Jan. 16, 2026, 5:39 p.m. ET<\/p>\n
New Washington Commanders<\/a> offensive coordinator David Blough has his fans around the NFL. Last offseason, Blough just completed his first year as a coach, serving as the Commanders<\/a>‘ assistant quarterbacks coach, when at least three teams attempted to hire him. Washington blocked all attempts.<\/p>\n One of those coaches who tried to hire Blough was current Bears<\/a> head coach Ben Johnson. Johnson was in Detroit with Blough for three seasons, including the final as the offensive coordinator, while Blough served as a backup quarterback. Johnson quickly took a liking to Blough, and when he was named Chicago’s head coach in 2025, he wanted to bring Blough along, but the Commanders weren’t about to let the young coach leave the building.<\/p>\n When Washington and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury mutually parted ways<\/a> last week, the Commanders didn’t wait long to promote Blough. After interviewing five candidates<\/a>, Washington promoted Blough to offensive coordinator<\/a>, a rapid rise for a 30-year-old former quarterback who had only been coaching for two seasons.<\/p>\n On Friday, Johnson spoke to the media ahead of this weekend’s NFC Divisional Round game against the San Francisco 49ers, and he was asked about Blough.<\/p>\n “He\u2019s got a bright future, as well,” Johnson said. “He\u2019s really smart. Has a natural way of connecting with everybody, coaches and players alike. I know he\u2019s highly respected, not just from me, but that Washington staff, they\u2019ve found tremendous value in him as well. I think he\u2019ll do an outstanding job in that role. He\u2019s really smart. Having played quarterback, he\u2019s got that inward feel of how to help elevate that position, and I think he\u2019ll be able to do that in that play-calling role moving forward. I think he\u2019ll be one of those guys who gets a head job before you know it.”<\/p>\n