http://blog.washingtonpost.com/redskinsinsider/The Washington Redskins have released longtime football operations official Louis Riddick, according to league sources. Riddick's contract, like that of many people in the football operations/scouting department, was to expire this summer, and the team informed him that his deal will not be renewed, sources said.
Riddick, a former NFL defensive back, spent the last three years as pro personnel director, working directly below Cerrato and in essence the fourth most important figure behind Snyder, then coach and team president Joe Gibbs and Cerrato.
Riddick was once a rising star in the organization, forging a strong bond with vice president Vinny Cerrato and owner Daniel Snyder during seven years in the organization, but his profile had cooled in the last year. During interviews with prospective head coaching candidates several involved in the process came away believing Snyder and Cerrato would be moving on without Riddick.
Shortly after Gibbs departed in January, and Cerrato was promoted to the top of the football operations staff, Cerrato promoted Scott Campbell above Riddick in the organization, marking a transition in the club's hierarchy (Campbell was promoted from director of college scouting to director of player personnel). Last week the team awarded a new contract to Eric Schaffer, the vice president of football administration, but when Riddick was not renewed executives from other teams figured he would soon be leaving.
(Riddick was told he was no longer needed on Friday, sources said, without Snyder or Cerrato present. Scott Campbell was charged with telling Riddick he was gone, sources said, which I'm guessing probably left Riddick more than a little miffed).
Cerrato has altered the scope of the organization since Gibbs left, having significant input into the hiring of head coach Jim Zorn, and the firing of both coordinators, as well as leading an overhaul of the remaining coaching staff. Cerrato fired pro scout Terry Ray and replaced the team's director of communications and director of security this offseason, while the club also parted ways with its orthopedic surgeons and revamped its medical team since Gibbs retired.
The Redskins have not made a decision regarding replacing Riddick's position, according to a team official. As director of pro personnel Riddick was a key party in scouting Washington's opponents as well as evaluating potential free agent and trade acquisitions. Riddick has recently been in contact with other organizations seeking positions in a scouting role, sources said.
A message left for Riddick was not immediately returned.
