Redskins must evaluate what Kevin O’Connell can bring in increased role
By Ian Cummings
2018 was always going to be the year of judgement for Redskins head coach Jay Gruden, and thus far, he has not done enough to change that.
It’s becoming more and more clear that, in an ever-evolving NFL, the Washington Redskins are in need of a leading offensive mind more in tune with the modern ways. Perhaps they have one, but he just needs more control.
Kevin O’Connell was hired to be the Washington Redskins quarterbacks coach back in 2017. Since then, in only a year and a half, he’s worked his way into a greater role, taking on the title of passing game coordinator. Jay Gruden still calls the plays, but the team has placed greater value on O’Connell’s insight as a young, budding coach.
However, if Gruden’s Redskins continue to sink in 2018, then Gruden might not have control for much longer. His ouster would lead to yet another coaching search under Dan Snyder’s regime, and it might give O’Connell a bit more exposure.
The Redskins need to evaluate O’Connell, and decide whether he’s a true modern mind, molded in the new NFL, or if he has become an acolyte of Gruden’s offense instead. And while the team would prefer to have their choice in any possible coaching search, they may soon find that they’ve put themselves in a bad situation.
In a dream scenario, the Eric Bieniemy’s and Todd Monken’s of the world would give the Redskins a serious look, but with Dan Snyder and Bruce Allen in charge, a dearth of aging core players, and a habit for bad public relations, Washington is far from the most attractive destination for popular coaching candidates.
Hence, it might be up to a lesser known, interior candidate, to help Ashburn rise from the ashes.
Recent promotions of team coaches such as Matt Cavanaugh and Greg Manusky into higher roles show that the Redskins have a tendency to grow from within, from both a preference and an inability to attract outside talent.
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Call it a hunch, but Kevin O’Connell is already behind the organization’s walls. He’s 33 years old, younger than Alex Smith. And he’s gradually acquired more stock in the offense. The Redskins could entice him into a primary role if a reset occurs. If O’Connell’s philosophy harbors more modern NFL characteristics, then that move could bring unexpected rewards.