The Denver Post is reporting that Mike Shanahan has been in discussions with the Redskins about their head coaching job in 2010.

The two sides still have some issues to work through, however, before an agreement is reached. The 4-9 Redskins long have been eliminated from playoff contention and have three games remaining with coach Jim Zorn.

Redskins owner Daniel Snyder began housecleaning Wednesday with Bruce Allen replacing Vinny Cerrato as general manager. One NFL source said that when Shanahan spoke with the Buffalo Bills last month about their new front-office/coaching openings, Allen was to be included in the package there.

If he can land Shanahan, Snyder would have made two good football decisions (something foreign to him) for his team in 2010. But he also has to allow Allen and Shanahan to do their jobs and not meddle in the process of building the roster, like he’s done over the past couple years.

Snyder always wants to throw money at things without thinking about the ramifications of his decisions. If he does that with Allen and Shanahan, he’ll be looking for a GM and a head coach again in a couple years.

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Redskins fans got an early Christmas present this year as vice president of football operations Vinny Cerrato has decided to resign. ESPN.com reports that owner Daniel Snyder has hired former Raiders and Bucs GM Bruce Allen to take Cerrato’s place.

In a statement released by the team Thursday morning, Cerrato said he has had numerous conversations with team owner Daniel Snyder over the last few weeks about the team’s future.

“We agreed that the franchise needs someone different in this position,” Cerrato said in a statement released by the team. “I’m thankful to Dan Snyder and other members of his ownership team for the opportunities I’ve been given over the years.”

For the past two seasons, Cerrato has held the post of executive vice president of football operations. This year’s Redskins are 4-9 and have struggled in part because of a lack of depth along the offensive line.

“Of course, I am disappointed with this year’s results, but I strongly believe that with outstanding draft picks and encouraging performance by our younger players, we have laid a strong foundation for the franchise,” Cerrato said in the statement.

Allen should provide an instant upgrade over Cerrato, who had no clue what he was doing during drafts and who wildly spent money on the wrong free agents. He also managed to alienate a proud Redskins fan base, which was arguably his biggest crime.

It’ll be interesting to see Allen in action with an owner that is willing to spend in attempts to win. In Tampa, Allen was handcuffed by cheap owners and he still managed to build a talented roster. He might be a perfect fit in Washington.

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