Owner Dan Snyder is consulting with a small group of football people helping with process of determining the direction of the Washington Redskins. That group does not include team president Bruce Allen or any other team employees, according to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.
“Word is the Redskins are going to move fast, and more changes could be coming on the football side as soon as Monday. Obviously, the big question is going to relate to the status of team president Bruce Allen. Owner Dan Snyder has led the process over the last couple months (he’s been alone for parts of it) and, by design, has kept the vast majority of those in the organization in the dark on where it stands as he looks to remake his team”
Any change in the Redskins’ direction starts with the front office. And that starts with Allen. Allen has been with the franchise for 10 seasons. The team has struggled through the years, finishing in fourth-place in the NFC East five of those seasons including this year. They have finished in third another three seasons.
Redskins fans and media of grown tiresome of Allen’s reign with the team. In years past Allen seemed untouchable despite the team’s status under him. However with decreasing fan interest and declining home attendance week-to-week, Snyder may be looking to make mass changes to the structure of his team and that may start with Allen.
Breer reported earlier this week the Redskins were considering hiring a new Executive Vice President of Football Operations that would lead to Allen being fired.
USA TODAY’s Mike Jones reported Thursday that Snyder understands the team needs a reset that may include Allen’s position within the organization. But instead of a firing, Allen could be reassigned with some of his responsibilities being handed off to a high-ranking front office addition.
Jones also said his sources say there is a “good chance” Allen keeps his job.
The Redskins will need a new head coach following the firing of Jay Gruden back in Week 5. Bill Callahan has served as the team’s interim head coach. The Redskins are 3-7 under Callahan but have shown improvements, including rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins.
Callahan recently said he would “absolutely” want to return as the head coach of the Redskins next season. Others mentioned in the Redskins’ interests include Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, former Carolina Panthers head coach Ron Rivera and Stanford head coach David Shaw.
Before the Redskins address their head coach and coaching staff, the front office and top of the organization must be figured out first.
With the Redskins concluding their 2019 season Sunday against the Dallas Cowboys, some of the questions surrounding the team, including Allen’s status, may be answered swiftly starting with Black Monday. Answers that apparently only Dan Snyder knows.
