Fanhouse NFL Blog - washington-redskins

Redskins Officially Hire Kyle Shanahan as Offensive Coordinator

Matt Snyder — 2010-01-20T15:15:00 00:00

Filed under: Redskins, NFC East, NFL Coaching

Wednesday, the Redskins announced something that seemed merely a formality for the past several weeks. They have officially announced the hiring of Kyle Shanahan as their offensive coordinator. They also announced the hiring of two other offensive coaches -- Matt LaFleur as quarterbacks coach and Jon Embree as tight ends coach.

It's true that Kyle is the son of new Redskins head coach and executive vice president Mike Shanahan, but this move doesn't necessarily scream nepotism. Kyle is an extremely qualified candidate for any coaching opening at this point in his career. He has been the offensive coordinator for the Houston Texans for the past two seasons where he helped lead one of the NFL's most potent offenses. In both of Shanahan's seasons as coordinator, the Texans established new franchise records in total offense. Under his tutelage, Matt Schaub led the NFL in passing yards and completions, while Andre Johnson has led the NFL in receiving yards for two consecutive seasons.

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Redskins' Chad Rinehart Arrested for Public Intoxication

Michael David Smith — 2010-01-19T16:27:00 00:00

by Michael David Smith

Filed under: Redskins, NFL Police Blotter

Washington Redskins guard Chad Rinehart was arrested early Monday near his alma mater of Northern Iowa and charged with misdemeanor public intoxication.

An officer with the Northern Iowa Police Department reportedly saw Rinehart attempting to enter Mojo's Pizza House at about 2 a.m. and asked him for his ID. The officer said he noticed the smell of alcohol on Rinehart's breath as they talked, and that Rinehart's eyes were bloodshot and he was swaying.

Rinehart refused to take a breath test and was taken to the Black Hawk County Jail. He has a court date in February.

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Rooney Rule Is Just Fine, Thank You

Terence Moore — 2010-01-13T19:30:00 00:00

by Terence Moore

Filed under: Redskins, Seahawks, NFL Coaching

No question, the Washington Redskins harkened back to their racist past last weekend by spitting in the face of diversity.

They (ahem) interviewed one of their black assistant coaches for the head job that was filled at the time and whose replacement already was known. And, yes, the Seattle Seahawks had zero intentions of hiring the black assistant coach they (ahem, ahem) interviewed last week despite having another guy virtually signed, sealed and delivered.

And, yes, with another Dr. King holiday approaching, the NFL joins its peers in professional and collegiate sports by not totaling making racial progress.

That said, I haven't a problem with the Rooney Rule, named for Steelers owner Dan Rooney (pictured).

Neither should you -- nor should anybody else -- when it comes to a mostly wonderful rule that requires NFL teams to interview at least one minority candidate before hiring a coach or front-office official. The rule is flawed, because all rules are, but this one is less flawed than its alternatives.

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New DC In D.C.: Redskins Sign Jim Haslett

R.J. White — 2010-01-12T22:40:00 00:00

by R.J. White

Filed under: Redskins, NFL Coaching

After being rebuffed by Mike Zimmer, the Washington Redskins have reportedly found a new defensive coordinator. Former Rams head coach Jim Haslett has agreed to join Mike Shanahan and the Redskins as their defensive leader, according to the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

Haslett is coming off a successful season in the United Football League, where he captained the undefeated Florida Tuskers, who made it to the league's first championship game before ultimately falling short of the title.

The new defensive coordinator has previously held the same position in New Orleans, Pittsburgh, and St. Louis. He's also served as the head coach both in New Orleans and St. Louis, compiling a 47-61 record over his head coaching career. He was named 2000 NFL Coach of the Year in his first season as a head coach, leading the Saints to a surprising 10-6 record and division title before losing in the divisional round of the playoffs.

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Dan Snyder: Man With the (Always-Changing) Plan

Chris Harry — 2010-01-07T16:15:00 00:00

by Chris Harry

Filed under: Redskins, NFL Analysis

Here we go again.

Mike Shanahan.

That's The Plan.

The latest in a long line.

