Washington Commanders preparations for the new NFL season include significant coaching changes beyond organized team activities. Head coach Dan Quinn moved quickly after a 5-12 season, removing Kliff Kingsbury and replacing him with David Blough as offensive coordinator. Blough is young and inexperienced, but the team acted to keep him from joining the Detroit Lions, and the change is expected to give quarterback Jayden Daniels more pro-style concepts. Quinn also fired defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and hired Daronte Jones after a long search. OTAs are expected to provide early clues about Jones’s defensive scheme, which should emphasize aggression, explosiveness, and physicality, with a likely 3-4 base front and strengthened linebacker play.
"Head coach Dan Quinn knew drastic measures were needed after a 5-12 campaign, when most expected another deep playoff run. He waited too long to make changes with the Atlanta Falcons and paid the price. He wasn't going to make the same mistake again."
"Kliff Kingsbury was removed from the equation, replaced by David Blough. The first-time offensive coordinator is young and inexperienced, but the Commanders moved swiftly to prevent him from joining the Detroit Lions. This should also provide quarterback Jayden Daniels with more pro-style concepts that maximize his skill set."
"Quinn also fired defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. After a long search that also included a big swing for Brian Flores, Washington hired Daronte Jones. He's got creative ideas, and the acquisitions made by general manager Adam Peters this offseason give him a fighting chance of being more competitive."
"Nobody knows for sure what sort of scheme Jones plans to run. It will rely on aggression, explosiveness, and physicality, but nobody can say anything else with confidence. OTAs won't reveal too much, but they should provide the first clues about what Washington's defense will look like during the 2026 campaign."
Read at Riggo's Rag
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