Redskins near new coach, can president
Bruce Allen was mocked five years ago when he proclaimed that his perennially last-place Washington Redskins were “winning off the field.” More eye rolls arrived recently when Allen defended the club’s “culture.”
After a lot of losing on the field and all manner of public relations fiascoes off it, Allen is out as president of the NFL team once coached by his father. He was fired Monday, a move announced by owner Daniel Snyder a day after a 3-13 debacle of a season was capped by one last embarrassing loss, 47-16 at rival Dallas.
“As this season concludes, Bruce Allen has been relieved of his duties as president of the Washington Redskins and is no longer with the organization,” Snyder said in a statement issued by the team. “Like our passionate fan base, I recognize we have not lived up to the high standards set by great Redskins teams, coaches and players who have come before us. As we reevaluate our team leadership, culture and process for winning football games, I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead to renew our singular focus and purpose of bringing championship football back to Washington.”
From the outset of the 2010 season, the Redskins went 62-97-1 with Allen serving as Snyder’s right-hand man, a stretch that featured only two playoff appearances and zero playoff victories.
“These guys that are taking the blame and taking that on, it’s on all of us in this building,” said injured quarterback Alex Smith, who spent significant time with Allen and Snyder this season. “We’re all responsible for it.”
There could be another important move soon, too: Ron Rivera, fired as coach of the Carolina Panthers during the season, was visiting the Redskins on Monday. Rivera has quickly emerged as Washington’s top candidate.
GIANTS: The New York Giants have fired coach Pat Shurmur after the onceproud franchise took a step back by winning four games in a season marked by a franchise record-tying nine-game losing streak. The Giants also announced Monday general manager Dave Gettleman will return despite seeing the team win only nine games in his two seasons.
Co-owners John Mara and Steve Tisch informed Shurmur of the decision Monday, less than a day after the Giants (4-12) failed to play the spoiler role and saw the Philadelphia Eagles beat them 34-17 to win the NFC East.
Former Packers coach Mike McCarthy is expected to be a candidate, along Baylor coach Matt Ruhle, a former Giants assistant, and Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels. Former Dallas coach Jason Garrett, another former Giant, might draw interest.
DOLPHINS: Miami Dolphins cornerback Xavier Howard was arrested Sunday night on a domestic battery charge following an argument with his fiance over the purchase of a purse, according to a police report.
Howard, who missed much of the 2019 season with a knee injury, remained in the Broward County Jail early Monday with bond set at $3,000, jail records showed.
RAIDERS: Guard Richie Incognito will be staying with the Raiders in Las Vegas.
Incognito signed a twoyear, $14 million contract extension on Monday that includes $6.35 million in guaranteed money.
Incognito was suspended for the first two games of the season but quickly emerged as a locker room leader and a force on the offensive line. He played 12 games for the Raiders and was named a Pro Bowl alternate.