Update On The Washington Redskins Head Coaching Search

The Washington Redskins coaching search is heating up as more candidates become available after college bowl games and Wild Card weekend.

So far, Washington has interviewed or plan to meet with: defensive coordinators Perry Fewell (Giants), Sean McDermott (Panthers) and could possibly meet with Mike Zimmer (Bengals); offensive coordinators Darrell Bevell (Seahawks), Jim Caldwell (Ravens), Ken Whisenhunt (Chargers) and Jay Gruden (Bengals); special teams coach Rich Bisaccia (Cowboys). The Redskins have also shown interest in Vanderbilt’s head coach James Franklin.

Washington reportedly reached out to Stanford’s head coach David Shaw six weeks ago. He’s knocked down reports of returning to the NFL numerous times. However, has a close relationship with Redskins GM Bruce Allen, so you never know if he could be persuaded. But I highly doubt he will leave Stanford. A guy we’ve also discussed, Art Briles, has yet to receive a call. He did recently put to rest any rumors of him having interest in other teams. But that was more so directed to the Texas rumors, according to a source. That same person doesn’t believe Briles will leave regardless, but would have “listened” if the NFL (Redskins) called. He has no interest in coaching at another school.

The Washington Redskins coaching search is very fluid at this point in time. More candidates such as — Hue Jackson and Adam Gase could emerge. One thing is for sure, they’re handling this much differently than past coaching searches. Bruce Allen is picking brains at this point. He wants to know what others think about this team, how they’d attempt to fix it and what really needs to change. With that knowledge, he can go forward and formulate a short three/four man list to decide on who would be the best man for the job. It’s apparent that they will take their time to make sure they have the best coach possible. The only deadline date(s) that sticks out is Senior Bowl week (Jan. 20-25). Most teams like to have their coaching staff in place by that date to begin pre-draft evaluation process.

As said, the coaching search is fluid and names continue to surface daily. But make no mistake, not all are legit candidates. However, every interview greatly helps the process. I find it hard to believe that the Redskins will hire a non-offensive mind as head coach. There’s always a chance that they could go with a defensive mind or special teams coach. Of the two, I think there’s a greater chance they go with a special teams coach. With anyone, it’s imperative that they surround themselves with a solid staff.

Having said that, here’s how I’d rank the coaches mentioned (I’m going to exclude Art Briles in this list). We’ll add more names as/if they surface:

1. David Shaw

2. James Franklin

3. Ken Whisenhunt

4. Jay Gruden

5. Rich Bisaccia

6. Mike Zimmer

7. Jim Caldwell

8. Sean McDermott

9. Darrell Bevell

10. Perry Fewell

I won’t rank who I believe is most likely, but will list the guys (of those mentioned) who I believe are top candidates: James Franklin, Jay Gruden, Ken Whisenhunt and David Shaw.

Here’s a few notes and thoughts on those coaches:

Ken Whisenhunt, OC, San Diego Chargers:

• Has a ton of NFL experience — has coached in a couple Super Bowls
• Adapts to talent well
• Spent a lot of time under Bill Cowher learning about smash mouth football and good defense in Pittsburgh.
• Believes in attacking defenses horizontally with occasional vertical shots
• Tempo/Rhythm
• Along with Mike McCoy, he helped resurrect Phillip Rivers’ career in San Diego

Overall Take: Ken Whisenhunt is a quality coach who has head coach written all over him. He wasn’t great at picking personnel in Arizona, but his philosophy has always been open and flexible. His offenses have always been about tempo and rhythm. However, the short horizontal throws is something I think boxes-in Robert Griffin III. Whisenhunt is a good teacher. But it’s arguable how many quarterbacks he’s “really” developed. Ben Roethlisberger is one QB Whisenhunt certainly help become a good NFL player. He also helped Kurt Warner get his groove back in Arizona. Not to mention, most recently, he’s helped Phillip Rivers resurrect his career with the Chargers. Whisenhunt could certainly end up a candidate. I believe he’s a solid option. I’m not certain, however, if he’s the right option.

Jay Gruden, OC, Cincinnati Bengals:

• Brother of Jon Gruden

• Runs a West Coast offense with spread elements

• Outside and inside zone run game

• Utilizes tight ends

• Tempo

• Has helped QB Andy Dalton have success

• He’s a Gruden, so you know he can motivate and is fiery… although not as brash or emotional as his brother.

• The Bengals trust his opinion with talent evaluation. Recent reports say that Bengals Owner/assistant GM Mike Brown wanted Colin Kaepernick in the 2011 NFL draft and Gruden felt Andy Dalton was better for his offense. Mike Brown allowed Gruden to have a say, and the team opted to draft Andy Dalton.

