National Football League

Glazer: Cerrato out, Allen in as Redskins boss

Published Dec. 17, 2009 12:00 a.m. ET

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Vinny Cerrato is out in Washington and the Redskins are turning to a name that has been largely under the radar but will keep it in the family.

In a story first reported by FOXSports.com early Thursday morning, The Washington Redskins announced Thursday that Cerrato has stepped down as executive vice president of football operations.

The team confirms that his replacement will be former Bucs and Raiders head honcho Bruce Allen. The Redskins have announced that Allen — son of the late legendary Redskins head coach George Allen — will be hired as executive vice president and general manager.

"Bruce Allen is the personification of an NFL winner," said Redskins owner Daniel Snyder. "Our fans know his heritage; we know his abilities. He is the right person to lead our club."

Most recently Allen was general manager with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Prior to Tampa, he was a senior assistant with the Oakland Raiders. In 2002, he was named NFL Executive of the Year.

It is unclear who the team interviewed to satisfy the Rooney Rule or if such an interview has taken place yet. They cannot hire Allen until a minority candidate is interviewed for the position.

Cerrato has long been team owner Daniel Snyder’s right-hand man, but has been highly criticized within league circles. It was widely assumed that whomever Snyder wanted to rescue his team would want Cerrato out.

Cerrato had held his VP responsibilities for the past two years, and previously served in five different roles beginning in 1999.

In a statement, Cerrato said he has had conversations with Snyder recently regarding the next steps for the club.

“We agreed that the franchise needs someone different in this position,” Cerrato said in a statement released by the team. “I’m thankful to Dan Snyder and other members of his ownership team for the opportunities I’ve been given over the years.”

Now that they have locked up Allen, an entirely new question arises regarding Jon Gruden. Allen and Gruden worked together with the Raiders and Bucs. Though Gruden has re-upped with ESPN, there is a strong connection between the two.

Mike Shanahan's name has also long been strongly linked to that coaching job.

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