WASHINGTON D.C. (WTVR)--The firing of Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan seemed imminent for a couple of weeks, as the team fumbled through what would be an eight-game losing streak, their longest since the 1960-61 season.
At 9:32 a.m. ESPN 980 reported that it was official that Shanahan has been fired and there were even reports that the whole staff has been fired.
Just before 10 a.m. ESPN 980 pulled back on that statement and said they had received two texts saying "hold back" and it wasn't official that all staff had been fired. There will be changes within the staff, including the firing of Kyle Shanahan and other staffers.
The Redskins sent an official press release shortly thereafter.
“Redskins fans deserve a better result,” Owner Daniel M. Snyder said. “We thank Mike for his efforts on behalf of the Redskins. We will focus on what it takes to build a winning team, and my pledge to this organization and to this community is to continue to commit the resources and talent necessary to put this team back in the playoffs.”
“We are going to take a smart, step-by-step approach to finding the right coach to return the Redskins to where we believe we should be,” Executive Vice President/General Manager Bruce Allen said. “We will analyze accurately and honestly all of the decisions that were made over the past year."
Lineman Adam Gettis tweeted thanking Shanahan for "being a hell of a coach."
During Dan Snyder's 15 years as owner of the Washington Redskins, seven men have have served as head coach, none longer than four seasons.
Expectations had certainly been high for the squad after a 10-6 season that saw the Redskins with historic rookie performances at quarterback and running back, that led all the way to the NFC East title.
The Redskins lost their last game of the season on a rainy Sunday, with the final score 20-6 against the New York Giants. The squad was 3-13 this season, and now tie the franchise record with 13 losses.
Shanahan was 24-40 in his four years as the Redskin's head coach.
His contract had one year left, and he will be owed about $7 million with the early release.
Shanahan made a statement to the media at Redskins Park shortly after the official word broke.
“First off, I’d like to thank the fans,” Shanahan said.
“Through the first couple years, you go through some rough times. I can’t tell you how supportive this fan base is. And to be able to coach here… in front of fans like that, that support you the way they do, made me feel very special.”
Shanahan also thanked owner Dan Snyder for the opportunity to coach the team and thanked the players for their efforts.
He talked about the team’s issues with the salary cap, the progression of the franchise under his direction and positives for the future of the Redskins.
Watch video of the full statement below. Executive Vice President and General Manager Bruce Allen addressed the media at 2 p.m. and discussed the decision, as well as the future plans to replace Shanahan. Click here to watch.
Below are the coaches who held tenure under Dan Snyder, info via WUSA9:
- Norv Turner (1999-2000)
- Terry Robiskie (2000)
- Marty Schottenheimer (2001)
- Steve Spurrier (2002-2003)
- Joe Gibbs (2004-2007)
- Jim Zorn (2008-2009)
- Mike Shanahan (2010-2014)
