The Washington Commanders are taking a brand new approach in 2026. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt was relieved of his duties during the 2025 season due to the struggles of his defensive unit. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury parted ways with the Commanders after the season after his unit performed far below expectations after their breakout performance in 2024. Granted, Washington’s offense and defense suffered a slew of injuries that crippled each unit on their way to a 5-12 season in 2025. The NFL is a league predicated on results. The Commanders’ reversal of fortunes from a 12-5 record in 2024 to last season’s debacle dictated that change must occur.
Washington named former assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough as their new offensive coordinator. This is a bold move considering that Blough’s coaching career began with the Commanders in 2024 and is only 30 years old. Blough is tasked with the continued development of quarterback Jayden Daniels, and there’s already one noticeable difference in Blough’s approach to the offense. Blough vows to design more plays with Daniels under center, allowing the quarterback to execute more three step, five step and seven step drop backs. Allowing Daniels to run most plays under center will open up the play action pass, considering his great running ability and Washington’s overall dedication to the running game as a whole.
Not to be understated, the Commanders have selected Daronte Jones to become their new defensive coordinator. At 47 years of age, Jones has a more extensive coaching resume than Blough. Jones has coached at every level, from high school to college to the NFL and even the Canadian Football league. He was also the defensive coordinator for the Louisiana State University Tigers football team in 2021, Jones will face a tall task in Washington: create a defensive scheme that will improve a defense that ranked last in total yardage allowed and 27th in points allowed.
Blough and Jones also face challenges in personnel in their efforts to solidify their respective units. Running back Austin Ekeler and wide receiver Luke McCaffrey suffered season ending injuries last season. Each played a vital role during the 2024 season, and were expected to solidify the offense in 2025. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin endured a challenging season that began with a contract dispute followed by a core injury that limited him to only ten games. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel filled in admirably for the Commanders. Samuel enters the 2026 season as a free agent, and will be looking for a lucrative contract extension. Unless general manger Adam Peters can construct an incentive laden contract that Samuel will accept, it seems likely that Samuel will leave Washington and play elsewhere.
On defense, Washington released cornerback Marshon Lattimore after he failed to provide the stellar influence reflected in his Pro Bowl tenure with the New Orleans Saints. Cornerback Trey Amos was highly regarded during his rookie year in Washington to earn eight starts before suffering a fractured fibula that ended his season against the Detroit Lions in Week 10. One of the few bright sports of the Commanders’ defense is cornerback Mike Sainristil, who led the team with four interceptions in 2025. Lattimore’s departure appears to pave the way for Sainristil to assume the defense’s top cornerback spot. However, Sainristil’s has thrived as Washington’s nickel cornerback, and Washington would be best served to keep him in that spot.
As disappointing as the outlook for 2026 seems to be in Washington, Commanders’ fans must realize that the team is still in the rebuilding phase. Their dedication to rebuilding is evident in their decision to give Blough and Jones their first opportunities as coordinators in the NFL. In years past, Washington has relied on hiring offensive and defensive coordinators that have previous NFL experience in those roles. Blough and Jones will be given full reign of their respective units to craft schemes that will put Washington in the best chance to succeed. Their success will go a long way in determining how competitive the Commanders will be in 2026.
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