The Cleveland Browns have granted offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan's request to be released, Alex Marvez of Fox Sports reports.
Yesterday, it was reported that Shanahan was at odds with the higher-ups in the Browns organization. His displeasure with the franchise after just one season must have played a role in his departure.
"Kyle Shanahan was eager to strike out on his own again, but landed in a situation that has become dysfunctional for him...," Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com wrote. "The biggest problem, they say is that the personnel side and coaches aren't seeing eye to eye on some key issues. One source said some coaches became upset when a high-ranking personnel member texted from the press box to the sideline about play calls."
Shanahan is interviewing with the Buffalo Bills about their open head coaching position today. One of Buffalo's reported requirements for their next head coach is a willingness and ability to help develop 2013 first-round pick EJ Manuel.
"...[Bills general manager Doug] Whaley apparently thinks Manuel's sturggles, which led to his benching after only four games last season in favor of since-retired Kyle Orton, have had more to do with coaching than the player," Vic Carucci of the Buffalo News wrote. "Whaley is, according to an NFL source, conveying those thoughts to the candidates that he and the rest of the Bills' hierarchy have interviewed for the team's head-coaching vacancy."
Shanahan helped Washington Redskins quarterback Robert Griffin III to one of the most impressive rookie seasons of all time, before injuries and a deteriorating relationship led to both Kyle and Mike Shanahan's ouster from D.C. Could the younger Shanahan have a similar impact with Manuel?
Mike Shanahan met with the Bills on Sunday and there is a report making the rounds that he could be in contention for a GM-type role with his son taking over as head coach. We'll keep you updated as more details begin to emerge.
