The Washington Redskins
With Liz Clarke
Washington Post Sports Reporter
Wednesday, Jan. 16, 2002; 1 p.m. EST

On Monday, Daniel Snyder officially made Steve Spurrier the new coach of the Washington Redskins and one of the highest-paid coaches in the National Football League. Spurrier will replace Marty Schottenheimer who held the job for just 375 days.

Washington Post Sports Reporter Liz Clarke was online to discuss the Redskins, the coaching change and what the team can expect from Spurrier.

The transcript follows.

Editor's Note: Washingtonpost.com moderators retain editorial control over Live Online discussions and choose the most relevant questions for guests and hosts; guests and hosts can decline to answer questions.

Liz Clarke: Well, the Schottenheimer era is over and the Steve Spurrier era has begun. I will be happy to answer any questions you have about the Redskins. Thanks for having me.

South Bend, Ind.:
Is there any reason to doubt that Spurrier will be held to the same standard which has impaled some very good NFL coaches -- i.e. get to the playoffs in 2 years or else?

And if he doesn't, haven't the Redskins just taken on a hefty financial liability ($25 million) which they may regret? Rather like Enron.

Liz Clarke: Certainly the expectations will be huge for Spurrier to deliver. That certainly means the playoffs and beyond. Dan Snyder is paying him an enormous amount of money for results. He obviously thinks this is a gamble worth taking. If he fulfils all five years it will be the first coach to do so under Snyder. Dan Snyder is not a timid man and he is obviously putting his faith and his money behind Spurrier on this.

Albuquerque, N.M.: Do you think the Redskins will make a effort to resign Michael Westbrook?

Liz Clarke: Boy, great question. Westbrook apparently is interested in talking to the Redskins about staying now that there is an offensive minded coach. Whereas he was as good as out the door under Schottenheimer. The crucial decisions about what player the Skins resign or bring in will belong to the General Manager who has yet to be hired. For Spurrier's offence to work he is going to need several big play receivers -- more then the Redskins have now.

Baltimore, Md.: Liz,

It appears the Spurrier is able to get the most out of mediocre QB's. Do you think it would behoove the franchise to draft a young, impressionable QB whom will not balk at Spurrier's coaching style, or should they seek a knowledgeable veteran whom can help raise Spurrier as an NFL coach?

Liz Clarke: I don't think they should draft a young QB just now given that they spent their fourth round draft pick Sage Rosenfels just last April. I think Spurrier has a track record that suggests he could get big results out of several QB already in the league who might be considered less then superstars. I think a smart solid veteran might be what is needed here next season.

Reisterstown, Md.: How well will the Skins receivers perform in the new offense?

Liz Clarke: I don't think we are clear who the receivers will be at this point. I am sure they will keep Gardner who has great speed and great potential but didn't have a good rookie season. Even without knowing who they are, I think they will start off with a strong chance of doing better because they know that offense will be the star under Spurrier and their talents will be used to the maximum.

Virginia: Three Big Questions:
Who do you think will be the GM?
Who do you think will be the defensive coordinator?
Will the Skins keep the dark jerseys at home this next year?

Liz Clarke: Bobby Bethard is my guess for GM

No idea on the Defensive Coordinator other than that it really needs to be a guy with NFL experience and a strong record. It is a pity that Kurt Schottenheimer because of the family connections could not be kept, because he did a great job under difficult circumstances.

Dark Jerseys? I honestly don't know.

Ruckerville, Va.: Where is a big power back like Stephen Davis going to fit in to Spurrier's wide open, spread the field attack?

Liz Clarke: Spurrier was very careful yesterday to mention Stephen Davis and stress how essential the running game was. It was striking because it seemed to take Schottenheimer several games to see his talent. Classically you wouldn't expect Davis to be featured much in the Spurrier offence but it is clear that Spurrier will take advantage of the personnel he has got to get the results he wants. I think Davis will play a big role, particularly since Spurrier probably won't have the full compliment of receivers he has been used to.

Washington, D.C.: Is there a salary cap for coaches? Did Marty get paid up front or will he be paid over the next three years?

Liz Clarke: There is no salary cap for coaches. It is my understanding, though I could be mistaken, that Marty will be paid through the four years of his deal -- in other words NOT in one lump sum.

Bluefield, W. Va.: How do you think the players will respond to a group of coaches (the staff at this point) that have never coached in the NFL?

Liz Clarke: I think the offensive players will be extremely receptive to Spurrier and his staff because of the record he established in Florida. I think the defensive players will be looking for a proven NFL coach. It would be great if that man could be Tony Dungy, but chances are he will get a head coaching job instead. Given how well the defense played and the number of experienced veterans they have, there will be understandably hard to win over with a staff with no NFL credentials.

Washington, D.C.: So are you going to make Wilbon eat his words?

Liz Clarke: As I understand it Spurrier told Tony Kornheiser yesterday that his mission in life was now to get Wilbon to say he is a great NFL coach. You just might see that, provided he stays in the job long enough to prove it.

Vienna, Va.: In what ways do you think Spurrier will revamp the offense? Who are some players the Redskins may go after?

Liz Clarke: As for the offense, they will certainly go deep much more often, there will be lots of trick plays that ought to be entertaining and ideally work.

I guess you would have to start with a QB that Spurrier has confidence in and then he will need to find some receivers. If they don't keep Stephen Alexander they will need to find a receiving tight end. Most of the needs will be on offense… but I guess you want names, which of course is dicey because we don't know who the GM will be. Drew Bledsoe perhaps, though he may be too pricey. It is possible Vinny Testaverde. Possibly Rob Johnson.

