5 Head Coaching options for the Detroit Lions

Dec 29, 2013; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Washington Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan during the game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports

3. Mike Shanahan

If it is a coach with Super Bowl rings that you crave, Mike Shanahan is the answer. Of course it has been nearly 20 years since Shanahan coached the Broncos to wins in Super Bowl XXII and XXIII. Prior to that Shanahan was the offensive coordinator in San Francisco, winning Super Bowl XXIX. Before stops in San Francisco and Denver,  Shanahan was the coach for the then L.A. Raiders from 1988-1989.

Shanahan was fired by the Broncos after the 2008 season, as season in which marked three straight seasons that the Broncos had not made the playoffs.  He was hired by the Washington Redskins prior to the 2010 season. In his time with the Redskins (2010-2013) Shanahan earned a combined record of 24-40, with the lone bright spot being a 2010 season in which the Redskins made the playoffs and won the NFC East.

The one scrutinized move during Shanahan’s tenure in Washington was the handling of Robert Griffin III. Shanahan did not want to draft him, owner Daniel Snyder wanted to. The two feuded on the issue and it was ultimately what led to Shanahan’s demise in Washington. It is clear from the play of RG III since then proves that Shanahan is in the right.

Next: Eric Mangini