Redskins reportedly interview Williams

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Gregg Williams, the leading candidate to succeed Joe Gibbs as coach of the Washington Redskins, didn't have to wait long for his interview with team owner Dan Snyder.

Williams, the Redskins' assistant head coach-defense, was expected to meet with Snyder this week, but ESPN reported they got together yesterday. Neither Williams nor his agent, Marvin Demoff, returned phone calls.

A Redskins spokesman said the team will not comment throughout the search process to find a replacement for Gibbs, who retired Jan. 8.

Two days later, Tennessee defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, who worked under Williams with the Titans, was the first candidate to be interviewed. Arizona assistant head coach-offensive line Russ Grimm, who played and coached under Gibbs in Washington, reportedly met with Snyder on Jan. 11.

Williams, 49, posted a 17-31 record as Buffalo's coach from 2001 to 2003. However, his defenses have ranked in the top 10 in three of his four years in Washington. The Redskins made the playoffs in 2005 and 2007.

Williams, the clear choice among Redskins players to succeed Gibbs, was the hot candidate for openings with such teams as Houston, Kansas City and St. Louis two years ago before signing a contract extension with the Redskins.

With former Pittsburgh coach Bill Cowher apparently happy to remain out of the NFL for a second year, Williams is the front-runner.

Snyder still must interview at least one minority candidate, likely assistants Jim Caldwell or Ron Meeks of Indianapolis, to meet the NFL's Rooney Rule requirement. Neither Caldwell nor Meeks will be available until Jan. 21 if the favored Colts beat the visiting San Diego Chargers in today's AFC playoff game.