Tag: Coaching news

Commanders deny permission for others to interview rising young assistant

The Commanders make sure one of their top young assistants will return next season.

When you have success, other teams come calling. The Washington Commanders aren’t accustomed to other teams wanting so many of their coaches. Over the last month, multiple teams have requested interviews with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard, assistant QB coach David Blough and assistant head coach/pass game coordinator Brian Johnson.

NFL teams can deny permission for others to interview staff members if it’s not a straightforward promotion. For instance, Pritchard interviewed with the Jaguars and Johnson with the Texans for their vacant offensive coordinator positions. Those would be promotions for either of those coaches, much like Kingsbury and Whitt interviewing for head coaching positions.

The Jets, Bears, and Jaguars all requested permission to interview Blough, and the Commanders denied all requests. Like Kingsbury, Blough will return next season.

This is another big win for Washington. Blough, 29, finished playing in 2023, and the 2024 season was his first as a coach. He played for Kingsbury with Arizona in 2022, impressing the former Cardinals head coach.

It didn’t take long for Blough to impress others, too, including head coach Dan Quinn. Quinn, Kingsbury, and quarterback Jayden Daniels have taken turns praising Blough this past season. Daniels had a particularly strong rapport with the former Purdue quarterback.

Beginning in training camp and occurring every Friday during the season, Blough and Daniels engaged in a game of quarterback “PIG,” which would be pretty competitive. They discussed it below.

It looks like every member of Washington’s offensive staff will return, which is good news for Daniels and the Commanders. If Kingsbury departs for a second head coaching job next year, Blough could be in line for a promotion.

Commanders lose their first coach of the offseason

The Commanders lost their first coach this offseason.

Washington’s season ended less than one week ago, and we’ve already learned of interest in several of its coaches. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury had multiple interview requests but declined. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. spoke with the Jets in their search for a head coach, while offensive assistants Brian Johnson, Tavita Pritchard and David Blough all interviewed elsewhere.

On Friday, Dan Quinn lost the first member of his coaching staff to another team. Assistant special teams coach John Glenn left Washington to join Pete Carroll’s staff with the Las Vegas Raiders as linebackers coach.

Glenn, 41, spent six seasons with Carroll in Seattle as his linebackers coach from 2018-23. He came to Washington last year due to his previous relationship with Quinn and special teams coach Larry Izzo.

Glenn first joined Seattle and Pete Carroll in 2012 when Dan Quinn was the Seahawks defensive coordinator.

 

Commanders’ assistant head coach to interview with Texans

Another member of Dan Quinn’s staff being sought by other teams.

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury turned down overtures to interview elsewhere, ensuring his return in 2025. However, if teams can’t get Kingsbury, they want to raid his and head coach Dan Quinn’s deep and talented offensive staff.

First, the Jets and Bears requested permission to speak with assistant quarterback coach David Blough. Then, the Jaguars revealed they’d interviewed quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard for their vacant offensive coordinator opening.

On Thursday, we learned that another Washington assistant is set to interview elsewhere. According to Tom Pelissero of the NFL Network, assistant head coach and offensive pass game coordinator Brian Johnson will interview with the Houston Texans on Friday for their offensive coordinator vacancy.

The Texans shocked the NFL last week by firing Bobby Slowik after two years. Slowik interviewed for head coaching openings one year ago after C.J. Stround’s breakout rookie campaign.

The Commanders hired Johnson last year after the Eagles dismissed him. Hired by the Eagles to be their quarterback coach in 2021, Johnson was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2023. Philadelphia, specifically quarterback Jalen Hurts, struggled that season and Johnson was dismissed.

A former college quarterback at the University of Utah, Johnson is still considered one of the NFL’s top young offensive assistants. Johnson, along with Kingsbury, Blough, and Pritchard, worked with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels in 2024. Daniels would have the greatest rookie quarterback season ever, leading Washington to the NFC championship game, one year removed from going 4-13.

The Houston job would be a homecoming for Johnson. He played high school football in Baytown, less than 30 miles from Houston.

Cowboys hire former Commanders defensive line coach

Dallas hires one of Ron Rivera’s former assistants.

The Washington Commanders took from the Dallas Cowboys this offseason by hiring defensive coordinator Dan Quinn as their next head coach. Quinn brought secondary coach and pass game coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. with him to Washington as his new defensive coordinator.

