The Washington Commanders have appointed David Blough as their new offensive coordinator, following his promotion from quarterbacks coach. This decision comes as the team seeks to rejuvenate its offense, which struggled during the 2025 season. Blough, who is just 30 years old, has quickly advanced in the coaching ranks since concluding his playing career in 2023.
Blough’s journey to this role began after he went undrafted out of Purdue University in 2019. Following a brief stint as a backup quarterback with the Detroit Lions, he played his final full season with the Arizona Cardinals in 2022. Although he returned to the Lions’ practice squad in 2023, he did not appear in any games. In 2024, Dan Quinn, the head coach of the Commanders, brought Blough on board as the assistant quarterbacks coach. He maintained that position until November 2025, when he was elevated to quarterbacks coach after Tavita Pritchard accepted a head coaching position at Stanford University.
The Commanders’ performance in 2025 was significantly impacted by injuries to key players, including quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin. The team’s offensive output suffered, ranking 22nd in points per game with an average of 20.9, 22nd in total yards per game at 318.8, and 24th in passing yards per game with 184.1. The disappointment culminated in the dismissal of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury after the season.
Blough’s promotion reflects the Commanders’ confidence in his potential. His ascent within the organization follows a trend noted by Quinn, who has previously allowed talented assistants to depart for other opportunities, as seen with coaches like Matt LaFleur and Mike McDaniel. This time, Quinn has chosen to retain Blough, suggesting that the organization views him as a promising figure in the coaching landscape.
As the new offensive coordinator, Blough’s primary responsibility will be to revitalize the Commanders’ offense and maximize the talent of players like Daniels. His rapid rise in coaching experience, from assistant to coordinator in a matter of years, positions him uniquely to tackle this challenge head-on.
The upcoming season will serve as a crucial proving ground for Blough, as he seeks to implement strategies that can lead the Commanders back to a competitive standing in the league. The organization and its fans will be watching closely to see how Blough’s leadership translates on the field.
