Karl Swanson "resigns" as Snyder's PR man/Henchman

[akhhorus]

He's been with Snyder for a long time(even before the redskins), curious development....

Link

Karl Swanson, the Redskins' senior vice president of public relations and a long-time top lieutenant of owner Daniel Snyder, is leaving the organization.

Swanson, Snyder's self-described public relations "henchman," has worked for Snyder for more than a dozen years and though he had little personal contact with most reporters, he played an active role in forming media strategy and running damage control when needed.

Swanson was one of just two senior-level executives who've been with Snyder since the owner took over control of team in 1999. Rarely dealing with roster moves or football decisions, Swanson often spoke on behalf of Snyder, who limits his media availabilities. When headlines centered on the team's off-the-field activities -- from ticket and concession prices to FedEx Field parking and tailgating restrictions -- Swanson was often the one who took charge.

Team employees received an e-mail Monday stating that Swanson hoped to spend more time with his family.

Swanson's departure could be viewed as yet another sign of a culture change at Redskins Park. He was the subject of a lengthy Post profile last fall, written by Paul Farhi. According to the piece: "Over the years, Swanson's approach to media relations has alienated some of the Redskins' own public relations staff. The team has had seven directors of communications during Snyder's 11-year ownership, a rate that exceeds the turnover in the head coaching job. ... One of the former PR directors, John Konoza, lasted three days. His replacement, John Maroon, lasted a year."

[cal_junior]

Can you imagine putting on your resume that you spent several years in charge of the Washington Redskins' media/PR strategy? That's like saying you were head of safety for the Hindenburg.

One of the many mysteries of the universe is that guys like this and Vinny drew incredible salaries for so many years. Why can't I get paid six or seven figures to mangle a job I'm not qualified for?

[RedskinsDave]

Out with the old, in with the new. This can't be a bad thing.

[Fathead]

The only way this could be a bad thing is if they hired the Iraqi Information Minister.

[tuckahoeskin]

Originally Posted by Fathead

The only way this could be a bad thing is if they hired the Iraqi Information Minister.

Apparently Bagdhad Bob's former employer was easier to work for than the Danny.

[LATrueRedskin]

Originally Posted by RedskinsDave

Out with the old, in with the new. This can't be a bad thing.

Absolutely. Throw out as much as possible from the previous regime.

[hail2skins]

He needed to go. He had a dishonest look in my opinion.

[BurgundyNGold]

Originally Posted by cal_junior

Can you imagine putting on your resume that you spent several years in charge of the Washington Redskins' media/PR strategy? That's like saying you were head of safety for the Hindenburg.

One of the many mysteries of the universe is that guys like this and Vinny drew incredible salaries for so many years. Why can't I get paid six or seven figures to mangle a job I'm not qualified for?

He could always get a job working for Big Tobacco.

[Hr fan]

Is this a real personal need move or a changing of the guard? I will track who hires his successor with interest, and hope it is a team rather than snyder decision.

[akhhorus]

They've offered the job to the Houston PR man, who has Shanahan connections. Interesting...

[shally]

Originally Posted by RedskinsDave

Out with the old, in with the new. This can't be a bad thing.

+1

exactly how i see it

[cal_junior]

Originally Posted by akhhorus

They've offered the job to the Houston PR man, who has Shanahan connections. Interesting...

"Tony Wyllie began his NFL career as a gameday intern with the Houston Oilers in 1991 before working as a summer intern with the San Diego Chargers PR department in 1992. He spent 1993 as an intern in the PR department with the Dallas Cowboys, earning a Super Bowl ring before heading west to Los Angeles to work with the Rams as the assistant director of public relations.

Wyllie moved with the team to St. Louis in 1995 and became the youngest PR director in the NFL three years later when the Tennessee Oilers hired him in 1998. He picked up an AFC championship ring with the Titans in 1999 before joining the Texans’ staff in the summer of 2000. During his NFL career, Wyllie has assisted in promoting five players that have been elected into the Pro Football Hall of Fame (Aikman and Irvin, Cowboys; Slater, Rams; Munchak and Matthews, Oilers/Titans).

Wyllie and his staff have earned the Pete Rozelle award, which is presented annually by Pro Football Writers of America to the best NFL public relations staff, two times with the Texans (2004 and 2007) and four times overall. The Rams’ PR department won the award in 1997 and the Titans’ in 2000.

Wyllie worked three years in the sports information department at Texas Southern University, where he received his degree in journalism. He also earned a Masters in Business Administration from the Jones School of Business at Rice University.

A native of Brooklyn, N.Y., Wyllie grew up in Northwest Houston and attended Cy-Fair High School. He resides in Houston with his wife, Natasha with son, James Anthony and daughter, Toni Simone."

[Keino]

Wake me up when Larry Michael is standing in the unemployment line. For that day, Redskins nation will truly rejoice and know that God is real.

I wonder if this signals that Danny Boy is trying to repair his broken relationship with the Washington media he has all but alienated with his douchebaggery, namely the WaPo.

[RedskinsDave]

Originally Posted by Keino

Wake me up when Larry Michael is standing in the unemployment line. For that day, Redskins nation will truly rejoice and know that God is real.

I wonder if this signals that Danny Boy is trying to repair his broken relationship with the Washington media he has all but alienated with his douchebaggery, namely the WaPo.

He can't repair the relationship with The Post while Lackey Larry is there. He's the one who trots out the Us against Them mantra on that horrible Redskins show of his.

[akhhorus]

Originally Posted by RedskinsDave

He can't repair the relationship with The Post while Lackey Larry is there. He's the one who trots out the Us against Them mantra on that horrible Redskins show of his.

True, but I bet it was Swanson who was writing the script.