Commander Country

News: Rex Ryan wants in, Mike Tomlin is out, and Bill Callahan brings it back to basics

Interim head coach Bill Callahan had the Redskins practicing hard, while outside candidates to take over his new job have differing opinions.

Burke Downer

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Bill Callahan got to work right away on reinvigorating the Washington Redskins in their quest to turn around their thus-far 0-4 2019 season. Starting with their first practice under Callahan's control, the Redskins showed new designs on how they'll operate. With Daniel Snyder in attendance Callahan had his team running post-practice full field sprints, captains stretches, running back ball control drills and the list goes on. 

Callahan will call on Case Keenum to lead his starting unit on Sunday; with Keenum healthy he re-assumes his No. 1 position on the depth chart. Colt McCoy, who started in Week 5 may very well be inactive in Week 6. Callahan will have every opportunity to prove he's the long-term answer as the Redskins head coach, but he won't be without competition, Rex Ryan among others. Ryan said he'd take the job, but another name being floated, Mike Tomlin has his hands full with his current position in Pittsburgh and sounded a bit perturbed at being asked about the Redskins. As long as the Redskins go without naming a head coach, rumors will swirl. If they land the No. 1 pick in 2020, likely Tua Tagovailoa, there will be a line of candidates at the front door. 

Redskins returning to Case Keenum as starter :: Redskins Maven

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The wheel of fortune continues to spin in the quarterbacks room for the Redskins. Keenum, no healthy, or a least healthier will regain his starting position. This is also the first time Bill Callahan will have selected the starting quarterback as the new interim head coach. Callahan may start the wait-for-Haskins cycle all over again. He's motivated to win, and it would appear he believes Keenum gives him the best shot to do so. 

Rex Ryan: I would take the Washington job :: NBC Sports

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Rex Ryan made no bones about it when asked if he would take the Redskins job by Pat McAfee on ESPN's Get Up,"“Of course...I would take it... People are going to be lined up for this job.”

Ryan has had moderate success as a head coach, though none recently. He's also not known as a developer of young quarterbacks. It's hard to forget Mark Sanchez' early career struggles, including the infamous butt-fumble. Ryan sure would keep the Redskins interesting though. 

Redskins institute new practice regiment under Bill Callahan :: Multiple Sources

The Redskins held their first padded practice under Bill Callahan's command on Wednesday, and there were a few immediately noticeable differences. Beat writers for the Redskins provided a few different examples on Twitter including refs on hand, post-practice wind-sprints and captain lead stretches. Daniel Snyder was even in attendance. 

Redskins Emphasize 'Hardcore Fundamentals' In First Practice Under Interim Head Coach Bill Callahan :: Redskins.com

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In line from the live practice tweets, the team themselves put forth a wrap up of practice with direct quotes from interim head coach Bill Callahan, who will have his team focus on the basic building blocks in hopes of developing the current roster into a winner. Callahan has a pedigree of building college programs and all-time great offensive lines, and clearly has an appreciation for the little things. 

"Just really trying to get back to some really hardcore fundamentals and really straddle the line, it's really kind of a fine line of the health of your team and also pushing them physically to improve their fundamentals," Callahan said. "I think we accomplished both today."

NFL's 100 worst teams of all time: Could Dolphins, Redskins join most hopeless in history? :: USA Today

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The good news for the Redskins is that they're clearly not in an intentional-tank mode, like the Dolphins seem to be. The Redskins also get to play the Dolphins this week, and are favored by 3.5 points. Bottom line, if the Redskins can win this one, they'll escape the list immediately. Even if they don't, its hard to see them still sitting on it by season's end. 

Steelers coach Mike Tomlin responds to Washington Redskins coaching rumors :: Pittsburgh's Action News 4 

Tomlin had been recently linked with the Redskins, in a suggested coach-for-draft pick trade. When asked Wednesday about that possibility of coaching another team, Tomlin appeared to be less than pleased. He laid it out in plain English; it's not his concern, and not on his mind.

"I'm not worried about that, to be quite honest with you," Tomlin said in response to a question from Pittsburgh's Action News 4 reporter Sheldon Ingram at his weekly news conference Tuesday. "You're the first person to mention it to me in a public setting." After a follow-up question, Tomlin said, "I'm the head coach of a 1-4 football team that's going on the road to play a Hall of Fame-caliber quarterback with my third quarterback. Do you think I'm worried about anything this week other than that?"

NFL Week 6 picks, odds: Rams knock off undefeated 49ers, Redskins and Dolphins play depressing thriller :: CBS Sports

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The Redskins and Dolphins are among the current favorites for the No. 1 overall pick, and Sunday's game may factor into the eventual equation heavily. Or, the Redskins can get back to work, refocus and grind out a season worth being proud of. The Dolphins seem content on 'Tanking for Tua,' the only question is if the Redskins will join in the fight. 

"The most depressing part of this game for both fans bases is probably the fact that they can't even cheer for their team to win, because the winner might actually lose. Although winning is usually a good thing, it won't be in this game, because the winner in Miami will likely have almost no shot at earning the No. 1 overall pick in the 2020 draft, so losing is arguably better on Sunday." 

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