Jay Gruden reportedly is in good position to land as Washington's next coach. (USATSI)
More NFL: Coaching change tracker | Playoff BracketIn trying to replace fired coach Mike Shanahan, the Redskins reportedly were set to interview 10-12 candidates, but as CBS Sports' Jason La Canfora reported earlier this week, it appeared as though Bengals offensive coordinator Jay Gruden was expected to emerge as the top candidate.
By Thursday morning, it appeared that this was still the case.
According to the Washington Post, the Redskins and Gruden were working toward a possible deal that would make him the new head coach in Washington.
"The deliberations were at a sensitive stage and it was possible the deal still could unravel, according to [a source], speaking on the condition of anonymity because of the sensitivity of the topic," the Post's Mark Maske writes. "That person called it 'possible [but] not definite' that Gruden would be hired by the Redskins. [Another] person said an agreement was within reach but not fully completed."
Later Thursday morning, NFL.com also reported the two sides were close to a deal.
Despite Cincinnati's early exit from the playoffs (again), Gruden has emerged as one of the most popular head-coaching candidates in the NFL. Along with the Redskins, Gruden has drawn interest from the Vikings, Lions and Titans, but it's seeming more and more likely he'll land in Washington.
Gruden was a popular candidate for head-coaching jobs after the 2011 season, but he stayed in Cincinnati instead. The Bengals offense struggled in 2012, finishing 22nd in the league, but it rebounded this season, finishing with a No. 10 ranking.
Cincinnati quarterback Andy Dalton, though, continues to draw criticism for his uneven performances, especially in big games. It appears, though, as if Gruden has been insulated from that criticism.
If Gruden does take the job, he would beat out other candidates such as Baltimore offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell, Giants defensive coordinator Perry Fewell, Cowboys special teams coach Rich Bisaccia, Seattle offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell and Carolina defensive coordinator Sean McDermott. Follow Josh Katzowitz on Google+
http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/24403204/report-redskins-closer-to-naming-jay-gruden-next-head-coach