Dan Quinn knew that he needed to take risks this offseason. And he's taken arguably the biggest one imaginable.
The Washington Commanders failed to reach the lofty bar they set for themselves after a memorable run to the NFC Championship game, and pressure was building. After waiting too long to make the desired alterations during his time with the Atlanta Falcons, the head coach wasn't going to make the same mistakes again.
Quinn's measures were drastic. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. was fired, which seemed inevitable from the moment he was demoted from play-calling duties. While the injuries and the lack of dynamism played their part, he never got the correct tune out of his players when push came to shove.
After failing to reach a compromise on how best to take things forward, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury also parted ways with the club. Quinn wanted a more pro-style system focused on laying the table for explosive plays. The alignment was gone, so it was the right call.
Instead of tapping into experience and his vast connections around the league, Quinn hired two coordinators with no NFL play-calling experience. David Blough will take over the offense, while Daronte Jones takes over the defense. It's a massive risk that will cost him his job if it doesn't pay off, but it could also be a masterstroke of epic proportions if everything comes together.
With this in mind, here are six winners and four losers from the Commanders' aggressive coordinator reset in 2026
Winners and losers from the Commanders' coordinator hiring gambles
Winner No. 1
Kain Medrano - Commanders LB
When Daronte Jones took to the podium for his introductory press conference, he wasted no time in highlighting the importance of versatility within the system he plans to run. The Washington Commanders' defensive coordinator also singled out some individuals he believes can thrive within his aggressive, innovative schematic concepts.
Some were expected. Name-dropping Kain Medrano was not.
Medrano was a surprising pick by the Commanders at No. 205 overall in the 2025 NFL Draft. He made the roster but failed to make the defensive rotation, flashing on special teams and nothing more as a rookie. His athleticism is absolutely off the charts. If Jones can harness this while also improving the player's tackling technique, Washington may be onto something.
The former UCLA star won't want to suffer a similar fate to Dominique Hampton, who also practically redshirted his rookie year but was cut before his second campaign. But reading between the lines, Jones' scheme and teaching methods could be the spark that ignites Medrano's fortunes.
Winner No. 2
Jacory Croskey-Merritt - Commanders RB
David Blough is eager for the Washington Commanders to strengthen their running back unit this offseason. This group will be integral to putting his grand plans into action, especially with quarterback Jayden Daniels expected to be taking a lot more snaps under center.
The play-caller also highlighted his confidence in Jacory Croskey-Merritt. After being drafted at No. 245 overall, the popular figure instantly became one of the best feel-good stories of the campaign. There was a slight rookie wall midway through the season, but finishing with 873 yards from scrimmage and eight touchdowns was better than even the brightest optimist envisaged.
Blough believes Croskey-Merritt should continue to evolve into a potential long-term RB1. He doesn't want him to do it alone, so help is on the way. However, it would be a big surprise if the first-year sensation didn't build on this positive start within offensive concepts better suited to his strengths.
Loser No. 1
Ben Sinnott - Commanders TE
The Commanders are unlikely to bring back veteran Pro Bowl tight end Zach Ertz after he suffered a torn ACL late in the campaign. He's been a fantastic servant to Washington over the last two years, but it's time for a fresh start and some fresh ideas.
However, that might not involve Ben Sinnott surging into the TE1 role if David Blough's recent comments are any indication.
Blough thought the 2024 second-round pick has a long way to go before confidence in his capabilities increases. Considering this is the time when most envisage the Kansas State product finally becoming the heir to Ertz's throne in the tight end room, it's a damning indictment of how his development is being perceived.
Sinnott remains an unknown quantity. Kliff Kingsbury didn't trust him, and there is a long way to go before he gains that from Blough.
Winner No. 3
Trey Amos - Commanders CB
Daronte Jones might be a rookie defensive coordinator in the NFL, but he's an accomplished coach with a glittering reputation in league circles. Making it as Brian Flores' right-hand man is no mean feat, and his exceptional work with defensive backs throughout his career should benefit the Commanders greatly.
There may be no bigger beneficiary than cornerback Trey Amos. The 2025 second-round pick immediately surged into a starting role in Year 1 of his professional career after shining over the summer. He was undoubtedly Washington's most consistent defensive back, but this momentum came to an abrupt halt with a season-ending injury in Week 10 against the Detroit Lions.
Amos is expected to be ready for offseason workouts, which is encouraging. If Jones can work his magic with the Ole Miss product, he's got the chance to potentially become a franchise cornerstone under his leadership.
Loser No. 2
Chris Rodriguez Jr. - Commanders RB
David Blough gave away some useful information during his introductory press conference. The offensive coordinator hinted that he would like reinforcements for the running back room. Although, as previously mentioned, he remains confident in Jacory Croskey-Merritt's capabilities after an encouraging rookie campaign.
