Bruce Allen said the dismissal of Scot McCloughan as general manager of Washington was not over a power struggle.

Allen addressed the firing of McCloughan for the first time on Sunday.

"At the beginning of the league year, we needed some clarity," Allen said Sunday night from the owners meetings.

"I've heard all this different speculation," Allen said. "That's ridiculous. Scot and I have had conversations [before the firing]. We're on the same page.

"There's a personal side in that I brought him to (Washington) and hoped for, obviously, not just a different outcome but a better situation for him and for (Washington). Yeah, that hurts. I do wish him the best. I like Scot. It feels like our friendship obviously will be strained."

Allen said Washington won't hire anyone to replace McCloughan until after next month's draft.