This is just a quick thought for all of you Redskins fans out there to mull over as you celebrate the New Year, wherever you might be.

ProFootballTalk suggests that Redskins owner Dan Snyder might replace the Shanahans, both older and younger, at some point after the season comes to a merciful close on Sunday afternoon.

Specifically, Mike Florio ends the piece with, “Whether it comes in a week or in a year, it’s looking like the Shanahans-Snyder marriage won’t be lasting very long, after all.”

Though it’s difficult to ascertain where this information is coming from, it does bring up a very intriguing possibility: if the Shanahan duo were to be axed, would Donovan McNabb remain the team’s franchise quarterback?

We all know that Snyder was very unhappy with McNabb’s benching. There were a lot of articles which suggested as much. Though less important, Snyder is a marketing machine and McNabb has been the centerpiece of Washington’s campaign throughout the entire season.

More importantly, while Snyder has had his troubles in the past, we all know he wants to win first and foremost. Undoubtedly, like most in Washington and around the NFL, Snyder likely has little faith in Rex Grossman.

The Shanahan era in Washington has been troubled from the get-go. Albert Haynesworth was paid a huge sum of money and then Shanahan couldn’t get him to play. Donovan McNabb was the franchise quarterback, then suddenly the highest-paid third-stringer in league history.

Play calling on both sides of the ball has been ineffective and downright strange at times.

In short, Snyder could simply wish to rid himself of an overly controlling coach, much the same way he fired Marty Schottenheimer after one season in 2001.

If Snyder were to pull the plug, the first name that pops up would likely be Jon Gruden. Gruden has a history with general manager Bruce Allen and is a big enough name to get Snyder’s attention.

Gruden also loves him some veteran quarterbacks, and McNabb would likely be right up his alley.

So, Redskins nation, we’ve all been assuming that it’s one and done for McNabb… could it be No. 5 back under center next season with someone else calling the plays?

Have a safe and happy New Year.