Shanahan taking job, in control — for now
The setup was clear under Joe Gibbs. When another team wanted to talk about a trade, or when decisions had to be made, teams dealt with Gibbs.
Recommended Stories
It was equally clear when Gibbs wasn’t in Washington. Then, according to one NFL general manager, owner Dan Snyder served as the de facto general manager.
But now that Mike Shanahan is the next Redskins coach (agreeing to a five-year, $35-million deal), the question becomes: Will Snyder or Shanahan be in charge? The Redskins will insist it’s a power trio, with those two and executive vice president/general manager Bruce Allen. In reality, one person will have final say. Shanahan’s reported title — executive vice president of football operations — will give him final authority. But Snyder is still the owner.
“Usually people don’t change,” the source said. “Dan has learned some things, but there’s not much difference between the guy now and the guy from 10 years ago.”
Shanahan spent 14 seasons in Denver having final authority. It’s doubtful he would have come here with anything less than full control over the roster.
If that’s the case, will Snyder be content having less input, from free agency to the draft, than before? A similar mindset could help. He and Shanahan, who were friendly long before this courtship, share a love for free agency — as did Gibbs. And neither Snyder nor Shanahan like to hear the word, “No.”
No other Redskins coach had Gibbs’ power. Marty Schottenheimer thought he did, but was fired after one season as Snyder wanted more control.
Shanahan enters at a good time; Snyder already has done two things fans wanted: force Vinny Cerrato out and fire Jim Zorn. The third thing? Step back. With fan dissatisfaction at its highest level of his ownership, Snyder might be forced to alter his ways — or risk more wrath.
Shanahan, like Gibbs, has the cache that comes with Super Bowl victories (two); he also is considered someone who likes control. And, like his new owner, is impatient.
“He’s an emotional coach who expects results and demands results and young players will make mistakes,” said one NFL source. “That’s the danger with coaches being in charge of the big picture. Short-term thinking.”
In Denver, one Broncos source said owner Pat Bowlen was not involved in football decisions.
Now Shanahan gets Snyder and his reputation for being heavily involved.
“At least initially he’ll allow him to do it,” the Broncos source said. “And Mike will find ways to steer him to what he wants to do. Bruce will be a good buffer. If there is any friction, he’ll be a good interceptor of the friction and dissipate it.”
Another NFL source said, “Shanahan is a strong personality. He’s only been the boss. The bigger issue is Shanahan and Bruce Allen. I don’t know how much Bruce feels like he has to make decisions. Shanahan will lay out what he wants and go do it. Snyder controls the money, but money isn’t an issue. He’ll do what he wants and he won’t be swayed by Dan Snyder in any way.”
