Commanders Begin Coaching Overhaul with Key Offensive and Defensive Moves
The Washington Commanders are wasting no time reshaping their coaching staff after parting ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., and offensive line coach Bobby Johnson. With a 5-12 season in the rearview mirror, the organization is clearly signaling a fresh start-one that's already taking shape with a series of internal promotions and new hires on both sides of the ball.
Darnell Stapleton Elevated to Offensive Line Coach
One of the more notable moves comes in the trenches, where Darnell Stapleton has been promoted to offensive line coach. Stapleton, who served as Bobby Johnson’s assistant, steps into the lead role after building strong relationships in the locker room and playing a key part in pass protection schemes over the last two seasons. Players have responded well to his coaching style, and his involvement in game planning has not gone unnoticed.
Joining Stapleton is Shane Toub, who moves up from offensive quality control to assistant offensive line coach. It’s a continuity play for Washington, keeping familiar voices in the room while giving young coaches a chance to grow into bigger roles.
David Blough Takes Over as OC, Adds Familiar Faces
With Kliff Kingsbury out, David Blough has officially taken the reins as offensive coordinator. Blough, who stepped in as assistant QB coach last season, was already taking on more responsibility after Tavita Pritchard left for Stanford. Now, he’s building out his staff-and he’s starting with some familiar faces.
Danny Etling, a former NFL and UFL quarterback, joins the staff as assistant QB coach. Though he never played in a regular season NFL game, Etling brings a sharp football mind and a strong connection with Blough-they were teammates at Purdue.
This marks Etling’s first foray into coaching, and he’ll work under both Blough and newly hired quarterbacks coach D.J. Williams.
D.J. Williams Joins as Quarterbacks Coach
The Commanders also brought in D.J. Williams to lead the quarterback room.
Williams, the son of Washington legend Doug Williams, has steadily climbed the NFL coaching ladder. After starting in New Orleans as an offensive assistant in 2019, he moved on to Atlanta, where he was promoted to quarterbacks coach in 2025.
With the Falcons undergoing a major staff shakeup following the departure of head coach Raheem Morris, Williams became available-and Washington moved quickly. He was the first new addition to Blough’s staff and brings a mix of NFL experience and legacy ties that could resonate in the building. The Commanders had also interviewed Panthers assistant QB coach Mike Bercovici for the role before settling on Williams.
Defensive Coordinator Search Widens
On the defensive side, the Commanders are casting a wide net to find Joe Whitt Jr.’s replacement. One of the biggest names on their radar is Brian Flores, currently the Vikings’ defensive coordinator.
Flores is interviewing with Washington today, and while Minnesota head coach Kevin O’Connell has expressed interest in retaining him, Flores is expected to be one of the most sought-after candidates on the market. Whether he stays in Minnesota or takes the next step elsewhere remains to be seen.
Washington has also interviewed Seahawks defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator Karl Scott. Scott has been with Seattle since 2022 and is well-respected across the league.
While he doesn’t have prior experience as a defensive coordinator, his work with Seattle’s secondary and their top-tier defense has earned him attention. He entered the NFL in 2021 with the Vikings and has been coaching since 2007.
Dennard Wilson, Joe Cullen Also in the Mix
Another name to watch: Dennard Wilson. The veteran coach most recently served as defensive coordinator for the Tennessee Titans.
A Maryland native and former Washington safety (practice squad, 2004), Wilson’s coaching roots run deep-starting at DeMatha High School and eventually leading him to NFL stops with the Rams, Jets, Eagles, and Ravens before landing in Tennessee. His local ties and experience make him an intriguing candidate.
Also in the interview pool is Joe Cullen, currently the Chiefs’ defensive line coach. Cullen has been a staple on NFL sidelines since 2006, with stints in Detroit, Jacksonville, Cleveland, Tampa Bay, Baltimore, and now Kansas City. He briefly served as Jacksonville’s defensive coordinator in 2021 and is known for his fiery coaching style and ability to develop talent in the trenches.
His connection to Washington’s front office may date back to his time in Detroit, where current assistant GM Lance Newmark was also on staff. In a league where relationships often drive hiring decisions, that shared history could matter.
What’s Next?
Washington’s coaching carousel is spinning fast, and more changes are likely on the horizon. With two new coordinators still to be officially named and several assistant roles in flux, this is shaping up to be one of the most significant staff shakeups the franchise has seen in recent years.
Blough’s promotion, the additions of Etling and Williams, and the ongoing search for a defensive coordinator all point to a franchise trying to reset its identity-one that’s more aligned, more modern, and more prepared to develop its young talent.
The Commanders still have questions to answer, but one thing’s clear: they’re not standing still. This offseason is about building something new-and they’re just getting started.