Gibbs likely to stay home for camp-- staff nearly complete

[BillyKilmer]

Hope this is not a double posting

Gibbs likely to stay home for camp-- staff nearly complete

By JOSEPH WHITE

AP Sports Writer Jan 23, 2004

ASHBURN, Va. - Joe Gibbs will probably keep the Washington Redskins home when he runs his first training camp in a dozen years.

Despite a preference to travel out of town in years past, Gibbs said Friday he likely will have his team practicing at Redskins Park for the second straight year.

"It would take a miracle for us not to be here," Gibbs said. "We may adjust some of that. I want to work out early, work out late, big rest in the middle. We'll probably look at what's available, but I'm sure right now we'll be here."

Gibbs also said he plans to announce his full coaching staff Monday, although nearly all the names have been leaked. Four assistants were added this week: former Chicago defensive coordinator Greg Blache (defensive line), former San Diego defensive coordinator Dale Lindsey (linebackers), former Redskins running back Ernest Byner (running backs) and former New York Giants defensive backs coach DeWayne Walker (secondary). Lindsey will hold the same position he held with the Redskins under coach Norv Turner from 1997-98.

The Redskins held camp in Carlisle, Pa., during Gibbs' 12 years as coach from 1981-92. They later moved to Frostburg, Md. Owner Dan Snyder brought camp home to Redskins Park in 2000, creating a circus atmosphere that turned into a public relations disaster when the team decided to charge an admission fee.

Marty Schottenheimer took camp back to Carlisle in 2001. Steve Spurrier kept it there in 2002, but he questioned the need to be away from home and returned it to Redskins Park in 2003. Last year's camp ran smoothly; the admission fee was gone, the players were housed in a remote complex and the overall event was more low-key.

Gibbs said he likes taking the players away from home to isolate them and avoid distractions, but he conceded there are benefits to staying in the area. Also, the entire process of negotiating a new place to go would take up time that Gibbs would prefer to use elsewhere.

"You don't have to move your doctors. You don't have to move your film and all that kind of stuff," Gibbs said. "This complex is secure, and you can have practices that are closed. At Carlisle, you're a little bit out in the open, and it was kind of scary sometimes. I didn't like that."

Gibbs has assembled a veteran coaching staff which includes former head coaches Gregg Williams and Joe Bugel. Still to be added is a receivers coach, and Gibbs said on Monday he will announce how he will handle the job of offensive coordinator.

"Almost everyone we have is going to have a ton of NFL experience," Gibbs said.

[BCS:BraveCaringSoul]

I'm really surprised that he's going to stay in Ashburn. I thought JG would definitely want to get the whole team together in a secluded location. But if that's what he wants it's good enough for me.

[Aryllyian]

He is having security issues. He wants to make sure opposing scouts cannot see his practices. He has said in several interviews that he likes it in Ashburn because its nice and private. He said he always felt vulnerable at those Colleges.

I wonder what he is brewing up?

[Funkyalligator]

It is illegal for opposing scouts to watch their practices unless you charge for them....that was what the biggest problem was when Snyder started charging for them......I like having it in Ashburn cause it is close to me

[rdsknbill]

DAMN DAMN DAMN!!!!!!!! :mad:

I want Carlisle

[Burgold]

I wonder if you could force the 'skins players to bunk in a nearby hotel or campus over the Summer. That way they are still isolated and only with each other, but you have the benefit of all the home field and equipment.