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Gray avoids talk of taking Memphis job

Washington Redskins secondary coach Jerry Gray declined Wednesday to directly address news reports that he would be named the head coach at the University of Memphis -- possibly as early as this week -- and preferred to focus on the Redskins' upcoming game against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Gray acknowledged the situation has been somewhat of a distraction, prompting him to focus even harder on his current duties. "It's tough right now, because if you take a look, we got [the] Philadelphia Eagles this week, and you got a whole bunch of other stuff going, and the distractions are around," Gray said while speaking on behalf of the defense during his weekly media session at Redskins Park. "I think our guys are grown enough to understand that, you know, the distractions are going to be there. But the thing you got to do is still focus in a little bit harder.

"It's good, in my case, because the distractions are out there. And I know that I've got to keep myself more focused on Philadelphia, and not look around and say, 'Okay, this happening and this happening.' We got to really focus in on the Philadelphia Eagles. It is real hard. And to me, with a lot of stuff going on, I think it makes you a better coach. The guys don't get off track because you don't let yourself get off track."

Gray, who interviewed for the position Tuesday, is believed to have received a strong endorsement from Frederick W. Smith -- a member of the Redskins' ownership group who also is chairman, president and chief executive officer of FedEx and is among the university's biggest boosters. One of Smith's sons is a quarterback in the program and Smith reportedly plans to provide an infusion of cash to upgrade the team's facilities in an effort to raise the program's profile nationally.

If Memphis hires Gray, it is unclear when he would leave and who would assume his duties. Gray is defensive coordinator Greg Blache's top lieutenant and he leads the league's top-ranked passing defense.

Players and coaches expressed confidence that Gray would excel as a head coach.

"It's good. It's an opportunity," cornerback Carlos Rogers said. "I know him kinda more than just being my defensive back coach. I think he'll do a really good job down there."

Gray is regarded within the organization as an excellent teacher who is extremely organized.

"Just like everyone else who's been here and has moved on, we'll continue on," safeties coach Steve Jackson said. "We have a foundation and some beliefs about defensive football that we instill in the guys and we'll continue to do that."

Coach Jim Zorn declined to discuss the mechanics of what would occur with the coaching staff if Gray accepted the job and asked to leave immediately.

"He's an excellent person," Zorn said. "He's got character. "He's a very committed guy to the program that he's in. He's very committed to us, and I appreciate him working on our staff. I wouldn't go into all the Memphis stuff, because I don't know all the details."

McNabb, Campbell speak

Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donovan McNabb has been among Jason Campbell's mentors since Campbell entered the league in 2005.

During difficult times, of which Campbell has experienced many with the Redskins, he has reached out to McNabb for advice. Campbell and McNabb have had many discussions about events this season, including Campbell being benched for the first time in his NFL career.

"What we discussed kinda is just between the both of us, but no one wants to be benched," McNabb said in a conference call with reporters. "No one wants to be benched when you're really just not the full problem. There's a lot of things that's going on and a lot of things that can honestly be cleaned up, but I think he handled it well. He did a great job of standing up, chin high, and really just staying focused on his job."

Williams expected to play

Veteran tackle-guard Mike Williams (ankle) is expected to play Sunday, but rookie guard Edwin Williams might make his first career start. "He is going to be available," Zorn said of Mike Williams, who sat out the last two games. "He's trying to work his way as quickly as he can into the mix now. He's got a great attitude. His ankle is a lot better. He's able to move, and move laterally. . . . Right now, he's going to be starting from the backup position, but he's working." . . .

After missing the game against Dallas, defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth (ankle) hopes to play Sunday. . . . With cornerback DeAngelo Hall (knee) slowed, Carlos Rogers worked with the first team.

-- Jason Reid