Redskins to Hire Scot McCloughan as New GM

January 7, 2015 thewashingtonsun

(ABC)–The Washington Redskins are finalizing a deal to make Scot McCloughan their next general manager, a source confirmed to ESPN. It’s a big step toward restructuring their organization after another dismal season.

The NFL Network earlier reported the deal. McCloughan told ESPN 980’s Kevin Sheehan that he met with Redskins owner Dan Snyder for six hours Tuesday and that a deal is close. The move would give McCloughan control over player personnel and would leave Bruce Allen as team president rather than serving two roles.
McCloughan was named San Francisco’s vice president of player personnel in 2005 then promoted to general manager in 2008. He left the team shortly before the 2010 draft for personal reasons. He then served as John Schneider’s assistant in Seattle until leaving shortly before last spring’s draft. He also served as the Seahawks’ director of college scouting from 2000-05. McCloughan admitted to Seth Wickersham in an ESPN the Magazine profile that he battled alcohol issues.
“I had a drinking problem,” he told Wickersham. “I’m a good person. And I know how to run a team.”
When the deal is finalized, it would give the Redskins a huge boost to start the offseason after a 4-12 season under first-year coach Jay Gruden. The Redskins are 28-52 during Allen’s five years in charge, though former coach Mike Shanahan had strong power in the first four of those seasons.
The Redskins also had been expected to meet with A.J. Smith on Jan. 11 to discuss an expanded role in the franchise. Smith had served as an executive consultant to the team this past year, focusing mostly on the draft. It’s uncertain how the McCloughan news would change Smith’s status.
McCloughan worked with Gruden’s brother, Jon, when both were in Green Bay — Jon Gruden as an offensive assistant and McCloughan in the front office. McCloughan got his start in the NFL in Green Bay as a scout in 1994.
Last week, Allen said they’d look at any move if it would help the team win.
“Over the next month or so, we’ll have this going in the right direction,” he said.