It’s time for the Senior Bowl, where some of the upcoming NFL draft’s top prospects convene in Mobile, Alabama, to meet with representatives from all 32 NFL teams. Prospects begin reporting to Mobile over the weekend and practice kicks off on Monday, and the Senior Bowl will take place on January 31.
Unlike previous years, the coaching staffs are much different. In the past, two teams with high draft picks would coach the two Senior Bowl teams. Now, the coaching staffs are made up of assistants from across the league. It’s both a showcase for players heading to the NFL and an opportunity for coaches to show their ability and further their careers.
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For the Washington Commanders, two of their coaches will be in Mobile, coaching for the National squad. Recently promoted offensive line coach Darnell Stapleton, along with the assistant defensive backs coach William Gay.
Stapleton is entering his third season in Washington in 2026. After serving as Bobby Johnson’s assistant offensive line coach for the past two seasons, the Commanders felt he was ready to take over the room. Stapleton has been praised for his ability to develop young players.
Gay, an 11-year NFL cornerback, will also be entering his third season for Washington in 2026. Gay almost immediately turned to coaching after his playing career ended in 2018. Stapleton is also an NFL veteran, having played three seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers. In fact, Gay and Stapleton were teammates for Stapleton’s three seasons in Pittsburgh, one of which ended with a Super Bowl win.
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The Commanders hold the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft, so their coaches being in Mobile could give the team some much-needed insight into what player to take in April’s draft.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: 2 assistants to coach the Senior Bowl.