Redskins offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell will interview with new Washington coach Ron Rivera to determine if he’ll stay on staff in the same role, according to a report.
The NFL Network reported O’Connell “has a chance to stick” around given his work with quarterback Dwayne Haskins, who made significant progress in the last few weeks of his rookie year.
O’Connell, 34, was promoted to offensive coordinator last year and took over play-calling duties after former coach Jay Gruden was fired in October. With O’Connell calling plays, the Redskins still struggled offensively — finishing 30th in offensive efficiency — but found a rhythm over the last month of the season.
O’Connell was able to help Haskins get into a groove early, which helped the quarterback’s confidence. His work also helped highlight the skills of some of the Redskins’ rookie wide receivers in Terry McLaurin, Kelvin Harmon and Steven Sims.
On Monday, Haskins said he hoped O’Connell would remain with the Redskins moving forward.
“Kevin is a great guy and I hope he gets the opportunity to stay,” Haskins said. “We have grown a lot throughout the year. He is someone that I think is going to be a really great offensive coach in the NFL. I really hope he gets to stay.”
Haskins finished the year with a 76.1 passer rating, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions for 1,365 yards in nine games. Five of those seven touchdowns, however, happened in the 22-year-old’s last three games.
• Matthew Paras can be reached at mparas@washingtontimes.com.
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