If Shanny's Not Your Man, Then What Is Your Plan?

[jdc65]

Difficult to answer as this is an open ended question midway thru the season. But as a speculative venture under the presumption the season ends poorly in Washington, here are a few suggestions.

As a possible GM, Eric DeCosta, 41, asst GM for the Ravens under Ozzie Newsome. Worked his way up from the bottom and has a nice resume.

Consider Bill Polian as he has been successful everywhere he's been.

Consider also keeping Bruce Allen as a figure head to work contracts, but hire and empower a director of player personnel from a strong drafting organization like the Giants, Packers, 49ers, or Falcons.

Head Coach is very difficult at this point because the season needs to play out. I would consider Jay Gruden if the Bengals offense plays well down the stretch. Greg Roman of the 49ers has been suggested here, and has a strong buzz. I would prefer to have an offensive minded coach.

However I do believe that a black Head Coach may be the best option for the organization given the makeup of the team and the city. Don't want to bring race into it per se, but honestly do feel an AA coach here offers certain intangibles that should be factored in. Relating to the players, dealing with the local media and fanbase, diffusing certain criticisms and speculations. My 2 choices would be Roy Horton, DC of Ari, or Perry Fewell, DC of NYG. Both have impressive resumes and are great with players and media. Both are defensive minded, which may be more of a necessity.

I am also very enamored with Chip Kelly of Oregon, the Spurrier debacle not withstanding. Kelly has reportedly strong organizational skills which Spurrier did not. The Patriots employ parts of their high octane offense successfully, so it should translate. I want to see the Ducks play Alabama for the Title first. Bama has virtually an NFL defense, and an impressive showing against them puts Kelly at the top of my list. Kelly's offense would be explosive with Griffin and with the appropriate speed around him. Kelly might jump with a Title and RG as his QB. Enticing possibilities and a track meet on sundays. Scary going back to a college coach though.

As far as coordinators go, that is up to the HC. Also want to see who gets fired at the end, but Rex Ryan, Mike Zimmer are options with an offensive HC. 1st timers might be Vance Joseph, DB coach of Texans, or Greg Jackson, DB coach of 9ers if a defensive HC is hired.

Offense might be, if fired, Jason Garrett or Rob Chudzinski as possible options with a defensive HC. Dark horse might be Brian Callahan, asst with Denver, who helped with Tebow transformation midseason last year, and now breaks down film with Peyton Manning. Young though.

Have a more specific plan when the season ends pending each team's performances. Of course, it's all moot if the Skins finish strong. Nice to keep your options open however, and be ready to pounce if the opportunity presents itself. Dallas, more than likely will get first choice, but RG offers something special to snag top dog as well. Snyder has to be prepared for any contingency as a sound business practice.