Joe Gibbs and the tale of the tape
I've got a little more time off coming, with plans to return this weekend, but how can anyone pass up a news flash like this: Joe Gibbs Retires?
Especially since now, there are two NFL head-coaching openings 40 miles apart. This is the first time the Ravens and Redskins have had to hire head coaches at the same time. Both are extremely high-profile franchises and attractive jobs for any candidate -- in fact, out of the four openings, these are the two juiciest, definitely better than Atlanta and several notches higher than Miami, which, let's not forget, just went 1-15, might be up for sale and has career nomad Bill Parcells running it.
Which is the better gig, though? And how do you judge it? If you're a big-time coach -- say, the ones the Ravens are interested in, and a few who are still in the public discussion, like Bill Cowher -- for whom would you rather work, and why?
Do you go based on the owner - Steve Bisciotti or Dan Snyder?
The management team and structure -- Ozzie Newsome or ... uh ... Vinny Cerrato, Snyder and Gibbs, in some combination?
The team you inherit -- a playoff team that was 10 minutes away from reaching the second round, or a team that lost nine in a row, including one to aforementioned Miami?
The quarterback you inherit -- two goods ones in D.C., or maybe one good one in Baltimore if you put all three of them together?
The facilities -- Redskins Park in Ashburn (pretty top-notch) and FedEx Field (a dump), or The Castle (top-notch) and M&T Bank (also top-notch)?
The fan base -- the one in place for 75 years and off-the-chain crazy, or the one that's crazy but bitterly divided in its loyalties, to this team, to the old Colts, to the idea that not bleeding purple and black 24 hours a day will force the Ravens to abandon the city the way the Colts did?
The city itself -- not even gonna touch that one.
The deciding factor, of course, will be what it always is: the money. Snyder and Bisciotti both have plenty. Or it might all become a moot point if the Redskins simply promote defensive coordinator Gregg Williams.
But besides that ... which is the better job?
See you in a few days. But I do want to leave with this parting thought: Roger Clemens is a weasel.
Comments
Redskins fans do not care about the Ravens franchise, and yet you feel the need to compare the two. We already have our rivals, the Ravens should try to find their own.
Posted by: Johnny D. | January 8, 2008 1:04 PM
Agreed: Clemens is a weasel. And a bully.
The Skins job is better as long as Snyder doesn't interfere: Better team, long time loyal fans and traditions, and a great fight song.
Posted by: carol | January 8, 2008 1:37 PM
You've been on vacation?
*grin*
Posted by: skaybaltimore | January 8, 2008 2:37 PM
Skins do not have two quarterbacks. The jury is out on Campbell and there's a reason Collins was out so long. So there is not even one good quarterback among both.
Posted by: Richard | January 8, 2008 5:01 PM
Hey Johnny D - if you don't want to read about the Ravens being compared to the Deadskins, might I suggest you pick up the fishwrap called the washington post and read that instead of wasting your time on the BALTIMORE Sun's website. Frankly we don't given a damn about your owner, team, colors or lousy stinking stadium.
Posted by: ed from park heights | January 8, 2008 7:48 PM
If the Redskins were still playing in an RFK type environment it would be no question. Rumors continue to fly that the 'skins are going to move back to DC. We shall see. Here's what I know;If I was a candidate I would see one team with character, leadership and desire. Gibbs wasn't the only driving force to their late season success. Then there is another team where at least one veteran has indicated(see Jonathan Ogden) he wouldn't be back if the new coach expected too much in the way of work(See Marty S) Where would you want to go with such differing mindsets?
Posted by: Sandy S | January 8, 2008 10:07 PM
There is no worse sports city in the country than DC, point blank!
Posted by: Anonymous | January 10, 2008 5:46 PM