Commanders Overhaul Staff as Defensive Rebuild Becomes Top Offseason Priority
Washington enters the offseason with top-six cap space plus the No. 7 pick to chase impact help on defense.
Overview
- Washington dismissed OC Kliff Kingsbury and DC Joe Whitt Jr., elevating David Blough to offensive coordinator and hiring Daronte Jones to run the defense.
- Head coach Dan Quinn seized defensive play-calling before Week 11, and his job security faces fresh scrutiny after a 5–12 season.
- Over the past two seasons the defense ranked 24th in points allowed and 28th in yards allowed per game, with 2025 performance labeled abysmal.
- The roster skewed old last year, increasing the urgency to add younger contributors around quarterback Jayden Daniels and other core pieces.
- Staff changes extended beyond coordinators, including Eric Henderson as defensive run-game coordinator, D.J. Williams as quarterbacks coach, internal line coaching moves, and assistant position coach firings.