The Redskins are in talks to promote quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh to offensive coordinator, according to Mike Jones of the Washington Post (Twitter link), who cautions that no deal is yet official.
[RELATED: 2017 Offensive/Defensive Coordinator Tracker]
Cavanaugh, 60, would fill the void left by former OC Sean McVay, who accepted the Rams’ head coaching position earlier this month. Washington hasn’t held a former search for a new play-caller, though incumbent offensive line coach Bill Callahan has been mentioned as a possible candidate. Once the Redskins hired Kevin O’Connell as their new QBs coach, however, Cavanaugh became the instant favorite for the offensive coordinator job.
Cavanaugh does offer NFL coordinator experience, as he’s called plays during two previous stints around the league: the Bears from 1997-98 and the Ravens from 1999-2004. However, Cavanaugh likely won’t direct the offense if he is indeed promoted to OC in Washington, as head coach Jay Gruden is expected to take on play-calling duty, as Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com recently reported. Still, Cavanaugh’s close relationship with the Redskins’ quarterbacks will come in handy, as both Kirk Cousins and Colt McCoy have discussed Cavanaugh’s “detailed approach,” per John Keim of ESPN.com.
Washington now appears close to finalizing its coaching staff on both sides of the ball, as the club promoted linebackers coach Greg Manusky to defensive coordinator earlier today.
Staying in house…. and defense is the issue