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Redskins: 5 defensive-minded coaches to target if they part with Jay Gruden

By Jacob Camenker

CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 25: Head coach Gregg Williams of the Cleveland Browns calls a play during the third quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH - NOVEMBER 25: Head coach Gregg Williams of the Cleveland Browns calls a play during the third quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /
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CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 25: Head coach Gregg Williams of the Cleveland Browns calls a play during the third quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images)
CINCINNATI, OH – NOVEMBER 25: Head coach Gregg Williams of the Cleveland Browns calls a play during the third quarter of the game against the Cincinnati Bengals at Paul Brown Stadium on November 25, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Joe Robbins/Getty Images) /

Gregg Williams. 3. player. 53. . Interim Head Coach. Browns

A lot of Redskins fans have been calling on Gregg Williams as a potential possibility as a head coach. The fit could be a sensible one, as he did have a four-year stint as the Redskins defensive coordinator from 2004-2007. And during that time, the team finished with a top-10 defense three times. So, he has a track record of success in Washington.

There would be some issues with bringing in Williams, but they can be explained.

One concern is that Williams has only really created average defenses since he came back to the NFL in 2014. Granted, he was working with the Rams and the Browns, but too often, the defenses have allowed chunk plays. But again, that may have been a talent deficiency and not a coaching deficiency. His work with the front sevens was definitely impressive, and their discipline is solid.

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Beyond the concerns with Williams’ ability is that he was involved with the Bountygate scandal in New Orleans. He was suspended indefinitely by the league as a result of that. Of course, this issue was many years ago, and Williams has been forgiven. But, it’s possible that bringing him in as a candidate could draw more criticism to a Redskins team that has already been dealing with a lot of off-the-field attention in recent weeks. Still, it’s unlikely that this would be a major issue. It’s just something that has to be brought up when discussing Williams.

All that said, Williams should still garner some consideration. He understands the storied history of the Redskins franchise, and he worked under the legendary Joe Gibbs. He would bring a no-nonsense attitude and might bring some accountability to the defense. And if he keeps doing well as the Browns interim coach, that may be enough to showcase what he might be capable of as a head coach.

Williams is a solid candidate, and it seems probable that he might get a shot as a head coach at some point. But if he doesn’t get a shot as a head coach, he could be targeted as a defensive coordinator. He and Jim Tomsula could make an excellent duo, so keep an eye on Williams regardless. If he’s not a head coach candidate, he may be available as a DC.

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