The Washington Commanders managed to retain most of their coaching staff despite a memorable run to the NFC Championship game in 2024. However, a major development at the collegiate level could result in a possible fight to keep one prominent figure around quarterback sensation Jayden Daniels.
Stanford fired head coach Troy Taylor after allegations surfaced regarding mistreatment of staff members. Not exactly ideal with spring training on the immediate horizon and the transfer portal opening again, but Cardinal general manager Andrew Luck had no other option.
Attention immediately turns to finding his replacement. Luck will strike quickly, given that time is of the essence. One analyst believes he could turn to one of his old teammates who's currently on Washington's staff.
Commanders QB coach Tavita Pritchard linked with Stanford head coaching vacancy
Dan Lyons from Sports Illustrated named Tavita Pritchard among the potential candidates for Stanford's new vacancy. The Commanders' quarterbacks coach has a blossoming reputation in league circles. Although a promising professional career could be in the offing, the allure of returning to somewhere close to his heart might be difficult to turn down.
"[Tavita] Pritchard left for the NFL in '23, taking the job as Commanders quarterbacks coach in '23. He was retained by new head coach Dan Quinn the following offseason, and helped Jayden Daniels put together one of the most impressive rookie seasons in NFL history in '24. At 38, Pritchard is a coach on the rise, who will likely be in line for NFL offensive coordinator jobs assuming Daniels continues on his potential MVP trajectory. But his Stanford roots run deep, and one has to assume he'd answer the call from his alma mater."Dan Lyons
This is something to monitor at the very least. Whether it amounts to anything more concrete is another matter.
Pritchard gained widespread praise for his work alongside Daniels in 2024 during his meteoric rise to superstardom. He interviewed for the Jacksonville Jaguars' offensive coordinator vacancy before they went in a different direction. That was great news for the Commanders, but it's a reflection of how the coach's career trajectory is being perceived positively around the league.
Luck and Pritchard know each other well. There is an already-established relationship between the two, so it's no surprise to see speculation arise regarding an approach. The Commanders would fight to keep him around, but it might be worth head coach Dan Quinn, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, and general manager Adam Peters forming contingency plans just in case.
This would likely involve David Blough receiving a promotion. The current assistant quarterbacks coach is highly thought of in the building and had an approach from the Chicago Bears blocked this offseason. If Pritchard departs, this is a seamless transition that maintains familiarity around Daniels before a crucial second season for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
It's just rumors and hearsay right now, but it's not hard to connect the dots. Whether Pritchard wants to drop back down to the college level — albeit for a head coaching job with a program he knows well — is debatable. But the Commanders need to be ready regardless of whether something comes from this speculation or not.
Pritchard is heading for big things. That could come sooner than expected if this projection becomes something of substance.
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