• Dan Snyder and Bruce Allen have some ties with Gruden and his brother

• 46 years old

Overall Take: Jay Gruden is a good coach and a solid teacher. I think his offense would mesh well in Washington. I also believe he’d be a solid teacher for Qb Robert Griffin III. However, although Gruden is innovative with his scheme, something just seems to be missing when I watch the Bengals offense on film. Two things: I can’t figure out their identity (what do they hang their hat on?), it also appears to be inconsistent. There’s not a play-caller in football that’s perfect. But Gruden can be inconsistent with his calls and game planning. However, he’s done a good job developing QB Andy Dalton. How well has he done with Dalton? I’m not certain. Yes, Dalton’s touchdowns have increased every year since he’s been in the league. But so has his interception total. A lot of that is on Dalton, some of it is on Gruden. For years the Bengals searched for a good offensive coordinator and they found a solid one in Gruden. It’s hard to deny the job he’s done there. Is he right for the Washington Redskins? I’m not sure. Of the remaining assistant coaches in Washington, Gruden has ties to Jim Haslett, Raheem Morris and Sean McVay. I don’t think Gruden would keep Haslett. But I’m sure he’d consider keeping Raheem Morris and Sean McVay. While a guy like McVay is considered an “up and comer” and Morris is respected — a full coaching staff makeover seems to be necessary. Holding over coaches doesn’t scream that change in philosophy and culture that the Redskins need.

James Franklin, HC, Vanderbilt:

• Coached WRs at the University of  Maryland from 2000-2004 and had a second tenure from 2008-2010 as offensive coordinator. He was designated “coach in waiting” but UMD chose Randy Edsall instead.
• Coached WRs for one season with the Green Bay Packers (2005)
• Has interned with the Miami Dolphins, Philadelphia Eagles and Minnesota Vikings
• Included in the list of top minority coaches
• Runs a west coast base with a lot of wrinkles that includes some “Gus Malzahn”
• Highly respected among pro scouts
• First African American coach at Vandy
• 41 years old

Overall Take:  In three seasons, James Franklin is pretty much Vanderbilt’s greatest head football coach ever. That pretty much sums it up. He’s the first coach in their school history to lead the team to consecutive bowl games. The team has been to a bowl game every year since he’s been at helm with a 2-1 record. Franklin is an ultimate motivator, a very passionate coach — he has a masters in Educational Leadership. Franklin has a type-A personality — extremely organized person. He’s touted as a “superstar in the making.” He has a major coaching upside. Franklin runs a pro-style offense, but his secret ingredient is offensive line coach Herb Hand, who has a major influence on the scheme. Hand’s background is in a spread offense having learned from Rich Rodriguez and the offensive innovator Gus Malzahn. If you watch Chip Kelly’s offense, Malzahn (head coach of Auburn) is that kind of offensive mind. So you see a lot of those concepts in James Franklin’s offense. Herb Hand has some of the most gorgeous blocking concepts you’ll see with pulling guards, weird shifts and motions. But he’s known for his zone blocking — a guy like Zac Stacy (current St. Louis Ram) excelled in this scheme. Hand also sprinkles in some power. While Franklin has a high ceiling as a coach, his floor is probably lower than others mentioned because he’s still young in the profession. I’m not certain what kind of staff he’d surround himself with, but having had some experience in the NFL, I’d imagine he has contacts. The team could also recommend considering a guy like Gregg Williams. In my opinion, if the Redskins really wish to take a fresh, new direction — they should strongly consider James Franklin. He has a personality that makes me believe Dan Snyder would respect him. The offense would be a good fit. He’s a likable person who would also bridge that gap I felt Mike Shanahan had between head coach and fans. I think that too is a very important component moving forward.

David Shaw, HC, Stanford:

• Simple, yet not simple offense. Gives you complex looks.

• Lots of NFL Experience

• Close with Bruce Allen and his wife is from just north of Baltimore

• Friends with Chip Kelly… Not that it means anything. But he coaches in the NFC East.

• He’s a leader, motivator and simply just a good guy

• Young — 41 years old

Overall Take: Daivd Shaw, in my mind, is the cream of the potential coaching crop. The issue is, he seems to be set on staying at Stanford. He played football at Stanford and he loves the area. It’s his dream job. I’m just not sure if Washington can lure him. His relationship with Bruce Allen could help, maybe.

This post will be updated as/if more names of interest surface

Follow us: @Manny_PPI | @PlayerInsiders