Washington Redskins News

Shanahan's plan will become clearer over next month
Comment
February 9
Washington Post
 
"The end of the Super Bowl marks the beginning of the NFL's offseason, which figures to be a busy time for the Redskins' new management team. Coach Mike Shanahan and General Manager Bruce Allen have revealed little publicly about their plans for a team coming off consecutive last-place finishes in the NFC East. But it seems obvious the roster needs to be improved after last season's 4-12 debacle in which the Redskins had one of the league's least effective offensive lines, no running backs with "home run" potential and gave up too many big passing plays because of breakdowns in the secondary. The Redskins currently hold the No. 4 overall pick in the two-day draft (April 22-23). In addition ..."
Clinton Portis riles up LaVar Arrington
Comment
February 9
Washington Post
 
"The football season ended on Sunday, and it was fitting that Super Bowl Week would serve up one final Clinton Portis feud. He's had a lot of these lately. (See below.) Portis would likely argue that the media are to blame, seizing on the slightest of quotes and taking them out of context, turning the innocuous into the villainous. But when it keeps happening and happening and happening...well, I don't see the same trap enveloping Ladell Betts, anyhow. So during Portis's appearance on the NFL Network set--the same appearance in which he admitted he asked coaches to bench Mike Sellers--the tailback was asked what has changed from the Clinton Portis who played in Denver to the Clinton Portis ..."
Starke credits Grimm for Hogs nickname
Comment
February 7
Washington Examiner
 
"Former Redskins Offensive line coach Joe Bugel always said the Hogs nickname started very simply, with him shouting at the Hogs, "OK, you Hogs, let's get running down here." But former Hog George Starke provided a little more detail and it revolved around the Redskins newest Hall of Famer, Russ Grimm. "Obviously, everyone knows that Russ is a Hog," Starke recalled, "but not everyone knows that the name Hogs came from a description of him. He was lying on the ground at the end of a blocking drill and Joe Bugel walked by and Russ had his stomach peeking out of his shirt"
Hall of a day for Grimm
Comment
February 7
Washington Examiner
 columnist John Kiem
"The Hogs are finally represented in the Hall of Fame. Former Redskins offensive lineman Russ Grimm was voted into the Hall of Fame Saturday, making him the first from the most famous line in NFL history to reach Canton. Grimm will be joined by Emmitt Smith, Jerry Rice, John Randle and Rickey Jackson. Jackson becomes the first New Orleans Saint to reach the Hall of Fame. Grimm played guard for Washington from 1981-91, helping pave the way to three Super Bowl triumphs. He made four Pro Bowl appearances. The most remarkable part about this era is that the Redskins, unlike many other teams, won their Super Bowls with three different quarterbacks. And the starting running backs were different ..."
In ex-Washington Redskins lineman Russ Grimm, the Pro Football Hall of Fame chooses a perfectly deserving Hog
Comment
February 7
Washington Post
 columnist Mike Wise
"Russ Grimm lay on the field, his belly protruding from his jersey. His position coach took a hard look at his young offensive guard -- still lying in the dirt and gunk. "Russ, get up," Joe Bugel said in the middle of a blocking drill. "You look like a hog layin' on the ground." The next day at practice every offensive lineman showed up with T-shirts with the word "Hog" written on the front. "Whaddya guys doin'?" Buges asked. "We're in solidarity with Russ, sir," they said. This was nearly 30 years ago, before family men put on homely dresses and plastic pig snouts and steam-cleaned their wigs, calling themselves the "Hogettes," their charitable tribute to the most recognized group of ..."
Russ Grimm: Hall of Fame prankster
Comment
February 7
Washington Post
 columnist Dan Stienberg
"Plenty of other writers will discuss Russ Grimm's actual qualifications for the Hall of Fame. But having already gone through the tale of Grimm re-ingesting an upchucked hot dog, I felt it my duty to mention that Grimm was also a Hall of Fame practical joker. All you need to read is this excerpt from the great Rick Snider's 1998 profile of Grimm-the-coach, which was published in the Washington Times: While legendary as a player, Grimm may be even more notorious as a prankster. Among the printable training camp gags attributed, though not always proven, to Grimm: - Putting hair cream remover in running back George Roger's athletic supporter. -Smearing honey on photographer Nate Fine's stand ..."
Grimm elected to Hall of Fame
Comment
February 7
Washington Post
 
