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Three most pressing questions Ron Rivera must answer for the Redskins

By Jacob Camenker

LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 20: Defensive back Tanard Jackson #36 of the Washington Redskins, nose tackle Chris Baker #92 of the Washington Redskins, inside linebacker Will Compton #51 of the Washington Redskins, and tackle Trent Williams #71 of the Washington Redskins prepare to run onto the field prior to the start of a game against the St. Louis Rams at FedExField on September 20, 2015 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MD - SEPTEMBER 20: Defensive back Tanard Jackson #36 of the Washington Redskins, nose tackle Chris Baker #92 of the Washington Redskins, inside linebacker Will Compton #51 of the Washington Redskins, and tackle Trent Williams #71 of the Washington Redskins prepare to run onto the field prior to the start of a game against the St. Louis Rams at FedExField on September 20, 2015 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Matt Hazlett/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) /

1. Will Kevin O’Connell stay on board as the Redskins offensive coordinator?

This question is the most pressing as Rivera won’t want to drag his feet on this one. In the coming days, he needs to decide if he wants to keep Kevin O’Connell on board as his offensive coordinator.

O’Connell, a 34-year-old former quarterback who is viewed as a rising star in the coaching ranks, has been with the Redskins for the past three seasons. Each year, he has received a promotion before becoming offensive coordinator last year. Despite the title, he didn’t actually get to call plays until after Jay Gruden was fired. And his system didn’t really start working until Dwayne Haskins and company got comfortable with it late in the season.

The Redskins seem to like O’Connell. They probably don’t want to let another bright, young offensive mind walk away from the organization. Not after seeing the success Sean McVay, Matt LaFleur, and Kyle Shanahan are having elsewhere. But the team is letting Rivera make the decision about his coordinator, and that’s the right way to do it.

O’Connell built a strong rapport with Dwayne Haskins toward the end of last season. That’s a factor to consider here. But Rivera’s message about being on the same page with everyone in the organization was surely important. If he doesn’t feel that he’s on the same page with O’Connell, he may choose to bring someone else aboard who could better execute the vision that Rivera has in mind.

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If the Redskins keep O’Connell, Haskins will have some continuity ahead of his second NFL season. If not, Rivera will have to bring in a capable offensive mind to get Haskins up to speed as quickly as possible. Either way, this will be the most timely and important question that Rivera will have to answer to kick off his tenure as head coach.

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