For his scheme to work, another investment is required. That might come through free agency with several intriguing veterans with proven production set to hit the market. It might also come with Jeremiyah Love at No. 7 overall in the 2026 NFL Draft, providing some glaring defensive needs are fixed first.
Either way, this statement casts doubt on Chris Rodriguez Jr.'s future. He performed well last season, providing aggression and physicality between the tackles en route to 500 rushing yards and six touchdowns from 112 carries. He's an exclusive rights free agent, so the Commanders will probably tender an offer. But he's got to fight with everything he has for an extended role once again.
Winner No. 4
Terry McLaurin - Commanders WR
David Blough set out his stall in a typically unassuming way. He's not the loudest or the most brash, but he knows how best to take the Commanders' offense forward. And this all starts by making wide receiver Terry McLaurin a legitimate focal point at all three levels of the field.
McLaurin's 2025 season didn't go according to plan. The timing couldn't have been worse, after holding out all summer during a contract standoff with general manager Adam Peters. Nobody can do anything about injuries, but how the former Ohio State star responds is crucial.
Based on Blough's comments, the passing attack will revolve around McLaurin. He's the franchise wideout — a two-time Pro Bowler and undisputed locker room leader. He'll also be highly motivated to right a serious wrong from last season, which is only going to serve the Commanders well this time around.
Loser No. 3
Percy Butler - Commanders S
Daronte Jones named several defensive backs who he believes can thrive within his system. He's going to give everyone a shot, but the slate has been wiped clean. Anyone not displaying the correct growth or buying into the project will be shown the door.
One player Jones did not mention outright was Percy Butler. The safety got a new one-year deal ahead of time last offseason, keeping him under contract through 2026. This was down to his special-teams prowess rather than any significant impact on the defensive rotation, but that might not be enough this time around.
The Commanders will be acquiring reinforcements in the safety room. That has the scope to push everyone else a little further down the pecking order. Unless Butler shows enough, he just might be on the outside looking in.
Butler's contract is pretty easy to get out of if he no longer fits the plans. And make no mistake; the stakes have been raised.
Winner No. 5
Frankie Luvu - Commanders LB
Frankie Luvu had to go out of his comfort zone in his second season with the Washington Commanders. A stream of injuries meant the formidable linebacker was forced to spend more time as an edge rusher, which he admitted after the campaign didn't suit his skills.
It's hard to argue. Luvu's influence waned drastically from his second-team All-Pro season in 2024. He did what was required for the team, but it's time to get him back to doing what he does best.
Daronte Jones all but confirmed this during his introductory press conference. He believes Luvu is best as an off-ball linebacker, going downhill and matched up on running backs. This allows him to be instinctive, aggressive, and explosive — traits Washington lost last season when they moved him to the edge.
Luvu and the fan base should be absolutely thrilled by this news. Expect to see a different side to the second-level enforcer under Jones' guidance.
Loser No. 4
Johnny Newton - Commanders DL
Daronte Jones is expected to move the Commanders' defense to a 3-4 base front. That will depend on the situation, but his background working under the likes of Vance Joseph and Brian Flores makes this scenario almost a given.
That places pressure on the linebacking corps to become more influential. Looking at the current personnel at Washington's disposal, it may also dictate a need for enhancements in the trenches.
This brings Johnny Newton under a microscope. The 2024 second-round pick hasn't met his pre-draft billing as yet. He didn't progress effectively enough in his second campaign, despite a three-sack outing against the Dallas Cowboys late in the season. The Illinois product is not going to be a nose tackle, and he looks undersized for a 3-4 defensive end, so it'll be interesting to see what Jones has in store.
Newton might be a pass-rush specialist and nothing more. That's deeply disappointing for someone the Commanders thought could be a legitimate difference-maker.
Winner No. 6
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
Everything head coach Dan Quinn has done this offseason so far centers on the growth of quarterback Jayden Daniels. Injury problems prevented him from making a lasting contribution during the 2025 season, but things looked out of sync even when he was on the field. That has to change if the Commanders want to maximize his rookie contract.
More pro-style concepts. Much more of Daniels under center. A gap-zone running scheme that alleviates pressure on the dynamic signal-caller. A pressing need to increase the number of explosive plays. That is the expected formula, and the former LSU standout is also getting a larger say in how the system is designed.
Daniels revealed that he's become more vocal about the concepts he wants David Blough to implement. Comfort is key here, and the already developed relationship between the player and coach should be enough to smooth the transition.
The Commanders are placing significant faith in Daniels. If he stays healthy, it's all systems go.