Washington Coaching Roulette Spins On As Redskins Tumble

On the heels of yet another loss to a win-less team in the Carolina Panthers, the Washington Redskins find themselves in the midst of a "covert" search for their next head coach.

It is no secret that the front office is unimpressed with Jim Zorn's performance as the Redskins head coach and owner Daniel Snyder, along with his right hand man Vinny Cerrato have taken steps to push Zorn out of town.

Recently, Cerrato hired Sherman Lewis as an offensive consultant following the offensive ineptitude displayed through the first four weeks of the season. Lewis had been out of football for five years, and his actual role with the team is still undefined as everyone labels him as "another set of eyes" for the offense.

The move was done without Zorn's input, despite what the team is telling the media, and shows a lack of confidence in Zorn's ability to serve as head coach.

Dating back to the end of the 2007-2008 season, Snyder has made countless attempts to bring in big name coaches. Names like Bill Cowher, Mike Shanahan, Steve Spagnuolo, Jim Fassel, and Steve Mariucci were all mentioned as potential successors to Joe Gibbs 2.0.

Each of those coaches declined the offer, which left the Redskins in a lurch and led to Jim Zorn's rise to head coach.

The season is a mere five weeks old and already fans are calling for a change, contrary to their past cries of a need for continuity. Lately it seems that Snyder has heard the fans.

It was previously shown that Snyder had an itch to bring Shanahan in as head coach, and until recently that has been true. While Shanahan is a proven coach, Snyder has turned his eye on another coach of note.

The fiery John Gruden.

While the speculation of a Gruden hiring is a recent development, the timing of it is impeccable. In two weeks the Redskins are scheduled to face the Philadelphia Eagles on Monday Night Football. Since losing his coaching job with Tampa Bay, Gruden has been working as part of the MNF commentary team.

What better place for Snyder to put a good word in for his team and entice Gruden out of the booth and back onto the field.

If Gruden is the man Snyder wants on the sidelines for the Redskins he may have to work for it. It is reasonable to say that Gruden would want control over his staff choices and the presence of a GM or personnel man to help him fill the needs of the team.

Cerrato is not a GM or personnel man despite his current position with the Redskins.

Gruden is perfect for the Redskins under ideal circumstances. He has the personality necessary to whip the locker room egos into shape, and will provide an energy unto himself that is sorely lacking in the Redskins camp.

Snyder has always been a man of action, for better or worse. Hiring Gruden would be a step in the right direction, but it is how much he allows Gruden to control that will decide the fate of the Washington Redskins.