Post 1/23 Allen stays with the Raiders

[Hauss]

This online story was updated by the Post. This version doesn't contain the hiring of Mendes.<br /><br />Allen Declines Offer <br /> <br />By Mark Maske and Leonard Shapiro<br />Washington Post Staff Writers<br />Wednesday, January 23, 2002; Page D1 <br /><br />Oakland front-office executive Bruce Allen rejected the Washington Redskins' offer to become their general manager yesterday, deciding to remain with the Raiders, NFL sources said. Allen, son of late Redskins coach George Allen, was offered a salary of more than $1 million by the Redskins.<br /><br />Negotiations between Allen, who has the title of senior assistant with the Raiders, and Redskins owner Daniel Snyder yesterday were cordial, but Allen decided he wanted to remain in Oakland because he believed the timing was not right for a move and he felt a sense of loyalty to Raiders owner Al Davis, sources said. Allen has been with the Raiders since 1995, performing many of the duties of a general manager.<br /><br />It was the second time in recent weeks the Redskins were close to hiring a general manager but were unable to complete the deal. Snyder basically had an agreement in place with Bobby Beathard before negotiations broke off at the last moment, over money, just before Beathard was scheduled to travel to Washington in conjunction with the arrival of new coach Steve Spurrier.<br /><br />Snyder must now decide whether to hire a general manager or split the job into two positions: vice president of football operations and vice president of player personnel.<br /><br />In a separate move, the Redskins likely will rehire their former director of player personnel, Vinny Cerrato, in one of two jobs – personnel director under a general manager, or vice president of player personnel alongside a vice president of football operations. An announcement is not likely to be made until after the Senior Bowl on Saturday in Mobile, Ala.<br /><br />Cerrato is scheduled to broadcast the college all-star game for ESPN. Cerrato was fired by former Redskins coach Marty Schottenheimer last year.<br /><br />Snyder has interviewed Joe Mendes, the Redskins' former contract negotiator and salary cap expert, as a prospective vice president of football operations. He also has spoken to longtime NFL executive Ken Herock about a front-office job.<br /><br />The Redskins' list of front-office candidates, in addition to Cerrato, includes Herock, Mendes, Kansas City Chiefs director of pro personnel Bill Kuharich and Baltimore Ravens director of pro personnel James Harris. Snyder could reopen negotiations with Beathard, but Beathard has said he considers those talks over.<br /><br />The Redskins requested and received permission to speak to Allen on Sunday. Talks moved quickly yesterday, but he decided to stay in Oakland, with the future of Raiders Coach Jon Gruden in doubt.<br /><br />Herock now could become a top contender. He interviewed for the Redskins' personnel director job last year but was passed over by Schottenheimer.<br /><br />He last worked in the NFL as Ron Wolf's top lieutenant in Green Bay, and has been running a service to prepare college players for the league's scouting combine.<br /><br />Spurrier said yesterday that he might not hire a defensive coordinator this week, perhaps preferring to talk to some possible candidates from around the league whose contracts with their current teams expire after Feb. 1. The Redskins could know today whether their defensive coordinator this past season, Kurt Schottenheimer, would be willing to consider staying with the Redskins, or rejoining his brother, Marty, if he becomes the San Diego Chargers' head coach. Spurrier's other candidates reportedly include New York Jets defensive backs coach Bill Bradley and former Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Woody Widenhofer.<br /><br />Redskins Notes: The team placed defensive tackle Jerry DeLoach on the list of five players that it will make available for the Houston Texans in the expansion draft on Feb. 18. The other Redskins on the list are kickoff returner Michael Bates, wide receiver Kevin Lockett, guard Matt Campbell and long snapper Ethan Albright.<br /><br />Teams had to submit its final list to the league office yesterday. The Texans can select up to two players from each club, but aren't obligated to pick a player from every team. The Redskins' decision to expose DeLoach in the expansion draft means that they chose not to risk losing another young defensive tackle, Delbert Cowsette.<br /><br />Maske reported from Mobile, Ala.; Shapiro from Washington.<br /><br />© 2002 The Washington Post Company<br /> <br /> [ January 23, 2002: Message edited by: Hauss ]

[OrangeSkin]

I'm very surprised to see Lockett and Bates go. They were solid, if not above average performers for us. This decision, especially Lockett, could come back to haunt us.

[VoR]

I think Albright will be the one who gets snatched up by the Texans: He's one of the best in the league and he's dirt cheap. <br /><br />BTW, I think Bates & Lockett are getting exposed because they're "Marty guys". Remember, Snyder is the one who's choosing which players are going on the expansion list: we have no GM and Spurrier isn't familiar with our roster yet.

[indyskinsfan]

The two edge sword with the philosophy of putting Bates out there is, although Bates is a little older than the most desirable return men, he offers speed, experience and a very good ST player. This is most likely a loss, while the Skins obviously have at least a few FA's and some Draft hopefuls already in mind. If the FA doesn't make his move or the Draft choice isn't there, then it is hoped Houston will pass over him and the Skins would pick him back up. Well I think Casserly sees dollar signs, because a good return man brings excitement to the fans and field position will always be a friend in the NFL.<br /><br />Other players to note for KR are Metcalf, Ki-Jana Carter, and Thompson. All capable of handling the duties. Metcalf is still available to return punts as well. <br /><br />I suppose at this point in Champ's career, Spurrier will still let him get some time as a return man, at least in practice and some games. He should also see some offensive action with Smoot occassionaly in a play or two once and awhile. However, they won't do it as much as they'd like and that is probably going to be a concern of the Defensive Coordinator to have them focus more on DB coverage.<br /><br />Darrell Green can still handle punts or kickoffs too.<br /><br />Lockett is a an ideal #3 WR and can get that 10yd 1st down, in an offense like Spurrier's, which will emulate the Rams and the Skins during Gibb's tenure. He also will be scooped up, but he is replaceable. Bates can be replaced, but what he also does for the intangibles of the Special Teams, is not always readily available, though Carter has the tools. Carter is our gem and we best keep him off the ST's as much as possible. He is going to see an awful lot of time with the ball this year in a Spurrier type offense. He is made for it and can also run in between the tackles on draws, shuttles, quick and rocket screens.<br /><br />Vinny Cerrato - ah yes, bury him as deep UNDER a manager as you can, to keep his "free-wheeling and dealing like tommorow butt in check". Hopefully we don't even get him.

[NavyDave]

Sign Herrock and stop p!ssing off quality GMs with this split role nonsense.<br /><br />All of the guys on the list are replaceable or when they pick Lockett we can take back Albright or vice versa.

[Art]

You are certainly not going to get a top flight GM in the dual role design. You'll have to go with a Cerrato type, or, a guy who is young and coming and looking to cut his teeth. Certainly the names we've heard would be unlikely to want to assume half the GM duties, especially if they are already a GM.<br /><br />I've no problem with the dual role in that it brings back Mendes, who is an exceptional hire. But, the inspiration behind that hire is lessened should Cerrato take the other half as none of us ever felt too comfortable with Vinny. I'd like to see something else there, but, to me, Mendes is a key to the front office. Other than Wolf, I'd rather have Mendes and even Cerrato to any other top GM, such is my respect for what Mendes brings to this team.