The Washington Commanders parted ways with three coaches on Tuesday, including offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. Kingsbury was a surprise, immediately raising the question: Who would replace him?
Quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard would’ve been an ideal candidate, but he recently took over as head coach of his alma mater, Stanford. Assistant head coach/offensive pass game coordinator Brian Johnson is an option, too. A name probably not receiving enough traction is assistant quarterback coach David Blough. Blough took over for Pritchard late in the season as quarterback coach, but wasn’t officially given the title.
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On Tuesday, just hours after Kingsbury’s departure, the Detroit Lions kicked off their search for a new offensive coordinator by wanting to speak with Blough.
Blough, 30, is considered a fast riser in the coaching ranks. A former NFL quarterback, Blough spent five seasons in the NFL before the Commanders hired him in 2024. Blough was with the Cleveland Browns, Minnesota Vikings, Arizona Cardinals, and had two stints with the Detroit Lions. When Blough was with the Lions, Ben Johnson was the offensive coordinator, and he once served as Jared Goff’s backup.
Does this mean Blough will also be a contender for Washington’s now-open offensive coordinator position?
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No names have officially emerged yet. Detroit coach Dan Campbell is probably in a better position to hire an inexperienced play-caller than Washington coach Dan Quinn. Quinn cannot afford to get this hire wrong. Johnson took over as Bears head coach in 2025, and Campbell hired John Morton to replace him. Midway through the season, Campbell stripped him of play-calling duties and took over himself.
It was Kingsbury who brought Blough to Washington. Could Blough be looking for a fresh start now that his mentor is gone? Washington players and coaches love Blough. Does Quinn think he’s ready for the responsibility? If not Washington, someone is going to give Blough a chance. And it could happen this offseason.
Jayden Daniels has already lost Kingsbury and Pritchard. Would the Commanders promote Blough and look for another quarterbacks coach? It doesn’t seem likely, but it depends on Washington’s confidence level in Blough.
One thing is certain: Blough is moving up in the coaching ranks and fast.
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This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Lions to interview David Blough for OC