After yet another season of massive disappointment and underachievement, the Washington Redskins are back to their splashy offseason ways. The Redskins have another multiple-Super Bowl-winning coach in the house. Time to get excited again, right?

Forget that Shanahan, 57, didn't fare very well after he lost John Elway and Terrell Davis from those back-to-back championship squads of the late-'90s (he went 1-4 in the postseasons that followed). This since isn't about his track record, good or bad.

It's about Washington owner Dan Snyder's dysfunctional track record for running a professional sports franchise.

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Shanahan Takes Control ... Total Control

Thomas George — 2010-01-06T19:00:00 00:00

by Thomas George

Filed under: Redskins, NFL Analysis

Mike likes Dan. Dan likes Mike.

And Dan has given Mike full control.

It was the only way it could work, this fresh marriage between Washington Redskins owner Dan Snyder and his new coach, Mike Shanahan. As one Redskins source put it, "It was the only way Mike would come.''

And just what will Redskins general manager Bruce Allen do?

"Whatever Mike asks him to do,'' the source said.

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Snyder Steps From Spotlight as Shanahan Enters

A.J. Perez — 2010-01-06T18:30:00 00:00

by A.J. Perez

Filed under: Redskins, NFL Coaching

ASHBURN, Va. --- While Washington Redskins general manager Bruce Allen proclaimed "We got our man" as he looked to new coach Mike Shanahan, Wednesday's news conference was as much about the man who wasn't up at the dais.

Embattled Redskins owner Dan Snyder chose to sit in the front row with the reporters, a not-so-subtle hint that the notoriously hands-on owner would let his new charges make the football decisions going forward. Shanahan, who signed a five-year deal worth a reported $35 million, has veto power, something he said he never had to use in his 14 seasons with the Denver Broncos.

"Do I have final say? Maybe you can say that," said Shanahan, who won two Super Bowls in Denver before being dismissed last offseason.

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Wildcast: Mike Shanahan's New Dental Plan and Sundry Coaching Moves

Will Brinson — 2010-01-06T16:40:00 00:00

by Will Brinson

Filed under: Chicago Bears, Bills, Panthers, Raiders, Redskins, Seahawks

The Wildcast is NFL FanHouse's podcast formation. It's like the Wildcat, but better.

Let's get this out of the way: while many people were predicting turmoil and chaos and beheadings, Snyder and I told you last week that outside of Jim Zorn (and we didn't count the dead duck Bills of course), there wasn't a guaranteed firing in the NFL. Thus far, we look pretty smart.

So we figured with Mike Shanahan newly signed with the Washington Redskins, what better time to fire up the old podcast machine and discuss the various coaching changes (this is part one, part two with a playoff preview is tomorrow), potential coaching changes and desperation in Buffalo than ... RIGHT NOW! But seriously, take a listen.

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Mike Shanahan Introduced as Redskins Head Coach

Chris Burke — 2010-01-06T14:30:00 00:00

by Chris Burke

Filed under: Redskins, NFL Coaching

The Redskins officially introduced Mike Shanahan as the franchise's head coach and executive vice president Tuesday during a press conference at the team's training facility. Shanahan, the Redskins' 28th head coach, replaces Jim Zorn, who was fired early Monday morning after posting a 12-20 record in two seasons.

Washington is Shanahan's third head-coaching stop. He went 8-12 as coach of the Los Angeles Raiders in 1988-89, then 135-86 for the Denver Broncos from 1995-2008 -- including the Super Bowl XXXII and XXXIII titles. Denver missed the playoffs in Shanahan's final three seasons with the Broncos, and he was fired at the end of the 2008 season.

"I'm excited and honored to be head coach of the Washington Redskins," Shanahan said. "It's a very, very special place -- Super Bowls, world championships, it's a franchise that has a great history."

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Report: Shanahan Agrees to 5-Year Deal With Redskins

Michael David Smith — 2010-01-05T19:42:00 00:00

by Michael David Smith

Filed under: Broncos, Redskins

(UPDATE: The Redskins have announced they will host a press conference to introduce Mike Shanahan on Wednesday at 2 PM ET.)

