Former Redskins general manager Scot McCloughan is working on a severance package with the club, according to Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report. McCloughan, who was fired on the first day of the free agent period, had two years left on his contract. Meanwhile, NFL executives believe McCloughan will soon be hired by another team, either in an advisory capacity or another personnel position. Presumably, McCloughan won’t be able to take another job until his severance is finalized.
Even given his ouster in Washington, most around the NFL would agree McCloughan is an excellent talent evaluator. Prior to his stint with the Redskins, McCloughan was the driving force behind the 49ers’ run of success in the early 2010s, and also helped build the Seahawks’ core during his tenure in Seattle.
McCloughan has exhibited openness and honesty about his struggles with alcohol, and reports vary as to whether his alcohol abuse contributed to his exit from Washington. Mike Jones of the Washington Post was told team management would one day use McCloughan’s drinking as an excuse to fire him. Redskins president Bruce Allen reportedly told McCloughan “nobody wants you here” earlier this year, just one documented instance of strain in what was apparently a disastrous relationship.
At present, McCloughan is operating his personal scouting service (as he did before landing the Redskins GM job). McCloughan advised teams during the draft, but didn’t divulge Washington’s scouting insights, only his own, as Mike Garafolo of NFL.com writes.
How unfortunate. As a fan, I was very excited to see what he could do with the Redskins. Just another front office press clipping that I wish we didn’t have.
On a positive note – the Skins had a solid draft…
And yet, Cousins remains without an extension…
Sigh…