Tag: Kliff Kingsbury

What went wrong with new Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury in Arizona?

Some good analysis on Kingsbury’s time with the Cardinals.

When new head coach Dan Quinn hired Kliff Kingsbury as his new offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, it was met with plenty of skepticism. Some loved the move, while others were critical of the hire.

Some reacted as if Kingsbury had kicked their pet. Why the vitriol regarding Kingsbury? It was always important to remember that Washington hired Kingsbury to run the offense — not to be the head coach.

Kingsbury has been praised for his work with quarterbacks over the years, having worked with Patrick Mahomes, Johnny Manziel, Baker Mayfield, and Caleb Williams in college and Kyler Murray in the NFL. While some of the criticisms regarding his offense with the Arizona Cardinals are valid, Washington’s hope is Kingsbury will be much better having to focus only on the offense.

So what happened in Arizona?

We spoke with Jess Root, managing editor of Cards Wire, who answered a few questions for us on what happened during Kingsbury’s time with the Cardinals.

 

New Commanders assistant QB coach David Blough goes straight from playing to coaching

Everyone sees big things for David Blough as an NFL coach.

The Washington Commanders announced their new coaching staff on Thursday led by head coach Dan Quinn. It’s an experienced group with two former head coaches and four former coordinators on staff.

Offensively, Washington looks prepared to fully support a young quarterback. The Commanders hold the No. 2 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft and are widely expected to select a quarterback among Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and Jayden Daniels.

A big emphasis for Quinn and new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury was to give the quarterback position, whether it was a rookie, Sam Howell, a veteran, or a mix of the above options, the required support.

Quinn hired four former quarterbacks as a part of his staff:

  • Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury: 43 college games played, over 12,000 passing yards. Drafted by the Patriots and spent four seasons on NFL rosters or practice squads.
  • Offensive pass game coordinator/assistant head coach Brian Johnson: 44 college games played, 7,853 passing yards and 57 touchdowns.
  • Quarterback coach Tavita Pritchard: 31 college games played, 2,865 passing yards.
  • Assistant quarterback coach David Blough: 44 games played, 9,734 passing yards and 69 touchdowns. Undrafted in 2019, but spent time with the Browns, Lions, Cardinals and Vikings.

Blough was recently on the Detroit Lions practice squad. His contract expired once Detroit’s season ended, and he immediately jumped into coaching.

While the 28-year-old Blough had a successful playing career, many believed he’d always end up coaching.

Blough worked under Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson last season and, in 2022, was in Arizona with Kingsbury — who was the head coach.

Kingsbury praised Blough Thursday.

“Yeah, very, very smart,” Kingsbury said when asked about Blough. “I remember we got him in Arizona for a couple of weeks and he probably knew the offense better than I did after two weeks. I mean, he is one of the brightest quarterbacks I’ve ever been around. Great rapport with the players. I love his temperament. I think whoever the quarterback is, he’ll be great to be around him, and just how he sees the game, how he talks, protections, progressions, because he never gets too high or too low. And I think he’s got a chance to move up really quickly in this profession.”

Kingsbury didn’t give a lot of in-depth answers on Thursday, but he certainly provided one on Blough. That short time they worked together left a lasting impression on Kingsbury who believes Blough can be an excellent coach.

Blough finished playing in January and has an NFL coaching job in February tells you everything you need to know.

Washington’s stacked coaching staff doesn’t guarantee success, but’s set up well to support the quarterback position better than at any time in recent franchise history.

Commanders Kliff Kingsbury was careful with his words regarding the QB plans

Kliff Kingsbury on what he looks in a quarterback: “The Chiefs quarterback.” He was joking, sort of.

Kliff Kingsbury didn’t divulge much Thursday; can you blame him?

Kingsbury has been the object of cheap shots by national media, and even some Commanders fans are unhappy he is the new offensive coordinator.

Just last week at the Super Bowl row, Damon Amendolara, when asked about Kingsbury, declared, “I think he is the biggest fraud in football.”

Thursday, Kingsbury met with the local media for the first time since being named Dan Quinn’s offensive coordinator.

Most likely aware of the unfair criticisms, it should not have been altogether surprising when he indirectly reminded everyone he is not the head coach as he was with the Cardinals.

“Being able to just focus on the offense will be great. Dan has a bunch on his plate. I’ve sat in that seat. … To be able to back up and do that again is exciting. I’m ready to get to work.”

Kingsbury is not the biggest fraud in football. Thus, he was clear it is not as simplistic as coaching a system; it is coaching players.

“Being able to adapt to your personnel, do what you do best and not ask them to do what they can’t…You got to be able to run the football in four-minute and throw it in two-minute.”

Did you catch that? Kingsbury was letting everyone know he is fully aware you can not simply come out in 5-wide, empty backfield and throw all day. He’s not stupid as some have simplistically implied.

Kingsbury displayed a sense of humor as well. When asked about what he looks for in quarterbacks: “The Chiefs quarterback.” But he also followed that up, saying he desires his quarterback to be the hardest worker on the team.

Was that a not-so-subtle hint concerning his previous problems with Kyler Murray and Murray not wanting to work hard enough to earn the respect of coaches and players?

Last week, one talking TV “expert” even suggested that Kingsbury was brought to Washington, indicating the Commanders will be trading up for USC QB Caleb Williams.

Really? Don’t they know that Kingsbury was brought to Washington to work with whichever quarterback they choose at No. 2 in late April?

