Word hit the street yesterday that former Denver Broncos head coach Mike Shanahan was contacted by Redskins owner Daniel Snyder about his availability as a midseason head coaching replacement for the embattled Jim Zorn. Suddenly, football coaches are episodes of “Burn Notice” that can be plugged in interchangeably at a moment’s notice. That’s the Dan Snyder we know and loathe.

“Shanahan told the franchise there was little he could do in the middle of the season for them and that changing coaches during the season in the NFL rarely works,” a Redskins management source told FanHouse. “Several people that Dan Snyder trusts have suggested, if he makes a move, he should turn it over to secondary coach Jerry Gray. That could still happen.

“We are trying to give Jim every chance to turn it around. The move to [bring in offensive consultant Sherm] Lewis is to take more off Jim’s plate, especially the play-calling, because it is not working, and that is where Jim is spending much of his time. Now he can coach the entire team. Let’s see where that gets us.” via.

The Redskins are running out of winless teams in the league to play, and one only wonders how much good Snyder and his antics will be in fixing this mess. It’s hard to believe somebody that’s friends with Tom Cruise could find himself in such competitive peril. Even if the Danielskins could get Xenu to call the plays, it still wouldn’t fix a team that’s so schematically flawed. I blame Jason Campbell. And the Jews. But mostly Campbell.

I’m not suggesting that anyone waste their time following the Redskins this preseason, because that’s exactly what it would be–a waste. That said, one of the more fascinating quarterback controversies is shaping up in DC, even though it’s for the No. 3 spot on Washington’s roster. Colt Brennan, the incumbent No. 3 whose job seems to be on the line as incoming rookie Chase Daniel puts together a fine preseason, including a TD pass in his preseason appearance Saturday.

Both men were interviewed by, of all people, Redskins Pro Bowl tight end Chris Cooley, who couldn’t jam a camera in Daniel’s face fast enough. The dichotomy of the two men is what stands out; Brennan seems resigned to his fate while Daniel treats Cooley like actual media, spewing canned sound bites and all. “We won! That’s what matters, right?” Uh, sure…Chase.

But the one thing to take away from all of this? “Colt” and “Chase” as first names sound kinda gay. via.