The Washington Redskins search for a new head coach, which once looked like it could take several weeks, ended Thursday when they agreed to hire Jay Gruden, a league source told ESPN.

Gruden had been scheduled to interview for the Minnesota Vikings coaching vacancy on Thursday before he agreed to become the Redskins' coach. He is expected to be introduced by the Redskins on Thursday afternoon.


Andrew Weber/USA TODAY SportsJay Gruden will replace Mike Shanahan as the Redskins' new head coach.

He replaces Mike Shanahan, who was fired one day after the season ended. Gruden becomes the sixth coach hired by owner Dan Snyder in his 15 years; none have lasted more than four years.

Gruden, the Cincinnati Bengals' offensive coordinator, interviewed with Washington on Wednesday, one day after meeting with Tennessee. He also had visits scheduled with Minnesota and Detroit.