Update on Gregg Williams Situation

by MtnExile on Jan 12, 2009 8:05 AM CST Comment 43 comments

Things are heating up in the Gregg Williams road show, but they're heating up everywhere.

In New Orleans, Jeff Duncan made a plea for the Saints to hire Williams stat, saying he would be "the mirror image of Payton on defense." The Saints would offer Williams the best opportunity of all the teams with coordinator openings, since they have "a Super Bowl-caliber offense" already."

That's a contention called "mushy gushy" by Alan Burge, who writes Houston Texans news for Examiner.com. Burge adds, "It seems like New Orleans may have the inside track on Williams but who knows, maybe his agent was using them as leverage to get more money out of Bob McNair."

The situation is complicated by Green Bay's involvement. A story in the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinal quotes the NFL Network report that Mike Nolan is expected to go to Denver. Therefore, head coach Mike McCarthy "will likely turn his attention to his two other top candidates: former Jacksonville Jaguars coordinator Gregg Williams and Philadelphia Eagles secondary coach Sean McDermott."

Finally, Rotoworld is reporting that the Titans--Williams' former team--might be interested in hiring him to replace Jim Schwartz, who is widely expected to win a head coaching job (the report doesn't speculate where Schwartz will go).

[Here's an update from Rotoworld:

Gregg Williams will reportedly not sign with a team as defensive coordinator before he knows the future of Jim Schwartz in Tennessee.

It still sounds as though PayLoo have targeted Williams alone at this point...but it also seems that it's Tennessee that's in the driver's seat at this stage. Williams reportedly was going to make a decision this week, and the status of the Tennessee job is apparently what everything hinges on.]

My own take, for what it's worth: Jeff Duncan knows something. This is one of those situations where a journalist can use his insider knowledge to great advantage, and I suspect that's exactly what Duncan is doing here. Not only is he reporting what he believes to be true, he's preparing the way for Williams to be accepted by New Orleans fans. I think Payton and Loomis have targeted Williams and Williams alone--and if he decides to go somewhere else, they'll deal with the situation as it arises. I wouldn't be surprised if they sign Williams before Sean McDermott is even available for interviews.

This FanPost was written by a reader and member of Canal Street Chronicles. It does not necessarily reflect the views of CSC and its staff or editors.

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Thanks for the update

I read that Duncan article today and think you may be on to something here. Personally, I’m still very interested in McDermott, but would be happy with Williams as well. Williams has the experience and a history of success, but McDermott is a young and talented coach who would be out to prove his worth as a DC or head coach. It’s a tough choice. I just hope we get one of these two.

The Eagles were pretty impressive yesterday, especially on defense, so Mis-Pay (I like that combo of Loomis-Payton best considering the overpaid and underachieving defensive players we currently have) will have to wait at least another week to talk to McDermott. I have to think if they are indeed interested in him there is a way to just casually contact him and find out if he would be interested without actually discussing details. This week will be interesting. If Williams chooses the Saints over the other teams soon, they may just go ahead with him. If he doesn’t sign on to any team including the Saints, it may be safe to say that the Saints, Packers, Titans, Broncos, and Texans are all waiting out the Eagles’ season to have a sit down with McDermott before making a decision. It will be interesting to see which of these teams hires a DC first and who that person will be. I love an intriguing offseason!

Go Saints!!!!

by satchmo26 on Jan 12, 2009 12:11 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

I love an intriguing offseason too

…when we win. I would hate to wind up with Detroit’s defensive coordinator because everyone else turned us down or signed somewhere else before we could talk to them.

Get Sean McDermott!

by MtnExile on Jan 12, 2009 1:04 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

True

I’m sure Mis-Pay are taking all of that into consideration. If WIlliams calls them today or this week and says, “Hey, I like you guys, love your offense, and want to work with you to win a championship,” I say sign him up. We can’t afford to have him waiting by the phone while several other teams also want him. McDermott might turn out to be a great DC and, then again, he may not. The odds seem to point to him becoming one of the better ones, but with other teams also wanting him, we may not get him. You’re right in that I’d hate for us to wait around too long and wind up with a mediocre at best DC choice. Loomis and Payton have to get this right and they know it.

Go Saints!!!!

by satchmo26 on Jan 12, 2009 1:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Actually

I like Duncan’s characterization of Williams as “the mirror image of Payton.” Say what you want about Payton and his play-calling, but the offense has been at the top of the league for three years now. If we can get a defense that’s even in the vicinity of the top ten, we’re talking dynasty.

