Report: Scott Turner interviewing for Redskins offensive coordinator job
The Washington Redskins haven’t officially hired their first offensive coordinator under Ron Rivera. They’re considering Kevin O’Connell but are interviewing Scott Turner on Friday.
Earlier this week, it seemed likely that Kevin O’Connell would continue on as the Redskins offensive coordinator. But in recent days, that possibility has become less certain.
O’Connell and new Redskins coach Ron Rivera were reportedly “still working things out” as of Thursday. And now, Rivera is interviewing another person for the position.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Redskins are interviewing Scott Turner for their offensive coordinator job. Turner was the offensive coordinator under Rivera with the Panthers last season.
#Panthers OC Scott Turner is interviewing with new #Redskins coach Ron Rivera today for the vacant OC job, source said. Incumbent Kevin O’Connell is considered the favorite, but Turner, whose work impressed this year, could potentially end up as his QB coach if he’s not the OC.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 3, 2020
Turner, 37, is the son of former Redskins head coach Norv Turner. He led the Panthers to a middle of the pack offense ranking 19th in yards and 20th in scoring despite being without starting quarterback Cam Newton for most of the season. Turner certainly has upside and familiarity with Rivera from two separate stints with the Panthers, so that explains why he’s getting an interview.
That said, it is important to note that O’Connell is still considered the favorite for the job. Rivera may just be doing due diligence to make sure that he’s comfortable with any potential hire that he could make this offseason. Or, Turner could come aboard in a different role, like quarterbacks coach, as Rapoport mentioned.
Bringing Turner in as the quarterbacks coach would be a sensible move. Turner is obviously familiar with Rivera and did well to keep the Panthers afloat early in the season with Kyle Allen at quarterback. In his first six games, Allen went 5-1 and recorded 1,291 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and just four interceptions before regressing down the stretch.
But if Turner can get that type of production out of a backup-caliber quarterback, it would certainly be interesting to see what he can do with Dwayne Haskins.
Most pressing questions Ron Rivera must answer. dark. Next
We’ll soon see what comes of this interview. But this decision is notable as it means that Rivera is at least considering options outside of O’Connell for the coordinator position.