Redskins Can't Just Give Coaching Job to G. Williams Even if They Want To
Even if the Redskins want to give their head coaching job to defensive boss Gregg Williams, they must conduct a search and interview at least one minority candidate to comply with the league policy widely known at the Rooney Rule.
Before Redskins owner Daniel Snyder hired Joe Gibbs in 2004, Snyder and Vinny Cerrato interviewed Jim Fassel, Dennis Green and Ray Rhodes. Snyder was particularly impressed with Rhodes and probably would have hired him if Gibbs had been unavailable. But Rhodes has had to give up active coaching duties in Seattle in recent seasons because of health problems.
Redskins part-owner Dwight Schar was very active in the last coaching search, in large part because of his close relationship with Gibbs.
By Mark Maske |
January 8, 2008; 12:45 PM ET
| Category:
Redskins
Previous: No Changes in Carolina |
Next: Why Not Schottenheimer?
Posted by: Thomas | January 8, 2008 3:17 PM
The Rooney rule is valid and was necessary. People weren't considering black coaches seriously enough and still aren't as far as new coaching vacancies after someone has been fired are concerned. However, the rule needs to be changed to allow for continuity in cases like this. In general if a coach is let go because of performance, it should be an even playing field. But if he leaves for personal reasons, the team should have every right to promote from within.
Posted by: Rich Forsen | January 8, 2008 3:30 PM
@Rich,
Agree with your first two sentences. However, regarding your third sentence:
As Mike Wilbon is fond of saying on PTI, even if a team has no intention of hiring the minority candidate, just giving the individual an interview raises their profile and opens them up to other opportunities down the line either on the same team or from the other 31 teams.
Posted by: reswob | January 8, 2008 4:29 PM
The Rooney Rule is racist, illegal, and unconstitutional. It's demeaning to QUALIFIED black coaches. And it's asinine to tell the Redskins tha they can't hire Joe Gibbs, a legend, without talking to token black (and white) candidates.
I wonder if the liberals who support the Rooney Rule would support its application to the hiring of fullbacks, defensive backs, and wide receivers ??
Posted by: HonestFan | January 8, 2008 4:56 PM
Not correct.
Rommey Rule does not apply if you are promoting a asst coach.
http://www.aaregistry.com/african_american_history/2269/NFL_levies_fine_over_Rooney_Rule
Posted by: TMK | January 8, 2008 5:56 PM
I am a long time Redskins fan. What about Jim Caldwell as the next head coach. offensive minded,develops quarterbacks. and is mentored by Tony Dungy. Dan has a history of hiring coaching combinations that consist of a strong offensive mind and a strong defensive mind. Example:Steve Spurrier/Marvin Lewis, Marty S/Ray Rhodes, Joe Gibbs/Gregg Williams.
How about Jim Caldwell / Jim Schwartz
Posted by: Anonymous | January 12, 2008 3:12 PM
I hope that Dwight Schar and the other minority owners realize that for most Redskins fans, the current coaching fiasco is the last straw. Of the five season ticket owners that I know 4 are turning theirs in. Others are removing their names from the waiting list. The total disrespect for the current coaches and players and the break of trust with the fans on the "continuity" promise will cost them loyaloty and bucks. I will not ever go to redskins.com or a Redskins store , or Six Flags or a game. Nothing to knowingly put a penny in Dan's pocket. (BTW- I have been a Dan supporter from the beginning.) I am not the only one that feels this way- there is a movement. The team belongs to the fans- Joe understood that. The owners are nothing without our money. They can sit in FEDEX by themselves- Maybe Tom Cruise can keep Dan company! The only thing that will bring me back is Gibbs or Schar or someone else being the majority owner
Posted by: Redskins Randy | January 26, 2008 9:23 AM
The comments to this entry are closed.
Would be interesting if they brought Singletary in for an interview to comply with the Rooney Rule and look at what is considered a very good candidate. I think if Cowher doesn't bite he will go with Williams. This will be done by the end of the month.