It’s not uncommon for a football team to be the subject of constant rumors and speculation when they are on a downward spiral. Inevitably change is ushered in and the team starts anew.
However, Sunday’s rumors surrounding the Washington Redskins were some of the most outlandish and ridiculous that have been floated all season.
The latest rumor began following the team’s 17-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
During an appearance on FOX Sports Radio, ProFootballTalk.com’s Mike Florio insinuated that Mike Shanahan was on the hot seat and Daniel Snyder was interested in Jon Gruden.
The former Oakland Raiders and Buccaneers head coach has drawn the eye of plenty of franchises around the NFL, as well as NCAA (see: University of Miami). But for the Redskins to oust Shanahan at this conjecture makes no sense. The mere mention of it is absurd.
Snyder fought hard to bring in Shanahan after firing Jim Zorn in the offseason. He actually started recruiting the Super Bowl winning coach prior to the end of the 2009 season.
While a coaching change now would have the earmarks of Marty Schottenheimer’s dismissal, there isn’t a high profile college coach chomping at the bit to take over the team. Steve Spurrier never panned out after leaving the University of Florida and frankly, Gruden isn’t Spurrier.
Certainly there would be a splash to pull Gruden out of the Monday Night Football booth, but in this case it would be a splash of confusion.
Shanahan’s credentials are superior to those of Schottenheimer–on paper anyway. Shanahan holds two more Super Bowl rings than Schottenheimer. Gruden has hoisted the Lombardi Trophy only once.
And at the end of the day, the Shanahan’s are thought to be a long-term investment for the Redskins organization. Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan has been the subject of rumors stating he is the heir apparent to the Redskins throne once his father steps aside.
Bottom line, Mike Shanahan is not going anywhere any time soon.
Earlier Sunday quarterback Donovan McNabb was once again thrust into the spotlight when it was reported he was on a short leash and Rex Grossman was at the ready.
Those rumors also proved to be false. Shanahan seemed frustrated at the mere mention of the speculation in his post game press conference while Rex Grossman said he didn’t think anything of the rumor.
While the Redskins season has been a turbulent one with the disappointing record and the disgruntled Albert Haynesworth, it is just Shanahan’s first season.
It’s time those rumors get put to bed.
Follow @FNNChuck on Twitter for comprehensive Redskins coverage.