That meant the Cowboys had some holes to fill. They interviewed former Commanders head coach Ron Rivera to replace Quinn, but that job went to former Vikings coach Mike Zimmer. Zimmer served as the Dallas defensive coordinator from 2000-06.

Following Quinn and Whitt out of Dallas was defensive line coach Aden Durde. Durde, who followed Quinn to Dallas from Atlanta, was the Cowboys defensive line coach over the past three seasons.

As Washington officially announced its new coaching staff on Thursday, most of its former staff members were free to seek employment elsewhere. The Commanders retained four coaches from Rivera’s former staff. One member of Rivera’s former defensive staff will join Zimmer in Dallas.

Jeff Zgonina, who joined the Commanders in 2020 as the assistant defensive line coach, was promoted to defensive line coach in Aug. 2022 when Rivera fired Sam Mills III. He will join Zimmer as his new defensive line coach.

When Zgonina was promoted in Washington, Rivera hired franchise legend Ryan Kerrigan as the assistant defensive line coach. Quinn retained Kerrigan.

Zgonina played 17 years in the NFL, retiring after the 2009 season. He began his coaching career with the Texans in 2013. In addition to his time with Houston and Washington, Zgonina has coached with the Giants and 49ers.

Zgonina earned rave reviews from some of Washington’s defensive linemen, including Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne.

Whatever ‘it’ is, new Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr. has it

Joe Whitt Jr. is a future head coach.

It didn’t take long for new Washington defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. to become a fan favorite.

On Thursday, Whitt began his press conference by talking about how grateful he was to be in Washington. He mentioned the franchise’s once-glorious past but, most importantly, is focused on energizing the team, the city, and the “whole fan base.”

Whitt didn’t stop there.

For years, fans have debated the 4-3 defense and the 3-4 defense and which is best for the Commanders. In Whitt’s case, it isn’t about the structure or scheme — it’s about the play style.

What is that play style? Whitt says Washington will have a “run and hit defense.” Even better, the Commanders “are gonna put bodies on people in a violent manner.”

Are you ready to run through a wall for Whitt yet?

Whitt said it’s the coaches’ responsibility to teach the players. That’s why head coach Dan Quinn and Whitt put this specific staff together. However, you won’t be around if things aren’t done the right way.

That’s called accountability. Washington has lacked that for years — everywhere.

Here’s one: “Ball is life.”

Whitt discussed creating turnovers, something he and Quinn did a lot of with the Cowboys over the past three years. “Ball is life” is something Whitt said you will hear him talk about often because the ball is “like air, and we gotta have it, we gotta get it.”

Washington’s defense, led by Quinn and Whitt, will have an identity. Players will be coached — and coached hard. If you can’t take that, you won’t be around. That’s a welcome change for the Commanders.

Whitt is grateful to be in Washington. He has so much love and respect for Quinn, calling him the “best human being that I’ve probably been around in football.” Whitt praised Quinn for writing handwritten notes to Whitt’s kids and even breaking down film with Whitt’s young son when he was struggling.

You can’t teach that type of loyalty and respect.

One thing was clear throughout Whitt’s time speaking with the Washington media: Whatever “it” is, Whitt has “it.” It’s not his words; it’s his confidence and delivery. And he’s had the results to back it up.

He is overdue for his chance at being a defensive coordinator, and if things go the way this staff thinks they will, Whitt will be an NFL head coach. He has everything: leadership, the “it factor,” teaching, scheme, and relationships. Whitt is the real deal.

Washington fans have seen coaches win the presser before. But something about Quinn, Whitt, and this staff just feels different.

So, are you ready to run through that wall yet?

 

Twitter reacts to Commanders’ DC Joe Whitt’s first press conference

New Commanders DC Joe Whitt Jr. had everyone fired up.

New Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. was introduced to the local media and fans on Thursday and it couldn’t have gone any better.

The veteran NFL assistant and first-time coordinator was honest, direct, passionate, energetic and grateful in his first meeting with the local media. Whitt described his philosophies, such as “the ball is life,” meaning his defense would be focused on turning the ball over as much as possible.

