and VP Vinny Cerrato heavily involved, has raised concerns among NFL executives, making the team's ability to attract top talent a challenge.
  • Ray Rhodes, despite his previous reluctance to return to the Redskins, is reportedly open to the idea of becoming the team's new head coach for the third time.

Statistics:

  • The Redskins have a $5 million budget for the coach's slot, which they would use to outbid other teams for Fassel's services.
  • Jim Fassel has a 8-5-1 record against the Redskins during his time with the Giants.
  • Dennis Green's 1998 Vikings set the NFL record for points with 556, nearly double the Redskins' output of 287 this season.
  • Ray Rhodes was previously 37-42-1 in five seasons with the Philadelphia Eagles and Green Bay Packers.

Sources:

  • THE WASHINGTON TIMES, Byline: Jody Foldesy.