RI: Early reflections

[Sheriff Gonna Getcha]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

Gregg Williams MUST be the successor to Joe Gibbs.

We talk a lot about how Jason Cambell probably learned quite a bit as he watched Todd Collins operate Al Saunder's offense, but I also have to think coach Gregg Williams took away some invaluable lessons about leadership, character, and, yes, even coaching at the master's feet. It's quite possible that while Gibbs made some missteps on the field during his second tenure, the true impact of his return may have been the deposit he made on this coaching staff, particulary Gregg Williams.

I think more than know how, the players on this team want family to take over. After all they've been through together this season, I just can't see an outsider trying to get these guys to play for him. NFL players respond to coaches that have people skills and thrive under adversity.

Finally, Gregg Williams has restored the luster back to the defensive unit. Finishing eighth in the NFL 'aint too shabby. He's going to get back a couple of key starters from last year, Laron Landry just might be developing into one of the better safties in the NFC, and we've found our on the field general in London Fletcher. Williams has a good foundation to build on, and I think the players actually want him to be Gibbs successor. Let's hope so.

I certainly want Grilliams to be the next head coach. That said, I have my reservations. Word is that his Buffalo players hated his cocky, "my way or the highway" philosophy. Coaches like Williams need to field consistent winners or they wear out their welcome fast.

[12thMan]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

I certainly want Grilliams to be the next head coach. That said, I have my reservations. Word is that his Buffalo players hated his cocky, "my way or the highway" philosophy. Coaches like Williams need to field consistent winners or they wear out their welcome fast.

But see, I think he's tempered some of that attitude under Gibbs.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

But see, I think he's tempered some of that attitude under Gibbs.

I think he has too.

Just from his interviews over the past few years he seems to have "mellowed" (probably not the right choice of word with him) a bit, and he's probably learned a few things from working under Gibbs for 4 seasons.

[rypper11]

Originally Posted by 12thMan

But see, I think he's tempered some of that attitude under Gibbs.

And these are already his guys. He has chased guys out of here too (Lavar, Pierce, AA) but these guys seem to love him. Fletcher even came here because of GW.

I think whoever takes over gets a team 1000 times better. Looking back, I'd have to say that the team he took over was even worse than I thought at the time. Ramsey? Trung Canidate? Gardner? Trotter & Armstead? They finished 5-11 and really were lucky to win a couple of them and were blown out by 10-6 Dallas and 7-9 Tampa Bay. 2007 Redskins only lost 1 game that they weren't in at the end (NE) against the second toughest schedule in the NFL.

[BrudLee]

Originally Posted by Sheriff Gonna Getcha

I certainly want Grilliams to be the next head coach. That said, I have my reservations. Word is that his Buffalo players hated his cocky, "my way or the highway" philosophy. Coaches like Williams need to field consistent winners or they wear out their welcome fast.

Three things about this issue that may be comforting:

1. That Buffalo team wasn't a cohesive football team held down by a tyrant. His successor compiled a 14-18 record there in two years before leaving. Maybe Williams was a "tough guy" because that's what they needed to compete.
2. This Washington team is very aware of what they're getting (if he is hired). Gregg has been with the team for four years. He arrived in Buffalo as the head coach after they had just had three years of Wade Phillips (who isn't a taskmaster by reputation) - the Redskins know what to expect.
3. He's had Joe Gibbs as a mentor and friend for these past four years.

[MTK]

Originally Posted by BrudLee

Three things about this issue that may be comforting:

1. That Buffalo team wasn't a cohesive football team held down by a tyrant. His successor compiled a 14-18 record there in two years before leaving. Maybe Williams was a "tough guy" because that's what they needed to compete.
2. This Washington team is very aware of what they're getting (if he is hired). Gregg has been with the team for four years. He arrived in Buffalo as the head coach after they had just had three years of Wade Phillips (who isn't a taskmaster by reputation) - the Redskins know what to expect.
3. He's had Joe Gibbs as a mentor and friend for these past four years.

Good point. Losing teams tend to have a problem with tough coaches, and typically that's why they are losers in the first place.