There was the moment when he said the Commanders will have a way of doing things, and if you can’t follow, then you probably won’t be around too long. Or, how about the moment where Whitt discussed winning streaks, losing streaks, and coaches working longer hours when their team was on a losing streak?

“So, when coaches started to stay later when we’ve lost two or three games, man, you were cheating us,” Whitt said. “Because if you thought that was going to give us a better chance of winning, you would’ve done it before we lost.”

Great stuff.

Whitt impressed everyone. We go to X — formerly Twitter — to see the reactions to Whitt’s first press conference with the Commanders.

Commanders announce complete 2024 coaching staff

The Commanders make it official.

The Washington Commanders have announced their entire 2024 coaching staff. Head coach Dan Quinn was introduced to the media last week, and on Thursday, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. will address the media.

Here is a look at most of Washington’s staff.

The Commanders made it official ahead of Kingsbury and Whitt’s press conference, revealing each member of the 2024 coaching staff, including full-time coaches and support staff.

Washington also released the job titles of some, including Brian Johnson, who will serve as the assistant head coach/offensive pass game coordinator.

Here’s the complete list with updated titles for each coach.

  • Dan Quinn: Head coach
  • Sarah Hogan: Coaching chief of staff
  • Pete Ohnegian: Player development coach

Offense:

  • Kliff Kingsbury: Offensive coordinator
  • Brian Johnson: Assistant head coach/offensive pass game coordinator
  • David Blough: Assistant QB coach
  • Andre Coleman: Offensive assistant
  • Bobby Engram: Wide receivers
  • Bobby Johnson: Offensive line
  • Anthony Lynn: Run gam coordinator/running backs
  • Tavita Pritchard: Quarterbacks
  • David Raih: Tight ends
  • Darnell Stapleton: Assistant offensive line
  • Shane Toub: Offensive quality control

Defense

  • Joe Whitt Jr.: Defensive coordinator
  • George Banko: Defensive quality control
  • Tommy Donatell: Defensive backs
  • Shariff Floyd: Assistant defensive line coach
  • William Gay: Assistant defensive backs coach
  • Ryan Kerrigan: Assistant linebackers coach/pass rush specialist
  • Ken Norton Jr.: Linebackers
  • John Pagano: Senior defensive assistant
  • Jason Simmons: Defensive pass game coordinator
  • Darryl Tapp: Defensive line

 

 

Raiders coach Antonio Pierce talks Magic Johnson’s recruitment of Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury

Antonio Pierce confirms, yes, Magic Johnson helped recruit Kliff Kingsbury to Washington.

As it turns out, Magic Johnson did help deliver Kliff Kingsbury to the Washington Commanders as offensive coordinator.

Two weeks ago, it appeared that Kingsbury was landing back in the NFL as the offensive coordinator for the Las Vegas Raiders. Then, the next day, we heard Kingsbury was in the mix to be the next offensive coordinator for Dan Quinn and the Commanders.

What happened?

On Feb. 5, NFL insider Ian Rapoport went on the NFL Network to say it was Johnson — one of Washington’s minority owners — who helped Kingsbury decide the Commanders were the right fit for him.

We didn’t hear anything else regarding Johnson and Kingsbury.

Until this week.

New Raiders coach — and former Washington linebacker — Antonio Pierce joined “The Pivot” podcast with another former Washington player, Ryan Clark, where he was asked about Kingsbury ending up with the Commanders.

Pierce gave a nod to Johnson.

“National Football League, not for long,” Pierce said when Clark asked him what happened with Kingsbury. “So, you’re right; I thought we had a guy, but not for long. Til you put pen to paper, that’s the one thing I’ve learned. No different than in free agency. Teams are recruiting, and things are going on. Listen, Magic Johnson is pretty good. I guess he can still dish it out a little bit. If I’m losing to Magic, I’m ok with that. At the end of the day, if it’s not meant to be, it’s not meant to be. That’s fine.”

Here’s the exact clip:

Pierce and Clark go way back. Pierce entered the NFL in 2001 as an undrafted free agent from Arizona. Marty Schottenheimer gave him a chance, and he’d eventually become a starting linebacker. Clark joined Washington in 2004, and they instantly became friends as former undrafted free agents and unsung heroes on a terrific defense.

As for Johnson, it’s good to see the Commanders using every resource available, including one of the best athletes of all time, to help them land the coach they wanted.

