Commanders could hire Grant Udinski
As mentioned previously, the Washington Commanders could hedge their bets on a young coach who resonates with modern-day players. That might not be head coach Dan Quinn's typical approach, but the time for half-measures is over.
It's ambitious, but one has to wonder whether the Commanders could lure Grant Udinski from the Jacksonville Jaguars once their playoff run concludes. Like Mike LaFleur, he's an offensive coordinator who doesn't call plays. He's also worked alongside another Mike Shanahan disciple — Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell — during his time in the NFC North.
The Jaguars would likely block any approach from Udinski, who has played a leading role in helping quarterback Trevor Lawrence finally reach his potential. However, as in the case of LaFleur, the chance to do the same with Jayden Daniels while also running the offense entirely is an intriguing option to have.
Jacksonville is finally on a sounder footing after years of languishing in the proverbial wilderness. Upsetting the dynamic after such a successful season could jeopardize everything. The Commanders don't care much about that, but Jaguars owner Shahid Khan may offer Udinski a substantial pay increase to deter offers from elsewhere.
That seems the likeliest outcome. But for the Commanders, it's nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Commanders could hire Brian Daboll
It didn't take long for Brian Daboll's name to come up in speculation once Kliff Kingsbury and the Washington Commanders mutually agreed to part ways. Even though his tenure as New York Giants head coach ended poorly, he remains a respected offensive mind with a proven record of developing quarterbacks.
Daboll is unlikely to get head-coaching interest during this cycle. However, he will be a coveted offensive coordinator for several teams. And rumors suggest that the Commanders will target him early in their process.
This would be a home-run hire for the Commanders. Daboll is a known fan of Jayden Daniels, which is always a positive start. He's also had significant success with a mobile quarterback in the past, turning Buffalo Bills signal-caller Josh Allen into an elite-level difference-maker before taking the job in New York.
That wasn't a good fit despite some fleeting success. Daboll was hanging by a thread entering the season and couldn't turn the tide despite some encouraging work with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. With pressure mounting on Dan Quinn, this could be the experienced yet innovative offensive mind he is looking for.
The Commanders won't be alone in targeting Daboll. If there is a legitimate interest in bringing him into the fold, it needs to happen sooner rather than later.