The Washington Redskins have announced Jay Gruden as their new head coach to replace Mike Shanahan, who was sacked on December 30.

Gruden was previously the offensive coordinator for the Cincinnati Bengals, a position he held for the last three seasons until taking over at the Skins.

At 46 years of age, he is also the youngest head coach for the franchise since Joe Gibbs was appointed in 1981.

"The Washington Redskins announced [on] Thursday that they have named Jay Gruden as the 29th head coach in franchise history," the club said in a statement.

Gruden helped the Bengals win the AFC North this season.