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The Ballcoach doesn't have a ball team today.
Steve Spurrier resigned Tuesday from the Washington Redskins, walking away from
the richest contract in the NFL in a manner that was as confusing and as questionable
as his offense.
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"This is a very demanding job. It's a long grind, and I feel after 20 years as a head coach there are other things I need to do," said Spurrier in a statement released by the team.
"I simply believe this is the right time to move on because this team needs
new leadership. I've enjoyed my time in Washington. Obviously, all the losing
can wear you down."
Spurrier never knew much about losing until he left the University of Florida
in January 2002 for the NFL, where he went 12-20 in two seasons. Spurrier lost
more games with the Redskins than he lost in his last nine years with the Gators,
and just about everyone at Florida was shocked to hear he had resigned.
"To be honest with you, I'm a little surprised," said Florida athletic
director Jeremy Foley, who watched Spurrier lead the Gators to a 112-27-1 record
and a national title in his 12 years there.
"I have known Coach Spurrier for a long time, and I have known he always
has a plan. He is also pretty sure what he wants to do with his life. I think
that was pretty indicative when he left the University of Florida, he had a
plan. I'm sure he has a plan for the next phase."
But what and where?
There are five openings in the NFL, and Spurrier, whose team dropped 10 of its
last 12 games to finish at 5-11, might be a candidate.
There will even be speculation about him returning to college coaching.
"With the NFL nothing surprises you, and certainly with Steve Spurrier
nothing surprises you," said Bob Davie, a former Notre Dame coach who was
at Florida's practice in Tampa on Tuesday.
THE NEXT STEP
"The first speculation in my mind is Nebraska," he said. "I don't
know Steve Spurrier that well, but it's hard to see him in a red parka on the
sidelines in Lincoln, Neb."
Davie, like others, believes Spurrier has a plan, but he also believes Spurrier
might take a break from coaching.
"I thought I would jump right back into coaching as soon as I was let go
by Notre Dame," he said. "But you find out there's different lifestyles
out there and different things you can find enjoyment from."
Florida assistant head coach Dwayne Dixon said he felt Spurrier might walk away
from coaching.
"I'm sure he has a plan, but I don't know [if he has to coach]," he
said. "He's one of those guys. He doesn't have to coach to compete. He
has other things he can do to compete. We all know what they are," he said,
referring to Spurrier's passion for golf.
Florida coach Ron Zook, who has lived in Spurrier's giant shadow, said, "Believe
me, Coach Spurrier will be fine. . . . He is the No. 1 Gator, and no one cares
about the Gators more than he does. And we are in his corner, also."
Spurrier's decision to leave was anything but a smooth exit. There was a two-hour
period of confusion because the team announced Spurrier's resignation in Washington,
and when Spurrier was found on a golf course in Florida, he denied the report.
Later -- after speaking with his agent -- Spurrier confirmed he had resigned.
Spurrier said he had told owner Dan Snyder on Tuesday morning he had resigned
and to work out the details with his agent, Jimmy Sexton. Spurrier said he didn't
know all the details had been worked out when he was first approached, and cleared
it up "minutes later," after talking to Sexton.
Redskins spokesman Karl Swanson said Spurrier's resignation was "totally
unexpected."
PROBLEMS WITH SNYDER
Spurrier walks away from the final three years of a five-year, $25 million contract
-- the richest in NFL history -- after reaching a settlement with the team.
He had said on several occasions during recent weeks that he was staying, but
there was speculation he might not return because of the team's performance
and because of the ongoing problems between Spurrier and Snyder.
Spurrier wasn't happy with personnel moves made by Snyder and was especially
upset when Snyder cut quarterback Danny Wuerffel, a Heisman Trophy winner at
Florida, at the end of training camp.
Spurrier had other problems, and there were reports of a lack of discipline
and players complaining Spurrier was lax, allowing them to show up tardy and
allowing cellphones to ring during team meetings. Things became worse after
defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis left to take the head coaching job at Cincinnati.
The Redskins set a franchise record for penalties this season, and players reportedly
said on-field mistakes were rarely corrected at practice. Spurrier's Fun 'n'
Gun offense never took off.
His replacement will be the fifth coach since Snyder bought the team in 1999.
If Spurrier seeks another NFL job, the new team will have to work out a deal
with the Redskins, who hold Spurrier's rights for the next three years.
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