"The famed "Hogs" offensive lines of the glory days of the Washington Redskins got their first representative in the Pro Football Hall of Fame when former Redskins guard Russ Grimm was elected Saturday. "It feels great," Grimm said in a telephone interview Saturday night. "I was elated, and I was also relieved. It's been like a 50-50 deal for me for a few years now. I wanted to get in and people would bring it up, but you want to keep an even keel about it so it's not a big letdown for everyone if you don't make it." Grimm was chosen for enshrinement in Canton, Ohio, as part of a seven-member Hall of Fame class announced here on the eve of the Super Bowl. The class includes the NFL's career ..."
Dexter Manley gets Super Bowl ring back
Comment
February 6
The Oklahoman
 
"Troubled football great Dexter Manley once pawned his 1983 Super Bowl ring to buy cocaine. This week, while in Miami for Sunday's Super Bowl, the man nicknamed the "Secretary of Defense" was both ecstatic and wistful when his wife, Lydia, called from his hometown of Houston to say she'd retrieved the iconic ring from the estate of the late lawyer John O'Quinn, Manley's longtime friend with whom he'd entrusted the redeemed ring."I didn't want to give up my Super Bowl ring to drug addiction," said Dexter Manley, the former Oklahoma State defensive end whose life has been a roller coaster of gridiron highs and jailhouse lows. It's been more than a decade since he's held that diamond-encrusted ..."
Russ Grimm hopes for good news on Hall of Fame voting
Comment
February 6
Washington Post
 
"The players who formed perhaps the most famous offensive line in football history, the "Hogs" who helped the Washington Redskins reach four Super Bowls and win three of them in the 1980s and early '90s, don't have a single representative in the Pro Football Hall of Fame. That's something that could change Saturday when the media members who serve as Hall of Fame voters gather on the day before the Super Bowl for their annual selection meeting. Former Redskins guard Russ Grimm is among a group of finalists headlined by the NFL's career receiving leader, Jerry Rice, and career rushing leader, Emmitt Smith. Some say the election of one of the Hogs is overdue. "I'm getting very, very excited ..."
Grimm should be in Canton
Comment
February 5
Washington Examiner
 columnist Rick Snider
"Russ Grimm deserves to be elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday. The Washington Redskins guard won three Super Bowl rings, exiting his career after beating Buffalo in Super Bowl XXVI. He was the best of the Hogs, one of the NFL's dominant offensive lines. Grimm was named to the All-80s team. But, it's a numbers game as always. Jerry Rice and Emmitt Smith are locks for the first two of five slots when 44 media members vote. Charles Haley, John Randle and Richard Dent will be favored for the remaining three openings while Dick LeBeau should earn the seniors category selection. That leaves Grimm on the outside -- maybe. Rice and Smith easily will receive the needed 80 percent ..."
After it was sold for drug money, lawyer retrieved Dexter Manley's Super Bowl ring
Comment
February 5
Washington Post
 
"For almost 10 years, Dexter Manley asked his friend and benefactor the same question any retired NFL gladiator with gnarled fingers here this week would demand to know: "What happened to my Super Bowl ring?" John O'Quinn stalled at first -- and then lied. O'Quinn told the former defensive end that the showy championship ring he won as a Washington Redskin on Jan. 30, 1983, had been given to Manley's wife, Lydia, for safekeeping. When Lydia told her husband, "You know I don't have it, Dexter," O'Quinn hid the ring, where no one could ever pawn it for drug money again. "Part of me had a resentment," Manley says now. "I'd be clean for nine months and say, 'Where is it?' and O'Quinn would say, ..."
NFL players preparing for 2011 lockout
Comment
February 5
Boston Globe
 
