Redskins' Allen defends his record, says Gruden firing was 'necessary'
Washington Redskins president Bruce Allen dismissed the second head coach of his tenure by firing Jay Gruden on Monday. At a press conference later in the day, the executive pushed back against questions about his role in the team's lack of success.
Allen - who's also held the titles of executive vice president and general manager since being hired by the Redskins in 2010 - was evasive when asked why the fan base should have confidence in his and owner Dan Snyder's ability to get their latest coaching search right.
"That's a fair question. Right now we're all 0-5," Allen said, according to Brian McNally of NBC Washington. "I don't believe anybody is hiding from that record."
Two reporters essentially asked Allen, “With as bad as this franchise has been on your watch, why should you keep your job?” Allen talked about the passion in the building, how much everyone cares and how much everyone is involved in making decisions everyone cares about.
— Jason Reid (@JReidESPN) October 7, 2019
The Redskins have finished with double-digit wins only once (2012) under Allen's leadership, making just two playoff appearances (2012 and 2015) during his tenure.
But when asked how he could improve the team's culture, Allen said it's "already pretty damn good," according to McNally.
Allen added that he wants to begin winning straight away, starting with Washington's contest against the Miami Dolphins in Week 6. And he believes a change at head coach was an unavoidable step toward making that goal a reality.
"It was necessary," Allen said, according to Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk. "Our 0-5 start is not just disappointing. We had much different expectations for the beginning of the season."
Gruden will be succeeded by assistant head coach and offensive line coach Bill Callahan on an interim basis.
Callahan's first major decision will come at quarterback, where the Redskins have flipped between rookie Dwayne Haskins and veterans Case Keenum and Colt McCoy.
Keenum started the first four games of this season before being benched midway through Week 4 for Haskins, who threw three interceptions in his first NFL action. Gruden made the switch to McCoy for Sunday's game against the New England Patriots, but the offense scored just seven points.
Allen indicated that his interim coach will decide who starts under center.
After the team president's presser, Callahan ruled out Haskins from contention and said the team will make a decision between Keenum and McCoy at a later day.