ASHBURN, Va. -- New Washington Redskins coach Marty
Schottenheimer made room for his new regime Monday, firing six
coaches and allowing defensive coordinator Ray Rhodes to look for
work elsewhere.
A news release by the team said Rhodes has "indicated his
preference to seek opportunities outside of the Washington
Redskins' organization. After careful consideration, coach
Schottenheimer granted Rhodes permission."
|  | | Marty Schottenheimer, left, has been given control of operations by owner Dan Snyder. |
Rhodes, fired after one season as head coach of the Green Bay
Packers, came to the Redskins this season. He also was head coach
of Philadelphia Eagles from 1995-98.
The coaches fired were Russ Grimm, offensive line; Rich Olson,
quarterbacks; Pat Flaherty, special teams and tight ends; Kirby
Wilson, running backs; Rubin Carter, defensive line, and Ron Meeks,
defensive backs.
The status of three other holdovers from the Norv Turner regime -- Foge
Fazio (linebackers), Mike Trgovac (defensive line) and Terry Robiskie
(passing game coordinator) -- is in limbo. Schottenheimer has said he expects to begin assembling his staff later this week.
Schottenheimer was hired last week to succeed Robiskie, who coached the final three games after Turner was
fired. The Redskins, expected to be one of the top teams in the
NFL, finished 8-8 despite a record $100 million player payroll.
Schottenheimer took the reins as Redskins coach and director of football
operations Thursday. Questions immediately centered on his past criticism of owner Daniel Snyder -- and who really will control the team.
"This is Marty Schottenheimer's organization from the standpoint of the
final word," Snyder said. "This is something he needs to have, it's
important to have."
The former Cleveland and Kansas City coach signed a four-year, $10 million
contract to succeed interim coach Robiskie, who coached the final
three games after Snyder fired Turner. The Redskins finished 8-8
despite an NFL-record $100 million player payroll.
Schottenheimer ends a two-year absence from coaching, during which he worked
as an ESPN analyst and had plenty of bad things to say about Snyder's
meddlesome style.
"I plead guilty," Schottenheimer said. "And I broke an axiom that I've
always believed in, that when you take a position on something, you ought to
have some information on what you're choosing to speak about. I obviously
didn't have enough information about Dan Snyder."
Schottenheimer and Snyder forged a relationship during a 4-5 hour hotel
meeting, then Snyder and his wife visited Schottenheimer's house near
Charlotte, N.C., where the owner talked about "what I've done wrong, what
I've done right."
Schottenheimer's on-air criticisms, which Snyder dismissed
as "media comments," no longer were an issue.
Schottenheimer, who will also oversee the draft, said he has a "very
specific understanding" with Snyder about his authority over player matters.
Schottenheimer coached the Browns (1984-88) and made the playoffs each of
his four full seasons, losing twice to Denver in the AFC championship game.
He then coached the Chiefs (1989-98), taking them to the playoffs seven
times in 10 seasons.
Schottenheimer's career regular-season record is 145-85-1, but only 5-11 in
the playoffs. The 150 total wins are 12th most in league history. He left
Kansas City with three years left on his contract when he began working for
ESPN.
"I missed being involved in the teaching of young men about the game of football," Schottenheimer said. "I live vicariously through the performance of the player that go on the field, and that's why I'm back.
"We're making a chance here in such a way to set the future of the Redskins," Snyder said. "This is the first official stamp that Dan Snyder's putting on this football team."
Schottenheimer was one of many unlikely top-tier candidates pursued by Snyder. Steve Spurrier, Bill Parcells, Joe Gibbs and Dick Vermeil were among those
who said they weren't interested.
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  Marty Schottenheimer news conference. RealVideo: 28.8  ESPN's Trey Wingo talks with Marty Schottenheimer about the respect and intergity he will bring to the Redskins organization, as well as to the game of football. wav: 1138 kRealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Marty Schottenheimer says he broke an axiom he always believed in regards to the Redskins owner Daniel Synder. wav: 176 kRealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Redskins owner Daniel Synder says he and Marty Schottenheimer see eye to eye in terms of his interaction with his football team. wav: 138 kRealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Marty Schottenheimer's earlier comments on coaching under a hands-on owner. wav: 370 kRealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 ESPN's Joe Theismann tells what to expect with Marty Schottenheimer returning to coach the Redskins. wav: 1973 kRealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 ESPN's Chris Mortensen says Marty Schottenheimer will have his hands full in Washington. wav: 381 kRealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 NFL 2Night's Mark Malone talks about his partner's return to coaching. wav: 580 kRealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 ESPN's Chris Berman on the return of Marty Schottenheimer and Dick Vermeil. wav: 1825 kRealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Redskins Hall of Fame RB John Riggins compares Marty Schottenheimer to oil drilling. wav: 984 kRealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 Redskins lineman Jay Leeuwenberg likes the decision to hire a veteran coach who players will respect. wav: 526 kRealAudio: 14.4 | 28.8 | 56.6 |
