UW Appears Close to Adding "Senior" Offensive Coach

Longtime NFL coordinator and QBs coach Matt Cavanaugh set to join Huskies' staff in hybrid role

Mar. 4, 2026 at 1:52am

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The University of Washington football program is reportedly close to adding former NFL offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Matt Cavanaugh to its coaching staff in a senior advisory role. Cavanaugh, who has coordinated offenses for several NFL teams, will work closely with head coach Jedd Fisch, who calls the plays for the Huskies' offense. The move comes after some recent shuffling on the UW offensive coaching staff, including the promotion of former NFL QB JP Losman to quarterbacks coach.

Why it matters

Cavanaugh's addition provides the Huskies' offense, led by starting QB Demond Williams Jr., with an experienced NFL voice to consult with. His background as both a player and coach at the professional level could prove valuable in helping develop the team's quarterbacks and overall offensive strategy.

The details

Cavanaugh, 69, is expected to take on a hybrid staff role with the Huskies outside of the program's 10 full-time assistant coaching positions. He has previously served as an offensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens, Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Washington Redskins in the NFL. Fisch, the Huskies' head coach, has said he doesn't want to give up play-calling duties, so Cavanaugh will likely serve in more of an advisory capacity.

  • On March 3, 2026, reports surfaced that UW was finalizing a deal to bring Cavanaugh on board.
  • In January 2026, the Huskies saw their starting QB Demond Williams Jr. briefly enter the transfer portal before returning to the team.

The players

Jedd Fisch

The head football coach at the University of Washington, who calls the plays for the Huskies' offense.

Matt Cavanaugh

A 69-year-old former NFL quarterback and offensive coordinator who is set to join the UW coaching staff in a senior advisory role.

Demond Williams Jr.

The starting quarterback for the University of Washington football team.

JP Losman

A former NFL quarterback who was recently promoted to quarterbacks coach on the UW staff after previously serving as a quality control coach.

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What they’re saying

“I'm not looking for an offensive coordinator. We promoted JP Losman to be our quarterback coach. That will take care of our 10th spot. I've run our offense the last six years. ... That's what I love to do. That's what I''m trained to do. I don't want to give that up.”

— Jedd Fisch, Head Coach, University of Washington

What’s next

The University of Washington is finalizing the details of Cavanaugh's contract and his specific role on the coaching staff.

The takeaway

Cavanaugh's addition to the UW coaching staff provides the Huskies' offense with an experienced NFL voice to complement head coach Jedd Fisch's play-calling duties. His background working with quarterbacks could be particularly valuable for the development of starting QB Demond Williams Jr.