WASHINGTON — Mike Shanahan agreed yesterday to become the coach of the Washington Redskins, the latest step in a major overhaul of a troubled franchise.
Shanahan’s decision to join the team was confirmed to the Associated Press by an official within the NFL. The official spoke on condition of anonymity because the team was not commenting on its coaching search.
The Redskins announced they would hold a news conference today, although they did not say why.
The deal with Shanahan is for five years, the Denver Post reported on its Web site. The hire comes less than 48 hours after the Redskins fired Jim Zorn — and less than three weeks after front-office chief Vinny Cerrato resigned and quickly was replaced by general manager Bruce Allen.
Shanahan will have the final authority on football decisions, according to ESPN.com.