The Washington Redskins made official their hire of defensive coordinator Greg Manusky on Monday morning, and also announced the signing of a familiar face to run the defensive line.
Former 49ers head coach Jim Tomsula has re-emerged after a year off from coaching to take the vacant D-line position. Tomsula was the defensive line coach for seven years in San Francisco (2007-14) before being elevated to interim head coach and eventually, head coach.
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo first reported Sunday that Manusky would be elevated to the post. Rob Ryan and Mike Pettine also got looks for the job, among others. Manusky, a 12-year NFL veteran, was the defensive coordinator in San Francisco, San Diego and Indianapolis before coming back to Washington in 2016 as their outside linebackers coach.
The team also formalized the promotion of offensive coordinator (and former quarterbacks coach) Matt Cavanaugh on Monday. Former Browns quarterbacks coach and 49ers offensive assistant Kevin O'Connell was hired to become Washington's quarterbacks coach.
Washington is essentially gambling on the coaching culture created by head coach Jay Gruden. Though they sought opinions from the outside, the staff will gamble on continuity in 2016. Washington finished third in the NFC East (8-7-1) behind Dallas and New York.
Their former offensive coordinator, Sean McVay, was hired to become the head coach of the Rams. Former defensive coordinator Joe Barry was fired by Washington a few weeks ago and hired by McVay in Los Angeles to coach the linebackers.