Spurrier has said that the QB job is Tony Banks' for now.

Albuquerque, N.M.: What are the chances of the Redskins changing the team name?

Liz Clarke: Exceedingly remote. Next to not at all. I am not saying at all if they should or shouldn't, but the owners have a commitment to the team's name.

Ken, Fairfax, Va.: Liz,

I'm a bit confused. It seems the rebellion against Marty continues, even after he has departed. It was great to hear that Bruce Smith is returning next year, but it gives me the impression he may have been behind the uprising against Marty in the early part of the season. We know a group of veterans took exception to Marty's boot camp tactics. My question is, is it that transparent or am I overly sensitive to Bruce's need to immediately announce his return after voicing possibilities that he may retire?

Liz Clarke: No, I think you are extremely astute. Bruce clearly objected to the physicality of Schottenheimer's training camps. He injured a shoulder when he was hit by a teammate during camp and pointed out several times that that was the first injury he has suffered in training camp in 17 years in the NFL. So yes, I think Bruce may very well not have returned for another season had Schottenheimer stayed and insisted he participate fully in the hitting drills throughout camp.

Washington, D.C.: Ms. Clarke,
What do you think of the hiring of Spurrier, and, do you think Marty was booted too soon?

Liz Clarke: I can see why the owners hired Spurrier. He stages a highly entertaining product, his teams have won an astounding number of games, even when the personnel wasn't the best (Duke) and he is seemingly a fearless driven football mind. That said, I do think Schottenheimer's team, having won eight of its last 11, would have done better next season. Yes, I do think it felt premature to me. But that is the prerogative of the Redskins owner who always seems to want more out of the team.

Helena, Mont.: Even before he got hurt, Stephen Alexander was having a sub-par year. Is he someone Spurrier will let go? What role does the TE play in Spurrier's offense?

Liz Clarke: I agree Alexander had a poor start to this season and the injuries obviously took him out of it all together. Until the GM is hired it is hard to speculate on specific personnel moves. Spurrier calls himself a "ball coach" and doesn't much want to get involved with the acquisition of the players.

The tight end is another critical receiver to help spread the field. It is a big role and he will want more then a pure blocker like they have now in Walter Rasby.

Boynton Beach, Fla.: Hey Liz Clarke, Will the Skins win the division next year?

Liz Clarke: I covered the Philadelphia Eagles first round playoff game last weekend against Tampa Bay. I was completely floored by McNabb's development and the overall balance of the Eagles play. I think the Redskins will have a far more entertaining high scoring team next year, but I would have to say the Eagles will be the favorite to win the division -- maybe for a couple years.

Washington, D.C.: Did Spurrier really take this job because the Redskins have the biggest stadium in the NFL?

Liz Clarke: I can't imagine that was the overriding factor.

I think Pepper Rodgers -- coach, fellow coach and long time friend -- played a big role in establishing the rapport with Snyder, and the two hit it off. But $25 million probably sealed the deal.

Mt. Lebanon, Pa.: I can't name all the people who have been fired or removed in other ways from the Redskins since the Clinton impeachment. Is The Washington Post going to hold a lottery to pick when next year Steve Spurrier will be fired? If so, where do I send in my $2? Advice to Spurrier: talk to Rick Pitino about "back and forth." Thanks much.

Liz Clarke: Yes, I hear you. Four coaches in 13 months doesn't suggest anybody is in for a long term stay, but Spurrier is the guy Snyder has openly coveted for so long, so maybe he is the keeper.

Lakeland, Fla.: Now that you have Coach Spurrier, what do you think? He is exciting, to the point, driven to be successful, and will give you a great team to watch and support. Good luck from a Gator fan and now a Redskins fan!

Liz Clarke: Yes, I think a lot of people are excited to see some Gator style football up here. What we will all have to wait and see is how Spurrier's brand of offense plays against NFL defenses.

Washington, D.C.: Liz:

As a Florida grad, I've watched Spurrier over the past 12 years and, in addition to being an offensive "mastermind," he's a control freak. He was successful at Florida because he was the chief recruiter and HAND-PICKED his starters - especially the offense. How long do you think it will be before "Mister Snyder" will have to intervene between Spurrier and the new GM?

Liz Clarke: There could be a train wreck in store here. The beginnings seem to start out with great promise here at the Redskins but the endings have been poor. I don't know what to say other then after investing $25 million in your head coach that you will probably make sure that the GM you hire can work with this guy and vice versa.

Alexandria, Va.: I watched the Spurrier press conference yesterday, and I must say that this guy came across on TV as the smoothest, most personable, sports authority figure I've seen in a long time -- better even than a lot of elected official politicians! Just the thing for a political town like Washington!

As a sports reporter, what is your impression of Mr. Spurrier's relationship with the press and the public?

Liz Clarke: First of all I totally agree with you. Honestly I was dazzled by his frankness, humor and his immediate sense of being right at home. I think he is perfect fit for this market. Up until yesterday I had never covered him so it is only through fellow reporters that I have heard that he has a great rapport with reporters. He seems to have a political savvy to accompany his offensive savvy.

D.C.: What is the status of Kenard Lang? Do you think he will be resigned?

Liz Clarke: He becomes an unrestricted free agent March 1st. I hate to keep harping on this, but until a GM is found it is very hard for me to give insight on players, especially defense. But I think Lang did a terrific job at tackle and still could be plugged in at defensive end, so I would certainly keep him -- but nobody is asking me.

Liz Clarke: I really enjoyed and appreciated the questions and hope that I answered them well enough for you.