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The Redskins reportedly talked with Steve Wilks and Todd Bowles before they accepted d-coordinator positions with the Browns and Buccaneers, respectively. Finlay believes the situation is different with Williams, who served on Joe Gibbs' staff in Washington from 2004-07 and most recently coached the Browns to a 5-3 record as their interim head coach.
"I think with Gregg Williams, he might actually like coming to Washington, where there's a chance you've got a head coach on a short-term deal and there could be turnover. And maybe, at 60 years old, that gives Gregg Williams the inside track at a potential head coaching job a year from now, a job that he probably thinks he should have gotten 10 years ago in 2007."
The situation in Washington contrasts with the other defensive coordinator job Williams has been linked with on the Jets, who just introduced Adam Gase as their new head coach.
"I think (Williams) is focused on being a head coach," said Finlay. "And you go to the Jets, where they clearly believe in Adam Gase — you gotta figure Gase is there at least two, probably three years because they want him to develop Sam Darnold — where's that put Gregg Williams?"
"I just think the situation in Washington is quite different. And by all accounts, the relationship between Gregg Williams and ownership was strong at one point, had some tough times, but is strong again."
"I think the organization is desperate for some good news also, and I think this is something fans would be happy about," Finlay continued. "I like Jay Gruden certainly as a person, I think he has some good abilities as a coach. But I think if there was a bad cop in that room, might not be a bad idea."
"It's pro football. All these coaches understands it's a results-driven business that has ugly ramifications at times. Every coach goes into this eyes wide open. ... This would be the 'Skins trying to make a move to get better, and trying to make a move to shake things up."