"As collective bargaining agreement negotiations between the NFL Players Association and the NFL owners continue to drag, NFLPA executive director DeMaurice Smith said he expects the owners to lock out the players before the 2011 season. Chad Ochocinco, representing OCNN, asked the first question of a press conference this afternoon in which the NFLPA laid out their message. He asked Smith how worried he is about a lockout next season. "On a scale of 1 to 10," Smith said, "it's a 14." Smith said he and NFLPA president Kevin Mawae have informed players to save 25 percent of their paychecks in order to prepare for a lockout. Mawae said negotiations for a CBA have been "frustrating" and moved ..."
Clinton Portis is eager to return to Redskins in 2010
Comment
February 3
Washington Post
 
"Clinton Portis walked through the makeshift ESPN studio, set up specially for Super Bowl week, wearing shorts, a green hooded shirt and his latest fashion accessory: a pair of dark-rimmed pair eyeglasses. It's a subtle reminder that Portis is still recovering from a concussion he suffered three months ago. Doctors prescribed the corrective lenses to help Portis with vision problems that have bothered him since he received the season-ending hit on Nov. 8, but Portis said on Tuesday that he expects to be healthy enough to compete in 2010. Furthermore, after repeated warnings that his future with the organization could be up in the air, Portis said he's spoken with Coach Mike Shanahan and ..."
For Skins, it's Okung vs. Bradford
Comment
January 31
Washington Examiner
 columnist Rick Snider
"Russell Okung or Sam Bradford? Sam Bradford or Jimmy Clausen? Fourth overall or a late first- and second-rounder? Washington Redskins coaches and scouts spent the past week gawking at the top college prospects at the Senior Bowl, a precursor to the coming NFL Scouting Combine. No longer are Vinny Cerrato and Dan Snyder running the draft, replaced by coach Mike Shanahan and GM Bruce Allen. The needs are many after a 4-12 season, especially with a new coach's different schemes. Offensive linemen, running back, quarterback, safety, linebacker and cornerback are the primary holes. They'll likely only get one, maybe two contributors in the April 22-24 draft. Does Washington go offensive tackle ..."
Redskins' Fletcher thrilled to be experiencing first Pro Bowl
Comment
January 31
Washington Post
 
"How could Washington Redskins linebacker Brian Orakpo not feel a bit uncomfortable? Here he was, voted to the Pro Bowl in his rookie season, waltzing onto the team while 12-year veteran London Fletcher, part teammate and part mentor, once again was bypassed, and once again made plain his disappointment. Orakpo, however, never experienced the awkwardness that seemed certain to accompany the honor of being the only Redskin named when Pro Bowl rosters were announced in late December. "The thing that made it comfortable is, he praised me," Orakpo, 23, said. "He said I deserved it, that I had a tremendous season." Partly out of gratitude, and partly out of wanting a buddy with him at Sunday's ..."
Redskins had 2009's most injured offense
Comment
January 30
Washington Post
 
"Throughout the disastrous 2009 season, plenty of Redskins decision-makers raised the flag of injuries, pointing to their atrocious health as one of the main reasons things went downhill. "it's been quite amazing, how many guys that we've lost," Vinny Cerrato said. "And when you lose somebody, then it's just an opportunity for somebody else, is what it is. And it gives guys the opportunities, it gives them a chance to step up and show what they can do, and I think you've seen that with Fred Davis. I think we saw that with Chad Rinehart, then he got hurt. You know, and I think with the receivers, same thing." "Those were the turning points on offense," Jim Zorn said, speaking of injuries to ..."
Fletcher heads for Pro Bowl with assist from Saints
Comment
January 27
Washington Post
 
"After the New Orleans Saints defeated the Minnesota Vikings in overtime of the NFC Championship game, Redskins middle linebacker London Fletcher said he "did a little sprint around the house" because he finally was headed to the Pro Bowl. Selected as a first alternate, Fletcher will take the place of Saints linebacker Jonathan Vilma, who was voted in as a reserve, on the NFC roster for Sunday's NFC-AFC all-star exhibition game at Dolphin Stadium in Miami. Saints and Indianapolis Colts players cannot participate in this season's Pro Bowl, which for the first time is scheduled the week before the Super Bowl instead of after the league's title game. Fletcher, 34, is a first-time Pro Bowler ..."
Fletcher Pro Bowl bound
Comment
January 25
Washington Examiner
 