Get Sean McDermott...or, er, somebody else!

by MtnExile on Jan 12, 2009 1:26 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Love your new signature

Out of all of the Times-Pic writers, I like and respect Duncan’s opinion the most….so far. If he’s that high on WIlliams, I’d be happy if he became the new DC. Much like the draft, I just hope we can get the best guy available. If only I could be a fly on the wall in Loomis’ office to find out what they’re thinking right now in regards to this important offseason acquisition, which is certainly the most important of the year. I never liked the term dynasty when talking about sports teams, but if the Saints could become one, I could learn to love it.

Go Saints!!!!

by satchmo26 on Jan 12, 2009 1:40 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

One down, several to go

It’s official: The Broncos have hired Nolan

Citing a team source, NFL.com’s Adam Schefter reports that ex-49ers head coach Mike Nolan is expected to be the Broncos’ next defensive coordinator.
The Josh McDaniels era has begun with misinformation his mentor would be proud of. The Denver Post reported Dom Capers would replace Bob Slowik, but Schefter has never been wrong about the team he once covered. Nolan is choosing the Broncos over Green Bay, where he was considered the heavy favorite to land as defensive coordinator as recently as Friday. Jan. 12 – 1:48 am et
Source: NFL.com

Well, maybe not totally official, but it seems the Broncos have found their guy.

Go Saints!!!!

by satchmo26 on Jan 12, 2009 1:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Adam Schefter seems to think Williams is the logical choice for Saints

I don’t know if anyone has seen this yet, but his article seems to suggest that the Saints have their hearts set on Williams.

http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/01/10/will-williams-toughen-up-defense-in-the-big-easy/

Adam Schefter
Will Williams toughen up defense in the Big Easy?

Posted: Adam Schefter | Adam Schefter | Tags: Green Bay Packers, Gregg Williams, Jacksonville Jaguars

Now that Gregg Williams will not return to Jacksonville as the Jaguars’ defensive coordinator, he’s trying to figure out where he will be next season.

The favorite is the New Orleans Saints, who met with Williams last week. After Williams visited the Saints, he traveled to Green Bay to meet with the Packers about their defensive-coordinator job.

But the Saints would like Williams to be their defensive coordinator, the man responsible for trying to turn around a unit that disappointed New Orleans last season. New Orleans’ proximity and personnel would appeal to Williams and his family as well. It makes the tandem a logical match.

Williams is expected to make his decision early this week.

He makes it sound like the Saints have already offered him the job and are just waiting to hear Williams’ decision. Still, nothing confirmed as of yet.

Go Saints!!!!

by satchmo26 on Jan 12, 2009 2:54 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

If he's going to make his decision this week

…it’s probably not Green Bay. They were high on Nolan, and are said to be interested in Sean McDermott as well. But Nolan was in play until today, and McDermott can’t be interviewed until the end of Philadelphia’s season. That means that Green Bay probably did not make Williams an offer when he interviewed there.

And that leaves New Orleans.

Get Sean McDermott...or, er, somebody else!

by MtnExile on Jan 12, 2009 2:58 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Sign the man!

Not even sure if he’s that good but I don’t see that many quality candidates out there. McDermott? Wonder what the price tag will be if the Eagles defense torches Warner next game and do well in the Super Bowl.

Don’t know how much payroll money Saints spend on coaches but considering it’s out of the team’s salary cap I just wonder if Benson would spend that kind of dough. He’s probably one of the few owners thanking the lord there is a player’s cap. Oh well, we did save on a O-coach last 2 games…

Go back to your beloved bayous Gregg!

by FrenchFreak on Jan 12, 2009 7:27 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Texans promote from within

Texans promoted senior assistant Frank Bush to defensive coordinator.
Bush worked closely with the defensive line for the past two years and has experience as an LBs coach. While not a sexy hire, Bush was the guy Gary Kubiak wanted as coordinator two years ago. Arizona wouldn’t let him out of his contract. The Texans have pieces in place (Mario Williams, Amobi Okoye, DeMeco Ryans), but figure to add several new defensive starters this spring.
Source: Houston Chronicle

There’s one less team in need of a DC. They probably weren’t in the running for WIlliams and McDermott anyway as it sounds like this has been their plan all along.

Go Saints!!!!

by satchmo26 on Jan 13, 2009 2:31 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

That means

That, so far as we can tell from media reports, the teams ranked 1-2-3 in the Gregg Williams derby are:

1. Tennessee
2. New Orleans
3. Green Bay

Of course, there’s that disclaimer having to do with “media reports.” But it seems that Williams is holding out to see what happens in Tennessee first; and it seems that New Orleans wants him more than Green Bay.

On an unrelated note: it’s dead in here today.

Who is that person talking about beating those Saints?

by MtnExile on Jan 13, 2009 3:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yeah, not much happening regarding the Saints today

I keep waiting to see a tumbleweed cross my computer monitor.

