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WASHINGTON -- Steve Spurrier resigned as coach of the Washington Redskins on Tuesday, ending a failed attempt to bring his Fun 'n' Gun offense to the NFL.


Confirmation of the resignation came after two hours of confusion during which Spurrier was quoted as saying he had not resigned -- even though the team announced that he had. The bizarre turn of events happened because Spurrier had not been aware that the final details had been worked out between his new agent, Jimmy Sexton, and the team.


"We had a little miscommunication there," Spurrier told The Associated Press by telephone from Florida.


Spurrier said he would release a full statement later in the afternoon.


Shortly after the team's initial announcement, in a cellphone conversation, Spurrier told The Washington Post that he did not quit.


"I have not resigned. I've got a representative looking into some issues but I have not resigned," Spurrier was quoted as saying. "If they say that I have, that is not true. I'm not sure it is heading in that direction right now. We are seeing where it goes but I have not resigned."

Coach Steve Spurrier and the Washington Redskins worked out the final details of his resignation this afternoon -- after a few hours of confusion in which Spurrier was unaware that he had quit his own job.

Spurrier's resignation was worked out by agent Jimmy Sexton while the coach played golf, presumably in Florida. Spurrier, who had hired Sexton on Monday, was initially unable to reach the agent today because of cell phone troubles on the golf course. That led Spurrier to deny that he had quit after the team had announced his departure in a news release.

"I was caught off-guard," Spurrier said when asked about his denial. "Obviously, when a person resigns he usually calls it in himself. The bottom line is if that's what's best for everyone concerned that's what we'll do. We'll get to the bottom of it by the end of the day."

Spurrier said he would discuss his resignation later in the day.

In a news release issued early this afternoon, the Redskins said Spurrier had telephoned owner Daniel Snyder and resigned "in the best interest of the Redskins franchise." It was unclear if Spurrier had spoken to team officials as of 1:45 p.m. today.

In the release, Snyder said, "I have accepted Steve's resignation with much regret but respect his decision."

The move was a surprise to Redskins officials, who believed Spurrier would return for a third season. There are few high-profile NFL coaching candidates believed to be available. If Snyder wants to hire a big-name former NFL coach, he could pursue former Minnesota Vikings coach Dennis Green, former Jacksonville coach Tom Coughlin and former Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys Coach Jimmy Johnson.

The Redskins said in the release that they will begin their search for Spurrier's replacement immediately.

Team sources said Spurrier had informed his assistant coaches of the decision and that there had been no buyout of what remained of his five-year, approximately $25 million contract. But Spurrier would be paid some money to cover his expenses and would also serve as a consultant, sources said.

Two people close to Spurrier say they expect him to take a year off before seeking a college coaching job.

Originally posted by Smoo Power:
.... If Snyder wants to hire a big-name former NFL coach, he could pursue former Minnesota Vikings coach Dennis Green, former Jacksonville coach Tom Coughlin and former Miami Dolphins and Dallas Cowboys Coach Jimmy Johnson. ....

Originally posted by The Brown Hornet:
Somebody around here will post something about Spurrier becoming our next OC. Other than me of course. lol