Here’s the entire episode:

Commanders’ Dan Quinn promised people wanted to come to Washington

Dan Quinn said people want to be in Washington. He’s right.

Dan Quinn wasn’t kidding.

With new coaching staff hires on Wednesday, it reveals Quinn wasn’t exaggerating when last week he promised, “There are people that really want to be here.”

Quinn said in his introductory press conference he learned a lot from his head coaching experience in Atlanta and that if he could get one more shot at an NFL head coach position, he would make the most of what he learned.

Consequently, in this last week, Quinn has retained Ryan Kerrigan, Tavita Pritchard, and Bobby Engram from the staff of the 2023 Commanders. Also added to Quinn’s staff in the last week have been Brian Johnson (offensive pass-game coordinator), Jason Simmons (defensive pass-game coordinator), Larry Izzo (special teams), Bobby Johnson (offensive line), John Pagano (senior defensive assistant), Ken Norton Jr., (linebackers), David Raih (tight ends), Sharrif Floyd (assistant defensive line), Tom Donatell (defensive backs), Darryl Tapp (defensive line), and Anthony Lynn (running backs/offensive run-game coordinator).

Lynn has head coaching experience (Chargers) as does Kliff Kingsbury (Cardinals). Lynn played for and coached under Mike Shanahan and, most recently, was on Kyle Shanahan’s 49ers staff.

Simmons, 47, played defensive back in the NFL for a decade and has coached DBs with the Packers, Panthers, and Raiders.

Donatell played defensive back at Iowa and has served on Pete Carroll’s staff with the Seahawks, worked with Norton for three seasons, and most recently served on Brandon Staley’s staff with the Chargers.

Johnson (Brian) most recently was the Eagles OC employing an innovative run-pass option offense led by Jalen Hurts. Previously, he worked on the Dan Mullen staff at Mississippi State (Dak Prescott) and then Florida (Kyle Trask).

Johnson (Bobby) had the misfortune of the Giants offensive line spending more time in rehab than on the field, thus giving up the most sacks in the NFL. But the previous season, the Giants made the playoffs and won a playoff road game, utilizing an effective running game with Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones.

Do you notice a trend? Both Johnsons have worked with systems utilizing a running quarterback. All three of the top quarterback draft prospects, Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels, and Drake Maye, are dual-threat quarterbacks. Come to think of it, so is Sam Howell.

Add to that, Lynn comes from the 49ers rushing attack as the running backs coach. Don’t make the mistake of thinking Kingsbury will only be throwing the ball in 2024. He is surrounding himself with people who know how to creatively run the ball in their schemes.

This coaching staff is loaded with experience, knowledge and talent.

All of them will not be able to be powerful and the smartest man in the room. It will be up to them to lay aside their egos and accept their assigned roles on Quinn’s staff.

But compared to the Ron Rivera staff of the last four seasons, couldn’t Quinn’s team be a much better-coached team?

Isn’t it fun thinking about how much better this franchise is already trending upward?

Commanders hire Tom Donatell as defensive backs coach

Donatell is the son of a longtime NFL assistant coach.

Dan Quinn filled another position on his defensive staff Wednesday, naming Tom Donatell as Washington’s new defensive backs coach.

Donatell, 34, played defensive back at Iowa and began his coaching career at the college level as a graduate assistant at the University of South Florida in 2013. After two seasons there, he took the position at UCLA for the next two seasons.

He came to the NFL in 2017, joining Pete Carroll’s staff with the Seattle Seahawks. Donatell was a quality control/defensive assistant in Seattle. It was there that Donatell worked with new Commanders linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. Norton was Seattle’s defensive coordinator for three of Donatell’s four seasons with the Seahawks.

He joined Brandon Staley’s staff with the Los Angeles Chargers in 2021 as the assistant defensive backs coach. He was promoted to defensive passing game coordinator/secondary coach in 2023, but Staley and his staff were fired at the conclusion of the season.

Donatell is the son of longtime NFL assistant Ed Donatell. The elder Donatell has coached the secondary for numerous NFL teams and has been the defensive coordinator for the Packers, Falcons and Vikings.

Donatell joins Jason Simmons, who was named Washington’s defensive pass game coordinator last week.