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Redskins big picture Ingredients for Improvement after 0-3 start

By Ian Cummings

LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Washington Redskins Owner Dan Snyder (R) speaks with General Manager Bruce Allen before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FedExField on November 16, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - NOVEMBER 16: Washington Redskins Owner Dan Snyder (R) speaks with General Manager Bruce Allen before a game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at FedExField on November 16, 2014 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 29: Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell looks on before a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at FedEx Field on August 29, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD – AUGUST 29: Washington Redskins offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell looks on before a preseason game against the Baltimore Ravens at FedEx Field on August 29, 2019 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /

No. 4 – Promote Kevin O’Connell to head coach, restructure offensive staff

With a full week to prepare after the Giants game, it’s time to turn the page, and start a new era. Use the final twelve games of the season as an evaluation period, and make young, up-and-coming offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell the primary subject.

We haven’t seen much of O’Connell, but in brief pockets, he’s displayed promising qualities in a coach. He’s clearly personable, he has previous connections with Dwayne Haskins’ former coaches, and he’s spoken about a desire to maintain aggressiveness on offense. The offense hasn’t been consistent in his time as coordinator, but we know Jay Gruden has maintained play calling duties. Gruden’s influence heavily dilutes what we know about O’Connell. And it makes this move riskier.

But with Gruden gone, the Redskins have to promote someone, and O’Connell is the obvious candidate. He has a promising background, both as a player and as a staff member. He’s young, he’s been brought up in the modern era of football, and he has a long career ahead of him. And frankly, no one else on the Redskins staff has a resume nearly as intriguing. The Redskins need to try something new. O’Connell is their best bet.

Outside of O’Connell, restructure the offensive staff a bit, just to supplement the move. Maybe promote Tim Rattay to interim offensive coordinator and have him provide input for O’Connell’s offense. Maybe offer Alex Smith a role as quarterbacks coach while he continues his recovery. See how these coaches perform in their new roles, so that in 2020, you have ammunition for informed decision making. Is there a future with O’Connell? Or do the Redskins need to look elsewhere?

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