Ashburn, Va. – The Washington Redskins have announced that Robb Akey has been named as their new Defensive Line Coach. Akey replaces the position formerly held by Jacob Burney who was let go two weeks ago. Burney is just one of several defensive coaches that have been dismissed after former coordinator Jim Haslett failed to improve his squad in his fifth year with the team. The addition to Akey means that all of the recently vacated defensive positions are filled.
Akey, 48, joins the Redskins with 26 years of coaching experience. Last year was his first year in the NFL however, hired by Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer to serve as the assistant defensive line coach. In 2014, Vikings’ defensive lineman Everson Griffin, under Akey’s tutelage, logged 12 sacks on the year. This ranked him fourth overall in the NFC and second among players at his position in the conference. The Redskins have not had a really good front seven on their team in some time. Akey worked with a 4-3 system in Minnesota and the Redskins run a 3-4 system. But head coach Jay Gruden has indicated that the 2015 defense will be somewhat of a hybrid scheme so the move to bring in this new D-line coach makes more sense.
Akey faces a daunting task in improving the Redskins defensive line. Under Haslett, the Redskins’ defense failed to make any consistent improvement in most areas. But most disappointing this year, has been the defensive line and its inability to notably impact games. Jason Hatcher, signed from the Dallas Cowboys this past season specifically to improve the pass rush, has not lived up to expectations or his large salary and others on the line are getting older or are becoming free agents. Overall, the group has underachieved and needs the same type of shake up — whether in scheme or personnel — that the defensive staff has had since the end of the regular season.
After the end of 2014 regulation football, President Bruce Allen and Gruden cleaned out the coaching staff on the defensive side of the ball. Haslett was fired immediately and others of his staff were eventually terminated. Joe Barry (formerly with the San Diego Chargers) was named as Haslett’s replacement.
The only exceptions to the shake up were defensive backs coach Raheem Morris who recently accepted a spot with the Atlanta Falcons and Kirk Olivadotti, outside linebackers coach. “KO” — who many say deserved a shot at the defensive coordinator position — is the only notable assistant remaining with the team. If the Redskins are smart, they will not not only extend his contract, they will give him a raise. The linebacking corps, with Ryan Kerrigan (13.5 sacks this season and named to PFF All-NFC East team) and then-rookie Trent Murphy, were consistently effective in 2014. It is no surprise that Olivadotti might be responsible for all of the linebackers this upcoming season. Players have said that he is smart and a great teacher/communicator.
As well as Barry and Akey, Washington brought in Perry Fewell (formerly with the New York Giants) to replace Morris in the secondary and Chadd Grimm (Chargers) to be in charge of the Defensive Quality Control position.
The new Redskins defensive line coach spent 25 years at the collegiate level before landing with the Vikings last year, including serving as head coach at the University of Idaho for six seasons from 2007 to 2012. He led the Vandals to their second bowl game in school history in 2009 (the Humanitarian Bowl) and an 8-5 record that same year. During his time in Idaho, the team was 20-50.
Akey spent eight seasons at Washington State, where he mentored the defensive line from 1999 to 2002 and served as the team’s defensive coordinator from 2003 to 2006. While coaching the Cougars, Akey led defensive tackle Rien Long to the Outland Trophy, given annually to the nation’s top interior lineman, in 2002. That season, Akey helped the Washington State defense set a school record for sacks with 55.
Akey’s coaching career started in 1988 at his alma mater, Weber State. He coached seven seasons there in various roles from 1988 to 1994 before coaching at Northern Arizona from 1995 to 1998. He played tight end, outside linebacker and defensive end during his four-year career at Weber State, finishing his career as the school leader in sacks and earning All-Big Sky first team honors as a senior in 1987.
Akey attended Wasson High School in Colorado Springs, Colorado. He and wife, Molly, have two sons, Jack and Daniel.
Akey Football Timeline
2014: Assistant Defensive Line Coach, Minnesota Vikings
2007-12: Head Coach, Idaho
2003-06: Defensive Coordinator, Washington State
1999-2002: Defensive Line Coach, Washington State
1996-98: Defensive Coordinator, Northern Arizona
1995: Special Teams/Linebackers Coach, Northern Arizona
1989-94: Special Teams/Defensive Line Coach, Weber State
1988: Assistant Defensive Line Coach, Weber State
1984-87: Tight End/Linebacker/Defensive End, Weber State
Hail.
By Diane Chesebrough
Diane Chesebrough is an NFL reporter for Sports Journey and a member of the Pro Football Writers of America. Accredited media with the NFL, she has been a feature writer for several national magazines/periodicals. Follow her on Twitter: @DiChesebrough