Washington Redskins will interview Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott

In the wake of Mike Shanahan being let go in the nation’s capital, there has been rampant speculation about who the next coach of the Washington Redskins will be. Now, we have an actual name that has been confirmed as an interview target for the team.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter (and multiple outlets) are reporting that Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott will interview for the vacant head coaching job over the weekend. McDermott isn’t a “household” name, but he has drawn rave reviews for what he has done with the Panthers defense this season, and the timing works out very well for him. Carolina is on a bye this week as they await their Divisional Round playoff opponent, and the pieces fit together.

This season, Carolina ranks 6th in passing defense and 2nd in rushing defense, combining to land 2nd in the league (behind Seattle) in both total defense and points allowed. There is undeniable talent on the Panthers defensive unit, but McDermott has done fantastic strategic work with the group, with young guys showing improvement, and veterans outperforming their previous levels of play.

Obviously, it’s just an interview, but McDermott is someone who could potentially bring stability to Washington, and they could do far worse.