The Washington Redskins have hired former Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Al Saunders in an attempt to improve their offense, which really struggled during the playoffs. Saunders will probably not become the Redskins' offensive coordinator, since that job belongs to Don Breaux still. Saunders could be titled as an assistant of some sort.

Joe Gibbs wants has been trying to improve the Redskins' offense since he arrived back in Washington. He had success during the season by utilizing positional players wisely, such as Chris Cooley and Mike Sellers. Saunders had interviewed for a few head coaching jobs, but settled with the Redskins. Saunders may have returned to Kansas City if Herman Edwards had not been traded for.

"Obviously, he had some opportunities," Edwards said. "But he felt his best opportunity right now as a coach was to go to Washington. I wish him a lot of luck. He's done a great job here with our offense."

Saunders did have one head coaching stint with the San Diego Chargers from 1986 to 1988. Ever since then, he's mostly been with the Chiefs. The Chiefs offense has been outstanding the past few years with Trent Green throwing the ball very well and both Priest Holmes and Larry Johnson overwhelming opposing defenses.

Several Redskins players were urging the Redskins staff to hire Saunders. The Redskins offense was ranked 30th last year, but believe it or not, they finished the season ranked 11th in total offense. Despite their high offensive output, they often had to rely solely on Santana Moss to make a big play.