WASHINGTON -- The Washington Redskins, entering the final stage of their coaching search, tentatively plan to interview New York Giants defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo on Tuesday, a person familiar with the selection process said.
The person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the Redskins have not publicly released the names of any candidates, also said Sunday that New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels is no longer in the running for the job.
Owner Dan Snyder told reporters in Arizona over the weekend that he hopes to have a coach in place within a week. Snyder is seeking a replacement for Joe Gibbs, who resigned Jan. 8.
When asked about the candidates, Snyder gave a special mention to Indianapolis Colts defensive coordinator Ron Meeks, who was a Redskins assistant in 2000. Snyder was responding when asked whether it would be correct to list Meeks, Jim Fassel and Steve Mariucci as the leading contenders.
"You'd be close," Snyder said, according to the Richmond Times-Dispatch. "I'm a big fan of Ron Meeks. He's a heck of a coach."
Former San Francisco 49ers and Detroit Lions coach Mariucci was interviewed for the first -- and so far only -- time on Wednesday, according to the person familiar with the process. Fassel and Meeks have both had at least three meetings with Snyder.
Spagnuolo, widely praised for putting together the defense that got the Giants to the Super Bowl, would be seeking his first head coaching job. The Redskins had to wait until after Sunday's game to formally seek permission to interview him.
Copyright 2007 by The Associated Press
