When Dan Quinn took the reins in Washington back in 2024, he leaned on experience. His first hires at offensive and defensive coordinator brought with them over two decades of NFL coaching experience - with about half of that coming at the coordinator or head coach level. It was a safe, steady approach from a coach trying to re-establish a winning culture.
Fast forward to 2026, and Quinn is going in a very different direction.
This time around, he’s betting big on potential. His new coordinators, Daronte Jones (defense) and David Blough (offense), bring a combined 10 years of NFL experience to the table - and just three of those at the coordinator level. It’s a bold swing from Quinn, one that speaks more to his belief in people than what’s on their résumés.
“I know we may talk of two first-time coordinators,” Quinn said, “but I also recognize everyone needs their first stop. I really feel like we’re going to set them up to succeed.”
That’s the hope. Because make no mistake - this is a high-stakes gamble.
If it pays off, Quinn could be hailed as a coach with vision and guts. If it doesn’t, it could cost him his job.
Let’s break it down.
Daronte Jones: A Quiet Climb Through the Defensive Ranks
At 47, Jones isn’t a stranger to the NFL grind. He’s been coaching at the pro level since 2016, primarily working with defensive backs. His one-year detour to LSU in 2021 gave him a taste of calling plays at the college level, but he returned to the NFL soon after, joining the Vikings' staff under Ed Donatell.
When Brian Flores took over Minnesota’s defense in 2023, Jones stayed on and was promoted to pass game coordinator - a key role in today’s pass-heavy league. For the past three seasons, he’s worked closely with Flores, one of the most respected defensive minds in football. That mentorship clearly left a mark.
So when the Commanders couldn’t lure Flores himself, they went with one of his top lieutenants. It’s a logical move.
Jones has been in the room with elite defensive thinkers, and now he gets the chance to run the show. He’s not untested - he’s just been waiting for his shot.
David Blough: From Backup QB to NFL Play-Caller - Fast
Now, Blough’s rise? That’s a different story.
He’s not the youngest coordinator in the league, but he’s easily the least experienced. Just two years ago, he was an assistant position coach in the NFL.
When quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard left for Stanford, Blough got bumped up. That was only a couple of months ago.
Now? He’s running Washington’s entire offense.
This kind of leap is almost unheard of. Among the NFL’s 28 current offensive coordinators (four teams are still finalizing their hires), 21 had been either coordinators or head coaches before landing their current gigs.
Most of the rest held key roles like passing game coordinator or assistant OC. Blough is one of just six who hadn’t climbed above position coach before getting the nod.
Even among that small group, most had at least five years of NFL coaching under their belts. Blough has two.
The only real comp here is Sean Mannion in Philadelphia - another former journeyman quarterback who jumped into coaching after his playing days. Mannion, though, had a full season as QBs coach before getting promoted.
Blough had a couple of months.
But here’s the kicker: the other five inexperienced OCs? They all work under offensive-minded head coaches.
They’ve got a safety net. Someone who can step in, tweak a game plan, or take over play-calling if needed.
Blough doesn’t have that luxury. Dan Quinn is a defense-first guy.
That means Blough is the guy when it comes to designing the offense and calling plays. There’s no backup plan.
No veteran whispering in his ear. It’s his show.
The Bigger Picture
Quinn’s right - everyone needs a first shot. And sometimes, the best coaches are the ones who get thrown into the fire early and figure it out on the fly.
But this isn’t a small risk. It’s a foundational decision that could shape the Commanders’ trajectory for years to come - or send the whole staff packing by 2027.
Washington isn’t just betting on two unproven coaches. It’s betting that fresh eyes and new energy can spark a turnaround.
That Jones can mold a defense in his image. That Blough can command a huddle, scheme up mismatches, and outthink seasoned defensive coordinators on Sundays.
It’s a bold play. And in this league, bold can be brilliant - or brutal.