The Redskins announced that linebackers coach Dale Lindsey has been released by the organization.

"We appreciate the work and effort Dale has given the organization over the past three seasons, but we have decided to move in a different direction with our linebackers," said head coach Joe Gibbs.

Lindsey has been in charge of the linebackers during the last three seasons and has spent a total of five years of his 29-year NFL career with the Redskins, including a two-year stint with the organization in 1997-98.

Under Lindsey, the linebackers thrived in 2004-05, with Marcus Washington earning a Pro Bowl nod in 2004. Antonio Pierce and Lemar Marshall established themselves under his guidance.

The Redskins' defense as a whole struggled last season, though. The unit finished the season ranked 31st in the NFL in yardage allowed.

Lindsey is a veteran coach who rejoined the Redskins in 2004. He had previously served as a defensive coordinator with San Diego from 2002-03 and linebackers coach with Chicago from 1999-2001.