Redskins interview Ken Zampese for QB coach, suggesting an opening

More rumors have surfaced on the Redskins coaching front.

It’s been a theme of the Washington Redskins coaching staff tumult; to learn of possible moves before they are announced. The cycle began with the rumors surrounding defensive staffers such as Torrian Gray, Kirk Olivadotti, and Jim Tomsula, and then carried over to the offensive side last week, with the departure of tight ends coach Wes Phillips.

Now, there’s more speculation on the offensive side of things. Yesterday night, NFL radio host Alex Marvel reported that the Redskins had interviewed former Cleveland Browns quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese for a lateral hire in D.C. He specifically mentioned a coaching vacancy at quarterbacks coach for the Washington Redskins.

Shortly after, Chris Russell of The Fan D.C. Radio speculated that the interview meant that current Redskins QB coach Kevin O’Connell would be moving in some capacity, either via promotion to offensive coordinator, or to another franchise.

Right now, the circumstances are not entirely clear, due in part to the Redskins’ unwillingness to be transparent with coaching decisions. But all previous reports have suggested that the Redskins are very high on O’Connell. D.C. Sports reporter Craig Hoffman tweeted as such yesterday, stating that Kevin O’Connell “is VERY highly thought of internally and externally and will have a voice because of that.” He also said that moving O’Connell to call plays could be in the cards.

Moving O’Connell to call plays could be a good move for Washington. Jay Gruden’s strength is play design, but as he showed last year, his actual play calls, and the game scripts he composes, can be improved. With O’Connell taking a larger role play calling, Gruden could focus more on the intangible factors of being a head coach. It’s brash to say Gruden will drastically change his ways this long into his tenure, but it’s also brash to say there’s no chance.

As for Zampese, his hire would make sense, as he and Gruden were partners in Cincinnati from 2011 to 2013. Zampese was with the Bengals as early as 2005, when he gleaned two Pro Bowl seasons from Carson Palmer. When Palmer left, Zampese would continue his work with Andy Dalton. Dalton made the Pro Bowl in his rookie season, and threw for 80 touchdowns and 49 interceptions in the three years Jay Gruden and Ken Zampese oversaw his efforts.

If Zampese came to Washington, he’d be reunited with a coach he’s very familiar with, and it could be a hint that the Redskins are seriously considering bringing Andy Dalton to D.C. It’s all speculation at this point, but we will give you an update if a hire transpires.