NFL Coaching Rumors Updates: Redskins Candidates List Grows

Jay Gruden Washington Redskins
Jay Gruden Washington Redskins
Cincinnati OH USA Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden prior to the game against the Baltimore Ravens at Paul Brown Stadium Andrew Weber USA TODAY Sports

The Washington Redskins are leaving no stones unturned in their search for a new head coach, as it has been reported the organization is planning a total of 10-12 interviews.

Many NFL coaching rumors point to Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden as the frontrunner early on in the process, who has been contacted by numerous teams about their head coaching vacancy. According to CBS Sports, Gruden is expected to emerge as the top candidate for the job, and it doesn’t hurt that his older brother, Jon Gruden, has a working relationship with Washington general manager Bruce Allen.

Also expected to interview is Bengals defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer and both San Francisco 49ers coordinators, Greg Roman, and Vic Fangio. In addition, San Diego offensive coordinator Ken Whisenhunt, considered the favorite for the Detroit Lions gig, and Vanderbilt coach James Franklin, will likely be interviewed.

Roman is also expected to be contacted by the Minnesota Vikings, which also has its sights set on both of the Bengals coordinators.

In Tennessee, the list of candidates contains a bunch of similar names. Whisenhunt and Franklin are both expected to be interviewed, as well as Dallas Cowboys special teams coordinator Rich Basaccia and Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell.

It’s been quiet on all fronts in Cleveland for the most part,  and the last NFL coaching rumors indicated the Browns would try to lure Bob Stoops out of the college ranks. That seems unlikely but the organization remains interested in Patriots offensive  coordinator Josh McDaniels.  One new name has surfaced: Green Bay Packers quarterback coach Ben McAdoo will reportedly interview for the head-coaching vacancy.

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Sam Spiegelman
Sam Spiegelman is a native New Yorker covering sports in New Orleans. He likes Game of Thrones way too much. Tweet him @samspiegs.