Posted on 12/30/2003 3:13:35 PM PST by Leroy S. Mort
Washington -- It's official. Steve Spurrier resigned today as the Washington Redskins' head coach.
Spurrier's run with the Redskins has ended with the same sort of confusion that marked his brief stay with the team. Not surprisingly, he and the team confounded the news media before it became apparent that the "ol' ball coach" really had resigned.
Initially, the Redskins announced Spurrier's resignation only to have him deny it moments later during a cellphone call to The Washington Post. Then -- according to the Post, the Associated Press and other news media -- Spurrier called a reporter to say that he had not spoken with his agent, Jimmy Sexton, who was working on the details of his departure.
"I was caught off-guard," Spurrier was quoted as telling the Post, when asked about his denial. "Obviously, when a person resigns he usually calls it in himself. The bottom line is if that's what's best for everyone concerned that's what we'll do. We'll get to the bottom of it by the end of the day."
Spurrier said his understanding was that Sexton had authorized the Redskins to make the announcement without telling him. Spurrier had only hired Sexton on Monday.
Spurrier, who left the Washington area on Monday for his home in Florida, said he was unable to communicate with Sexton in part because his cell phone battery died and Sexton was tied up with a personal matter.
In a news release issued early Monday afternoon, the Redskins said Spurrier had telephoned owner Daniel Snyder and resigned "in the best interest of the Redskins franchise." It was unclear if Spurrier had spoken to team officials as of 1:45 p.m. Monday.
In the release, Snyder said "I have accepted Steve's resignation with much regret but respect his decision."
The Redskins said in the release that they will begin their search for Spurrier's replacement immediately.
Team sources said Spurrier has informed his assistant coaches of the decision and that there had been no buyout of the remainder of his five-year, approximately $25 million contract. But Spurrier would be paid some money to cover his expenses, sources said.
His resignation was "totally unexpected" by the team, according to spokesman Karl Swanson.
Spurrier clashed with Snyder over personnel moves this season, particularly the owner's decision to cut quarterback Danny Wuerffel at the end of training camp.
But Spurrier also was hurt by an inability to enforce discipline, especially after defensive coordinator Marvin Lewis left to become the Cincinnati Bengals' head coach.
The Redskins set a franchise record for penalties this season, and players described a lax atmosphere in which tardiness was tolerated, cell phones rang during meetings, and on-field errors weren't corrected at practice.
Spurrier was one of the most successful offensive coaches in college history, going 122-27-1 over 12 years in Florida with a high-powered pass-oriented attack that often produced lopsided scores. His Gators won the 1996 national championship.
He abruptly quit in January 2002 because he wanted to try his offense in the NFL. He brought several ex-Florida players to the Redskins in his first season -- which he later admitted was a mistake. He went 7-9 while making five changes at starting quarterback.
Snyder provided Spurrier with plenty of offensive talent last offseason, signing receiver Laveranues Coles and upgrading the offensive line. But the season went downhill quickly, first in a series of close losses, then later in embarrassing blowouts. The Redskins lost their last two home games by a combined 58-7.
If Spurrier pursues another NFL job, his new suitor would have to work out a deal with the Redskins, who hold Spurrier's rights for the next three years.
...done with professional sports
I speak of Romeo Crennel of course - the Defensive genius of the aughts.
The Redskins are doomed unless someone can convince bratty danny to sell. He has to be the worst owner in the league.
But IM a "NY FOOTBALL GIANTS" FAN SINCE 1956!
Agreed. Snyder is a moron who needs to hire a GM with a pair. Either that or sell the team.
What is it with the D.C area and team owners who can't leave well enough alone?
Charley Casserly come home!
Yeah, he might be worse than Spurrier! We sure don't need him nor want him back anymore at Dallas! LOL
"A fool and his money are soon parted."
Cackle!......Regards,
Regards,
Put down the bong, Nicky and listen up.
Robert Kennedy a great man? JEEEEEZZZ! Give me a break! His contempt for the law except as a stick to use against his political enemies was legendary! He was always known as JFK's little s**t of a younger brother and no one even in the sycophantic Kennedy Administration could stand the creep!
As to the naming of the stadium, Morris Udall (Sec'y of the Interior?) got drunk with a friend of his one night and decided unilaterally to name the stadium after "Bobby" 'cause they liked him and thought he deserved it. A pox on him and all of his evil progeny!
Regards,
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