Al Saunders on the way out?

GMScud · 01-13-2008, 12:27 AM

So according to JLC's article in Sunday's Post, several GM's contacted about their opinion on the Skins' future seem to think Al Saunders is not long for the Burgundy & Gold. He also goes on to say that Bugel, Breaux, Simmons, and Burns will most likely stick around. So if Saunders leaves, who becomes OC? Do we look outside to organization or stay within? Should Saunders go? It's no secret he and Gregg aren't the best of friends....

From JLC's article:

With the team at a crossroads after Gibbs's sudden retirement, there is much to go over. Several general managers contacted said they believed the job of Al Saunders, the Redskins' associate head coach whose offense has under-performed in two years in Washington, could be in jeopardy, and some turnover on the offensive coaching staff may be inevitable....

...The source also believed that the four offensive coaches who were with Gibbs from his first stint in Washington -- Joe Bugel, Don Breaux, Rennie Simmons and Jack Burns -- would remain a part of the staff, and they have expressed their desire to continue coaching.

wolfeskins · 01-13-2008, 12:29 AM

i'd like to see al saunders stick around at least i more year.

12thMan · 01-13-2008, 12:30 AM

I wouldn't put too much stock into what outsiders think the Skins are going to do. If I were a betting man, I would say both Williams and Saunders are back.

hurrykaine · 01-13-2008, 12:34 AM

Saunders better be back. Would suck to go back to the high school offense that Breaux/Burns/Bugel employed in '04 and most of '05. Or for that matter, it would suck equally to watch the offense struggle to learn a totally new offensive system.

GMScud · 01-13-2008, 12:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 12thMan

I wouldn't put too much stock into what outsiders think the Skins are going to do. If I were a betting man, I would say both Williams and Saunders are back.

Apparently the Danny is very disappointed with the offense since Al came in. It's hard to judge Al too hard because of the flux in the QB position and injuries. Not to mention the conflicting philosophies with Gibbs (which still makes me wonder why Al was hired to begin with). I think if he sticks around he MUST have autonomy as far as all play calling is concerned. I personally don't want to see him go. If the Danny is all about continuity and JC being the franchise QB, then stick with Al.

wolfeskins · 01-13-2008, 12:35 AM

i didn't know greg and al didn't get along

onlydarksets · 01-13-2008, 12:38 AM

I think the last 4 games of the season probably saved Saunders' job. That is, if Gibbs had retired without that run, I think Saunders would definitely be gone, whether he wanted to or not. However, he showed what this offense is capable of doing, and I bet that caught Snyder's attention.

GMScud · 01-13-2008, 12:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wolfeskins

i didn't know greg and al didn't get along

I don't think it's that they don't get along, it's more like they basically don't have a relationship. Al coaches strictly offense, and does his work on Sunday from the booth. Gregg is all defense, and always on the sideline. Apparently they aren't close at all.

SmootSmack · 01-13-2008, 12:41 AM

I'll just combine here what I've said in a couple of other threads

Al Saunders was at the Wizards game (big win over the Celtics!) tonight, for what it's worth.

Anyhow, yeah it will be really interesting to see what happens on the offensive side of the ball. Either way I don't see Cameron here. He'll probably be Marty's OC if Schott takes the Ravens' HC job

I hope Saunders stays. And I think he will. We certainly seemed to be making progress under his offensive game plan. I wish there was someone on the offensive coaching staff who stood out as being able to step up to a more prominent role. On the defensive side if Williams were to leave or move up to HC, you know someone like Jerry Gray is capable of stepping into the DC (or Asst. Head Coach-Defense) role. But if the same happened with Saunders, is there someone on the staff that could step up? I don't know that there is? Byner? Hixon?

I thought maybe the Redskins were in Arizona interviewing Jim Fassel (since it supposedly wasn't Russ Grimm). But supposedly it was a current assistant coach. So maybe it was Maurice Carthon. He's a legit candidate, though far from the best (and it fulfills the Rooney Rule). Or maybe it was some assistant from another team who happens to live in Arizona.

I think Saunders stays, but I wouldn't be surprised if several other assistants leave. I think they're going to pare down that staff. Let people go and not necessarily replace them.

GMScud · 01-13-2008, 12:51 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SmootSmack

I'll just combine here what I've said in a couple of other threads

Al Saunders was at the Wizards game (big win over the Celtics!) tonight, for what it's worth.

Anyhow, yeah it will be really interesting to see what happens on the offensive side of the ball. Either way I don't see Cameron here. He'll probably be Marty's OC if Schott takes the Ravens' HC job

I hope Saunders stays. And I think he will. We certainly seemed to be making progress under his offensive game plan. I wish there was someone on the offensive coaching staff who stood out as being able to step up to a more prominent role. On the defensive side if Williams were to leave or move up to HC, you know someone like Jerry Gray is capable of stepping into the DC (or Asst. Head Coach-Defense) role. But if the same happened with Saunders, is there someone on the staff that could step up? I don't know that there is? Byner? Hixon?

