Redskins Make Coaching Changes

At last, the Washington Redskins are doing something positive this offseason. The team has promoted Kevin O'Connell to offensive coordinator, replacing the previous incumbent Matt Cavanaugh, who was demoted to senior offensive assistant.

The 33-year-old O'Connell previously held the roles of quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator—the latter of which was to prevent him from accepting UCLA's offensive coordinator vacancy.

O'Connell's biggest fan might be veteran receiver Torrey Smith, who praised the move on his Twitter account, declaring, "The next [Sean] McVay." Minutes later, he elaborated with another tweet, "He is legit. One of the sharpest dudes I've been around. He is also great at communicating which is half of the battle when leading a team. Plenty of folks know ball but can you lead?"

Smith's comparison of course, is referring to former Redskins offensive mastermind Sean McVay, who started out as their assistant tight ends coach in 2010. Four year later, McVay was promoted to offensive coordinator where he transformed an anemic offense into a dynamic one. After three seasons in that role, McVay got the opportunity of a lifetime—becoming the head coach of the Los Angeles Rams at just 30 years old. Fast forward to now, where his team will square off against the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LIII. So, naturally, there will be McVay-like expectations for O'Connell moving forward.

While Smith's comments should be taken with a grain of salt, it is notable that Washington had some competition for O'Connell's services, with other teams attempting to hire him. Unfortunately for him, the talented players on offense lie few and far between. Quarterback, the most important position on any team, is stamped yet again with a large question mark. Adrian Peterson, the future hall of fame running back, is set to become a free agent, while prospect Derrius Guice is still recovering from injury. The left guard position remains a revolving door, the wide receiver corps is weak, and the tight end duo of Jordan Reed and Vernon Davis has fizzled out.

O'Connell certainly has upside, given his age and high football IQ, which should bode him well. Over the last few seasons in particular, the NFL has seen a youth movement in hiring coaches. Whether O'Connell can develop into a head coach himself one day remains to be seen. Meanwhile, a head coach of Mike McCarthy's pedigree—13 seasons, 125-77-2 record, nine playoff appearances, and a Super Bowl win—is still without a team.