"London Fletcher played on a team that won the Super Bowl and didn't make it. He had seasons where he made big plays, a knock against him in other years, and didn't make it. He played on defenses ranked in the top five, led them in tackles and drew all sorts of praise from players and broadcasters. And, nope, he didn't make it then, either. Turns out what he needed was for the Pro Bowl to be moved up a couple weeks and for a guy ahead of him to play in the Super Bowl. New Orleans' Jonathan Vilma was voted to the Pro Bowl along with San Francisco's Patrick Willis. But with Vilma headed to the Super Bowl in two weeks, and with the Pro Bowl this coming weekend, Fletcher, as the first ..."
Finalists named for Walter Payton Man of the Year Award
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January 25
NFL.com
 
"Three community-minded NFL players will be recognized during Super Bowl week as finalists for the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award, it was announced Sunday. Washington Redskins LB London Fletcher, Cleveland Browns WR Mike Furrey and Kansas City Chiefs G Brian Waters are the top candidates for this year's award, named for the legendary Chicago Bears running back who died in 1999. The Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award is the only league award that recognizes a player's off-the-field community service as well as his playing excellence. The winner of the Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year Award will be announced live on CBS before Super Bowl XLIV on February 7. Fletcher, Furrey, ..."
Shanahan hires son as offensive coordinator
Comment
January 21
Washington Times
 
"The Washington Redskins have hired Kyle Shanahan as offensive coordinator, Matt LaFleur as quarterbacks coach and Jon Embree as tight ends coach. The appointment of Shanahan, son of head coach Mike Shanahan, had been known, but the team did not formally announce it until Wednesday. The younger Shanahan had been the Houston Texans' offensive coordinator. Mike Shanahan called it "a thrill" to have Kyle Shanahan on his staff, "not only because it represents a chance to work with my son.""
Can Carter adapt to 3-4?
Comment
January 21
Washington Examiner
 
"The transition taught Andre Carter more about the game; perhaps more than he wanted to learn. It taught him about coverage, how to jam receivers and how to blitz from a standup position. It also taught him that he preferred end in a 4-3 as opposed to linebacker in a 3-4. After one year as a linebacker in San Francisco's new front, Carter signed with Washington in 2006 to play end in a 4-3. "He was like a fish out of water," one NFL evaluator said. Carter would not disagree. "It was OK," he said, "but it wasn't the best scheme for me. I got so comfortable putting my hand in the dirt." With Washington switching to a 3-4, the 253-pound Carter is too small for end, where he's spent eight ..."
Shanahan keeps three assistants
Comment
January 20
Washington Examiner
 
"When Jim Zorn was fired, few of his assistants expected to stick around. Most were right. But three will remain on Mike Shanahan's staff: Steve Jackson, Kirk Olivadotti and special teams coach Danny Smith. Jackson and Olivadotti have not yet had their roles defined, but are expected to continue working with the safeties and linebackers, respectively. "We came here with coach [Joe] Gibbs to build something here and we didn't want to leave the job undone," Jackson said. "I'm very excited. The more you sit and talk to [Shanahan], the easier it is to see how he has those Super Bowl rings." Jackson and Smith have been in Washington since 2004; Olivadotti has stuck around since 2000 and now is ..."
After relief mission to Haiti, former Redskin Ken Harvey describes the pain
Comment
January 20
Washington Post
 
"Former Redskins linebacker Ken Harvey was scheduled to return home from Haiti Tuesday night, his relief work finished for the time being and all of his senses attempting to recover from what they'd experienced the previous two days. The visual images, he said, are much like what Americans have seen on television and in news photographs, a horrific slideshow of rubble, bodies and destruction. The full devastation can't be captured with a camera, though. "It's hard to describe the smell," said Harvey, an NFL linebacker for 11 seasons who played in Washington from 1994 to '98. "It's a unique smell. You can smell it coming. It's death. It's bodies decaying. You want to put on your mask, but ..."
Report: Rinehart arrested for public intoxication
Comment
January 20
Washington Post
 
