NFL teams
John Keim, ESPN Staff Writer 7y

Jay Gruden first coach extended by Redskins owner Dan Snyder

NFL, Washington Redskins

The Redskins have signed coach Jay Gruden to a two-year contract extension, according to a source.

Gruden, who turned 50 on Saturday, had two years left on his original five-year deal, all of which was guaranteed. The extension now runs through the 2020 season.

This marks the first time Redskins owner Dan Snyder has extended a head coach since he bought the team in 1999. In fact, no head coach has lasted more than four years under Snyder. He has had seven head coaches and one interim coach during his tenure.

The move comes amid uncertainty at other levels of the organization, with questions surrounding the Redskins' general manager and starting quarterback.

GM Scot McCloughan is not at the NFL scouting combine with the rest of the Redskins brass this week. The team said McCloughan is tending to a family matter -- his grandmother died recently -- and he will return to the job once the matter is resolved.

The Redskins also are trying to work out a long-term deal with starting QB Kirk Cousins. They have placed the exclusive franchise tag on Cousins but face the prospect of losing him after this season if a new contract isn't struck. They could trade Cousins too.

Gruden's presence provides a level of stability within the organization. In his first three seasons, Washington went 21-26-1. However, it has gone 17-14-1 the past two years, with an NFC East title in 2015. It is the first time Washington has posted consecutive winning seasons since 1996-97.

This season, Gruden will be working with two new coordinators: Greg Manusky on defense and Matt Cavanaugh on offense.

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