In Washington, the offseason has already brought a shakeup - and a bit of intrigue - to the Commanders’ offensive coaching staff. Just two weeks after being promoted to offensive coordinator, David Blough is already putting his stamp on the unit. For a guy who was still suiting up as an NFL quarterback in 2023 and only began coaching in 2024, Blough is moving quickly and decisively.
Let’s start with the hires. Blough has added several familiar faces, including D.J.
Williams as quarterbacks coach and Danny Etling - his former Purdue teammate - as assistant quarterbacks coach. The Commanders also promoted Darnell Stapleton to offensive line coach and elevated Shane Toub to assistant offensive line coach.
These moves weren’t made in a vacuum. Each hire either came directly from Blough’s recommendation or earned his approval, signaling a clear effort to build a staff that aligns with his vision and philosophy.
It’s an aggressive start for a first-time coordinator, but Blough isn’t just filling seats - he’s assembling a group he trusts. That kind of continuity and chemistry can go a long way, especially for a young coach stepping into a high-pressure role.
As it stands, Washington’s offensive staff appears set. But in the NFL, “set” is often temporary.
Running backs coach and run game coordinator Anthony Lynn has interviewed for two head coaching gigs this cycle. While he doesn’t appear to be a frontrunner for either, there’s still a question of whether he wants to stay in D.C.
The Commanders didn’t interview him for the offensive coordinator position before handing the reins to Blough - and that could factor into any future decisions Lynn makes.
Then there’s Brian Johnson, the pass game coordinator and assistant head coach, and tight ends coach David Raih. Both were reportedly interviewed for the coordinator role as well, and both remain on staff - for now.
Raih, in particular, has close ties to former offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. If Kingsbury lands elsewhere, Raih could be tempted to follow him.
That brings us to a name that’s starting to gain traction: Tanner Engstrand.
Engstrand may not be a household name, but around NFL coaching circles, he’s become one to watch. A former San Diego State quarterback, Engstrand began his NFL coaching journey in 2020 with the Detroit Lions. He rose quickly under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, eventually taking on key roles in Detroit’s offensive development - and doing so during the same stretch that Blough was with the Lions.
In 2024, Engstrand took on his first offensive coordinator role with the New York Jets. That stint came to an end on Tuesday after just one season.
But given the challenges that come with coaching in New York - particularly with the Jets’ offensive instability - Engstrand’s departure isn’t likely to hurt his reputation. If anything, it may open doors elsewhere.
Could one of those doors be in Washington?
It’s a possibility worth keeping an eye on. If Johnson or Raih were to leave, Engstrand could slide in as pass game coordinator or tight ends coach - roles he’s handled before.
He’s got six years of NFL coaching experience under his belt, and while that doesn’t make him a grizzled veteran, it does make him a valuable asset for a young coordinator like Blough. Having a coach who’s been through the grind, seen different offensive systems, and worked under a respected play-caller like Ben Johnson could be exactly the kind of support Blough needs as he navigates his first year calling plays.
And don’t be surprised if Engstrand’s name surfaces for other coordinator openings around the league. His time with the Jets may have been short, but given the circumstances, he showed enough to stay in the mix. Whether it’s in Washington or elsewhere, Engstrand looks like a coach who’s only just getting started - and he might be a key figure in the next chapter of the Commanders’ offensive evolution.