What a difference a year made for Kyle Shanahan, who went from embattled offensive coordinator to potential head-coaching candidate on the strength of one explosive season by Robert Griffin III and the Washington Redskins.
Seven head-coaching vacancies opened up in the NFL on Monday, but Redskins coach Mike Shanahan said his son won't be interviewing for any jobs as long as the Redskins are alive in the playoffs. They host the Seattle Seahawks on Sunday at 4:30 p.m. ET.
"At least my opinion, at least this is my feeling when I was an assistant, it's not time to interview during the season," Mike Shanahan said, via The Washington Times. "It's time to concentrate on your job. After the season is over with, I think there's plenty of time for all those things. That's my gut feeling."
Kyle Shanahan, 33, is credited with adding the pistol and other options to the Redskins' offense this season, allowing the team to take advantage of Griffin's unique abilities. The rookie quarterback's stellar play, along with fellow newcomers Alfred Morris and Pierre Garcon, have helped the Redskins average a league-best 6.17 yards per play.
"You've got a job to do, and you should do that first," Mike Shanahan said. "But after the season is over, if somebody wants to interview him or something along those lines, I think it's great opportunities for assistant coaches to interview for head-coaching jobs."
There's logic to Shanahan's view, but it's hardly a uniform opinion across the NFL. Case in point: Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Mike Nolan is scheduled to interview for the Philadelphia Eagles job Friday. Nolan has the benefit of a first-round bye for the Falcons.
Follow Dan Hanzus on Twitter @DanHanzus.
