Shanahan Canned For Good Reason

After finishing last season on top of the NFC East, the Washington Redskins slumped to a miserable record of 3-13. The day after losing it's last game of the season to the New York Giants, Redskins owner Dan Snyder and GM Bruce Allen decided it was in the best interest of the Franchise to relieve Head Coach Mike Shanahan and his staff of their duties. In the statement released by the team, announcing the decision, Owner Dan Snyder states, "Redskin fans deserve a better result." The statement went on to say, "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."

Despite the supporting out-cries of some players, people around the league knew there was no salvaging the situation for Mike Shanahan and his staff in Washington. The Redskins were a dismal 24-40 under Coach Shanahan, even with winning the NFC East last season.

This season was filled with many obstacles for the Redskins to overcome. An unfair salary cap penalty deflated hopes of an active free agency and contributed to issues with depth and a lack of Special Teams talent. The teams Franchise QB was coming off his second knee injury in 3 years and was obviously not the same player right away. Aging iron-man London Fletcher was not the same player from years past. The defense suffered injuries to key role players DE Adam Carriker, MLB Keenan Robinson, rookie FS Phillip Thomas.

Beyond injuries and cap issues, the offense, defense, and special teams schemes, plays and preparation all seemed lacking. Plays broke down on a regular basis. The coaching staff seemed inept at making adjustments. Deficiencies in the offensive line also contributed to production issues, as well.

Mike Shanahan did make several solid personnel decisions during his tenure. The acquisition of Pierre Garcon was a very strong signing. The drafting of Alfred Morris in the 6th round turned out pretty well, along with many other draft picks who made the roster.

What I believe actually did Mike Shanahan in was his coaching staff, including his son OC Kyle Shanahan. One man, alone, does not coach a football team and the decision to let the entire staff go certainly reiterates that this was the failure of a complete coaching staff, not just one man.

Washington's future relies on GM Bruce Allen and Owner Dan Snyder finding the right coaching staff, something they seem intent on doing right this time.