Matt Cavanaugh will receive another chance to run an NFL offense after the Redskins made him their new offensive coordinator on Monday. He will rise from the quarterbacks coach position he occupied the past two seasons.
This continues Washington’s promote-from-within strategy regarding its coordinators, with outside linebackers coach Greg Manusky being elevated to DC after a lengthy search. Cavanaugh’s ascent didn’t come after an extensive pursuit like Manusky’s did, though. Ten different candidates were mentioned as being in the running for Washington’s DC, with several interviewing. No outside candidates surfaced in the running for the Redskins’ OC job, and Cavanaugh wasn’t linked to any other OC jobs.
The former Ravens and Bears’ OC has not served in this capacity since 2004. Cavanaugh, 60, will succeed 30-year-old Sean McVay as the top offensive assistant under Jay Gruden, who is still expected to call plays in Washington next season.
will fill Cavanaugh’s spot as QBs coach.
Cavanaugh has presided over Kirk Cousins‘ rise from backup to near-5,000-yard passer. This followed a stint as the QBs instructor for the Jets and Bears. The veteran assistant is mostly known for his work in Baltimore from 1999-2004. Although it resulted in Cavanaugh receiving a Super Bowl ring for the 2000 Ravens’ work, his offenses lagged well behind the dominant defenses of that era, eventually leading to his dismissal after five years under Brian Billick.
However, a close relationship with both Cousins and backup Colt McCoy will work in Cavanaugh’s favor
Matt Cavanaugh will get another chance to run an NFL offense. Unless you consider play design and play calling part of running an offense, because Gruden will do those things. At least he probably gets a pay bump.