The list of candidates for the Washington Commanders offensive coordinator vacancy is becoming clear. The Commanders interviewed former New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur on Tuesday.
Pat Shurmur
Shurmur coached the Giants to a 9-23 record in two seasons before being fired. He also was the head coach of the Cleveland Browns for two seasons, from 2011-2012. While he hasn’t worked out as a head coach, Shurmur made his mark as an offensive coordinator.
He’s been an offensive coordinator with the St. Louis Rams, Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, and most recently, the Denver Broncos.
Shurmur has the experience that Commanders’ head coach Ron Rivera is looking to have. Shurmur has displayed an understanding of balancing the run and pass. Rivera said earlier this month he’d like to have Washington’s offense operate on a 2:1 ratio of run vs. pass.
The Commanders’ list of candidates doesn’t stop at Shurmur. The team is looking at several options to replace Scott Turner, who Washington fired last week.
Charles London
According to Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post, the Commanders have requested to interview Atlanta Falcons quarterback coach Charles London. Washington also is interested in a pair of Miami Dolphins assistants — associate head coach and running back coach Eric Studesville and pass game and quarterback coach Darrell Bevell, according to multiple reports.
London doesn’t have experience calling plays. However, he has been in the NFL coaching ranks for some time. He started as a grad assistant at Duke, but he has been an assistant and running back coach with the Chicago Bears, Tennessee Titans, Penn State, and the Houston Texans along with the Falcons.
His background does fit the 2:1 ratio. He was the Falcons’ quarterback coach this season with a running scheme evolved around mobile quarterback Marcus Mariota.
Eric Studesville
Studesville, 55, has been in the NFL coaching ranks since 1997. He was in Buffalo from 2004-2009. He also spent quite some time in Denver from 2010-2016 and was the interim head coach in 2010 following the firing of Josh McDaniels.
Studesville has been with the Dolphins since 2017. In 2021 he was the co-offensive coordinator under then-head coach Brian Flores. He survived Flores’ firing and got promoted to associate head coach under first-year head coach Mike McDaniel.
Darrell Bevell
Bevell has the most extensive resume in the group. He served as the offensive coordinator with the Minnesota Vikings from 2006-2010; helped the Seattle Seahawks reach back-to-back Super Bowls in seven seasons as the offensive coordinator. Bevell has received credit for the development of quarterback Russell Wilson.
Bevell was the offensive coordinator with the Detroit Lions and Jacksonville Jaguars and was interim head coach in both spots.
Other potential candidates
Commanders quarterback coach Ken Zampese is also a candidate for an offensive coordinator. Zampese has been with Washington since 2020 when Rivera became head coach.
Zampese’s only offensive coordinator role came with the Cincinnati Bengals. He ironically replaced Jay Gruden after Gruden was named head coach in Washington.
Washington expressed interest in former Indianapolis Colts head coach Jim Caldwell. However, Caldwell declined, as he is pursuing head coaching vacancies. Another former Colts head coach, Frank Reich, could be a person of interest if he doesn’t land a head coach spot.
What’s in store for Scott Turner’s replacement
The Commanders’ next offensive coordinator will inherit a good group of players at the skill possessions. Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson are a formidable running-back duo.
At wide receiver, Washington has a strong trio consisting of pro bowler Terry McLaurin, Curtis Samuel, and Jahan Dotson. The three combined for 16 touchdown catches in 2022.
Ultimately, the quarterback position will be integral. The team has informed candidates to plan for Sam Howell to be the starting quarterback next season. Howell was a fifth-round draft pick this past season. He made his NFL debut in Week 18, starting Washington’s season finale against the Dallas Cowboys.
The next offensive coordinator will come into a season with Rivera entering his fourth season and on the hot seat in Washington. The Commanders also are facing a potential ownership change, as expectations are Dan Snyder will sell the team soon.
With the situation at the top in flux, 2023 could be a lame-duck year for Rivera and his coaching staff.
