It’s your move, Dan.
In the increasingly public and embarrassing spat between Redskins owner Dan Snyder and Mike Shanahan, the embattled coach has decided to bench quarterback Robert Griffin III.
Shanahan will start backup quarterback Kirk Cousins on Sunday against the Atlanta Falcons, a move that likely means Griffin will not play again this season. Griffin will be inactive in Atlanta and Rex Grossman will back up Cousins.
In his afternoon press conference, Shanahan portrayed it as a decision made in consultation with Snyder. He also took a shot at the owner.
“Dan could care less about the other positions,” Shanahan said.
Shanahan had said Monday that he was considering benching Griffin because he had been sacked 24 times in the previous five games, and that if he did it would be for the remainder of the season. Griffin did not have a regular offseason training program leading into the 2013 season because of a torn ACL he suffered in a playoff loss to the Seattle Seahawks in January.
“I should have went with my gut,” Shanahan said of the decision not to pull Griffin. “But I thought he earned the right to play because he convinced me he was OK. But I think, you’re talking about honestly right here, it cost us the game.”
It is increasingly unlikely Shanahan will return to coach the Redskins in 2014. The 61-year-old has one year and $7 million remaining on his contract, and he could retire after the season or be fired by Snyder.
“That’s Dan’s decision at the end of this year. My job is to do the right thing for the organization,” Shanahan said.
The ongoing power struggle between Shanahan and Snyder reportedly stems from the owner’s relationship with Griffin. ESPN reported Sunday the head coach was prepared to resign following last season — even going so far as to clean out his office — because Snyder “empowered Griffin and openly esteemed him above all players.”
He also accused Snyder of creating an atmosphere that was not conducive to winning, and said Snyder’s behavior with regards to Griffin was a “complete farce.” However, once Griffin injured his knee, Shanahan felt he had no choice but to return for this season, as he did not want people to think he left because of Griffin’s injury.
Shanahan was asked why he was more worked up than usual in his press conference.
“What I’m trying to do is be as honest as I can, and I don’t normally do that,” Shanahan said.