Redskins Reportedly Hire Assistant Coaches

We've wondered who will be Ron Rivera's first offensive coordinator in Washington. Hopefully, it will be Kevin O'Connell but that's far from a guarantee. It could be Scott Turner or someone else, if K.O.C. leaves on his own and Rivera doesn't feel comfortable with Turner being the lead dog on offense.

On Saturday night, we found out (reportedly) some of the names that will be part of Rivera's first coaching staff in Washington.

Ron Rivera getting the band back together w/ Redskins.
Ex-Panthers OL coach John Matsko and ex-WRs coach Jim Hostler hired in Washington, per league source.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) January 4, 2020

Assuming the report is accurate, and I'm sure it is, here's a bit on what the Redskins are getting.

John Matsko served as the Panthers run-game coordinator most recently after working with the offensive line.

A note from Panthers Public Relations on Matsko entering 2019: "Since Matsko's first season with the Panthers in 2011, Carolina ranks third in the NFL in rushing yards (16,892) and second in rushing touchdowns (138)."

Also, Jim Hostler was only with Ron Rivera this past season, but has an extensive resume spanning 19 seasons. He'll replace Ike Hilliard, who was highly thought of.

Hostler has worked with and helped develop T.Y. Hilton, Sammy Watkins and Torrey Smith among others during his career.

A name that many Redskins fans will be familiar with, Sam Mills, is apparently meeting with Rivera about joining him here.

Panthers DL/game mgmt coach Sam Mills III also scheduled to interview with Redskins, per source.
And wouldn't be surprised to see several other Panthers assistants join him.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) January 4, 2020

Apparently, the Redskins also have a new head trainer, which of course they needed after firing Larry Hess.

Panthers longtime trainer Ryan Vermillion also headed to Washington, per sources.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) January 4, 2020

One position coach we're not sure of at this point? Running backs. The incumbent is Randy Jordan. It was initially thought that he was safe. However, it sounds like there could be a tug-of-war over his services between the Panthers and Redskins.

While a couple of Carolina assts are joining Ron Rivera in Washington, one guy the Panthers hope to keep is RBs coach Jake Peetz, per sources. Impressed in his 1st yr working with Christian McCaffrey.
— Joe Person (@josephperson) January 4, 2020

Jake Peetz was here in Washington in 2014 during Jay Gruden's first season, working with the wide receivers as an assistant position group coach and offensive quality control. He also was a part of Jack Del Rio's coaching staff (quarterbacks) in 2017.

Chris Russell is the Publisher of Maven & Sports Illustrated's Washington Redskins channel. He can be heard on 106.7 The FAN in the Washington D.C. area and world-wide on Radio.com. Chris also hosts the "Locked on Redskins" Podcast and can be read via subscription to Warpath Magazine. You can e-mail Chris at russellmania09@Gmail.com or follow him on Twitter at @Russellmania621.