Mike Shanahan has reportedly agreed to a five-year contract to become the next head coach of the Washington Redskins.

Mike Klis of The Denver Post reports that the Redskins are making plans for Shanahan to sign his contract and announce the hiring Wednesday.

According to the report, Shanahan will make about $7 million a year with the Redskins. That's about what he was making with the Denver Broncos, and under the terms of his contract with the Broncos, he'll still be paid about $3.5 million a year for the next two years from Denver owner Pat Bowlen while also being paid by the Redskins.

The 57-year-old Shanahan has always been Redskins owner Dan Snyder's top choice, with reports linking him to the team long before Jim Zorn was officially fired as head coach this week. Shanahan has a 154-103 record as an NFL head coach, and he won two Super Bowls with the Broncos.

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Report: Mike Shanahan, Agent Currently Meeting With Redskins

Will Brinson — 2010-01-05T13:24:00 00:00

by Will Brinson

Filed under: Redskins, NFL Coaching, NFL Media Watch, NFL Rumors

Update: It's a done deal -- Shanahan has inked a five-year deal with the Redskins.

Mike Shanahan signing with Washington to coach the Redskins has seemed like a done deal almost since Jim Zorn was put on the hot seat, oh, 17 weeks ago, even if Shanahan declined to hop aboard the Redskins "express" mid-season.

But according to Adam Schefter on Twitter -- the deal is about to become official.

Schefter reports that Sandy Montag, Shanny's agent, is currently the man about town in D.C. these days.

Sandy Montag arrived in Washington a short time ago and is scheduled to meet this afternoon with Redskins GM Bruce Allen.

Montag is meeting with Allen, and not Daniel Snyder, because Allen is, of course, the GM. But also because these are supposed to be "negotiations" and nothing spoils those like one side (read: Snyder) being way too generous and offering to pay the other side eleventy billions dollars for 2010 while giving them, oh, maybe 42% ownership?

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Shanahan on the Way? 'Skins Won't Say

David Steele — 2010-01-04T17:00:00 00:00

by David Steele

Filed under: Redskins, NFL Coaching

ASHBURN, Va. -- The Washington Redskins no longer have to wait to hire Mike Shanahan, if they can lure him. But while nothing has happened to quell speculation that Shanahan will be the next head coach, the "if'' still looms large.

So, as new general manager Bruce Allen (pictured) officially announced the firing of Jim Zorn Monday afternoon, he did not have his replacement with him at the Redskins' headquarters, nor did he hint about when that replacement would be there. Allen did talk about immediacy -- "Today starts the 2010 season,'' he said -- and about what the Redskins need in their next head coach, and more than anything else, he repeated variations of the statement he made earlier in the morning, hours after telling Zorn upon the team's pre-dawn return from the season finale in San Diego: "The status quo is not acceptable.''

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Taking Spin on NFL Coaching Carousel

Nancy Gay — 2010-01-04T16:30:00 00:00

by Nancy Gay

Filed under: Chicago Bears, Bills, Raiders, Redskins, NFL Coaching

Jim Zorn's long-expected dismissal early Monday as the Washington Redskins coach has opened the tap for what should be a less tumultuous changing-of-the-NFL coaches period than last season.

At the least, it won't be Black Monday. Some bubble coaches could remain on the fence for several days.

In 2009, nine NFL teams hired new head coaches and two -- the 49ers and the Raiders -- elevated their interim coaches (Mike Singletary and Tom Cable) to permanent status. This season, the hot seat is heating up in Chicago, Buffalo and Oakland, where the status of those staffs is very much in question.

Zorn being sacked wasn't a matter of if, but when. Mike Shanahan has yet to sign a contract naming him the new Redskins head coach, despite multiple media outlets reporting that Dan Snyder used his private plane to fly his top choice from Denver to Washington on Monday in anticipation of the announcement. In Houston, coach Gary Kubiak has told his staff to wish Texans offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan their best; the son is expected to join his father's staff at Redskins Park.

While Shanahan to Washington may be imminent, all eyes are on what's happening with the Chicago Bears, who have canceled their customary end-of the-season news conference with coach Lovie Smith while he meets with ownership and general manager Jerry Angelo, according to the Chicago Tribune. The Bears are expected to hold a news conference either Tuesday or Wednesday and Smith's status should be known by then.

