ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Bruce Allen is now officially upgraded to president and general manager of the Washington Redskins.

Previously, Allen held the GM title but was an executive vice president.

In a press release issued by the team on Monday, owner Dan Snyder says “I think the world of Bruce Allen and giving him both titles is appropriate.”

Allen was hired by the Redskins in December 2009, after spending time with the Buccaneers and Raiders in the NFL, as well as USFL clubs.

Last week, Allen said in a letter to Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid that the team’s nickname is “respectful” toward Native Americans. That followed half the U.S. Senate publicly urging NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell to change the club’s name, saying it is a racist slur.

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