Like father, like son. Or so the Washington Redskins hope.

Bruce Allen's father, George Allen, coached the Redskins to their first Super Bowl appearance in 1973. In December of 2009, Bruce Allen was named the team's general manager, replacing Vinny Cerrato.

This also led to speculation that Jon Gruden might become the next Washington coach. He and Allen had previously worked together in Oakland and Tampa Bay.

"This is an extraordinary opportunity with one of the world's most successful sports franchises," Allen said in a statement released by the team. "I love everything about this assignment; I know what it means to be dedicated to the Redskins. I can't wait to get to work."

According to the Washington Post, "Allen has strong ties to both the area and the Redskins. He grew up in McLean, and his father is still considered a legend in the area. George Allen coached the Redskins from 1971-77. Bruce Allen went to the University of Richmond, and his brother, George, is a former U.S. Senator from Virginia.

"Hiring Allen gives Redskins owner Daniel Snyder both a tie to the franchise's more glorious path and a proven personnel man who led a team to a Super Bowl."

"Bruce Allen is the personification of an NFL winner," Snyder said in a statement released by the Redskins. "Our fans know his heritage; we know his abilities. He is the right person to lead our club."

Allen played college football for the University of Richmond, where he averaged 42.9 yards a punt as a senior and was drafted in the 12th round by the Baltimore Colts in 1978.

When playing in the NFL didn't pan out, he quickly moved into management. After nearly 20 years of apprenticeship, he won the George Young Executive of the Year Award with the Raqiders in 2002.

Hired by Tampa Bay as general manager in 2004, Allen presided over a rather uneven string of seasons -- 11-5, 4-12, 9-7 and 9-7. He and Gruden were both let go after the second 9-7 year.