Coaching news and rumors
The latest update on the NFL’s coaching hiring cycle has moved down to the assistant level for the Washington Commanders. There’s only one head coaching job open(Saints), but there are offensive coordinator jobs available.
David Blough just completed his first year as a coach after being a backup QB in the NFL for five seasons. He was Washington’s assistant QB coach this season, and is considered a fast-riser who could move up quickly. He has received interview requests from the Bears(pass game coordinator) and the Jets(QB coach). Both teams hired coordinators from the Lions(Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn respectively) as their head coaches, and Blough was on their practice squad in 2023.
Tavita Pritchard has been the Commanders QB coach for two seasons, and he was one of only three coaches that Dan Quinn carried over from the Ron Rivera regime. He worked closely with Jayden Daniels(along with Blough) and has interviewed with the Jacksonville Jaguars for their OC job. The Jaguars hired former Buccaneers OC Liam Coen to be their new head coach. If Pritchard gets that job, he would be working with QB Trevor Lawrence, and Blough would likely move into the QB coach position if he doesn’t get a promotion with another team.
The NFL’s coaching cycle, along with the postseason, is almost over. There is only one head coaching job left, and two teams remain in play for the Lombardi trophy. The Washington Commanders lost to the Philadelphia Eagles, and will watch them play the Kansas City Chiefs in 12 days. The New Orleans Saints are the only team that is still looking for their next head coach. The Commandeers were in the same position last year before they hired Dan Quinn.
Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. both received interest from teams, but only Whitt actually interviewed(Jets). This was Whitt’s first head coaching interview, and he will return as Washington’s DC next season. Kingsbury was expected to get significant interest after his return to the NFL was helped by having the best QB in the 2024 draft. Kingsbury held off on interviewing while Washington was still in the playoff hunt, but will reportedly not interview with the Saints.
Assistant GM Lance Newmark also received interest at the executive level. He interviewed for the Las Vegas Raiders, and was considered a finalist for the New York Jets GM position, but he will return to Washington after those positions were filled.
Brian Johnson virtual interview scheduled with the Texans:
The #Texans have requested to interview former #Eagles OC and current #Commanders pass game coordinator Brian Johnson for their vacant OC position, per source. pic.twitter.com/RhSurrvTKo
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 30, 2025
Virtual interview with #Texans set for Friday with #Commanders assistant head coach and offensive passing game coordinator Brian Johnson, per league sources @KPRC2 https://t.co/Svx3vRAjqg
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) January 30, 2025
Tavita Pritchard interviews for Jaguars OC:
Another one. When you win… and you have a good offense….this is what happens. Would imagine if he left then Wash could promote Blough to keep him around. If he’s still here that is https://t.co/NqSWCOJWCx
— John Keim (@john_keim) January 30, 2025
David Blough getting OC interview requests:
#Commanders assistant QB coach David Blough has a request from the #Jets to interview for their QB coach jobs as well as a request from the #Bears for passing game coordinator, sources say. Blough, 29, is garnering attention only one year into his coaching career. pic.twitter.com/6T3Ue8ItBj
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) January 29, 2025
Aaron Glenn started filling out his #Jets staff yesterday (DC Steve Wilks, STC Chris Banjo, OL Steve Heiden) and would expect more today/through the weekend.
Some names to keep an eye on as potential additions:
Tanner Engstrand (OC)
David Blough (QBs)
Chris Harris (DBs)…— Zack Rosenblatt (@ZackBlatt) January 30, 2025
Kliff Kingsbury will stay with Washington:
Breaking: #Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury — despite interest from the #Saints and other teams — has decided to stay in Washington for a second season following a remarkable turnaround that saw the team go from 4 wins to an NFC Championship appearance.
His return ensures… pic.twitter.com/xQlOdt6zVz
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 28, 2025
Kliff Kingsbury still has interest from the Saints:
I’m told that Kliff Kingsbury hasn’t decided whether or not to take an interview with the Saints. He’s fully locked in on Washington’s season and won’t begin evaluating his options until they’re done playing.
— Nick Underhill (@nick_underhill) January 25, 2025
Kliff Kingsbury remains in play for the Saints’ head coaching job, if he decides to interview for it. It won’t be an issue until the Commanders’ playoff run ends. https://t.co/JolUtldkjt
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) January 26, 2025
Kliff Kingsbury happy in Washington:
“I think Kliff Kingsbury is very happy in Washington and he has an incredible Quarterback..
He’s not rushing to become a Head Coach again”@AdamSchefter #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/9R2gvoid7m
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) January 20, 2025