Redskins Have Allowed Josh McDaniels' Rumored Preferred OC Kevin O'Connell to Shop Around
By Michael Luciano
New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels could be on the verge of his second stint as a head coach, and Kevin O'Connell could be coming with him.
Washington is allowing O'Connell to look at potential OC openings, as new head coach Ron Rivera brings in coaches he is familiar with, and the whole process just so happens to coincide with McDaniels' foray back into the interview game (with Cleveland the only remaining vacancy).
#Redskins OC Kevin O’Connell has received permission to speak with other teams about potential offensive coordinator options, source said. A bright, up-and-coming coach, he will have opportunities.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 7, 2020
O'Connell was selected in the third round of the 2008 NFL draft out of San Diego State by the Patriots, but was cut after just one season. He got his start coaching in the NFL during the 2015 season, and has been with Washington since 2017.
Newly appointed as the Redskins head coach, Rivera has mentioned that he likes O'Connell as an OC, and second-year QB Dwayne Haskins has stated that he wants O'Connell to stay as offensive coordinator, if anything so that he doesn't have to learn a new playbook in Year 2.
Dwayne Haskins wants Kevin O'Connell to stay on as Washington OC https://t.co/nJEdZc1KS0
— Touchdown Wire (@TheNFLWire) December 30, 2019
Washington is reportedly fixated on Scott Turner, the son of former Panthers OC Norv Turner, as their next offensive coordinator. Pat Shurmur is also being discussed.
The #Redskins are zeroing in on Scott Turner as their offensive coordinator, source said. The 37-year-old impressed calling plays as #Panthers interim OC last month. Now, a potential reunion with Ron Rivera in the works.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) January 7, 2020
O'Connell looked destined for as pretty successful 2020 with Rivera as the head coach and Haskins in at quarterback. However, he could be on his way out of the capital to link up with McDaniels instead.