Commanders Make Bold Coaching Shifts After Disappointing 2025 Season
After a rollercoaster two-year stretch that saw the Commanders go from NFC Championship contenders in 2024 to a 5-12 finish in 2025, Washington is pressing the reset button on both sides of the ball. Head coach Dan Quinn, fresh off his first season at the helm, didn’t waste time making tough decisions - parting ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
“When there’s time for change, those are difficult conversations,” Quinn said. “But at the end, you keep going back to what’s the best thing for the team.”
That mindset led to two significant internal hires, both of which signal a fresh direction - and a bit of a gamble.
On offense, David Blough gets the nod as OC after serving as assistant quarterbacks coach. While he’s never called plays at this level, Blough’s been steadily climbing the coaching ladder and clearly made a strong impression on Quinn.
“You feel like every step along the way you prepare for these opportunities,” Blough said. “Surprise may not be the exact feeling. It might be grateful.”
Blough’s promotion is notable - not just because of his relative inexperience, but because it shows a commitment to developing coaching talent from within. He’ll be tasked with revitalizing an offense that lacked rhythm and consistency throughout 2025. The Commanders cycled through quarterbacks and struggled to establish an identity, something Blough will need to address quickly.
On defense, Washington brought in Daronte Jones as their new coordinator. While this is his first time in the role at the NFL level, Jones has logged years of experience across both the college and pro ranks. Quinn, a defensive-minded coach himself, believes Jones brings the right energy and vision to the job.
“I felt their vision right away and the energy they have for it,” Quinn said of both Blough and Jones. “I know we may talk of two first-time coordinators, but I also recognize everyone needs their first stop. I really feel like we’re going to set them up to succeed.”
It’s a bold move - two first-time coordinators in a league that rarely offers much patience. But if Quinn is right about their upside, this could be the kind of foundational shift Washington needs to get back on track.
Is Nick Sirianni on the Hot Seat? The Eagles’ Pressure Cooker Is Heating Up
Nick Sirianni’s résumé speaks for itself: 59 wins, three division titles, two Super Bowl appearances, and one Lombardi Trophy in just four seasons. But in Philadelphia, past success only buys you so much time - especially when the expectations are sky-high and the playoff exits start piling up.
There’s growing chatter that Sirianni could be under pressure heading into 2026, thanks to disappointing finishes in both 2023 and 2025. While he’s not officially on the hot seat, the internal frustration is reportedly real - particularly around staffing decisions and locker room management.
Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie is known for setting the bar high, and when a team with championship-level talent underperforms in back-to-back seasons, questions are bound to surface.
Former Eagles center Jason Kelce, speaking on 94 WIP-FM, pushed back on the idea that Sirianni’s job is in immediate jeopardy - but even he acknowledged the stakes.
“I wouldn’t say going into the season Nick Sirianni is on the hot seat,” Kelce said. “But if things don’t go well, it wouldn’t surprise me if the Eagles are like, listen, we want to abort and try something new because that’s the way this thing is going in the league.”
The Eagles are still loaded with talent and should be in the mix for another NFC East crown. But if another early playoff exit follows, it’s not hard to imagine Lurie making a change. In Philly, winning isn’t just expected - it’s demanded.
Giants Face Cap Crunch, Eyeing Smart Moves in Free Agency
The Giants are heading into a pivotal offseason, but before they can make any big splashes, they’ll need to clear some cap space. That could mean some tough calls on veterans like linebacker Bobby Okereke, guard Jon Runyan Jr., tackle James Hudson, running back Devin Singletary, and kicker Graham Gano.
If cuts are coming, it’s about creating financial flexibility - and the Giants have their eyes on some intriguing targets.
One name that stands out is Ravens center Tyler Linderbaum. Known for his reliability and toughness, he’d instantly upgrade the interior of New York’s offensive line. The price tag won’t be cheap - think around $18 million per year - but for a team that’s struggled with consistency up front, it could be worth the investment.
At wide receiver, there’s a clear desire to add a dynamic presence. While the Giants don’t appear ready to move on from Darius Slayton and want to retain Wan’Dale Robinson, there’s a sense that someone like Colts wideout Alec Pierce could bring the kind of vertical threat this offense has been missing.
If the receiver market gets too rich, another name to watch is Ravens tight end Isaiah Likely. He’s a versatile pass-catcher who could give the Giants more flexibility in their offensive sets.
On defense, the Giants are reportedly interested in Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson - a potential fit in new DC Dennard Wilson’s scheme - and Lions defensive tackle D.J. Reader, who could provide much-needed help against the run.
There’s no question the Giants have holes to fill. But with some strategic cap maneuvering and smart targets in free agency, they could set themselves up for a bounce-back year. The key will be threading the needle between financial discipline and roster improvement - not an easy task, but one that could define their 2026 campaign.