It is quite possible that Backman doesn't take the job, being he would prefer to manage a minor league team over being a coach on somebody else's staff. If Backman stays with the Mets, he is the leading candidate to manage their AAA team in Buffalo for 2012. Tim Tuefel, who managed Buffalo in 2011, was named Mets 3rd base coach for 2012.
I think that it would turn out for the better if Backman took the coaching job in Washington. Continuing to be with the Mets would provide an unneeded distraction for a team that may not be competitive. If the Mets do not sign Jose Reyes, and do not make necessary strides to be competitive in 2012, a manager should not lose his job because of that. Terry Collins should get this entire season if the Mets do not want to compete and he should not have to look over his shoulder. It is not the manager's fault if he is given a bunch of players off the dollar rack from an organization that may want to take 2012 off.