"Redskins offensive lineman Chad Rinehart, who finished his second season in the league on injured reserve, was arrested outside a bar in his home state of Iowa, according to the Waterloo-Cedar Falls Courier. An officer with the police department at the University of Northern Iowa, Rinehart's alma mater, arrested Rinehart early Monday for public intoxication. According to the paper, the officer noticed Rinehart attempting to order pizza at about 2 a.m. The officer said Rinehart had alcohol on his breath, bloodshot eyes and was swaying."
Smith clarifies comment on new leaders, old friend
Comment
January 17
Washington Post
 
"Former Redskins offensive coordinator Sherman Smith on Saturday clarified a recent comment he made about the organization's new leaders, saying he did not intend to be critical of previous head coach Jim Zorn. In an interview Thursday, Smith, whom new Washington Coach Mike Shanahan did not retain, said he had hoped to remain on the staff "because I believe Mike and [new General Manager] Bruce Allen are going to do a great job together for the Redskins. I really think [owner] Dan Snyder has made some excellent choices in the people he picked to run the organization. The Redskins have a chance now. I believe that." Judging by comments on the Insider, some Redskins observers perceived Smith's ..."
Former Redskins coach Norv Turner finds success with San Diego Chargers
Comment
January 17
Washington Post
 
"He has never seemed much like a head coach should these days, with an image to sell or a hype to uphold. Rather he has always been Norv: dull, polite, lanky Norv with the rolling voice and the slow laugh. These are the things nobody has ever been able to get past with San Diego Chargers Coach Norv Turner. "He has a dry sense of humor and it doesn't translate," said Ron Rivera, his defensive coordinator with the Chargers. When it comes to Turner, the superficial forever gets in the way of the substantive. Even now, in his third head coaching job, he still isn't comfortable with the frivolous. It takes away from the things he loves most: watching film and working on the practice field with ..."
Texans assistant LaFleur interviews with Redskins
Comment
January 16
Houston Chronicle
 
"Texans offensive assistant Matt LaFleur is interviewing for a job with the Washington Redskins. LaFleur spent his two seasons with the Texans assisting with the receivers in 2008 and the quarterbacks in 2009. LaFleur, 29, worked closely with former offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, who resigned to accept the same position with his father, new Redskins coach Mike Shanahan."
Haslett officially joins Redskins as defensive coordinator
Comment
January 16
Washington Post
 
"Jim Haslett has been on his new job as the Washington Redskins' defensive coordinator for three days, and the club only officially announced his appointment to Mike Shanahan's staff late Friday afternoon. But the football lifer -- who has served his time in the NFL as a linebacker, a defensive coordinator and a head coach -- can already tick off the names and skills of the Redskins' defensive players. His job now: Join with Shanahan, the new head coach, in figuring out whether the franchise truly wants to use those players -- rookie Pro Bowl linebacker-end Brian Orakpo, star defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, veteran middle linebacker London Fletcher and defensive end Andre Carter -- to ..."
Schlereth eyes OL job
Comment
January 15
Washington Examiner
 
"Mark Schlereth said the Redskins next offensive line coach should be versed in Mike Shanahan's system, know how to teach the right techniques and have a passion for the game. And then the ESPN NFL analyst listed the guy he would pick: himself. There are just a couple problems: he's under contract with ESPN, though it ends in June; and he's never coached in the NFL. The former issue can be solved, even if ESPN wants him back. All the Redskins would have to do, Schlereth said, is "pay me a boatload of money." Which is what ESPN pays him. Most likely, they pay him more than an offensive line coach and certainly more than what an assistant line coach would make (if they felt he needed to pay ..."
Redskins hire Turner
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January 14
Washington Examiner
 
"The Redskins hired running backs coach Bobby Turner, a move that was expected once Denver gave Washington permission to interview its longtime position coach. Turner spent the past 15 seasons in Denver, including 14 with new Redskins coach Mike Shanahan. Six different running backs gained at least 1,000 yards under Turner's tutelage, including current Redskins back Clinton Portis. Terrell Davis went from a sixth-round draft pick to fringe Hall of Famer during Turner's tenure."
Mann will interview with Redskins Thursday
Comment
January 14
St. Petersburg Times
 
