Washington Commanders franchise legend Ryan Kerrigan recently completed his first season as a coach. It also happened to be the first year Kerrigan didn’t play football since he was a small child.
Kerrigan, who retired in July as a member of the Washington organization, where he played 10 seasons and is the franchise’s all-time leader in sacks, spoke of trying out coaching. Head coach Ron Rivera had Kerrigan “shadow” Washington’s defensive coaches in training camp before suddenly, an opportunity arose.
The Commanders fired defensive line coach Sam Mills III early in training camp. Replacing him was assistant defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina. In a corresponding move, Rivera named Kerrigan the assistant defensive line coach, meaning he was a full-time coach in his first year out of football.
That’s a pretty remarkable accomplishment.
Washington’s defensive line was outstanding in 2022, with players crediting Zgonina and Kerrigan, who often specifically worked with pass rushers.
Now that the season is over, Kerrigan received another opportunity. He was among four Washington coaches selected to coach in the Reese’s Senior Bowl. Kerrigan will coach the defensive line for the National squad.
Joining Kerrigan are assistant running backs coach Jennifer King, assistant offensive line coach Travelle Wharton and assistant special teams coach Ben Jacobs.
The Senior Bowl has a new coaching format this year. In previous years, the entire coaching staff of two of the worst NFL teams had a leg up in scouting the top senior prospects for the entire week. Now, the Detroit Lions and New York Jets head coaches will serve in an advisory capacity to the other selected coaches.
The Senior Bowl is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 4.