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**RoyWilliams** · 02-08-2008, 09:08 AM

http://www.washingtontimes.com/apps/...10/1005/SPORTS

Quote:

Jim Fassel is the front-runner to become the Washington Redskins' next coach. Again.

Seemingly on the cusp of being hired two weeks ago by owner Dan Snyder, Fassel re-emerged yesterday after New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo's withdrawal from consideration to replace Joe Gibbs.

Spagnuolo's decision capped a wild month that began Jan. 8 when the Redskins' Hall of Fame coach resigned. Gregg Williams was the early favorite until he was fired as assistant head coach-defense. Seattle assistant Jim Mora briefly held "favorite" status until he opted to remain with the Seahawks.

All of that has Fassel, the former Giants coach who has met three times with Redskins owner Dan Snyder, as the front-runner, which he had been through most of this process.

Neither Fassel nor his agent, Steve Rosner, returned calls yesterday, nor have they throughout the process.

Fassel hasn't been a head coach since the Giants fired him following the 2003 season. He reached the playoffs three times and the Super Bowl once in seven seasons in New York while posting a 60-56-1 record. The 58-year-old has been out of the NFL since his friend Brian Billick fired him from his post as Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator during the 2006 season. Fassel worked NFL games for Westwood One Radio this past season.

Spagnuolo's departure from the competition less than a day after finishing his two-day interview with Snyder and executive vice president Vinny Cerrato left Fassel, former San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions coach Steve Mariucci and Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Ron Meeks as the remaining candidates.

"I appreciated Mr. Snyder giving me the opportunity to visit with him," Spagnuolo said in a Giants press release. "I have a great deal of respect for him and the Washington Redskins' organization. I was happy to have the opportunity to explore that situation, but I am equally happy to be staying in New York and look forward to continued success with the Giants."

Snyders taking his time on this one. His interview was 10 hours with other guys.