I thought maybe the Redskins were in Arizona interviewing Jim Fassel (since it supposedly wasn't Russ Grimm). But supposedly it was a current assistant coach. So maybe it was Maurice Carthon. He's a legit candidate, though far from the best (and it fulfills the Rooney Rule). Or maybe it was some assistant from another team who happens to live in Arizona.

I think Saunders stays, but I wouldn't be surprised if several other assistants leave. I think they're going to pare down that staff. Let people go and not necessarily replace them.

As far as the Wiz go... HELL YEAH!! Lowest point total of the season for Boston! Woohooo!

As far as the rest.. I hope to god we weren't interviewing Jim Fassel. If Billick says "trust me, I know quarterbacks," and Fassel was coaching underneath him, then just shoot me if he comes to town.

I think Al should stay too. No one on the current offensive staff is capable of taking over as a coordinator IMO, and the only other guy I'd feel comfortable with from outside is Jim Caldwell (Indy). But he won't leave the Colts for another coordinator position.

Al will probably feel a little more at ease without Gibbs around. If there can be an "I'll do my thing, you do yours" understanding between Al and Gregg, I'm all for it. That is, of course, if Gregg is named head coach...

Isn't flux fun??

70Chip · 01-13-2008, 02:14 AM

If Saunders goes, I would like to see them go with Bill Lazor. Most of the successful OCs in the league right now are younger guys. Hell Peyton Manning is Indy's de-facto Coordinator so maybe we should just give the job to Todd Collins.

SmootSmack · 01-13-2008, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 70Chip

If Saunders goes, I would like to see them go with Bill Lazor. Most of the successful OCs in the league right now are younger guys. Hell Peyton Manning is Indy's de-facto Coordinator so maybe we should just give the job to Todd Collins.

Lazor would be an interesting choice, and not a bad one at that.

dmek25 · 01-13-2008, 06:43 AM

i was one of the biggest Saunders bashers. but over the last quarter of the season, his offense started clicking. now, to keep continuity, he has almost got to stay if the skins are to be successful in 2008

T.O.Killa · 01-13-2008, 09:35 AM

If the Redskins are to be successfull, with Williams, they need Saunders. If they get rid of Saunders, we are 6-10 next year, and Williams is on the way out and Cohwer is in. It seemed to me, that after we lost to Buffalo, Joe Gibbs gave complete control to Saunders and the offense took off. I think this article is another case of JLC making totally inacurate statements. The more I think about last season, the more I think the JLC is wrong about Saunders. Last year, our defense was the problem and our offense was getting better. This year our offense started coming together, especialy after Collins took over. Furthemore, as the season progressed, Joe gave him more and more control. Throwing on 4-1, come on, Joe had complete trust in him. I would be stunned if they kept Williams and let Saunders go.

Defensewins · 01-13-2008, 10:08 AM

Al Saunders has never had control of the offense. It would be unfair of Snyder the football genius to blame Saunders for the redskins woes on offense. Gibbs controlled the offense play calling or at least had a heavy influence on what was called. Saunders never really ran 'his' offense. I hope this report is not true.

01-13-2008, 12:27 AM	#1
GMScud Swearinger Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Washington, DC Posts: 12,626	Al Saunders on the way out? So according to JLC's article in Sunday's Post, several GM's contacted about their opinion on the Skins' future seem to think Al Saunders is not long for the Burgundy & Gold. He also goes on to say that Bugel, Breaux, Simmons, and Burns will most likely stick around. So if Saunders leaves, who becomes OC? Do we look outside to organization or stay within? Should Saunders go? It's no secret he and Gregg aren't the best of friends.... From JLC's article: With the team at a crossroads after Gibbs's sudden retirement, there is much to go over. Several general managers contacted said they believed the job of Al Saunders, the Redskins' associate head coach whose offense has under-performed in two years in Washington, could be in jeopardy, and some turnover on the offensive coaching staff may be inevitable.... ...The source also believed that the four offensive coaches who were with Gibbs from his first stint in Washington -- Joe Bugel, Don Breaux, Rennie Simmons and Jack Burns -- would remain a part of the staff, and they have expressed their desire to continue coaching. __________________ Tardy

01-13-2008, 12:29 AM	#2
wolfeskins The Starter Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: chesapeake,va. Posts: 2,160	Re: Al Saunders on the way out? i'd like to see al saunders stick around at least i more year. __________________ Hail to Allen/Shanahan .... bring in some baby hogs and load up on diesel fuel !!! (budw38)

01-13-2008, 12:30 AM	#3
12thMan MVP Join Date: May 2005 Location: washington, D.C. Posts: 11,460	Re: Al Saunders on the way out? I wouldn't put too much stock into what outsiders think the Skins are going to do. If I were a betting man, I would say both Williams and Saunders are back.

