Glazer: Cerrato out, Allen in as Redskins boss

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.
