It's no surprise that Gregg Williams, as the Washington Redskins' assistant head coach for defense, has received most of the credit for a defense that is ranked second in the NFL, in spite of a lineup filled with no-name players.
But Williams has been helped by a staff of highly-regarded assistants led by Greg Blache, who oversees the defensive line, and Dale Lindsey, the linebackers coach. Blache was a head-coaching candidate as recently as 2002 when he had two interviews with the San Francisco 49ers before the job went to Dennis Erickson. And after leaving the Chicago Bears, where he was defensive coordinator for five seasons, Blache spoke to several teams including the Detroit Lions and Pittsburgh Steelers before signing with Washington.
Lindsey, who has 25 years of coaching experience, had been the San Diego Chargers' defensive coordinator for two seasons and was coach of the Redskins' linebackers in 1997 and 1999. This year, Lindsey's linebackers have flourished with Lemar Marshall and Antonio Pierce becoming starters for the first time because of injuries.
Washington's defensive staff is rounded out by assistants with promising futures: DeWayne Walker, the secondary coach, has a reputation for developing young defensive backs. Walker spent the previous two seasons with the New York Giants. Cornerbacks Fred Smoot and Shawn Springs have formed one of the best tandem's n the NFL. Steve Jackson, who was on Williams's staff the previous three seasons in Buffalo, coaches safeties. And Jackson has helped rookie Sean Taylor become one of the league's best safeties already. Taylor was named first alternate to the NFC All-Pro team.
"Credit goes to the defensive football team and the entire staff. And what we've done very well is: everybody has a role," said Williams. "I have a role. Greg has a role, Dale has a role. Steve Jackson has done a tremendous job with those young safeties. And Dewayne has done a great job.
"What we try to say is this: There's no superstars. There's no superstars in the coaching staff. There's no superstars in the defense. This is a bunch of guys doing their job. That has been fun to see."
Williams and Blache may generate interest for head-coaching openings -- Erickson's job is on the line in San Francisco -- and Blache likely would be a candidate. But NFL rules prevent assistants from switching teams unless there's a promotion.
"You never know, somebody gets offered a head-coaching job," Gibbs said. "You understand that. You want what's best for them and their family. But I do think that one of the attractive parts of coming to this franchise is this city, the fans; I think our owner, they know that he's a guy that wants to win, and it's nice to not be too concerned about the money. He does what it takes to keep people happy. I think we have those things going for us, and hopefully, we'll be able to keep our guys together."
-- Nunyo Demasio
