WP- Williams settles in

[Lavarleap56]

In Williams, Gibbs Knew What He Was Getting

By Nunyo Demasio

Washington Post Staff Writer

Saturday, February 7, 2004; Page D01

Before Joe Gibbs announced his return to the Washington Redskins on Jan. 7, he took a clandestine trip to Buffalo on owner Daniel Snyder's private jet to court a man he had never met: Gregg Williams.

Over five hours at Williams's home, Gibbs convinced the former head coach of the Buffalo Bills to become the new Redskins assistant head coach for defense and to shun similar offers from other teams.

Gibbs had been out of the NFL since 1992. However, some of Gibbs's longtime assistants had worked with Williams, including tight ends coach Rennie Simmons in 1996 with the then Houston Oilers. The assistants recommended that Gibbs try to sign Williams, 45, who has a reputation for being one of the NFL's best young defensive minds.

Even before Steve Spurrier resigned as Redskins coach, Snyder already had targeted Williams as his team's new defensive coordinator, according to a Redskins source. So when Gibbs made his trip to Buffalo last month he didn't return to Washington until about 6 the next morning -- and he didn't return until after he had convinced Williams to agree to a contract making him one of the highest-paid defensive coaches in the NFL.

"Even though you have not coached with somebody before, you kind of know a lot of people who coached with him," Gibbs told reporters at Redskins Park yesterday as Williams made his debut before the Washington media.

If Williams, Buffalo's head coach the previous three seasons, has a defining style for his defensive teams, it is his stress on creativity and aggressiveness. Williams said he won't change his approach as he takes over a Redskins defense that ranked 25th in the NFL last season.

"We don't want to be in a catch and read-and-react mode," he said. "We're going to try to attack and dictate as much as we can."

Williams will use a 4-3 defense -- four defensive linemen and three linebackers -- as his base formation.

Last season, the Bills finished with the No. 2-ranked defense in the NFL, using up to 16 different formations mainly by employing various groupings in passing situations. One unusual formation Williams often used was three defensive linemen, three linebackers and five defensive backs -- a 3-3-5. And Williams sometimes used a 2-3-6 or a 4-2-5.

"The situation will dictate what we try to do," said Williams, who signed a four-year contract starting at $1.3 million next season. He said the Redskins would rush from four to eight defenders at the quarterback in passing situations. "We'll try to give the illusion to the offenses that we're [rushing] more than we actually are," he said.One of Williams's traits is to rely on his safeties to play an attacking role, playing close to the line of scrimmage. "I'm looking forward to that," Redskins safety Matt Bowen said.

Although Greg Blache received the title of defensive coordinator with a focus on the defensive line, Williams said he will play the traditional role of defensive coordinator and call defensive plays.

Williams didn't agree to join the Redskins until they gave him heavy say in defensive personnel matters and his staff. Williams said he didn't seek, or receive, a guarantee from the Redskins that cornerback Champ Bailey, an impending free agent, would return. However, Williams praised Bailey.

Redskins Notes: The Redskins are expected to hire Jack Bushofsky, the former director of player personnel for the Carolina Panthers, in a part-time role. Bushofsky, 66, retired before the 2003 season after 24 years in the NFL as a talent evaluator. . . .

On Thursday, President Bush spoke about Gibbs's return to the Redskins at the National Prayer Breakfast at the Washington Hilton Hotel. Gibbs shared the podium with Bush and later addressed the audience.

"All of us believe in the power of prayer," said Bush, according to a transcript released by the White House. "And for a lot of people here in Washington, a prayer has been answered with three words: Coach Joe Gibbs. Joe is admired for a great career, and even more, he is respected for his convictions and his character. Joe, we're glad to see you back on the job."

Added Bush: "I'm all in favor of second terms." . . .

Gibbs said yesterday he intends to hold a minicamp as early as late March. As a new head coach, Gibbs is allowed to have one extra minicamp for veterans. . . . Gibbs said he has met only "10 percent" of his players and is not concerned that a few players haven't been publicly effusive about his return. Gibbs said he hopes to use minicamp to form better relationships with players.

[Skins26]

"I'm looking forward to that," Redskins safety Matt Bowen said.

edit, Redskins safety Sean Taylor said!!!

haha just kidding.

[NavyDave]

3-3-5??

OMG A mad scientist

me likey!!

Lets help G Williams defense by bringing in S Taylor

[PCS]

Gibbs said he has met only "10 percent" of his players and is not concerned that a few players haven't been publicly effusive about his return. Gibbs said he hopes to use minicamp to form better relationships with players.

Not concerned. Hmmmmmmmmmm perhaps that would be a good object lesson around these parts.

[NavyDave]

Thats because joe gibbus maximus HAS the POWER!!

to waive goodbye to those not with the program and it will be the players who will face the wrath not the coach

[Yomar]

if we draft Sean Taylor we may as well play a 0-5-6 defense for all the good our pass rush will do

[ThatGuy]

Because drafting Sean Taylor means we can't sign any free agents???

[JoeSkins]

Originally posted by lavarleap56

One of Williams's traits is to rely on his safeties to play an attacking role, playing close to the line of scrimmage. "I'm looking forward to that," Redskins safety Matt Bowen said.

I'm not.:doh:

[Yomar]

Because free agent DLinemen have worked out so well for us in the past, we're likely to find a ferocious pass rush in free agency I'm sure