"Bucs receivers coach Richard Mann will interview with the Washington Redskins Thursday. The Bucs appear willing to part ways with Mann after eight seasons. General manager Mark Dominik granted the Redskins permission to interview Mann earlier this week. Redskins general manager Bruce Allen worked with Mann from 2004-08 in Tampa Bay. Mann would be part of a new coaching staff being assembled by Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan. By letting Mann leave Tampa Bay, the Bucs may be hurting their chance of re-signing free agent reciever Antonio Bryant."
Bugel retires
Comment
January 14
Washington Examiner
 
"In 30 minutes, Joe Bugel stood in front of the audience and revealed the attributes that made him Buges. Not to mention a successful coach. He was passionate, speaking about owner Dan Snyder, his love for the Redskins and the players. He was funny, talking about his knees knocking, punching players in the stomach and flashing his Super Bowl ring. A few times. He also was sincere, letting everyone in the room know what he thought of them. And now that Bugel has retired, another era in Redskins, and NFL history, has passed. He coached for 32 seasons in the NFL, 15 with the Redskins in two stints, including the past six seasons. He developed the most famous offensive line in history -- The ..."
New coaches, new system for Skins
Comment
January 14
Washington Examiner
 
"The moves, perhaps, make sense now. At the end of the season the Redskins signed two linebackers, curious moves given that none were hurt. Now they're probably going to a 3-4 defense. "Maybe that's why they signed all those linebackers," one Redskins assistant said. In other words, they knew back in December what was going to happen, and that the end result would be a change in defensive coaches and philosophy. With Jim Haslett now in charge of the defense, the Redskins likely will play a 3-4 front, which would mean changes. Here's how it could affect certain players: Albert Haynesworth » He has the size, muscle and quickness to be a dominating nose guard. At 350 pounds, Haynesworth would ..."
Gray to interview with Seahawks
Comment
January 14
Washington Post
 
"Jerry Gray is 0 for 2 thus far in Washington Redskins interviews, so he's apparently going to try elsewhere. Two league sources have confirmed that the Seattle Seahawks have been granted permission to interview Gray for their vacant defensive coordinator position. Gray has served as the Redskins' secondary coach since 2006, and previously served as Buffalo's defensive coordinator from 2001-05. Gray interviewed on Tuesday to be the Redskins' defensive coordinator, but the team instead hired Jim Haslett later that evening. He'd previously interviewed for the team's head coaching position -- while Jim Zorn still held the post -- which helped the Redskins satisfy the NFL's Rooney Rule, but ..."
Blache announces his retirement
Comment
January 14
Washington Post
 
"While one Redskins coach retired Wednesday with much pomp and circumstance, another opted to hang up his coaching whistle quietly. Greg Blache, the team's defensive coordinator the past two seasons and an assistant coach here the previous four, told the Chicago Tribune on Wednesday night that he's retiring after 22 seasons coaching in the NFL. He declined further comment. Like offensive line coach Joe Bugel, most expected Blache to immediately retire following the 2009 season. He originally intended to retire when Joe Gibbs left coaching in 2008, but owner Daniel Snyder persuaded him to stay and take over the defensive coordinator position from a departing Gregg Williams. Before coming to ..."
Redskins offensive line coach Joe Bugel retires
Comment
January 14
Washington Post
 
"Joe Bugel knew this day was coming. He had tried preparing a speech, but even then, he'd feel his knees knocking together. "So I said, 'I'm going straight from the heart, whatever comes out, comes out,' " Bugel said. When he took the stage Wednesday at Redskins Park to formally announce his retirement, in front of fellow coaches, Redskins owner Daniel Snyder and players past and present, he stepped right past the microphone and lectern. Bugel swayed and paced, his emotions dripping off every word. "There comes a time in a man's life to bow out," said Bugel, 69, "and bow out gracefully." After 32 years, on his final day as a football coach and as the Redskins' offensive line coach, he ..."
Turner leaves Broncos to join Shanahan
Comment
January 13
Denver Post
 
