Spurrier will return to ‘Skins

Wednesday, Dec. 10, 2003 | 9:12 a.m.

SUN WIRE REPORTS

Steve Spurrier will return as coach of the Washington Redskins next year, the team said today, confirming a report in the Washington Post that Spurrier will return for the third season of his five-year, $25 million contract.

"(Owner) Dan Snyder has absolutely no intention of changing coaches," team spokesman Carl Swanson said in a telephone interview. "What coach Spurrier said to the Post is no different than what he's said from the day he was hired -- he intends to be here."

The Redskins have a 12-17 record under Spurrier, including 5- 8 this year. He has been mentioned as a possible candidate for several college coaching vacancies, including the University of Nebraska.

Spurrier is the Redskins' fourth coach since Snyder bought the team and FedEx Field for $800 million in 1999, following Norv Turner, Terry Robiskie and Marty Schottenheimer. He coached the University of Florida for 12 seasons before coming to Washington. Spurrier led the Gators to six Southeastern Conference titles and the 1996 national championship.

The Redskins host the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

McNair will not practice this week and coach Jeff Fisher said he did not know whether McNair, the NFL's top-rated passer, would play Sunday against Buffalo.

Suggs was charged with felony aggravated assault. He is to appear at a preliminary hearing Jan. 20.