As it turns out, owner Daniel Snyder was actually "receptive" to Shanahan's idea of preserving the franchise quarterback to ensure a full offseason.
The fissure between head coach and owner originated when Snyder surrendered a "king's ransom" for the opportunity to draft Griffin, according to NFL Media columnist Michael Silver. Contrary to previous speculation, it was Snyder -- not Shanahan -- who was the "impetus" behind the blockbuster trade, per Silver.
That dynamic between quarterback and owner has led to a lack of trust between Shanahan and Griffin.
Despite what Shanahan has said publicly, Silver's sources affirm the coach switched quarterbacks for "performance" reasons. He didn't believe he could maintain credibility in the locker room if he continued to start a struggling Griffin.
Sources closes to the Redskins coaching staff tell Rapoport that the coaches believe they will be fired, but there's been no official determination from the organization. At this point, they want to be cut loose so they can be "put out of their misery."
Shanahan will not resign, however. "He's not going to be walking away from the Washington Redskins with anything less than the $7 million he's due next year," Rapoport emphasized.
Although the final three games will amount to an audition for Kirk Cousins, Redskins fans shouldn't expect the backup to draw a first-round draft pick in 2014. Six general managers canvassed by Rapoport agreed that Cousins was more likely to fetch a second-rounder. At least half of those general managers don't believe the team will part with their inexpensive Griffin insurance regardless.
The most likely scenario is that Griffin and Cousins will be back in their customary roles for 2014 under a new coaching staff.