The Washington Redskins on Thursday announced that longtime NFL coach Bill Callahan has been named the team's new offensive line coach.
Callahan – who was most recently with the Dallas Cowboys – has a rich history in the league, and, more specifically, has provided some of the best offensive results over the last 20 years.
2012-14: Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach, Dallas CowboysIn 2012, Callahan took over a talented, yet inconsistent, Cowboys offense and helped propel their rushing attack into one of the best in the NFL by the time he left following the 2014 season.
Along with keeping a consistent offensive line intact to help the running backs between the tackles, they also allowed quarterback Tony Romo to have his best season in 2014.
Anchored by a trio of offensive lineman who earned Pro Bowl berths and postseason accolades, running back DeMarco Murrary ran for a Cowboys-record 1,845 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2014, while Romo threw for 3,705 yards and 34 touchdowns.
Tyron Smith was named to his second straight Pro Bowl, while center Travis Fredrick was named a second-team All-Pro and Zach Martin was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.
2008-11: Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line Coach, New York JetsCallahan's tutelage was quickly felt upon his arrival to New York, as the Jets' sacks allowed total dropped from 57 to 30 in his first year there, while running back Thomas Jones ran for an AFC-high 1,312 yards and 13 touchdowns.
The run game continued to be supported by a strong offensive line in the years following, as Jones would run for a career-high 1,402 yards in 2009. Then, in 2010, LaDaninian Tomlinson would run for 914 yards and Shonn Greene collected 766 yards, as the duo helped the Jets reach the AFC Championship Game.
While in New York, offensive lineman Nick Mangold (four), D'Brickashaw Ferguson (three) and Alan Faneca (two) would combine for nine Pro Bowl appearances under Callahan.
2003-07: Head Coach, Nebraska
Callahan spent four seasons in the college ranks as Nebraska's head coach, compiling a record of 27-22 while boasting one of the top offenses in the country.
During his time there, the Huskers' offense would average almost 34 points per game.
It was also in Nebraska where he coached two current Redskins – running back Roy Helu Jr. and tight end Niles Paul.
Helu Jr. would run for 209 yards on 45 carries as a freshman, while Paul, then a wide receiver, contributed on special teams while also recording one reception for six yards.
2002-03: Head Coach, Oakland Raiders
Callahan took over as the Raiders' head coach in 2002 after four seasons as their offensive coordinator.
With most of the players he already coached as offensive coordinator in place, the Raiders would reach the Super Bowl in Callahan's first season as head coach.
Only the fourth rookie coach to reach the Super Bowl, Callahan led the way for an offense that would set team records in total offense (6,237 yards), first downs (366) and passing yards (4,689).
1998-01: Offensive Coordinator, Oakland RaidersDuring his time in this role, the Raiders would led the NFL in both passing yards per game and rushing yards per game.
The Raiders relied on their running game early on under Callahan. In 1999, for example, the Raiders recorded the third-most rushing yardage behind a three-headed running attack of Tyrone Wheatley, Napoleon Kaufman and Randy Jordan – the Redskins' current running backs coach.
During his time with the Raiders, there were 11 Pro Bowl appearances among offensive players
1995-97: Offensive Line Coach, Philadelphia EaglesCallahan's first coaching gig in the NFL came in Philadelphia as the Eagles' offensive line coach, a position he would hold for three seasons.
During that time, the offensive line helped the Eagles' offense rank second in the NFC in passing, fifth in rushing and third in total offense in 1997.
In 1996, the Eagles led the conference in passing, ranked second in rushing and led the NFC in total offense. In 1995, the Eagles placed fourth in the league in rushing.
BILL CALLAHAN FOOTBALL TIMELINE:
2015-Present: Offensive Line Coach, Washington Redskins
2012-15: Offensive Coordinator/Offensive Line Coach, Dallas Cowboys
2008-11: Assistant Head Coach/Offensive Line Coach, New York Jets
2004-07: Head Coach, Nebraska
2002-03: Head Coach, Oakland Raiders
1998-2001: Offensive Coordinator, Oakland Raiders
1995-97: Offensive Line Coach, Philadelphia Eagles
1990-94: Offensive Line Coach, Wisconsin
1989: Offensive Coordinator, Southern Illinois
1987-88: Offensive Line Coach, Northern Arizona
1980-86: Assistant Coach, Illinois
RELATED LINKS:
--Redskins Name Bill Callahan Offensive Line Coach
--Bill Callahan's Bio
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