A new era dawns for the Washington Commanders. Head coach Dan Quinn fired offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. after a dismal 2025 campaign. They weren't the only ones sacrificed; offensive line coach Bobby Johnson was also made surplus to requirements.
Johnson did a good job overall. Nobody knows what was going on behind the scenes, and terrible seasons often come with wholesale changes. The rumors swirling about fractured relationships within the building are much more concerning, so what comes next for Quinn cannot be overstated to avoid speculation about his own job status in the coming months.
His next hires are crucial. General manager Adam Peters distanced himself from coaching decisions, leaving that to Quinn. He's got enough on his plate with revamping the roster, and this would also give him less accountability if it all goes horribly wrong.
Dan Orlovsky urges Commanders to splash the cash on Dwayne Ledford to replace Bobby Johnson
Dan Orlovsky had the perfect replacement in mind for Johnson. The quarterback-turned-ESPN analyst urged Washington to back up the Brinks truck for Dwayne Ledford, the run game coordinator and offensive line coach for the Atlanta Falcons. He may be seeking alternative employment after the NFC South club fired head coach Raheem Morris, and it would be a perfect fit for what the Commanders are trying to implement.
Ledford masterminded the Falcons into a formidable offensive line with an even more formidable rushing attack. Having Bijan Robinson helps, of course, but the gap scheme and wide-zone concepts are among the things Washington is looking to introduce. It's one of the reasons Kingsbury was fired, and this makes a lot of sense.
Obviously, the next offensive coordinator will have his own ideas about who to bring in. That appointment needs to happen quickly, and it might even come from in-house if the Commanders don't want to lose David Blough amid interest from elsewhere.
An external arrival seems desirable, but those in power must act swiftly and with conviction, given that so many other franchises are seeking the same.
There is no doubt Ledford is qualified. Whether the Falcons would let him talk to the Commanders for a lateral move before getting their own house in order is anyone's guess, but it wouldn't hurt to try.
Others will be considered. The Commanders need to first appoint their new offensive coordinator and take it from there. And the sooner that happens, the more chance Washington has of finding the upgrades needed to get this franchise trending up after a campaign that fans won't remember with any great fondness.
Watch this space...