Hired by the Redskins in January to serve as Head Coach and Executive Vice President of football operations, Shanahan previously coached the Los Angeles Raiders before winning back-to-back Super Bowl Championships in 1997 and 1998 as Head Coach of the Denver Broncos.
Shanahan has assembled many distinctions in his career so far-- such as having the most wins in professional football history during a three year period, netting 46 victories from 1996-1998. In addition to his six Super Bowl appearances, Shanahan has been a part of teams that have played in 10 Conference Championship Games.
At the Chamber event, Shanahan emphasized the importance of passion and being driven to achieve your goals.
“It’s very important to acknowledge the people who have had influence in your career,” Shanahan said. “I was taught early on that, yes, you need the best players, and you need the best facilities, but if you don’t believe that [success] can happen, then the people working for you won’t believe it either. You need a leader, a person that can implement a plan to be successful.
“When I came on as Offensive Coordinator at [the University of] Florida, we were ranked dead last in Division 1. So I made a choice to be positive and follow the guidelines I’d set for myself. By the end of the season, we were in sixth place.”
Shanahan added that it isn’t always easy to formulate a solid plan, but if executed properly, the plan is bound for success.
“In my first meeting with the George Seifert, Head Coach of the San Francisco 49ers, he told me that [as Offensive Coordinator] if the team didn’t have the number one offense in the league, then I’d be fired.”
With the help of football giants like Steve Young, Jerry Rice, Brent Jones and John Taylor, the 49ers offense under Shanahan’s reign proved supreme, winning Super Bowl XXIX in 1994.
Switching topics to discuss the current state of the Redskins, Shanahan noted that the time he recently took off has greatly improved his coaching skills.
“My year off reenergized me,” he said. “I have a new appreciation for the game. I’ve found that you have to have the right leadership to make [the Redskins] work. The year off allowed me to assemble a fresh team of coaches and players. We’re just getting started right now, but I’m excited and the coaches are excited.”
During the question and answer portion of the event, Shanahan was asked about some pressing issues, including how he has managed to successfully handle the massive egos of some of his football players.
“I like the standards set high, but when you give a star player extra attention, it takes morale away from the team,” he said. “You can’t get caught up with money or past games. I want to know what the player has done today. Not what they’ve done in the past. Are you willing to make the commitment [to the team] today? Those big egos may get a player to a championship game, but when the [Super Bowl] comes around, they won’t win it.”
After answering a question about his relationship with owner Dan Snyder, saying he has an amicable rapport with the Redskins owner, Shanahan was more direct when asked about Redskins defensive tackle Albert Haynesworth, who some have criticized for having a large free agent contract that doesn’t necessarily justify his mediocre field play.
"With all the money you gave Albert Haynesworth, what do you plan on doing with him?” a man asked.
"I really believe this: You're either in or you're out,” Shanahan said. “I don't like to give people any attention [if they’re] not with us. As far as I'm concerned, if you want to talk about the people that work every day, that do the little things the right way, I'll talk forever. I'm not going to talk about people that aren't with us."
From 2000-2009, the Redskins boasted a recorded of 70 wins and 90 loses. Veteran coach Joe Gibbs took them to the playoffs twice, in 2005 and 2007, but the Redskins’ poor performance over the past decade has loyal fans eagerly anticipating a change from Shanahan.
Here’s what a slew of local football fans said about Shanahan, and the new direction he plans on taking the team.
Lance Riddle, Leesburg
“I hope Shanahan can restore the high level of professionalism to the [Redskins] organization. I’m looking forward to [Shanahan] restoring pride to the team, players and fans.”
Mike Flynn, Ashburn
Shanahan is a proven winner, and I’m excited to have him in Washington.
Tim Region, Centreville
“Honestly, it doesn’t matter who the coach is. No coach is going to make a difference with this team as long as Dan Snyder is around.”
Sherri Link, Ashburn
“Hiring Shanahan is the best move [Snyder] has made in a long time. A Superbowl coach that will hopefully make changes that will pose more of a challenge to [my favorite team, the Dallas Cowboys] this season.”
Donald Robinson, Ashburn
“[Shanahan is a breath of fresh air that brings discipline and [a] hard work ethic to a team that has lacked it over the past two seasons.”
Add comment