The National Football League's Washington Redskins have fired their coach and director of football operations, Marty Schottenheimer, after just one season. He will be paid the $7.5 remaining on his four-year contract.
In a statement late Sunday, the Redskins said Schottenheimer was fired because he refused to give up control over player personnel decisions - a privilege that had been written into his coaching contract on year ago.
After starting the season with five straight losses, the Redskins rebounded with five straight wins. They then split their final six games and failed to make the playoffs.
Team owner Dan Snyder could announce a new coach as early as Monday. There are reports a five-year agreement for $25 million has already been reached with Steve Spurrier, who abruptly quit two weeks ago as coach of the University of Florida Gators.