The Buffalo Bills cryptically announced Monday that the future of the entire coaching staff, including interim head coach Perry Fewell, would be evaluated by the new head coach. But while newly promoted general manager Buddy Nix has not formally dismissed any coaches as of yet, he has told the Bills staff it is free to seek employment elsewhere. Translation: clear out your offices.

In Oakland, the controversial Cable may be spending the next few days boxing up his belongings in anticipation of what should be a heated end-of-season evaluation session with owner Al Davis.

Cable, who already has angered Davis for his part in the Randy Hanson broken jaw affair and accusations that he assaulted two of his former wives, may have cemented his departure last week when the coach publicly distanced himself from underachieving draft bust JaMarcus Russell. Cable said the Raiders would have been a playoff team without Russell -- who finished with the NFL's lowest passer rating among starters and the league's worst completion percentage.

The former LSU quarterback was Davis' hand-picked No. 1 overall pick in the 2007 NFL draft and received $32 million guaranteed to be the next Kenny Stabler.

That hasn't happened, and the Raiders' sputtering offensive performances and record with Russell under center -- 2-7 this season with him as the No. 1 quarterback, 3-4 with Bruce Gradkowski and Charlie Frye as starters -- has solidified the players support of Cable's decision to bench a player that has cost the franchise $39 million to date. Russell has won only seven games in 25 starts with the Raiders.

But while players have been strongly vocal in backing Cable and saying they welcome his return, the coach broke rank with the owner by openly questioning and denouncing Davis' favorite athlete. Davis, after all, cited Lane Kiffin's lack of support for drafting Russell in 2007 when he fired him in the now infamous "overhead projector" news conference.

If Cable doesn't make it to a second full season in Oakland, he will be the sixth coach fired by Davis since Jon Gruden's departure after the 2001 season.

Coaching changes in 2009

Chiefs: Fired Herm Edwards, hired Todd Haley
Jets: Fired Eric Mangini, hired Rex Ryan
Rams: Fired interim coach Jim Haslett, hired Steve Spagnuolo
Buccaneers: Fired Jon Gruden, hired Raheem Morris
Lions: Fired Rod Marinelli, hired Jim Schwartz
Browns: Fired Romeo Crennel, hired Eric Mangini
Broncos: Fired Mike Shanahan, hired Josh McDaniels
Colts: Tony Dungy retired, hired Jim Caldwell
Seahawks: Mike Holmgren stepped away, hired Jim Mora

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Jim Zorn Fired by Redskins

Will Brinson — 2010-01-04T08:30:00 00:00

by Will Brinson

Filed under: Redskins, NFL Coaching

Jim Zorn has, finally and/or officially, been fired by the Redskins. In a move that should surprise no one, GM Bruce Allen announced that the team would be going in a different direction next season. Zorn was given the news at a 4 a.m. meeting upon the team's return from San Diego.

"The status quo is not acceptable," Allen said in a statement. "I felt it was necessary to not waste a moment of time to begin building this team into a winner."

Zorn has been on the hot seat for several months -- and more or less considered all but fired for the last few weeks -- and the Redskins are now free to pursue the available candidates out there.

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Redskins' Misery Will Continue Until Snyder Vanishes

David Whitley — 2010-01-03T21:53:00 00:00

by David Whitley

Filed under: Chargers, Redskins, NFL Analysis

SAN DIEGO -- Jim Zorn's Last Stand was over and Norv Turner ran out to offer some parting words of comfort.

"Your misery's over. Take it from a guy who knows, this is the best day of your professional life."

Actually, I'm not sure what Turner told Zorn after the Chargers' B team beat Washington, 23-20. But it should have been something like that considering the pain everybody associated with the Redskins has endured.

"One thing you can say about this season is you won't ever forget it," Redskins quarterback Jason Campbell said, "because you learn how to fight adversity."

Which brings us to the $50 million question: has Dan Snyder finally learned?

