Jan. 10, 2026, 6:16 a.m. ET

The Washington Commanders found their new offensive coordinator on Friday, promoting assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough to replace Kliff Kingsbury. It was a major promotion for Blough, who has coached for only two seasons and last played in the NFL in 2023.

Earlier this week, the Commanders mutually parted ways with Kingsbury and fired defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and offensive line coach Bobby Johnson. Johnson had actually done a commendable job as Washington’s offensive line coach the last two seasons, particularly in 2024.

So, why fire Johnson? It appears the Commanders wanted to change their offensive philosophy, which began with moving on from Kingsbury. Washington hopes to employ more of a zone-blocking scheme, like the one Kyle Shanahan runs in San Francisco. Several teams use the zone-blocking scheme, which Washington once used when the Shanahans were in D.C.

In some potentially good news, one of the NFL’s top offensive line coaches is potentially available. The Falcons fired head coach Raheem Morris this week. There are some conflicting reports about which of his assistants are free to interview with other teams. The Falcons blocked the Cowboys from speaking with defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich, someone the Commanders would also be interested in, because of his relationship with head coach Dan Quinn.

Atlanta offensive line coach Dwayne Ledford is considered one of the NFL’s top offensive line coaches. Could Washington request an interview with Ledford? And would Atlanta grant that interview?

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Ledford has done an excellent job with Atlanta’s offensive line through two different regimes. He also employs the wide zone, which the Commanders reportedly want to do. The Falcons have yet to hire a head coach and, depending on who their targets are, this could drag on for a couple of weeks. Atlanta could be waiting for the new coach to decide Ledford’s fate, as it is with Ulbrich.

Here’s what offensive line guru Duke Manyweather said about Ledford.

Manyweather knows offensive linemen. ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky offered a similar sentiment.

What will Washington do on the offensive line? The Commanders interviewed Cowboys tight ends coach Lunda Wells this week for their offensive coordinator position. While he currently coaches tight ends, Wells is a former college offensive lineman and could be looking to return to that position. Quinn also tried to bring him to Washington in 2024, but Dallas blocked the move.

With Blough taking over as offensive coordinator, it’s absolutely critical that the Commanders find an experienced offensive line coach to help him make a smooth transition.