New Defensive Coordinator Gregg Williams a Familiar Face for New Orleans Saints

For four relatively successful seasons, newly hired New Orleans Saints defensive coordinator Gregg Williams coached in Washington, DC.

It is widely known that in the District of Columbia, the only thing more important than the President of the United States is how the Redskins are doing.

Many beat writers from the Washington Post were surprised that after legendary head coach Joe Gibbs retired for the second time, Williams was let go by owner Daniel Snyder.

It was a consensus among the local media that the lack of consistency in the coaching staff, had hindered the team’s ability to gel.

Joe Gibbs quit after four seasons citing “fatigue and wanting to see his grandkids grow up.”

And not too much time after Joe left, Snyder decided to go in a different direction from top to bottom.

He dismissed offensive coordinator Al Saunders after the experiment with a 700-page playbook failed to muster a potent, high-powered offense that was promised, and not delivered.

This was not what fans were expecting when Gibbs accepted the challenge to turn the Skins back into a winning organization.

The numbers do not lie, fellow hogs and hogettes.

In his first year as defensive coordinator/assistant head coach, Williams turned a sub par defense into a run stopping machine.

The Redskins finished first in the NFC in overall defense, and third in the NFL.

In the following season the Skins slipped to sixth in the NFC, and finished ninth overall.

Williams is credited, and rightfully so for drafting well during his tenure in Washington.

In April of the 2004 NFL draft the Redskins had the fifth pick in the first round.

Joe Gibbs was focused on upgrading the receiving corps to complement coach Saunders’ complicated offensive schemes.

He coveted Miami tight end Kellen Winslow Jr., and was all set to select the “the bleeping soldier” from the college ranks without remorse.

But it was through Williams’ extreme diligence, that led to the Redskins picking perhaps the toughest guy to ever wear the burgundy and gold uniform.

Sean Taylor definitely hit the hardest of any Redskin before him.

In a cruel twist of fate, No. 21 was tragically killed in his Miami home while attempting to protect his family from a home invasion.

Two men who claimed to be friends with some of Sean Taylor’s known associates, were charged with second degree murder, and will spend the majority of their lives behind bars.

Life is indeed bittersweet.

And now Williams has been given a new life.

He inherits a defense that ranked 23rd in the NFL last season.

This unit gave up 339.5 yards per game, and are looking at the defensive back position with their picks in the 2009 draft.

Their offense is certainly not the problem.

Quarterback Drew Brees threw for over 5,000 yards, directed an offense that scored 28.9 points a game and averaged 410 yards per game.

Brees averaged 311 yards per game through the air.

The Saints 8-8 record was indicative of the defense collapsing in the late stages of games.

They would give huge chunks of yardage at the worst times.

Williams had an off year, as well.

He spent this season in Jacksonville, as the Jaguars defensive coordinator.

Under his tutelage, Jacksonville gave up an average 331 yards per game, good for 17th overall in the league.

Their 22.9 points allowed average put them ranked 21st in the NFL.

General Manager Mickey Loomis is excited about the future for his defensive ball players.

“Gregg is a tremendous addition to our coaching staff,” Loomis said. “We were looking for a coach with experience, a proven track record with success and a clear philosophy on where the improvements needed to be made on our defense and that process.”

I hold no hostility towards Gregg Williams, even though the Redskins have yet to boast a decent pass rush that dogged his coaching days in the district.

Coaches believe their systems work, and Williams' defensive philosophy in Washington was successful for the most part.

He is still a highly respected, defensive guru that deserves his chance at redemption.

Notes: The Redskins play at FedExField versus the Saints, in a yet to be announced date and time during the 2008-2009 regular season.

Washington beat them at home in Week Two of this season, 29-24.