Scott McCloughan: Personal problems are behind me

The franchise announced the signing of McCloughan on Thursday after he spent time away from the game to deal with his alcohol abuse. The 43-year-old was the general manager of the San Francisco 49ers between 2008 and 2010 before moving the Seattle Seahawks, where he oversaw the drafting of star quarterback Russell Wilson and cornerback Richard Sherman. McCloughan stepped down from the Seahawks in April last year due to his personal problems but says it is time to move on as he begins his new role with the Redskins. "I'm not ashamed about it," McCloughan said of his off-field issues. "I went through a tough phase in my life, with my family. And I'll just tell you this, I grew professionally and personally. It's gotten me to be able to do this job. "It made me a better father. It will make me a better personnel guy because I've been through it. Honestly, I'm glad I went through it to realize who I am and what I have to be and for me to be the best I can be is to not live in the past, live in the future and go forward." McCloughan is considered to be one of the best talent evaluators in the NFL and ran his own scouting business after leaving the Seahawks, used by several franchises for consulting purposes. Redskins president Bruce Allen threw his full support behind McCloughan, insisting his problems will not be an issue moving forward. "I did talk to him about it and we had a very forthright conversation and we're here to support him," Allen said. "He would not be taking this job if he thought this would be a concern." One of the primary challenges McCloughan will face in his new role will be his management of quarterback Robert Griffin III, whose promising career has been blighted by injury so far. McCloughan is adamant the 24-year-old should be given more time to develop his game, saying he still has the potential to be a key player for the franchise. "One thing he did do, he took a team to the play-offs as a rookie and that's hard to do for any quarterback," McCloughan said.

"You don't give up too quick on him because you know there's ability there."