Whether it was for the Redskins' terrible performance to start the 2019 season, some past off-field indiscretions resurfacing or some combination of both, Jay Gruden is out as Washington's head coach after five and a quarter seasons.
The Redskins made the playoffs once with Gruden in 2015, but he finished his time with them at 35-49-1. Bill Callahan, the team's assistant head coach and offensive line coach, took over for Gruden in the interim while team owner Daniel Snyder begins his search for the 29th head coach in the long history of the franchise.
Washington’s coaching staff once included Kyle Shanahan, Sean McVay and Matt LaFleuer. Now it will be looking to hire a head coach as capable as the assistants it lost.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) October 7, 2019
For the best possible replacements, the following eight men are among the candidates he should consider.
IYER: Redskins must take cue from Giants and start Dwayne Haskins
Eric Bieniemy, Chiefs offensive coordinator
Andy Reid has seen two of his past offensive coordinators, Doug Pederson and Matt Nagy, go to the NFC and coach playoff teams. Bieniemy is the latest rising star on his sideline for his work with Patrick Mahomes. The Redskins should think about attaching Bienemy to rookie first-round QB Dwayne Haskins in his key developmental years ahead.
Jim Harbaugh, Michigan head coach
Michigan doesn't look close to pushing rival Ohio State for a Big Ten title anytime soon and although it would still be silly for the program to part ways with Harbaugh, it may be enough for him to reconsider a return to the NFL. Washington is a high-profile job like his last one in San Francisco. He could also work well with his former Buckeyes nemesis Haskins.
Lincoln Riley, Oklahoma head coach
After turning Baker Mayfield and Kyler Murray into Heisman-winning quarterbacks, and Jalen Hurts into a Heisman contender, Riley may be up for a bigger offensive challenge at the next level with Haskins, and he fits the wave of young offensive hotshot hires.
Josh McDaniels, Patriots offensive coordinator
McDaniels decided not to become the coach of the Colts in 2018 and his experience with the Broncos is now nine years removed. Should McDaniels want another shot, right after his New England attack demolished Washington, Snyder should be all ears.
Kellen Moore, Cowboys offensive coordinator
He's only 31 and would take the Rams' hiring away of former Redskins offensive coordinator Sean McVay to a whole younger level. But he's a bright mind with scheming, intelligence and wisdom beyond his years. Should Dallas' new-look attack keep rolling, archrival Washington should start to pay a lot more attention.
John DeFilippo, Jaguars offensive coordinator
After Flip's flippant dismissal from the Vikings in the middle of last season, he has found new energy with his guidance of rookie QB Gardner Minshew in Jacksonville. The Jaguars have gone from boring and run-heavy to explosion in the passing game. He could be another great influence on Haskins.
Kevin Stefanski, Vikings offensive coordinator
Stefanski, the man who replaced DeFilippo, has done well to balance out Minnesota's attack, using Dalvin Cook as a highly effective complement to Kirk Cousins. Stefanski can bring good organization to the offense as he helps steady Haskins.
Todd Monken, Browns offensive coordinator
Monken has been tabbed as great head-coaching material even with not calling plays under Freddie Kitchens. The former Buccaneers offensive coordinator is a good scheme and strong motivator. File him as someone else who can bring much better vibes for Haskins.
