As the 2026 NFL season approaches, the Washington Commanders are making waves with a fresh face leading their offense. Head coach Dan Quinn, after parting ways with Kliff Kingsbury, has promoted quarterbacks coach David Blough to offensive coordinator. This decision is turning heads, and for good reason.
At just 30, Blough steps into his new role as one of the league’s youngest coordinators, and his coaching resume is brief. Until recently, he was an assistant position coach. This bold move by the Commanders signals a willingness to break from tradition and embrace potential over experience.
ESPN’s Peter Rosenberg weighed in, comparing Blough’s hiring to the Giants’ recent appointment of Matt Nagy, which was met with skepticism. Rosenberg suggests that taking a chance on Blough could yield a greater reward, likening it to the hope of discovering the next Kyle Shanahan.
In an era where teams often rely on seasoned coordinators, the Commanders are betting on fresh perspectives. Blough joins a group of young coordinators like Travis Switzer in Cleveland, Davis Webb in Denver, and Sean Mannion in Philadelphia, all stepping into these roles for the first time. The hope is that one of them might emerge as the next offensive mastermind.
Blough’s rapid rise didn’t happen in isolation. The Detroit Lions, familiar with him from his time as a backup quarterback, were also interested. It’s clear that his potential hasn’t gone unnoticed.
Dan Quinn’s decision to hire Blough reflects a calculated risk. He’s not simply hoping for a lucky break but seems confident in Blough’s ability to deliver. By choosing Blough, Quinn is setting the stage for a season played on his terms, with his chosen team of assistants.
As the season unfolds, all eyes will be on Blough to see if he can live up to the expectations. Whether this gamble pays off remains to be seen, but one thing’s for sure: the Commanders are ready to chart their own course in 2026.