"Broncos running backs coach Bobby Turner, who has been with the team since 1995, has accepted an offer with the Washington Redskins, an NFL source has confirmed. Turner will be an associate head coach on Mike Shanahan's staff in Washington. Turner came to Denver when Shanahan was hired as Broncos head coach in 1995. The Broncos initially denied the Redskins permission to speak to Turner, but opted to let Turner interview when Shanahan came back with a second request that included a promotion to associate head coach."
Redskins OL coach Bugel to announce retirement
Comment
January 13
Washington Post
 
"Joe Bugel will announce his retirement today at Redskins Park, the Redskins have said in a statement released by the team."
Weighing offensive line options
Comment
January 13
Washington Examiner
 
"The stereotype might be off, though the numbers -- as in height and weight -- suggest otherwise. Under Mike Shanahan, Denver favored smaller, and quicker, offensive linemen. That's not a pre-requisite; one analyst even calls it a myth. Or, perhaps, coincidental. Whether that continues in Washington is a mystery. There's no doubt the Redskins' offensive line will undergo changes, starting with a new coach and perhaps as many as four new starters. The new guys may or may not be small. They may or may not be maulers. But they will zone block and, most likely, cut block. That's a combination that helped Shanahan produce one 1,000-yard rusher after another in Denver. The new Redskins coach has ..."
Haslett hired as defensive coordinator
Comment
January 13
Washington Examiner
 
"The stability enjoyed by the Redskins' defense the past six years is over. Washington hired Jim Haslett to be its defensive coordinator, which could signal a shift in philosophy as well. Haslett accepted the job Tuesday night, according to his agent Peter Schaffer, after first interviewing with the Redskins a day earlier. He replaces Greg Blache, who is expected to get fired and then retire. Blache had been on the Redskins' staff since 2004. All but one of the current defensive assistants had been in place since at least 2005. Redskins secondary coach Jerry Gray had been considered a candidate as well. One NFL source said when Mike Shanahan was hired that he thought the Redskins might ..."
Redskins hire Jim Haslett as defensive coordinator
Comment
January 13
Washington Post
 
"Jim Haslett, who led a revival of the New Orleans Saints a decade ago and built a defensive reputation as an assistant with the Pittsburgh Steelers in the 1990s, has reached an agreement to be Mike Shanahan's defensive coordinator for the Washington Redskins, Haslett's agent said Tuesday night, meaning Shanahan has both of his coordinators in place less than a week after he accepted the job. Haslett interviewed with Redskins officials on Monday, and his agent, Peter Schaffer, said the partnership with Shanahan is a "recipe for success." The deal with the Redskins heads off the interest of the NFC East-rival New York Giants, who were reportedly prepared to interview Haslett for their vacant ..."
Bengals retain defensive coordinator Zimmer
Comment
January 12
NFL.com
 
"Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer has signed a three-year contract to remain with the team, a source with knowledge of the situation said Tuesday. Zimmer's retention – his contract was set to expire – is considered a huge deal for a team that won the AFC North this season, largely on the strength of its defense. Zimmer, who just completed his second season with Cincinnati, was reported to have been targeted for the defensive coordinator job in Washington under new coach Mike Shanahan. Zimmer also figured to have other suitors based on the job he has done in turning around the Bengals' defense."
Mitchell: Portis must work harder
Comment
January 12
Washington Examiner
 
"Before the season, Stump Mitchell saw a list of top-10 running backs, minus his star pupil Clinton Portis. It bothered Mitchell. He wanted Portis to prove he belonged on that list. There was just one problem. Portis didn't train as hard as Mitchell, and others, wanted him to this past offseason. "Clinton knows that [he must work harder]," said Mitchell, the Redskins former running backs coach who accepted the head coaching position at Southern University on Monday. "He's headstrong. He wasn't getting the most out of his ability this past season because he did not prepare as well as he should have." And that led to Mitchell's disappointment over the top-10 list. "That was a hurting deal," ..."
Turner offered position on Shanahan's staff
Comment
January 12
Washington Post
 
