The Washington Redskins officially announced the hiring of Ron Rivera as the new head coach. Jack Del Rio is reportedly set to become the defensive coordinator. Meanwhile, Kevin O’Connell will interview with Rivera for offensive coordinator, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
O’Connell impressed in his first season calling plays for the Redskins and development of rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins.
O’Connell gained more control of the offense following the firing of then-head coach Jay Gruden after Week 5. Haskins and the Redskins offense improved week after week under O’Connell despite the perceived contrasting styles with interim head coach Bill Callahan.
They did so with Haskins and three rookies — Terry McLaurin, Kelvin Harmon, and Steven Sims — as their three primary wide receivers.
Haskins has lobbied for O’Connell return.
Just as O’Connell has to sell himself to Rivera, the head coach will have to sell his vision and outlook to O’Connell. The interview is expected to be a two-way street, according to Craig Hoffman of 106.7 the Fan.
O’Connell started his coaching career as a quarterbacks coach with the Cleveland Browns in 2015. He joined Gruden’s staff with the Redskins in 2017 as the quarterbacks coach. He was promoted the following season as the passing game coordinator while keeping his quarterbacks coach responsibilities.
Kevin O’Connell is well-respected and viewed as one of the young minds in the NFL. Teams would line up for him if he became available. The Redskins may be hard-pressed to retain O’Connell, at least owner Dan Snyder.
Their recent history losing young great offensive coaches who went on to become NFL head coaches. The list consists of Kyle Shanahan (San Francisco 49ers), Matt LaFleur (Green Bay Packers), and Sean McVay (Los Angeles Rams).
