Gibbs to Count On 'Character' Players

[harryskin]

Gibbs to Count On 'Character' Players

http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/articles/A23878-2004Jan16.html

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," Gibbs 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 his 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 starts 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 to be East Carolina's offensive coordinator.