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Dan Quinn clarified Wes Welker’s role on his coaching staff with the Commanders
The Washington Commanders did not have the 2025 campaign that they were hoping for. After making it all the way to the NFC Championship Game in 2024, the Commanders didn’t even make it to the playoffs this season. A slew of injuries certainly didn’t help the team, but it’s clear that head coach Dan Quinn isn’t using that as an excuse moving forward.
Early in the offseason, Quinn has been aggressive when it comes to retooling his coaching staff. The hope is that, with a new, strong foundation in place, Washington will put its players in a better position to succeed in 2026. With that in mind, Quinn recently announced a key change to his coaching staff involving former star wide receiver Wes Welker that will surely catch fans’ attention.
Dan Quinn Reveals Role Change for Wes Welker
Despite not getting selected in the 2004 NFL Draft, Welker gradually turned himself into one of the premier slot wide receivers of his generation during his time in the NFL as a player. Welker was at his best during his time with the New England Patriots, as he earned five Pro Bowl selections and four All-Pro honors, two of which saw him get selected to the First Team.
Since calling it a career as a player, Welker has transitioned into coaching, spending time with the Houston Texans, San Francisco 49ers, and Miami Dolphins. Given that Welker spent his career playing on the offensive side of the ball as a wide receiver, it shouldn’t come as much of a surprise that it is the area where he is most comfortable coaching.
In his first year with the Commanders in 2025, Welker worked as a personnel analyst, but in a surprising move, he worked more with the team’s defensive and special teams units. Regardless of the reason for that decision, Welker will be moving back to the offensive side of the ball in 2026, as he will be working as an offensive assistant for Quinn moving forward.
“Wes Welker will also be somebody that will have a role on offense this year after being on the defensive and special teams side in ’25,” Quinn said when speaking to reporters recently.
Commanders Turn Attention to Free Agency After Dan Quinn Sets Coaching Staff
GettyWashington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn during a December 20, 2025 game.
With his coaching staff officially set in stone, it’s clear that Quinn is looking to change things up in 2026. Leaning into his coaches’ strengths is going to be key, especially with new offensive and defensive coordinators in town. With that in mind, it simply makes sense for Welker to be working on offense, given all his experience with that unit throughout his time in the league as a player.
Now that Quinn has his new coaching staff filled out, it’s going to be important for the team to begin planning on how to improve its roster over the next few months. Attacking free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft is going to be key, as the front office needs to bring the right guys to town after failing to do so last offseason. Quinn has gotten off to a fast start, but the overall success of the offseason will be determined by what Washington does next.
Owen Crisafulli Owen Crisafulli is a Breaking News Writer at Heavy. In addition to writing for Heavy, Owen works as a Content Producer for More Views Media. His work has also appeared on ClutchPoints, The Sporting News, Athlon Sports, Basketball Network, and FanSided, where he shared his insights on a variety of sports topics primarily surrounding the NFL, NBA, and MLB. More about Owen Crisafulli
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