So when questions arose regarding his coaching Williams last season, “He’s a great kid, no doubt. Just getting to watch Lincoln [Riley] from afar and observe him and how he does things was huge. … Really diving back into the everyday teaching … this allowed me to get back into that.”

Kingsbury was quite composed throughout Thursday. He was clearly a step ahead of the media, divulging only what he wanted to express.

5 takeaways from Commanders’ coordinators introductory press conference

A great first day for Washington’s new coordinators.

The Washington Commanders officially announced their 2024 coaching staff Thursday, and coordinators Kliff Kingsbury (offense) and Joe Whitt Jr. (defense) met with the local media.

A hot topic for Kingsbury was the quarterback position. Kingsbury has coached quarterbacks such as Patrick Mahomes, Johnny Manziel, Baker Mayfield, Kyler Murray, and, yes, presumed No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams. As expected, Kingsbury didn’t reveal much on that subject.

As for Whitt, he was direct, honest, passionate and enthusiastic.

Kingsbury didn’t give any details about the current roster, while Whitt did offer some details on some of Washington’s young players.

Here are five thoughts/takeaways from Kingsbury and Whitt’s media session.

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?

Here is the Commanders’ coaching staff for 2024

Introducing Washington’s 2024 coaching staff.

The Washington Commanders appear close to having a full coaching staff. New head coach Dan Quinn has assembled an impressive coaching staff over the past two weeks, adding three more names on Wednesday.

Washington hired Anthony Lynn, the former Chargers head coach and current 49ers assistant head coach and running backs coach, to coach running backs and lead the running game. Additionally, the Commanders hired Tom Donatell (defensive backs) and Darryl Tapp (defensive line) to complete the staff.

From all indications, everyone around the NFL believes Quinn has hired an elite staff. Washington hired two former head coaches and three former coordinators (four, if you count special teams coach Larry Izzo). There were concerns about some positions, and the Commanders alleviated those concerns by layering them with another tremendous hire.

Washington returns four coaches from last season’s staff, including franchise legend Ryan Kerrigan.

Here is the Commanders’ 2024 coaching staff.

Note: We will add anyone Washington announces that isn’t on this list.

Commanders hire Anthony Lynn offensive run game coordinator

A big hire for Dan Quinn.

Another day, another big Dan Quinn hire for the Washington Commanders.

On Wednesday morning, Adam Schefter reported the Commanders were hiring veteran NFL coach Anthony Lynn as the offensive run game coordinator.

The team has not officially announced the coaching hires, so some coaches’ titles aren’t yet known. Schefter says Lynn will be the run game coordinator for new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. The Commanders have yet to name a running backs coach, so Lynn could also fill that role.

Lynn, 55, is a former head coach for the Los Angeles Chargers. In four years with the Chargers, Lynn had a record of 34-33, which includes a 1-1 postseason record.

A former NFL running back, Lynn began coaching in 2000 under former Washington coach Mike Shanahan with the Broncos. Lynn’s final three seasons as a player came under Shanahan.

He’s been the running backs coach for numerous NFL teams and had a stint as the offensive coordinator for the Lions in 2021.

Lynn spent the past two seasons with the 49ers as an assistant head coach/running backs coach under Shanahan’s son, Kyle.

Lynn is praised for his leadership and his work in the running game. With Kingsbury’s expertise in the passing game, this looks to be another excellent hire for Quinn and the Commanders.

Where were the Commanders’ running backs ranked in 2023 NFL RB Index?

Where were Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson ranked among all NFL running backs in 2023?

The Washington Commanders fired offensive coordinator Scott Turner after a disappointing 2022 season and replaced him with former Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.

There was a lot of excitement and hope surrounding Bieniemy’s arrival, but in many ways, Washington’s offense was worse in 2023. While the overall metrics were similar, Bieniemy favored a more pass-heavy approach. The Commanders led the NFL in passing attempts and were tied for second in sacks allowed.

That pass-heavy approach also saw Washington finish dead last in rushing attempts. A first-time starting quarterback, Sam Howell, had 23 fewer rushing attempts than the next closest team.

It wasn’t because the Commanders lacked talent in the backfield. Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson formed a solid duo. Robinson enjoyed a bit of a breakout season, rushing for 733 yards in 15 games, averaging 4.1 yards per attempt and leading the team with five rushing touchdowns.

Robinson also improved as a receiver, catching 36 passes for 368 yards and four touchdowns.

Everyone believed Robinson and Gibson should’ve been more involved in the offense.

How are Washington’s running backs viewed across the NFL?

Former NFL running back Maurice Jones-Drew ranked 72 starting NFL running backs from the 2023 NFL season in his “RB Index.”

Robinson came in at No. 32:

Washington had the fewest rushing attempts in the league this season, due in part to how often the team played from behind, which limited Robinson’s production. Even so, the second-year back amassed 1,101 scrimmage yards in his first full season as RB1. We’ll see if he can build on that under Kliff Kingsbury in 2024.

Gibson came in at No. 55:

Gibson started a pair of mid-December games for Washington and provided underwhelming results. He had more than nine touches in just three games (including one of his starts) in 2023. He’s a free agent this offseason and could be in need of a fresh start.

That’s a fair assessment, but not necessarily Gibson’s fault. Gibson had some good moments; he just didn’t receive enough opportunities. He’s likely to depart, but with Kliff Kingsbury on board, perhaps Gibson could finally have an offensive coach who knows how to best use him.