Gary Williams was the last man standing in the D.C. sports scene. Look at who has recently departed: Gilbert Arenas. Jim Larranaga. Ralph Friedgen. Clinton Portis. Karl Hobbs. Jaime Moreno. Heck, even Michael Wilbon left The Washington Post to work full-time at ESPN.
So now we ask the Dan Steinberg-inspired question, "Who is the reigning Godfather of D.C. Sports." Let's meet the contenders (after the jump).
There's not a ton to choose from in the major sports. The area has seen a lot of turnover, especially in the coaching ranks. Redskins coach Mike Shanahan arrived this past season. Nationals manager John Riggleman and Wizards coach Flip Saunders both took over in 2009. Capitals coach Bruce Boudreau is the longest-tenured coach in the four major sports, having arrived in '07, and he may very well be on the way out. Not much history there.
But there are some folks who have been around. They're listed below.
The Contenders:
- Chris Cooley (Redskins Tight End, Since 2004)
- Ben Olsen (D.C. United Coach, Since 2010 | Former D.C. United Player, 1998-2009)
- Ernie Grunfeld (Washington Wizards G.M.)
- Dave Urick (Georgetown Lacrosse Coach, Since 1990)
- Dom Starsia (Virginia Lacrosse Coach, Since 1993)
- Ryan Zimmerman (Washington Nationals, Since 2005)
- George McPhee (Washington Capitals, Since 1997)
- Dan Snyder (Washington Redskins, Since 1999)
- Ted Leonsis (Washington Capitals, Since 1999)
- John Thompson III (Georgetown Hoyas, Since 2004)
- Alex Ovechkin (Washington Capitals, Since 2004)