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When new Washington coach Jay Gruden meets the media on Thursday afternoon, he’s sure to be asked whether and to what extent quarterback Robert Griffin III was involved in his interview and other discussions relating to the job. And Gruden is certain to say, “None.”

Some believe that the Redskins are merely saying that Griffin had no involvement in the process, due to sensitivities regarding the perception that Griffin has too much power. After all, how could the team not involve Griffin, given the critical nature of the coach-quarterback relationship?

Per a source with knowledge of the situation, it’s the truth. Griffin wasn’t involved. Indeed, the source said it’s still not clear whether the two men have spoken, even after Gruden had gotten the job.

The message to Gruden is clear. It will be the coach’s responsibility to establish the right relationship with the franchise quarterback, if the coach hopes to succeed.

In the end, perhaps that’s the true power of RGIII. He wasn’t involved in the coaching search because it’s a given that he’ll be the quarterback, and it’s a given that the next coach will take the job realizing that a big part of the job is to find a way to get along with, and to get the most out of, Griffin.