WASHINGTON, D.C. – Former Denver Broncos coach Mike Shanahan signed a five-year contract worth approximately $7 million per year to become head coach and executive VP of football operations for the Washington Redskins.Shanahan, who is the 7th coach in 11 years for owner Dan Snyder, is expected to hold ‘the ultimate authority on football decisions’ concerning player personnel while working closely with executive VP and general manager Bruce Allen.

Shanahan is bringing some family with him too. His son, former Houston Texans offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan, will be the Redskins new offensive coordinator.

Shanahan replaces Jim Zorn who was fired shortly after the team’s final regular season game when they lost to the San Diego Chargers 23-20. The Redskins finished 4-12 (their worst record since 1994) and overall Zorn was 12-20 over two seasons, losing the last 18 of 24.

“The status quo has to end,” Allen said. “We have to change the way we’ve been doing some business. Last place two years in a row is not Redskins football.”

Snyder released a statement following the signing. “No one in the organization is satisfied with our record over the last two years and I am sure that Jim [Zorn] would concur with that statement. It has been painful for him, too. I certainly accept responsibility for mistakes that I have made.”

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