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News | Washington Commanders - Commanders.com

Shanahan Plans to Bring Back Coaching Staff

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Head coach Mike Shanahan said on Monday that he is planning to retain his 2010 coaching staff.

"That could change, but I plan on keeping everybody at this time," Shanahan said during his season-ending press conference at Redskins Park.

He added that he had not yet met with his assistant coaches.

The Redskins do have a vacancy at tight ends coach, however. Last Dec. 6, tight ends coach Jon Embree left the team to become head coach at the University of Colorado, his alma mater.

Embree was replaced by offensive assistant Sean McVay on an interim basis. Shanahan indicated he would hire a new tight ends coach and that McVay would remain in an assistant role.

"I think Sean could fill the spot, but the chances are that I'll go in another direction," Shanahan said. "I think Sean does a great job helping at the quarterbacks and wide receiver positions."

The Redskins finished the season with a 20-member coaching staff, led by defensive coordinator Jim Haslett, offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan and assistant head coach-running backs Bobby Turner.

Both the offense and defense struggled in 2010, although injuries played a factor on both sides of the ball.

The offense finished ranked 18th overall, while the defense was ranked 31st overall.

Shanahan was asked to assess the coaching staff's performance, in particular Haslett.

"Well, number one, you take nine football games this year that we gave up 17 points or less -- that's a pretty good sign that we're making strides," he replied. "We made some strides relative to turnovers. When you have nine games of giving up 17 points or less, usually you win all nine of those games. The remaining games you can split up, winning at least two or three of those games.

"So it's a team. It's offense, defense and special teams. It's a process of putting your best unit together. It does take some time to evaluate who is the best once you start practicing and start playing games. It's an ongoing process. We're getting better, but obviously not quite good enough this year."

Shanahan also said he planned to keep his strength and conditioning coaches and the athletic training staff.

Asked for his impressions on the athletic training staff led by Larry Hess, Shanahan replied: "Good. It's always an ongoing process. I have a staff working extremely hard to do the best thing they can for the players and I like the way they work and handle themselves. Hopefully we just keep on getting better as an organization."

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