More Coverage: Washington Redskins Fire Jim Zorn

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Report: Redskins Will Fire Zorn Monday

Matt Snyder — 2010-01-03T16:50:00 00:00

by Matt Snyder

Filed under: Redskins, NFC East, NFL Coaching

In a story that would only be shocking if it wasn't true, ESPN is reporting that the Redskins will fire head coach Jim Zorn within the next 24 hours. The 'Skins went 8-8 last year, but have regressed all the way back to 4-12 under Zorn in 2009. There has been rampant speculation all season about Zorn's job status -- to the point that he's seemed a lame duck coach for weeks -- but nothing has ever been concrete.

The Redskins closed their lackluster season Sunday with a loss in San Diego, 23-20. Most of the game was played against the Chargers' backup quarterback, too, as Philip Rivers was resting for the playoffs.

While he didn't exactly do a bang-up job, the proverbial deck has been pretty stacked against Zorn in his two seasons at Washington. He went directly from simply being a quarterback coach to a head coach. Redskins' maligned owner Dan Snyder initially hired Zorn as his new offensive coordinator and eventually moved him to head coach; a move that many thought was simply because he couldn't find anyone else he liked well enough to hire.

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Wildcast: Inherently Awesome 'Colts Sit Starters' Debate

Will Brinson — 2009-12-30T15:30:00 00:00

by Will Brinson

Filed under: Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, Chargers, Colts, Eagles, Panthers, Redskins, Saints, Vikings, NFL Media Watch, NFL Quarterbacks, NFL Predictions, NFL Podcast

The Wildcast is NFL FanHouse's podcast formation. It's like the Wildcat, but better.

There was really zero way that Snyder and I could avoid discussing the Colts sitting their starters and losing the perfect season, while setting the Jets up to backdoor the playoffs. I'm sorry -- it's beat into the ground, but there wasn't anything we could do. Fortunately for you, we have interesting points that haven't been made publicly yet. So there's that.

There's also a discussion on what coaches find themselves on the hot seat, our typical MVP talk as well as an assorted amount of goodness throughout the (surprisingly) lengthy Wildcast for this week. Hop on down and take a listen, kids.

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Sunday Night Football Live Chat: Cowboys vs. Redskins

Adam Gretz — 2009-12-27T19:45:00 00:00

by Adam Gretz

Filed under: Cowboys, Redskins, NFL Live Blogging

The last time we saw the Washington Redskins on national television all hell was breaking less with the swinging gate. Hopefully we see more of it tonight as the Redskins play host to their long-time rivals from Dallas.

It's a huge game for the Cowboys as they can secure a playoff spot with a win. We'll be chatting about all of the action, as well as the rest of the playoff madness that unfolded earlier in the day.

Please join us at 8:15 PM ET for all of the fun.

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Haynesworth Denies Organizing Boycott

Michael David Smith — 2009-12-27T08:51:00 00:00

by Michael David Smith

Filed under: Redskins

Washington Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth ripped the Redskins' coaching staff after being sent home from practice Friday, and he's already looking like a bad fit for the team, less than a year into his seven-year contract.

But Haynesworth denies a report from Brad Biggs of National Football Post that he tried to organize a boycott of the Redskins' Christmas day practice.

"I never even joked or said anything like that," Haynesworth told Jason Reid of the Washington Post, via text message. "Plus, if I was boycotting practice, why in the hell would I be at practice?"

But whether Haynesworth was trying to organize a boycott or not, it's clear that he has serious problems with the team that guaranteed him $41 million just 10 months ago. Whoever the coach of the Redskins is in 2010, getting Haynesworth to put those problems behind him will be a major task.

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Haynesworth's Troubles Proof that Money Isn't Everything

JJ Cooper — 2009-12-26T21:52:00 00:00

by JJ Cooper

Filed under: Redskins, Titans, NFC East

Less than a year into his seven-year free agent deal, Albert Haynesworth is already completely frustrated with the Redskins' scheme, its coaching staff and his role in the defense.

It's safe to say that Haynesworth won't have to worry about playing for this coaching staff next year, but there's no guarantee that Haynesworth will be any happier playing for Mike Shanahan or whoever else coaches the Redskins.

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