DECISION: Washington Commanders Go All-In on David Blough—Make BOLD Move ELEVATE Jayden Daniels?

Can rapid ascension in the NFL coaching ranks signal a new era for the Washington Commanders? David Blough’s rise from assistant quarterback coach to offensive coordinator is energizing the locker room and raising questions about the impact of continuity with star rookie Jayden Daniels. Explore insider details on Blough’s strong relationships across the roster and how Detroit’s attempt to lure him forced Washington’s hand.

The conversation spotlights player reactions, possibilities for veteran coaches Anthony Lynn and Brian Johnson after being leapfrogged, and immediate implications for wideouts like Terry McLaurin, Luke McCaffrey, and Jaylin Lane. Discover how Blough’s background with Kliff Kingsbury and Ben Johnson could shape his play-calling. Is Washington’s gamble on a young, home-grown offensive mind the move that will finally ignite their offense?

0:00 – Blough Promoted Coordinator
Announcement and analysis of David Blough’s promotion to Washington Commanders offensive coordinator, overview of his rapid rise and connections within the team.

6:14 – Player Perspective Reaction
Discussion on locker room reaction and insider player views from Anthony Armstrong, focusing on team excitement and continuity with Jayden Daniels.

12:56 – Staff Fallout & Receiver Impact
Exploration of what the promotion means for the rest of the coaching staff, and in-depth look at how receivers are affected by Blough’s move.

Join the Everydayer Club today and get Locked On Commanders with no interruptions, members-only Discord access, and more — all for just $5 a month or $50 a year.

Go to lockedoncommanders.supercast.com or check the link in the show notes to learn more.
If you’re a true diehard Washington Commanders fan… the Everydayer All-Access tier is built for you.
You’ll get one-on-one text access with me, All-Access episodes, an exclusive newsletter, and a 15% discount to the Locked On merch store.
Head to lockedoncommanders.supercast.com to join the Everydayer program and unlock All-Access.

Host David Harrison covers the Washington Commanders for WUSA9 and Sports Illustrated.

Follow David on X: https://twitter.com/DHarrison82

📌 Locked On Commanders is your daily podcast for all things Washington Commanders—free and available on all platforms.
🎧 Subscribe + hit the bell for daily updates
💬 Drop your questions and reactions in the comments!

📸 Photo Credits
Images courtesy of USA Today, Bowie TV (YouTube.com/@Bowie_TV), and Abdullah Konte of the Washington Informer (Instagram: @dullahvision)

🔗 Follow & Subscribe on all Podcast platforms
https://link.chtbl.com/LOCommanders

🧠 More NFL content from Locked On
https://linktr.ee/LockedOnNFL

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!
Rocket Money
Let Rocket Money help you reach your financial goals faster. Join at http://RocketMoney.com/LOCKEDON
Betterhelp
This episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. BetterHelp makes it easy to get matched online with a qualified therapist. Sign up and get 10% off at http://BetterHelp.com/LOCKEDON.
DripDrop
Right now, DripDrop is offering podcast listeners 20% off your first order. Go to http://dripdrop.com and use promo code lockedonnfl.
Ultimate QB
Ultimate QB is totally free to play, has no ads, and works 100% offline — perfect for when you want to sneak in a quick game or two on the go. Just head over to http://ULTIMATE-QB.COM.
FanDuel
Today’s episode is brought to you by FanDuel. So before tip-off, check the FanDuel app and see what’s dropping during NBA Happy Hour — every Friday from 6 to 7:30 PM Eastern. A little basketball, a little action, and a whole lot of Friday energy.
PrizePicks
Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.
Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNFL
Gametime
Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNFL for $20 off your first purchase. Terms apply. Download Gametime today. What time is it? Gametime.
Zocdoc
Stop putting off your doctor’s appointments and get the care you need.
Go to http://Zocdoc.com/lockedonnfl to find and instantly book a top-rated doctor today.
FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

44 comments
  1. At first blush, wasn't real happy abt this. After experiencing an inexperienced DC mess, why double-down with an inexperienced OC? There are issues with re-treads too though; especially wanting to HC after a year. But how many O asst coaches have we had on this team over the years, that went on to be successful HCs elsewhere; franchise-changing HCs, and we pout abt it? Would I rather it was Prichard, who was groomed to be the replacement, maybe, but he went with a college HC job, you have to wonder if he is kicking himself right now; and if he knew Blough might jump ahead and take the OC job instead of him. Pritchard probably would have stuck with KK game, which I'm not fond of. I'm hoping Blough, with his background, is more receptive to "under C", and his own gameplan…imagine Blough taking from column A, B, C, and D; of Shanahan, O'Connell, Johnson, and Kingsbury. DQ must be confident; his HC future, is on the line.

  2. who else is going to take this job? if Quinn and this team have another bad year, they are getting fired. So if youre Mike, why take maybe a 1-year gig with no security beyond that?

  3. Interesting, so DQ knows this guy is going to make him or break him, DQ may be gone before the end of the year special if they are not making the playoffs so he is officially on the hot seat!!!

  4. Is this a DQ pick or an AP pick? I would think that DQ would want a more experienced play caller, seeing as how the last time he picked an inexperienced play caller, it did not go well. If next year goes the way this year, it will be his ass getting fired. I would think he would not be willing to risk it.

  5. I’m finding out that some of the best offensive minds are third string quarterbacks they can visualize it but just don’t have the skill to do it themselves

  6. Great commanders coverage as usual David. Not sure what to make of this move. We really don’t know anything about Blough from a playcalling standpoing. The only definite positive is some continuity of coaching for Jayden, with Pritchard and Kingsbury both gone now. I personally would have wanted McDaniel, but guessing he told DQ he’s looking for a HC position.

  7. David Blough the shooter 😎 see what I did there BLOUGH BLOUGH all through the stadium when we start going off and get back to greatness from start to finish in 2026-27 all way to the bowl

  8. this front office and Dan Quinn makes it extremely hard if not imposible to be optimistic. i think they have meetings on what head scratching decisions can they make next. I didn't even know we had an ASSISTANT quarterbacks coach

  9. Well I could be wrong, but to me that just means Jayden continues to do what he's comfortable with and not being challenged to reach his full potential.

  10. I have the same feeling about this hire then I did when we hired Joe Witt only downfall is we have a defensive guy as a coach so he won’t be able to take over as well if he doesn’t do well as OC

  11. Good attempt at explaining another inexplicable move by Wash.
    I think some of these decisions that come down are just showing that management is cheap.
    There is the factor that JD5 won't need to learn an entirely new offense , but I think the primary reason for the hire is the price tag that comes along with some of these other available coordinators .
    Just like last year when they failed to make any meaningful moves in free agency to help the D.
    I'll be glad to be wrong and eat my words , but they better break out the checkbook and improve the D Line . THE PROBLEM IS THE D AND DAN QUINN .

Leave a Reply