If Williams is truly the guy they want, Mis-Pay are waiting on him, he’s waiting on the Titans, the Titans are waiting on Detroit, and Detroit is waiting for an angel to descend from Heaven and tell them who is the best head coach candidate to rescue their pathetically awful franchise. So, we’re all waiting on the Lions to make a decision. Either that, or we’re waiting for the Eagles to lose so we can interview McDermott. Based on reports though, I too think Williams is the guy Mis-Pay most wants.

Go Saints!!!!

by satchmo26 on Jan 13, 2009 3:15 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I ain't tongue-tied, just don't got nothin' to say

There’s a bailout coming, but it’s not for you.

http://neilyoung.com/forkintheroad/forkintheroadvideo.html

Get me another beer, Dragon Lady!

by stujo4 on Jan 13, 2009 3:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Oooh, let's get into an argument about music

Since there’s nothing happening on the football front. I’ll lead off: Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen, and the Grateful Dead are the most overrated acts in the history of rock music.

Oh, I forgot one: the Beach Boys.

Who dat talkin bout Beatles and Saints?

by MtnExile on Jan 13, 2009 4:03 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

i'll bite

grateful dead makes my list of over rated acts, along with bob marley, the doors, dave mattews band and…the beatles. i have to disagree on the beach boys though. they are the real deal.

by in the 9th on Jan 13, 2009 4:10 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Well let's define "overrated"

Overrated meaning not deserving of their popularity, media attention, and high sales figures? As opposed to influential, which is probably more meaningful. (I might buy your record, big deal; but if I try hard to BE like you, that’s the real thing baby)

Then you can’t class the Beatles, Beach Boys, or Rolling Stones (Jesus did I write that?) as “overrated”. Kinks, either.

But certainly you can do that for Bruce Springsteen (who copies his style?) and the Grateful Dead (Phish? please). A lot of bands try to be The Doors. Bob Marley is totally foreign, I don’t think you can call him overrated, maybe overexposed. I actually went to a Dave Matthews Band show at Mile High and enjoyed myself but they don’t really do it for me.

Neil Young is a Dylan knockoff with a lot of other pieces mixed in that surface on occasion.

No Doobie Brothers haters? One of my many guilty pleasures.

Emerson, Lake and Palmer? Yes? David Bowie? Lou Reed/Velvet Underground? Not a big fan of any of them.

Van Halen and Metallica? I don’t get it, I’m too old. I remember when Van Halen’s You Really Got Me came out. A kid at the pizza parlor told me excitedly “Stu, you HAVE to hear this new group, they covered that old song!” What a disappointment, I was appalled and have been ever since.

There’s a bailout coming, but it’s not for you.

by stujo4 on Jan 13, 2009 4:47 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

What can I say? I once was a serious metalhead.

When it comes to rock, I’m more into loud guitars with heavy distortion I guess. I once played lead guitar in some rock/metal groups and covered a lot of songs by these guys among others. I’ve since matured and enjoy playing jazz and classical guitar.

I agree with your influential as not overrated argument with one exception—Pink Floyd. I’ve always loved the sweet sound of David Gilmore’s guitar and definitely don’t think they were overrated despite the fact that no one has ever copied their style. That’s probably because their style would be close to impossible to copy.

Go Saints!!!!

by satchmo26 on Jan 13, 2009 4:57 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Pink Floyd spawned Soft Machine. They’re huge, untouchable. Gilmore was/is excellent.

There’s a bailout coming, but it’s not for you.

by stujo4 on Jan 13, 2009 5:00 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I've never heard of Soft Machine

Go Saints!!!!

by satchmo26 on Jan 13, 2009 5:02 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

me either, apparently

It’s an old band. I could’ve sworn there was a fairly new band doing an obvious pink floyd thing but with original material. Maybe its Machines Don’t Care.
http://www.machinesdontcare.com/

There’s a bailout coming, but it’s not for you.

by stujo4 on Jan 13, 2009 6:08 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Maybe Radiohead

They’re sorta similar to Pink Floyd but in a more modern way.

Go Saints!!!!

by satchmo26 on Jan 13, 2009 6:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Beck!

by FrenchFreak on Jan 13, 2009 6:41 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I have never been a Doobies fan

but I saw them as a lead-in act to the Stones, and they blew them away. They were the tightest band I’ve ever seen.

And Hunky Dory is still one of the greatest albums ever. Too bad Bowie peaked so early.

And the Beach Boys are the Gummy Bears of music. I don’t care how popular they are…they’re nothing but empty calories.

Boy, things really picked up! Next, we’re going to compare favorite Playmates!

by MtnExile on Jan 13, 2009 5:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I vote Jenny McCarthy!

Go Saints!!!!

by satchmo26 on Jan 13, 2009 5:16 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Cynthia Wood

She was one of the dancing bunnies in Apocolypse Now. Oh, Suzie Q.

