The Redskins assistants continued the process of breaking down film, evaluating players and wondering about their future. It’s what they’ll do for the time being, until the coach search is completed.
One thing they weren’t, however, is stunned by Joe Gibbs’ decision to retire. But they are curious about their future.
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“If you hear anything, give me a ring,” quarterbacks coach Bill Lazor joked with several members of the media. “Unless the person who is making the decision is having anything to do with that talk, it’s wasting time. I’ll deal with it as it comes … I’m interested in seeing it get over with soon.”
Most of the coaches, but not all, are under contract for at least one more year. Some have deals that expire during the offseason. While the players have voiced their support for Gregg Williams, there is a similar stance being taken by the assistants. Not that it necessarily matters in the end; owner Dan Snyder will hire whomever he wants — the great majority did not want him to fire Marty Schottenheimer after the 2001 season.
“Gregg has a lot of support from a lot of people on the coaching staff as well,” running backs coach Earnest Byner said. “Gregg is one of those guys who has a real good understanding of the team. [Snyder] has said he wants to keep continuity and Gregg is one of those guys who definitely has an understanding of what’s needed to be a coach.”
Said secondary coach Jerry Gray, “If they make a change from the inside, it’s good. If they make a change from the outside, then you adjust and go on.”
The assistants said they were mildly surprised by Gibbs’ decision.
“Guys are talking about all the indicators they all saw,” Byner said, “and some of the things that happened in different games that said this might be coming down the pike. Some guys are on the phone talking to different people trying to size up what-ifs and all different things.
“For a lot of people it is difficult, but things have a way of working themselves out. It will work out. Everything will be OK.”