01-13-2008, 12:34 AM	#4
hurrykaine Impact Rookie Join Date: Jul 2004 Location: Washington, D.C. Age: 50 Posts: 762	Re: Al Saunders on the way out? Saunders better be back. Would suck to go back to the high school offense that Breaux/Burns/Bugel employed in '04 and most of '05. Or for that matter, it would suck equally to watch the offense struggle to learn a totally new offensive system.

01-13-2008, 12:35 AM	#6
wolfeskins The Starter Join Date: Aug 2004 Location: chesapeake,va. Posts: 2,160	Re: Al Saunders on the way out? i didn't know greg and al didn't get along __________________ Hail to Allen/Shanahan .... bring in some baby hogs and load up on diesel fuel !!! (budw38)

01-13-2008, 12:38 AM	#7
onlydarksets Playmaker Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: all up in your business Posts: 2,693	Re: Al Saunders on the way out? I think the last 4 games of the season probably saved Saunders' job. That is, if Gibbs had retired without that run, I think Saunders would definitely be gone, whether he wanted to or not. However, he showed what this offense is capable of doing, and I bet that caught Snyder's attention. __________________ Stop reading my signature.

01-13-2008, 12:41 AM	#9
SmootSmack Uncle Phil Join Date: Feb 2004 Posts: 45,256	Re: Al Saunders on the way out? I'll just combine here what I've said in a couple of other threads Al Saunders was at the Wizards game (big win over the Celtics!) tonight, for what it's worth. Anyhow, yeah it will be really interesting to see what happens on the offensive side of the ball. Either way I don't see Cameron here. He'll probably be Marty's OC if Schott takes the Ravens' HC job I hope Saunders stays. And I think he will. We certainly seemed to be making progress under his offensive game plan. I wish there was someone on the offensive coaching staff who stood out as being able to step up to a more prominent role. On the defensive side if Williams were to leave or move up to HC, you know someone like Jerry Gray is capable of stepping into the DC (or Asst. Head Coach-Defense) role. But if the same happened with Saunders, is there someone on the staff that could step up? I don't know that there is? Byner? Hixon? I thought maybe the Redskins were in Arizona interviewing Jim Fassel (since it supposedly wasn't Russ Grimm). But supposedly it was a current assistant coach. So maybe it was Maurice Carthon. He's a legit candidate, though far from the best (and it fulfills the Rooney Rule). Or maybe it was some assistant from another team who happens to live in Arizona. I think Saunders stays, but I wouldn't be surprised if several other assistants leave. I think they're going to pare down that staff. Let people go and not necessarily replace them. __________________ You're So Vain...You Probably Think This Sig Is About You

01-13-2008, 02:14 AM	#11
70Chip Playmaker Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Manassas Age: 53 Posts: 3,048	Re: Al Saunders on the way out? If Saunders goes, I would like to see them go with Bill Lazor. Most of the successful OCs in the league right now are younger guys. Hell Peyton Manning is Indy's de-facto Coordinator so maybe we should just give the job to Todd Collins. __________________ This Monkey's Gone to Heaven

01-13-2008, 06:43 AM	#13
dmek25 MVP Join Date: Oct 2005 Location: lancaster,pa Age: 62 Posts: 10,672	Re: Al Saunders on the way out? i was one of the biggest Saunders bashers. but over the last quarter of the season, his offense started clicking. now, to keep continuity, he has almost got to stay if the skins are to be successful in 2008 __________________ "It's better to be quiet and thought a fool than to open ones mouth and remove all doubt." courtesy of 53fan

01-13-2008, 09:35 AM	#14
T.O.Killa The Starter Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Berlin, MD Posts: 2,061	Re: Al Saunders on the way out? If the Redskins are to be successfull, with Williams, they need Saunders. If they get rid of Saunders, we are 6-10 next year, and Williams is on the way out and Cohwer is in. It seemed to me, that after we lost to Buffalo, Joe Gibbs gave complete control to Saunders and the offense took off. I think this article is another case of JLC making totally inacurate statements. The more I think about last season, the more I think the JLC is wrong about Saunders. Last year, our defense was the problem and our offense was getting better. This year our offense started coming together, especialy after Collins took over. Furthemore, as the season progressed, Joe gave him more and more control. Throwing on 4-1, come on, Joe had complete trust in him. I would be stunned if they kept Williams and let Saunders go.

01-13-2008, 10:08 AM	#15
Defensewins Playmaker Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Houston, Texas Posts: 3,742	Re: Al Saunders on the way out? Al Saunders has never had control of the offense. It would be unfair of Snyder the football genius to blame Saunders for the redskins woes on offense. Gibbs controlled the offense play calling or at least had a heavy influence on what was called. Saunders never really ran 'his' offense. I hope this report is not true.

Al Saunders on the way out?

Locker Room Main Forum