Steve Spurrier Quits

[Walter Cronkite]

The Steve Spurrier Era in Washington ended Tuesday after two seasons when the frustrated coach of the Redskins resigned.

Spurrier informed team owner Dan Snyder of his decision Tuesday morning. The team is expected to announce Spurrier's resignation later today.

Spurrier, who had three years remaining on his contract at a total of $15 million, will get none of that money but the Redskins will cover the former coach's moving expenses.

Because Spurrier resigned, he cannot coach in the league for the next three years unless a future NFL employer is willing to give the Redskins compensation, in the form of draft picks, cash, or both.

The end of Spurrier's tenure in Washington, where he was 12-20 after a highly successful career coaching the University of Florida, was expedited by prominent agent Jimmy Sexton, whom Spurrier retained Tuesday.

Spurrier had been purposely cryptic in recent days about his plans for the future. He told Washington-area media on Sunday that he "planned to" return to the team for next season, but alluded to issues that needed to be resolved with Snyder. Some of the issues were believed to be control over staffing and input in player personnel decisions.

Snyder has suggested that Spurrier's staff, the most inexperienced in the NFL and top-heavy with former Florida Gator assistants, needed an upgrade. But by contract, Spurrier has the right to hire and fire members of his staff. Spurrier also was said to be seeking added sway in roster and personnel matters, something he previously has not requested.

There is no small degree of irony in Spurrier retaining Sexton; the agent represents several prominent Redskins, among them quarterback Patrick Ramsey, offensive linemen Chris Samuels and Randy Thomas, and middle linebacker Jeremiah Trotter. Sexton also has worked with Snyder extensively in the past.

Source: AP