Washington Redskins fire Head Coach Jay Gruden

The Washington Redskins have officially fired head coach Jay Gruden five games into the NFL season and a day after a 33-7 loss to the defending Super Bowl champion New England Patriots. This was a very unique firing to say the least as coach Gruden was forced to come into the office by the Redskins at five o’clock in the morning where he was promptly relieved of his head coaching duties.

The Redskins have had a tough start to the 2019 season as they are currently one of four winless teams remaining in the NFL and are the only winless team in the NFC. It has been a struggle on both sides of the ball for the Redskins as they rank 30th in the NFL in points per game (14.6) and points allowed per game (30.2).

The Redskins offense has struggled moving the ball down the field ranking 27th in total rushing yards (68.8), 26th in passing yards per game (212.2) and 28th in yards from scrimmage per game (281). In addition, they are tied with the Dolphins for most interceptions thrown (8), are 28th in the NFL in QBR (79.7) and are 30th in first downs per game (15.6). On defense, the Redskins are 28th in rushing yards allowed per game (144), 22nd in passing yards allowed per game (263.8) and are tied for 27th in total yards from scrimmage allowed (407.8).

Jay Gruden served as the head coach for the Redskins for six seasons compiling a record of 35-49-1 during his tenure and one playoff appearance.

Stepping in as interim head coach for the Redskins will be assistant head coach and offensive line coach Bill Callahan. Callahan has been coaching since 1981 though only has two years of head coaching experience in the NFL. Callahan served as head coach for the Oakland Raiders in 2002 and 2003 where they would appear in Super Bowl XXXVII in a loss against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Following the 2003 season, Callahan would move to the college ranks where he would coach the Nebraska Cornhuskers football team from 2004-2007 before returning to the NFL as an assistant head coach.

The Washington Redskins next game will be against the Miami Dolphins, who are coming off a bye-week, both vying for their first win of the 2019 season.

.@Redskins fire head coach Jay Gruden. (via @RapSheet) pic.twitter.com/Aca5d6tOri

— NFL (@NFL) October 7, 2019