goldenster95 Posted January 17, 2004 Share Posted January 17, 2004 http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A23878-2004Jan16.html Gibbs to Count On 'Character' Players Redskins Coach Also Continues to Concentrate on Hiring His Assistants By Nunyo Demasio Washington Post Staff Writer Saturday, January 17, 2004; Page D04 Coach Joe Gibbs envisions a team that has cerebral tight ends among his "character" players, including cornerback Champ Bailey, the perennial Pro Bowl pick whose return to the Washington Redskins is tenuous because of his status as an impending free agent. Gibbs's coaching and scouting staff has spent the week studying tape in preparation for the offseason. "We want to know everything about our players," said Gibbs, who intends to be heavily involved in the defensive unit. Nonetheless, Gibbs's priority remains signing assistants, a process he said has been slowed by NFL guidelines. Although Dick LeBeau wasn't in Washington's plans, Gibbs had kept a close eye on Buffalo's former assistant head coach. Yesterday, LeBeau was named defensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers, killing the Redskins' slim hopes of signing Buffalo defensive coordinator Jerry Gray as a defensive backs coach. The Bills had blocked the Redskins' attempts to negotiate with Gray, at least until LeBeau announced his decision. Yesterday, new Bills coach Mike Mularkey announced he will retain Gray, who was so highly regarded that he was one of seven candidates to interview for Buffalo's head coaching job. "It's just a process, and one guy falls into another place," Gibb said yesterday during an informal gathering with reporters at Redskins Park. "It speeds up now, that's all." Mularkey replaced Redskins defensive coordinator Gregg Williams, who was Buffalo's head coach for the past three seasons and wanted to poach several former assistants. NFL rules require an assistant under contract to gain permission from their club unless interviewing to be a head coach. This week, the Redskins signed the only two assistants Buffalo set free: safeties coach Steve Jackson and special teams coach Danny Smith. The Redskins also have been interested in Bills defensive line coach Tim Krumrie and linebackers coach Don Blackmon. LeBeau's departure means Washington has a shot at signing Krumrie. The assistant was considered a lock to remain in Buffalo if LeBeau stayed there: Krumrie was a defensive line coach under LeBeau in Cincinnati from 1997 to 2002. Mularkey hasn't announced his decision on Blackmon and Krumrie. And Gibbs -- who is considering New York Giants running back coach Eric Studesville -- is eager to find out. "Don't tell Pat," said Gibbs, chuckling, referring to his wife. "I'll be spending more time with them than I will with Pat. You'll learn every bad habit they got." After three additions this week, Gibbs's staff numbers 10: Williams, Don Breaux, who may be a co-offensive coordinator; Joe Bugel, the assistant head coach and offensive line coach; quarterback coach Jack Burns; special teams coach Smith; safeties coach Jackson; Rennie Simmons, the likely tight ends coach; offensive consultant Ernie Zampese; and offensive quality control assistants Coy Gibbs and Bill Lazor. The coaching roster isn't the only one Gibbs has his eye on. Bailey, who has made consecutive Pro Bowls, is set to be a free agent in March if an agreement isn't reached. The Redskins can retain him by using the franchise tag. Despite being characteristically vague, Gibbs called Bailey's return next season a "safe assumption." The Redskins are expected to upgrade their defensive line and acquire a top-rate tailback. The tight ends -- one of the most ineffective groups last season -- probably will be revamped. Gibbs places high demands on that position because of his system. "Tight ends must be extremely bright," Gibbs said. "Lots of formations, lots of shifting." Regardless of talent, Gibbs is strongly opposed to signing players who have unseemly track records. Last year, the Redskins signed a few players with controversial backgrounds, including defensive tackle Darrell Russell, who had been suspended by the NFL for 11/2 seasons. "I think you start with character," said Gibbs. "The critical thing for these guys to make the team is what start's here," Gibbs added, pointing to his heart. Gibbs's predecessor, Steve Spurrier, had the same philosophy, but he switched public stances on a few signings initiated by management. The club's structure is similar to when Spurrier coached the past two seasons with one conspicuous difference: Gibbs -- also the team president -- has final roster say. But Gibbs insists whatever decisions are made will be extremely democratic, or at least appear that way. "When we take a player, we want it to be our player," said Gibbs. "We find that we make mistakes, but it's our mistakes." Redskins Notes: Former offensive coordinator and running backs coach Hue Jackson has signed with the Cincinnati Bengals to be their wide receivers coach under Marvin Lewis. Former defensive coordinator George Edwards has joined the Cleveland Browns as linebackers coach. Quarterbacks coach Noah Brindise signed last week with East Carolina to be its offensive coordinator. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCS:BraveCaringSoul Posted January 17, 2004 Share Posted January 17, 2004 Originally posted by goldenster95 Gibbs -- who is considering New York Giants running back coach Eric Studesville Bio on Studesville (YES HE"S YOUNG!!) RB Coach Found By Ken Palmer -------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Eric Studesville, an assistant on Dick Jauron's Chicago Bears coaching staff, has been named the Giants running backs coach. Studesville replaces Mike Gillhamer, who left the Giants earlier this month to take an assistant coaching position at the University of Oregon. The Giants also announced the signing of free agent punter Rodney Williams. "Eric is a bright guy and he's a high energy guy," Fassel said. "I was very impressed with him during the interview process. He loves the game, and he came very highly recommended by those who have worked with him. He has worked his way up to this opportunity." The 33-year old Studesville joined the Bears coaching staff prior to the 1997 season as the team's offensive quality control coach. Before joining the Chicago staff, Studesville coached in the collegiate ranks. He was the defensive backs at Kent (1995-96) and at Wingate University in North Carolina (1994). He also served on the coaching staffs at North Carolina (1992-93) and Arizona (1991). http://www.bbwc.com/History/2001/articles/rb-coach-found.html Exceprt from a NY Daily News Article: Barber says Giants running back coach Eric Studesville "always talks to me about how there should be a sign on our door: 'Hiring All Positions.' That keeps you working and having that fire to be the best you can be. Otherwise, you get a little complacent. http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/story/134986p-120274c.html Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
inmate running the asylum Posted January 17, 2004 Share Posted January 17, 2004 Gibbs says the TE's have to be bright. Lots of formations and shifting around. .........Hmm. bye bye Flemister, etc. :laugh: I think the false starts are a thing of the past. :laugh: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Montilar Posted January 17, 2004 Share Posted January 17, 2004 The tight ends -- one of the most ineffective groups last season -- probably will be revamped. Gibbs places high demands on that position because of his system. "Tight ends must be extremely bright," Gibbs said Just pointing that out.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCS:BraveCaringSoul Posted January 17, 2004 Share Posted January 17, 2004 I heard that Kellen Winslow Jr has an IQ of 185. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hauss Posted January 17, 2004 Share Posted January 17, 2004 I remember a Post article from years ago where some of the defensive players wanted Gibbs to be a little more involved in their practices--even if it was just watching. He said they had a valid point and he started doing that. Obviously, that idea hasn't left him. Their is no comparision betwen Gibbs and the coaches who came after him. After reading numerous articles about what Gibbs is doing after his return, it amazes me how we have settled for so much less after he retired. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BCS:BraveCaringSoul Posted January 17, 2004 Share Posted January 17, 2004 Originally posted by Hauss Their is no comparision betwen Gibbs and the coaches who came after him. After reading numerous articles about what Gibbs is doing after his return, it amazes me how we have settled for so much less after he retired. Since the beginning of time truer words have rarely been spoken my friend. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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