There was the faint smell of change wafting out of Ashburn in the last few weeks. The winds blew the distinct odor of a new day over the entirety of the DMV.
For fans of the Washington Redskins, it was an unfamiliar smell, but a welcome one.
However, things have changed. A competing scent, a familiar one, has become the dominant musk around Redskins Park. The aroma is that of Bruce Allen, the longtime team president of the Redskins. The man who has been the target of the majority of the criticism from Washington football fans may have weathered a momentary storm that may have only briefly threatened his job status.
USA Today columnist Mike Jones reported Friday that while owner Daniel Snyder understated the franchise may be headed for an overhaul and could dismiss Allen, the owner is still considering scenarios in which his top confidant retains his position. Jones, citing multiple people with knowledge of the situation, writes Allen could also pass off some of his football duties to other people within the organization and possibly outside hires. A re-assignment and realignment of his duties has been floated as a possibility.
Jones also echoed what SI's Albert Breer told Grant & Danny that Allen's continued presence within the front office could be a possible dealbreaker for some candidates for the Redskins' vacant head coaching job, which has been labeled the worst in the NFL.
"And my understanding is they've gotten some pushback on the current structure of the organization from some of those candidates," Breer told 106.7 The Fan. "But certainly, my understanding is the Redskins have gotten some feedback from some guys who are going to be in a mix for multiple jobs where it's, 'If there's gonna be the structure (at Redskins Park) that it has been for the last 10 years going forward, then I'm not interested.'"
DeAngelo Hall, who has made it known he would be interested in joining the Redskins' front office, told The Athletic's Erin Hawksworth earlier this month he did not think Allen was on his way out.
"I left that meeting not feeling like Bruce was in jeopardy to lose his job," Hall said.
"Do I think this team needs to do a lot of things to right the ship? Absolutely," Hall added. "Has Bruce done the best job? Maybe not. But I have all the confidence in the world that the people in that building can get it fixed."
Of course, Jones reported Friday that, according to one "person familiar with Washington's inner workings," Allen has "a good chance to keep his job."
Follow @BenKrimmel and @1067theFan on Twitter.




