TK Posted December 23, 2003 Share Posted December 23, 2003 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A22973-2003Dec22.html Spurrier Rumors: A Broken Record Gossip Regarding the Redskins Coach's Whereabouts Next Year Keep Multiplying By Nunyo Demasio Washington Post Staff Writer Tuesday, December 23, 2003; Page D06 Only a few players trickled out of Redskins Park yesterday after showing up for treatment when Coach Steve Spurrier gave his team the day off. Spurrier has canceled his weekly radio show next Monday, and intends to depart for a two-week trip to Florida less than 24 hours after Saturday's night's finale against the Philadelphia Eagles. "That's flattering, whoever's starting them," Steve Spurrier said of rumors that have linked him to several other jobs. Do those decisions have any bearing on Spurrier's status for next season? No. Are the moves fodder for conspiracy theorists? Yes. Spurrier has turned into the Loch Ness Monster of NFL coaches, with his name mysteriously popping up with various jobs -- almost all in the collegiate ranks -- before he scoffs at the reports. With the Redskins out of playoff contention for weeks, the only thing left of interest has been talk of the status of the coaching staff and rumors linking Spurrier to anywhere but Washington next season. Spurrier has been mystified with the attention generated by a coach who has lost eight of his past 10 games. "That's flattering, whoever's starting them," said Spurrier, who has been relentlessly linked to coaching jobs at Auburn, Clemson, Duke, Nebraska and North Carolina. "Usually when you're 5-10, you're just about gone where you are. Somebody starts something and picks up on it. Somebody said it's the time of year everybody wants to know where the coaches are going. It's something to talk about I guess." The latest report came Sunday when ESPN's Chris Mortensen said that Miami Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga has contemplated attempting to acquire Spurrier -- and the remaining $15 million on his contract, which expires in 2006 -- for compensation, possibly draft picks. The Miami Dolphins (9-6) are expected to fire Dave Wannstedt with his team eliminated from the playoffs. According to NFL spokesman Greg Aiello, a team can still essentially trade a coach despite the outcry after head coach Jon Gruden left the Oakland Raiders for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in February 2002. Saturday gives Spurrier an opportunity to improve on his disastrous division mark of 2-9 and hamper Philadelphia's bid to win its third consecutive NFC East title and gain a first-round bye. If the Eagles lose, they can still claim the division should the Saints (7-8) defeat the Cowboys (10-5) on Sunday. Cornerback Champ Bailey intends to play against Philadelphia despite suffering a concussion and facial lacerations in the first quarter of Sunday's 27-24 loss to the Bears. Bailey was inadvertently kicked by Marty Booker after trying to tackle the wideout, who beat the cornerback for a 59-yard touchdown. Bailey had been bleeding profusely -- "blood was in my eyes," he recalled -- but returned for a few more plays before being forced out because he was woozy. Although Bailey is a possible free agent, he doesn't look at the game as potentially his last with the team. "I'm just going to approach it as the last game of the season," Bailey said. Although owner Daniel Snyder hasn't budged from last week's remark of "absolutely" retaining Spurrier, qualifiers have been attached to the assistants. Management believes that Spurrier can be successful with a more experienced staff. Spurrier has tellingly done a verbal dance responding to queries on the subject. One theory has Spurrier compromising if there is a change in management structure. Another scenario has Tim Ruskell, the Buccaneers' director of player personnel and a friend of Spurrier's, joining Washington. Offensive line coach Kim Helton received criticism during the first half of the season when Patrick Ramsey was one of the league's most sacked quarterbacks. But the offensive line has performed well since Spurrier simplified his offense late in the season, coinciding with Tim Hasselbeck's move to starter. Spurrier described the line's performance Sunday as its best of the season. The defense has sputtered to 23rd in George Edwards's first year, following Marvin Lewis as coordinator. And a few defensive players, who requested anonymity, expect a change. But Edwards could contend that his makeshift line has featured longtime veteran Bruce Smith and tackle Darrell Russell, who collected only his third tackle on Sunday, and that Lewis's Bengals defense is ranked No. 27. "Whatever announcement about the coaches," Spurrier said yesterday, "we'll do that when the season is over." Redskins Notes: Safety Ifeanyi Ohalete will be placed on the injured reserve with a sprained knee and ankle, causing him to miss the finale. . . . Safety Matt Bowen suffered a concussion Sunday but will play. . . . Linebacker LaVar Arrington said yesterday on his radio segment with John Thompson that he wants some personnel input. Arrington added that he disagreed with the club's decision to jettison tackles Daryl Gardener and Dan Wilkinson, although he didn't blame their replacements. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montilar Posted December 23, 2003 Share Posted December 23, 2003 Linebacker LaVar Arrington said yesterday on his radio segment with John Thompson that he wants some personnel input. . :puke: :doh: :shot: :hammer: Hey Lavar; :moon: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
TC4 Posted December 23, 2003 Share Posted December 23, 2003 The defense has sputtered to 23rd in George Edwards's first year, following Marvin Lewis as coordinator. And a few defensive players, who requested anonymity, expect a change. But Edwards could contend that his makeshift line has featured longtime veteran Bruce Smith and tackle Darrell Russell, who collected only his third tackle on Sunday, and that Lewis's Bengals defense is ranked No. 27. Interseting......... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EvoSkins Posted December 23, 2003 Share Posted December 23, 2003 So Spurrier is leaving less than 24 hours after the finale? I think he is not comfortable in DC and rather be in Florida. If Miami makes an offer, we should seriously think about taking it. How many concussions has Bowen had this year? With Ohalete on IR and Bowen recovering from a concussion, who is going to play safety? Franz, Lott or Terrell? Say it ain't so. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SonnyJ Posted December 23, 2003 Share Posted December 23, 2003 Shouldn't Lavar actually win something and make sure that he isn't blowing plays before saying he should have input? I can't believe he actually said that...:doh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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