Two new Commanders coordinators now take the lead
TL;DR
The Washington Commanders have appointed new coordinators, Daronte Jones and David Blough, to lead the team following the 2026 NFL Draft. GM Adam Peters emphasizes the importance of these coaches in establishing team culture and competition.
Key points
- Washington Commanders have new coordinators Daronte Jones and David Blough
- GM Adam Peters emphasizes the role of coaches in team culture
- Coach Dan Quinn promotes competition during offseason training
Mentioned in this story
The 2026 NFL Draft is now concluded, and there has been much change in Ashburn, so what is crucial now?
NFL Network co-host Judy Batista inquired of Commanders GM Adam Peters on Thursday what needs to happen now to ensure the new players and coaches are all coming together. Peters isn't looking to the players first; he is looking to the coaches to set a tone, communicate well, and lead into the culture head coach Dan Quinn wants.
“I think it starts with the two new coordinators (DC Daronte Jones and OC David Blough., and we’re really thrilled with those guys and the way they’ve come in, and how they’ve implemented everything. Really exciting in terms of both of the schemes and how we’re going to play offense, how we’re going to play defense. So it starts with those guys."
Peters is looking again to Quinn to set the thermostat, insisting on competition during the offseason program at the Ashburn facilities. "Obviously, Coach Quinn has been fantastic, like usual, when all the players come back. Seeing the energy, seeing how much these guys are really competing right away, and you can’t compete at football yet, they’re competing at weight lifting, they’re competing at running. And it’s a really, just a good environment to have."
Peters did imply that last season the Commanders lost an edge in how the team was run and how it played during games. It is worth noting that Washington moved on from both coordinators, DC Joe Whitt Jr and OC Kliff Kingsbury. Whitt was stripped of playcalling during the 5-12 season, and the Commanders moved on from both immediately after the conclusion of the season.
"We had a lot of guys that I think we wanted to reunite and just come back to who we are in terms of competition and our play style. We kind of lost that a little bit last year in terms of how we play and our play style and who we want as Commanders. So we had a lot of guys who embody that, and we’re seeing that already this week. Really looking forward to wanting to get out on the field. Whether it’s Phase 2 or Phase 3, really seeing those guys compete.”
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Two new coordinators take the lead
Q&A
Who are the new coordinators for the Washington Commanders?
The new coordinators for the Washington Commanders are Daronte Jones as defensive coordinator and David Blough as offensive coordinator.
What is GM Adam Peters' focus for the Commanders after the NFL Draft?
GM Adam Peters is focusing on the new coaches to set the tone and culture for the team, rather than the players at this stage.
How is head coach Dan Quinn contributing to the Commanders' offseason program?
Head coach Dan Quinn is fostering a competitive environment during the offseason program, encouraging players to compete in weight lifting and running.
