Mike Shanahan wants to coach the Redskins next season, the coach said during his regular Monday afternoon press conference.
“You always want to come back,” Shanahan said. “You always want to come back.”
The coach spoke less than 24 hours after a 45-10 loss to the Chiefs dropped the Redskins to 3-10. The Redskins are 24-37 since Shanahan took over in 2010.
During the first part of the press conference, Shanahan declined to say if he wanted to return to the Redskins next season before relenting 16 minutes in.
Shanahan talked with owner Daniel Snyder Monday, but wouldn’t detail the nature of their conversation. The coach expects to sit down with Snyder at the end of the season and “make a final decision on what’s in the best interest of the Washington Redskins.”
Before Sunday’s game, ESPN reported that Shanahan entertained thoughts of quitting last season over frustration about Snyder’s relationship with Robert Griffin III. The coach declined to address the report Sunday or Monday.
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“All I’m saying to you is I get along with Dan quite well,” Shanahan said. “He’s been a very supportive owner and I hope I can win for him.”
Shanahan wouldn’t discuss the status of his job, either. One year remains on his five-year, $35 million contract.
“There’s always a lot of noise when you’re 3-10,” Shanahan said. “There’s going to be a lot more noise over the next few weeks. I understand that.”
On the field, Shanahan left open the possibility that Griffin won’t start against the Falcons this Sunday. If Griffin sits then, he won’t start the rest of the season. The coach is concerned by the 24 sacks the quarterback has taken in the last five games and plans to make a decision in the next 48 hours.
“He’s the franchise quarterback and you want to make sure he goes into the offseason healthy,” Shanahan said. “That’s just something in the back of my mind I’m thinking about right now.”
The coach believes Griffin’s health is at 100 percent, but wants to make certain he’s prepared for the team’s offseason program.
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Shanahan discussed the possible move with Snyder but hasn’t broached the subject with Griffin or backup Kirk Cousins.
• Nathan Fenno can be reached at nfenno@washingtontimes.com.
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