"When Mike Shanahan took over as head coach of the Denver Broncos in 1995, he hired a career college assistant named Bobby Turner to coach his running backs. Turner went on to be on the Broncos' staff for Shanahan's entire 14-year tenure. Now, it appears Turner will follow Shanahan to the Redskins -- with a promotion. According to the Denver Post, Turner -- who remained on the Broncos' staff after Shanahan was fired following the 2008 season -- has been offered the title of associate head coach with the Redskins. The offer comes after the Broncos initially denied the Redskins' request to interview Turner. It's possible they relented after Shanahan came back with a potential promotion for ..."
Outgoing Redskins coach says Portis 'could've worked harder'
Comment
January 12
Washington Post
 
"As Stump Mitchell leaves the Washington Redskins' coaching staff for a new job, one unsightly mark obscures what he accomplished during two seasons as running backs coach. Mitchell is the first Redskins assistant to notify the team that he won't be returning next season and says he has accepted the head coaching job at Southern University. He was planning to make the long drive to Baton Rouge, La., Monday night with the knowledge that he never got running back Clinton Portis to achieve his potential as a Redskin. "That's the only disappointment that I'll have. The fact that I couldn't persuade Clinton to do it a different way," Mitchell said Monday. "I want Clinton to be the best back in ..."
Rebuilding year? It doesn't need to be
Comment
January 11
Washington Examiner
 
"The record, a coaching change and the expected turnover on the roster suggest a rebuilding season for the Redskins. It doesn't have to be that way; not if they look at recent history. Like the past seven seasons. Since 2003, the NFL has produced at least one team that made the playoffs, despite coming off a season in which they won five or fewer games. The most extreme example is the Miami Dolphins, who won 11 games in 2008 after winning just one in 2007. Atlanta, Tampa Bay, New Orleans, the New York Jets and Cincinnati all have made the playoffs in the past five years after winning four or fewer games the previous year. That's good news for the 4-12 Redskins and new coach Mike Shanahan. ..."
Burgundy Revolution's full effects may not show until spring
Comment
January 10
Washington Examiner
 columnist Rick Snider
"The Burgundy Revolution won, but is the struggle still ongoing? The fan revolt wanted change from the Washington Redskins. The empty seats, angry T-shirts and snarky signs were the largest revolt by die-hard supporters since the team's resurgence in 1969. It wasn't the years of mediocrity, soaring prices and clueless player acquisitions that broke the fan base. It was arrogance from the owner's box that finally drove many fans to quit attending games and buying team merchandise. Dan Snyder finally heard them. The owner forced out vice president Vinny Cerrato and fired coach Jim Zorn. Snyder then hired a two-time Super Bowl winning coach Mike Shanahan and installed a real general manager in ..."
Redskins Coach Mike Shanahan expected to make running game a priority
Comment
January 10
Washington Post
 
"When Bruce Allen, the Washington Redskins' new general manager, introduced Mike Shanahan as the team's head coach on Wednesday, Allen went out of his way to describe Shanahan as a well-rounded coach, as much a leader as he is a great football mind. "He's a true head coach," Allen said. "Not just one side of the ball." Before taking the Redskins' job, Shanahan had served as a head coach in the NFL for parts of 16 seasons -- two with the Los Angeles Raiders, 14 with the Denver Broncos -- and he emphasized the need for an all-encompassing view. "You know offense, you know defense, you know special teams," Shanahan said, "because you're in charge of the whole team.""
Goodell: Rooney Rule not violated
Comment
January 10
Chicago Tribune
 
"Commissioner Roger Goodell said Saturday the spirit of the Rooney Rule on minority job interviews has not been violated by the Redskins or Seahawks. Washington interviewed assistant coach Jerry Gray for its job even while Jim Zorn still was head coach, then hired Mike Shanahan shortly after Zorn was fired. Seattle has interviewed Vikings defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, although it's clear that Southern California coach Pete Carroll is the team's first choice to replace Jim Mora. But Goodell, speaking in Cincinnati before the wild-card game, was satisfied that the two teams complied with league regulations. The Rooney Rule requires teams to interview minority candidates for head ..."