The Washington Commanders took a massive risk by promoting David Blough to replace Kliff Kingsbury as offensive coordinator. He has no play-calling experience and was only a position coach for a few weeks after Tavita Pritchard left to take the Stanford head-coaching job. That makes it crucial to put the right staff around him.
Arguably, the most important was finding a competent quarterbacks coach who could help steer Jayden Daniels back on the path to prosperity. The No. 2 pick in 2024 failed to build on his exceptional rookie campaign, with injuries playing a significant role in his demise. Blough's promotion maintained some continuity, and there is now another significant arrival with close ties to the organization.
According to Adam Schefter of ESPN, the Commanders have hired D.J. Williams as Washington's quarterbacks coach. He's joining from the Atlanta Falcons, where he held the same role. But with Raheem Morris out as head coach, his services are no longer required.
Commanders banking on D.J. Williams to help get Jayden Daniels back on track
The new appointment is the son of legendary former Washington quarterback Doug Williams, who remains heavily involved behind the scenes. He's become a close mentor to Daniels over the last two years. Now, his offspring gets the chance to help remind the league why he was on the fast track to legitimate superstardom in 2024.
It's an emotional hire, for sure. Some fans have claimed that the Commanders have valued sentiment over substance, especially after interviewing just two candidates for the job. That's to be determined, but Williams has experience to call upon.
He spent five years as an offensive assistant with the New Orleans Saints before joining the Falcons. He was an assistant quarterbacks coach in 2024 before moving to quarterbacks coach this season. While first-round pick Michael Penix Jr.'s development didn't go well in Year 2, the Commanders clearly feel like he's got the coaching tools needed to assist Daniels before and during his critical third campaign.
The last name obviously helped; anyone who said otherwise is missing the bigger picture. But considering what's at stake for head coach Dan Quinn in 2026, he's not going to give anything the green light without being absolutely sure.
Williams has earned the right to be here. If Mike Bercovici had impressed enough during his interview, he'd have gotten the job. That wasn't the case. Everyone should give this time to work out, given the pressure building across the board.
What's important is that Daniels has a strong support system in place after Kingsbury and Pritchard left town. The Commanders have seemingly assembled precisely that, but what comes next is more important.