Just as the Washington Commanders have begun interviews for their offensive coordinator vacancy, one candidate has pulled out of the running. Miami Dolphins pass game coordinator, and quarterback coach Darrell Bevell declined interviews with the Commanders and the New York Jets, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
On Tuesday, the Commanders interviewed former New York Giants head coach Pat Shurmur. Wednesday, Commanders quarterback coach Ken Zampese interviewed for the offensive coordinator position.
Along with Shurmur, Bevell has an extensive resume as an offensive coordinator. Bevell was the offensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings for five seasons, including 2009, when Minnesota’s offense ranked second in scoring and fifth in yards. The Vikings reached the NFC Championship Game that season with Brett Favre as the quarterback.
Bevell then spent seven seasons with the Seattle Seahawks from 2011-2017 as the offensive coordinator. His work with the Seahawks made him an attractive choice for Commanders head coach Ron Rivera.
In Seattle, Bevell’s offenses were predicated on the run game. That allowed his young quarterback, Russell Wilson, to develop as an ultra-game manager. Wilson also used his mobility to extend the pocket and plays while thriving as a situational passer. The Seahawks finished in the top four for rushing for four straight seasons from 2012-2015.
Seattle reached the postseason in all four seasons and made back-to-back Super Bowl appearances in 2013-2014.
Bevell’s history as a play-call would’ve fit the Commanders’ philosophy to have a 2:1 run-to-pass ratio. That will allow 2022 fifth-round draft pick Sam Howell to develop as a quarterback while trying to win games.
Instead, Bevell plans to stay with the Dolphins. He’ll continue his development of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and seventh-round draft pick Skylar Thompson. As a passing game coordinator, Bevell will have Miami’s dynamic wide receiver duo Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle at his disposal.
Meanwhile, the Commanders and Jets have uncertainty at quarterback despite a respectable group of skill players.
If Bevell stays, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is going into Year 2. McDaniel is one of the young-great minds in the NFL. Considering Rivera is entering Year 4 on the hot seat. Thus, Rivera could be a possible lame-duck coach with a new owner potentially coming in.
The Commanders’ situation appears less appealing than Miami’s.
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