NFL bosses are being walked to the firing line en masse, including New York Giants coach Pat Shurmur, Cleveland Browns coach Freddie Kitchens, and Washington Redskins president Bruce Allen.
Other head coaches reported to be facing the axe include Jason Garrett of the league’s richest franchise, the Dallas Cowboys, who finished 8-8 and missed the playoffs.
Owner Jerry Jones was tight lipped on Sunday, saying he had some decisions to make and would not be rushed.
The Giants did not fire general manager Dave Gettleman.
Pat Shurmur (right) was 9-23 in two seasons and went 4-12 in 2019 as the Giants ushered in a new era at quarterback, replacing Eli Manning with rookie first-round pick Daniel Jones. Freddie Kitchens (left) lasted just one year in Cleveland, during which the Browns, who have not had a winning season in the past decade, went 6-10
After months of speculation, on Monday Redskins owner Daniel Snyder (left) finally fired team president Bruce Allen (right), the son former Washington coach George Allen and brother of former Virginia governor and United States Senator of the same name
Team President and co-owner John Mara described Shurmur’s firing as a ‘very difficult decision’.
‘The last three seasons have been extremely disappointing for the organization and our fans,’ said Mara. ‘Pat has been a successful and highly-respected NFL coach for 21 years and he is not solely responsible for our record.
‘But we came to the conclusion it is best to have a fresh start with the coaching staff.’
Shurmur was 9-23 in two seasons and went 4-12 in 2019 as the Giants ushered in a new era at quarterback, replacing Eli Manning with rookie first-round pick Daniel Jones. He said Sunday he understood the NFL is a ‘wins business’ but said there is no doubt the Giants were better now than when he arrived.
‘You need to have a quarterback, you need to be able to play defense, you need to run the ball,’ Shurmur said Sunday. ‘On defense, you need to have impact players that when they game is on the line, can do things. We have some strung throughout this roster and we’ll have a chance to go get more. I think that’s exciting.’
Last offseason signaled a major shift in the organization. Safety Landon Collins was allowed to walk in free agency before Gettleman traded wide receiver Odell Beckham and defensive end Olivier Vernon to the Cleveland Browns.
Shurmur was hired as head coach after a successful stint as offensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings, replacing Ben McAdoo.
Shurmur did show a golden touch with Jones, who impressed in training camp and drew raves from teammates almost instantly after being installed as the team’s starter over Manning.
A fan holds a sign for Washington Redskins team president Bruce Allen in the first half during a game against the New York Giants at FedExField on December 22
Fans hold up signs for Washington Redskins team president Bruce Allen during a game
Jones finished with 24 touchdowns and 23 interceptions and returns along with running back Saquon Barkley to form a strong foundation offensively for the next coach in New York.
The Giants were hit hard by injuries and started 10 rookies at least one game in 2019.
After months of speculation, on Monday Redskins owner Daniel Snyder finally fired Allen, the son former Washington coach George Allen and brother of former Virginia governor and United States Senator of the same name.
Fans had been arriving to Redskins games with signs reading ‘impeach Allen’ and ‘#FireAllen.’
‘As this season concludes, Bruce Allen has been relieved of his duties as president of the Washington Redskins and is no longer with the organization,’ read a statement from Snyder.
‘Like our passionate fan base, I recognize we have not lived up to the high standards set by great Redskins teams, coaches and players who have come before us. As we re-evaluate our team leadership, culture and process for winning football games, I am excited for the opportunities that lie ahead to renew our singular focus and purpose of bringing championship football back to Washington D.C.’
Other head coaches reported to be facing the axe include Jason Garrett of the league’s richest franchise, the Dallas Cowboys, who finished 8-8 and missed the playoffs. Owner Jerry Jones was tight lipped on Sunday, saying he had some decisions to make and would not be rushed
Allen was hired as Redskins general manager in December 2009. He previously worked in the front offices of the Oakland Raiders and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, winning the Sporting News Executive of the Year award in 2002 when the Raiders won the AFC championship.
Starting with the 2010 season, the Redskins own the NFL’s fourth-worst record at 62-96-1 under Allen’s watch, including a 3-13 mark this season.
Washington made the playoffs twice in the past 10 seasons, losing both times in the wild-card round.
In the Allen era, the Redskins have hired and fired two head coaches – Mike Shanahan and Jay Gruden. The Redskins also fired then-head coach Jim Zorn less than three weeks into Allen’s tenure in Jan. 2010, and Bill Callahan is finishing this season as interim coach after Gruden was fired in early October.
ESPN is reporting that the Redskins are expected to hire ousted Carolina Panthers head coach and former Chicago Bears linebacker Ron Rivera. It’s not clear who the candidates are to replace Allen as team president.
Meanwhile in Carolina, Baylor head coach Matt Rhule has emerged as a favorite for the Panthers job, according to multiple reports.
Washington is expected to hire recently-fired Panthers head coach Ron Rivera (pictured)
Kitchens lasted just one year in charge, during which the Browns, who have not had a winning season in the past decade, went 6-10.
Owners Dee and Jimmy Haslam said they made the decision because they could not see Kitchens bringing the team success.
‘We thank Freddie for his hard work and commitment to this organization but did not see the success or opportunities for improvement to move forward with him as our head coach,’ they said in a statement.
The Browns had finally looked to have sorted out their quarterback issues by taking Baker Mayfield with the first overall pick in the 2018 draft, and a solid 7-8-1 season seemed to augur well heading into 2019.
But it proved a false dawn.
Mayfield regressed in his second season, while the addition of wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and running back Kareem Hunt did not help team dynamics.
Kitchens was the first head coach to go in what has traditionally been a busy period of hirings and firings among the 20 teams missing the postseason.
Browns requested permission to interview Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Greg Roman for their head coaching vacancy, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday.
NFL Network reported Monday the Browns also formally requested permission to interview Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels.
Baylor head coach Matt Rhule has reportedly emerged as a favorite for the Panthers job