The Washington Commanders made a bold move this offseason, promoting David Blough to offensive coordinator in the wake of Kliff Kingsbury’s departure. It’s a major leap for Blough, who’s stepping into one of the most scrutinized roles in football, and naturally, there was an expectation that the team would surround him with seasoned voices to help ease the transition. So far, though, that support system is still taking shape.
There are a few notable names already in the building. Anthony Lynn brings a wealth of experience, Bobby Engram has carved out a solid coaching resume, and Brian Johnson remains a respected figure on the offensive side. Wes Welker is also being elevated to a more prominent role, which is a smart play - his insight as a former elite slot receiver and his recent coaching work should be a real asset for Blough as he crafts the offense.
But while the Commanders are building out their offensive brain trust, one intriguing option is officially off the table.
Darrell Bevell is headed to Carolina - not Washington
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the Carolina Panthers are hiring Darrell Bevell as associate head coach and offensive specialist. Bevell had been loosely linked to Washington due to his past connections with head coach Dan Quinn and, notably, his time coaching Blough during their shared stint with the Detroit Lions.
From a football standpoint, Bevell made a lot of sense for Washington. He’s been an offensive coordinator at four different NFL stops and most recently helped guide Miami’s passing attack. His reputation for developing quarterbacks is well-established - the kind of résumé that could’ve brought a steady hand to Blough’s transition into a top-tier play-calling role.
But Bevell isn’t headed to D.C. He’s joining a Panthers staff led by Dave Canales, who considers Bevell a mentor.
The two go back to their days in Seattle, and Carolina GM Dan Morgan was also part of that Seahawks era. That shared history helped tip the scales in favor of the Panthers, who are hoping Bevell can help jump-start Bryce Young’s development heading into a pivotal fourth season.
What this means for Washington’s offensive staff
There’s no confirmation that Washington formally pursued Bevell, but given his ties to Quinn and Blough, the fit was there. His presence could’ve given Blough a seasoned voice in the room - someone who’s been in the fire and knows how to navigate the ups and downs of calling plays in the NFL.
Instead, the Commanders will push forward with what they’ve got - at least for now.
Blough and Quinn are aligned philosophically, and the offense is expected to be built around creating explosive plays, with Jayden Daniels likely to take center stage. That’s a tantalizing direction, especially with the athleticism and arm talent Daniels brings to the table.
But it’s also a high-risk, high-reward proposition. The success of this new offensive vision will go a long way in determining how long Quinn’s tenure lasts in Washington.
Bevell would’ve added another layer of experience to the mix, but with him off the market, the Commanders will need to look elsewhere if they want to continue bolstering the offensive staff.
This is a franchise-defining moment for Washington. They’ve handed the keys to a young coordinator and are betting big on a new quarterback-led identity. Whether that gamble pays off remains to be seen - but the margin for error just got a little thinner.