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Caught off guard by Steve Spurrier's resignation, Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder is looking for his fifth coach in five years.
At least this time he can't be accused of being impatient. He was ready to have Spurrier return for a third season until the coach called Tuesday morning to say that a 12-20 record was too much to take.
``It was totally unexpected,'' said Karl Swanson, Snyder's spokesman.
If so, Snyder might be one of very few people to feel that way. Spurrier's departure had been rumored for weeks, and in his final days his walk, talk and overall behavior were indicative of someone who wasn't happy in his job.
``All of the losing can wear you down,'' Spurrier said in his resignation statement.
So Snyder must find a new face to join the parade of Norv Turner, Terry Robiskie, Marty Schottenheimer and Spurrier, his four head coaches since he bought the team in 1999. Two former NFL coaches, Dennis Green and Jim Fassel, head a list of possible candidates for an owner who has always preferred high-profile names over little-known up-and-comers.
Whoever takes the
job will find a team in need of an attitude overhaul. Spurrier's reign was one
of confusion, mixed messages and lack of discipline. His Fun 'n' Gun offense
didn't translate from college to the NFL, and he overestimated the standard
of professionalism among NFL players.
By the time it was over, Spurrier sounded like someone who doesn't want to coach
anywhere -- at least not right away.
``This is a very demanding job,'' Spurrier said. ``It's a long grind and I feel that after 20 years as a head coach, there are other things that I need to do.''
Spurrier quit three days after the Redskins finished 5-11 by losing 10 of their last 12 games. The five other coaching departures this month have all been firings: Dave McGinnis (Cardinals), Dick Jauron (Bears), Gregg Williams (Bills), Dan Reeves (Falcons) and Fassel (Giants).
Spurrier walked away from the final three years of a five-year, $25 million contract, the richest ever given an NFL coach. He will be paid some money to cover personal expenses over the next few months, but his compensation will not be ``an amount anywhere near approaching his contract,'' Swanson said.
The process of Spurrier's resignation was as confusing as some of his news conferences. Spurrier actually denied quitting at one point, even though the team said he had.
The misunderstanding began when Spurrier told Snyder to work out the final details of the resignation with agent Jimmy Sexton. With Sexton in Memphis, Tenn., Snyder in Washington and Spurrier on a golf course in Florida, the coach didn't know that all the issues had been resolved and thus told The Washington Post, ``I have not resigned.''
Minutes later, after hearing from his agent, Spurrier reversed himself and acknowledged he was quitting.
``We had a little miscommunication,'' Spurrier told The Associated Press.
Miscommunication was the theme for much of Spurrier's time in Washington. He clashed with Snyder over personnel moves this season, particularly the owner's decision to cut quarterback Danny Wuerffel at the end of training camp.
The coach also was hurt by an inability to enforce discipline, especially after defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis left to become the Cincinnati Bengals' head coach.
The Redskins set a franchise record for penalties this season, and players described a lax atmosphere in which tardiness was tolerated, cell phones rang during meetings and on-field errors weren't corrected at practice.
Spurrier was one of the most successful offensive coaches in college history, going 122-27-1 at Florida with a high-powered, pass-oriented attack that often produced lopsided scores. His Gators won the 1996 national championship.
He abruptly quit in January 2002 because he wanted to try his offense in the NFL. He brought several ex-Florida players to the Redskins in his first season -- which he later admitted was a mistake. He went 7-9 while making five changes at starting quarterback.
Snyder provided Spurrier with plenty of offensive talent last offseason, signing receiver Laveranues Coles and upgrading the offensive line. But the season turned ugly, first in a series of close losses, then later in embarrassing blowouts.
The Redskins lost their last two home games by a combined 58-7, and the offense ended the season ranked 23rd in the league. Spurrier lost more games in two years with the Redskins than he did in his last nine combined with the Gators.
If Spurrier pursues another NFL job, his new suitor would have to work out a deal with the Redskins, who hold Spurrier's rights for the next three years.
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