When the Washington Commanders promoted assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough to offensive coordinator two weeks ago, there were questions about who would be on his first offensive staff. After all, Blough has only been coaching since 2024. He last played in the NFL in 2023.
In his two weeks in charge of Washington’s offense, Blough has already made multiple hires. First, he hired D.J. Williams as quarterbacks coach and Danny Etling, his former Purdue teammate, as assistant quarterbacks coach. Washington also promoted assistant offensive line coach Darnell Stapleton to offensive line coach and Shane Toub to assistant offensive line coach. All of these hires were either recommended by Blough, or had his blessing.
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As of now, Washington’s offensive staff appears full. That could still change. Running backs coach/run game coordinator Anthony Lynn has interviewed for two head coaching jobs. While it doesn’t look like he’ll land one, could he want to leave? After all, the Commanders didn’t even interview him for offensive coordinator before promoting Blough.
The other two assistants that Washington did interview for the offensive coordinator position, pass game coordinator/assistant head coach Brian Johnson and tight ends coach David Raih, remain on staff. Will they want to remain? Raih is close with former offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and could follow him if Kingsbury lands a new job.
Which leads us to Tanner Engstrand. Blough may not have a lot of coaching connections yet, but Engstrand is an intriguing name. A former college quarterback at San Diego State. Engstrand began his NFL coaching career in 2020 with the Detroit Lions. He quickly rose up on Ben Johnson’s offensive staff and was with Detroit for much of Blough’s time there.
In 2024, Engstrand landed his first offensive coordinator job with the New York Jets. On Tuesday, he departed after only one season. No one will hold that against Engstrand since it’s the Jets. While Engstrand could find a spot on Johnson’s staff in Chicago, what if Blough wanted to bring him to Washington? If Johnson departs, Engstrand could handle pass game coordinator duties. Or, if Raih leaves, he could be tight ends coach. He handled both responsibilities with the Lions.
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While Engstrand doesn’t have a ton of NFL experience, he has been an NFL coach for six seasons. He could be a trusted sounding board for Blough.
Don’t be shocked if Engstand is linked to any remaining offensive coordinator jobs. Considering the hand he was dealt, he didn’t do a bad job with the Jets. Again, it’s the Jets.
If Blough is looking to add to his first staff, Engstrand’s sudden availability is an option worth exploring.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Could David Blough add former Jets OC to staff