There’s a bailout coming, but it’s not for you.

by stujo4 on Jan 13, 2009 6:12 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Mrs. Benny Ricardo

Am I the only one who could find a Saints connection?

Monique Noel

This is the only image I could find through a Google search that I could link here. (But it’s not the only picture I found…hint hint.)

by MtnExile on Jan 13, 2009 6:38 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

I'll say

this about Van Halen, saw them open for Doobie Bros., and Stones 1978 in the Dome. it was my 1st Stones concert, but VH blew’em both away, was still impressed w/Stones (Some Girls tour) but i went out and bought VH album the next day and the next 3 albums, Eddie VH changed guitar playing styles the way Hendrix did 10-12 yrs. earlier. After 83’ VH all down hill, “Jump” Diamond Dave left, then Hagar had brief sucess but in the end VH brothers egos broght it all down…peace ..metryman…

by metryman on Jan 13, 2009 5:23 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Eagles
Steely Dan

There’s a bailout coming, but it’s not for you.

by stujo4 on Jan 13, 2009 4:59 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Jethro Tull
Santana
Boston…there is just no end to that list.

Early Stones, Genesis (when Phil Collins would just shut up and drum) and Pink Floyd still make it as good as the first time!

Any Tom Waits worshippers out there?

by FrenchFreak on Jan 13, 2009 6:39 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Are these favorites?

Or are we still on the overrated list?

Foxtrot and Benefit are two of my all-time favorites. Basically anything Genesis did before Steve Hackett left, and anything Jethro Tull did before the jazz influence leaked away entirely, and anything Led Zeppelin did before their last album are, along with the entire Beatles catalog, the high points of the rock era for me.

by MtnExile on Jan 14, 2009 8:54 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Jethro , Boston and Santana are, in my view, overrated

It’s a shame for Santana cause the guy can play guitar.

I still listen to “You’re time is gonna come” from Led Zep at every end of football seasons….Hope baby.

by FrenchFreak on Jan 14, 2009 11:17 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

And how could I have forgotten

R.E.M.?

by MtnExile on Jan 14, 2009 12:09 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Just Wait til

the Super Bowl is over and get McDermott, Williams a better fit for Texans and family ties there. If Eagles win NFC champ and go to SB, I’d rather have the guy who kept hope alive when everbody was ready to throw Andy Reid and D.McNabb under the bus….peace…metryman….

by metryman on Jan 13, 2009 4:45 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

Texans have already hired a DC...

and it wasn’t Williams, so unless the Titans offer him a job, I think Williams will be our next DC. I like McDermott too, but think Payton may have already made up his mind.

Go Saints!!!!

by satchmo26 on Jan 13, 2009 4:48 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Yep

Just went to Texans site

by metryman on Jan 13, 2009 5:24 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

with Pioli in at KC, Herm Edwards appears out as coach

Bring him in as DC?

“You play to WIN the game”

Would liven up the press conferences no doubt.

by MobileSaint on Jan 13, 2009 6:34 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

MoSaint, I just had that same EXACT thought as I read the news about Pioli on NFL.com a few minutes ago

And I couldn’t decide how to put it on the CSC…I was thinking maybe a poll? But you’ve done it just fine.

I can’t even remember where Edwards coached before he led the NYJs. Be back in a minute with a link to Edwardses resume…

The Detroit Lions are on the clock!

by HansDat on Jan 13, 2009 6:49 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

http://www.kcchiefs.com/coach/herman_edwards/

here we go!

The Detroit Lions are on the clock!

by HansDat on Jan 13, 2009 6:52 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

wow...worked as asst head coach under Dungy @ TB, and coached DBs

Maybe he could help to get more out of our secondary…

The Detroit Lions are on the clock!

by HansDat on Jan 13, 2009 6:54 PM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Enough!

Do not even go there. I’d MOVE to Nollins if Edwards would humbly accept to be our D-Co!

by FrenchFreak on Jan 13, 2009 7:18 PM CST reply actions 0 recs

You realize who else is available now?

Tony Dungy. Wouldn’t that be mindblowing?

by MtnExile on Jan 14, 2009 8:55 AM CST reply actions 0 recs

I think...

…Edwards is better than Dungy. Just curious to know how many SB he would have won having Payton Manning as a QB.

This post is giving me arrhythmia!

by FrenchFreak on Jan 14, 2009 11:31 AM CST up reply actions 0 recs

Impressive!

Didn’t think the Saints brass would spring for an accomplished coach like Williams… I like McDermott but it may be risky to pass up Williams for a shot (long shot?) at signing McDermott.
As an afterthought, I personally hate the Doors but can’t deny those bastards were good, so I can’t really say they were overrated can I?

by Barrylsu5 on Jan 14, 2009 4:37 PM CST reply actions 0 recs