The Washington Commanders have officially promoted David Blough, previously the quarterbacks coach, to the role of offensive coordinator. This decision comes as the team seeks to revitalize its offense following a disappointing 2025 season. Blough, who has just two years of coaching experience, faces the challenge of improving the performance of young quarterback Jayden Daniels and the overall offensive unit.
Blough, 30, transitioned to coaching after concluding his playing career in 2023. He began as an assistant quarterbacks coach under Commanders head coach Dan Quinn before taking over as quarterbacks coach after Tavita Pritchard departed to become the head coach at Stanford University in November. Blough’s swift ascent in the coaching ranks highlights his potential and the trust Quinn has in his abilities.
During his playing career, Blough went undrafted out of Purdue University in 2019. He spent time as a backup quarterback with the Detroit Lions and played his final full season with the Arizona Cardinals in 2022. In 2023, he signed to the Lions’ practice squad but did not see any game action.
The Commanders’ offensive struggles were evident during the 2025 season, where the team ranked 22nd in points per game with an average of 20.9, also placing 22nd in total yards per game at 318.8 and 24th in passing yards at 184.1. This decline followed a successful season that saw them reach the NFC Championship Game. The challenges were exacerbated by injuries to key players, including Daniels and standout receiver Terry McLaurin.
In light of these issues, former offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury was dismissed, paving the way for Blough’s promotion. Quinn’s decision to elevate Blough reflects a broader strategy to retain promising talent within the coaching staff. Historically, Quinn has allowed skilled assistants to depart; however, this time he has chosen to secure Blough, who has drawn interest from multiple teams in the league.
As the new offensive coordinator, Blough will be responsible for developing strategies to enhance the Commanders’ offensive capabilities and ensuring that the team can recover from its recent setbacks. The upcoming season will be crucial for both Blough’s career and the Commanders as they aim to return to competitive form.
