The Washington Commanders are sticking with a familiar formula as they continue reshaping their coaching staff-promoting from within. The team has elevated Darnell Stapleton to offensive line coach, replacing Bobby Johnson, who was let go after the season. In turn, Shane Toub, previously a quality control coach, steps into Stapleton’s former role as assistant offensive line coach.
It’s a move that speaks to continuity, especially after a 5-12 season that triggered a significant shakeup on both sides of the ball. The Commanders parted ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., the latter of whom had already been stripped of play-calling duties during the season.
While the search for Whitt’s replacement is still ongoing-the team has interviewed six candidates, including some high-profile defensive minds-Washington has already turned the page on offense by promoting David Blough to offensive coordinator. Blough, who served as the assistant quarterbacks coach last season, will take over play-calling duties for the first time in his career.
Promoting Stapleton fits into that same theme: keeping things steady for a young coordinator taking the reins. Over the past two seasons, Stapleton and Blough worked closely as assistant position coaches, building a strong working relationship.
Stapleton didn’t just earn the trust of his fellow coaches-he was well-regarded by players, too. He played a key role in designing pass protections and was actively involved in weekly game planning, giving him a solid foundation to step into a larger role.
Dan Quinn, who took over as head coach in 2024, has shown a clear preference for adding former players to his staff-people who’ve been in the trenches and understand the locker room dynamic. Stapleton checked that box from the beginning.
He spent four years in the NFL after going undrafted in 2007, most notably starting at right guard for the Pittsburgh Steelers in their Super Bowl XLIII win over the Arizona Cardinals. That kind of experience carries weight in an offensive line room.
After retiring, Stapleton climbed the coaching ladder the hard way. He started as a graduate assistant and eventually became an offensive line coach at the college level, including a recent stint at Florida from 2022 to 2023. His connection to Quinn goes back even further-he was a Bill Walsh Coaching Fellow with the Falcons when Quinn was head coach in Atlanta.
Last season, Washington’s offensive line was one of the more stable units on an otherwise inconsistent team. Despite injuries late in the year, the group allowed just 13 quarterback hits and 137 pressures across the regular season-both fourth-best marks in the league, per Pro Football Focus. That kind of performance speaks to solid coaching and cohesion up front, and it's no surprise the Commanders want to build on that foundation.
Stapleton and Toub will now guide a line anchored by some key pieces: Laremy Tunsil at left tackle, Tyler Biadasz at center, Sam Cosmi holding down right guard, and Josh Conerly Jr. at right tackle. Chris Paul started most of the year at left guard and could return, though he’s set to hit free agency in March unless re-signed.
Before they dive into offseason installs and roster evaluations, both Stapleton and Toub will get a close-up look at some of the top offensive line prospects in the 2026 NFL Draft. Stapleton will coach the National team’s O-line at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama, while Toub will take charge of the West team’s offensive line at the East-West Shrine Bowl in Frisco, Texas.
It’s a valuable opportunity-not just for the prospects, but for the Commanders’ new-look coaching staff. With a young offensive coordinator and a trusted pair of line coaches in place, Washington is aiming to build something more cohesive in the trenches. And if last season’s protection numbers are any indication, they’ve already laid the groundwork for that progress.