The University of Washington Huskies are on the hunt for a new offensive coordinator after Jimmy Dougherty's departure from the program. This marks the third offensive coordinator change under head coach Jedd Fisch, who is heading into his third season with the team.
Interestingly, the new offensive coordinator won't be calling the plays, as those responsibilities remain with Fisch. Former UW quarterback Brock Huard shared his thoughts on the potential direction for this hire on Seattle Sports’ Brock and Salk.
Fisch is known for running a pro-style offense, akin to what NFL coaches like Kyle Shanahan and Sean McVay employ. However, the Huskies' current quarterback, Demond Williams Jr., is a dual-threat athlete who isn't your typical pro-style QB. Williams racked up 611 rushing yards last season, leading all Big Ten quarterbacks.
“Demond Williams isn’t your classic NFL QB,” Huard noted. “He’s a dynamic runner and can execute the RPO (run-pass option) effectively. It’ll be interesting to see who they bring in.”
One potential candidate is Matt Cavanaugh, a seasoned NFL coach with nearly 30 years of experience, including offensive coordinator roles with the Chicago Bears, Baltimore Ravens, and Washington Commanders. CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz has reported Cavanaugh as a possibility for the Huskies.
Cavanaugh’s background aligns well with Fisch’s offensive philosophy, but the Huskies might also consider someone with a stronger focus on the QB run and RPO elements. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Adam Rittenberg suggests that JP Losman, currently an offensive quality control coach, is expected to be promoted to quarterbacks coach.
As for Dougherty, his departure comes just a year after being promoted to offensive coordinator. He previously served as the passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach. Huard speculates that Dougherty's move might be driven by a desire to transition to the NFL.
“College football can be chaotic and demanding,” Huard explained. “The constant recruitment and transfer portal activity can be overwhelming.
I think Dougherty is looking for a more sustainable environment in the NFL. We’ll see where he lands soon.”
The Huskies are at a crossroads, and the upcoming hire could shape the future of their offensive strategy. With a dynamic quarterback like Williams, the choice of coordinator will be crucial in maximizing the team's potential.