Allen wielded tremendous power in the organization, overseeing both business and football operationsgetty images
Redskins President Bruce Allen "has been fired from his role," ending a "controversial, decade-long run as team owner Daniel Snyder's top executive," according to Carpenter & Copeland of the WASHINGTON POST. Snyder in a statement said that Allen will have "no further role with the organization ... despite recent belief that he could be removed from his role overseeing football operations but given a different position with the team." Allen's dismissal is the "first step of an expected offseason overhaul" to the Redskins' front office. Former Panthers coach Ron Rivera is interviewing with the Redskins today, with "strong belief from both sides that they will reach a deal for him to become the team's next head coach." The announcement of Allen's firing came at 7:00am ET, "just as the cars of several players and team staffers began what became a steady stream toward the team's practice facility." For 10 years, Allen "wielded tremendous power in the organization, overseeing both business and football operations for most of his time with the team." But his control -- once seen as "absolute -- appeared to wane in recent weeks as the totality of the franchise's decline became apparent with just two postseason appearances, seven losing seasons and a deteriorating fan base that left FedEx Field close to half-empty for many games" (WASHINGTON POST, 12/30).
START OF A NEW ERA: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said it is a "very new day" for the Redskins, and Allen's firing is "clearly a positive development towards a football team who is trying to head in the right direction." NFL Net's Peter Schrager noted Allen has been the "face of the Washington Redskins for the last decade." This is a "shocking development around the league because everyone thought, no matter what, Snyder would at least have Bruce Allen there for the new stadium, for what they're doing with the fan base, for business stuff." To have Allen removed altogether is a "colossal move" ("Good Morning Football," NFL Network, 12/30). USA TODAY's Mike Jones notes Snyder had "expressed to people in the league he understood the franchise needed a reset, but people close to the team remained conflicted on whether they believed Snyder would actually fire Allen" (USA TODAY, 12/30).
NEXT MAN UP: The Washington Post's Mark Maske tweeted the Redskins today hope to complete a deal with Rivera as coach, but one "issue is to make sure" he is comfortable with Senior VP/Football Operations Eric Schaffer, who "gets an expanded front office role." Rivera is "expected to be given considerable say over the roster and draft" if his deal is completed. So the "exact composition of the Bruce Allen-less front office remains a work in progress." But Schaffer "is part of it" (TWITTER.com, 12/30). NBC Sports Washington's Julie Donaldson reported despite some saying Schaffer could be the team's next GM, that "will not happen." This "does not mean" Schaffer is out, but "perhaps a title or role less than he was wanting of GM" (TWITTER.com, 12/30). NFL Net's Kyle Brandt: "If I'm the Redskins, I do not let Ron Rivera leave the property without a deal -- I lay down in front of his car." NFL Net's Nate Burleson said Rivera is "one of those coaches that players always fight for." Burleson: "I've never met a player that didn't speak highly of Ron Rivera, so if they have him in the building, don't let him go" ("Good Morning Football," NFL Network, 12/30).
