While the Washington Commanders continue to search for their next defensive coordinator, the noise still hasn't died down from Dan Quinn's shocking promotion of David Blough to lead his offense.
Entering a make-or-break year for his job status, Quinn needed to bring in a proven play-caller, such as former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel. Instead, Washington chose the 30-year-old Blough, who was the team's assistant quarterbacks coach until late in the 2025 season.
It could easily backfire, but it could also prove to be a stroke of genius. And that's all by design.
If Dan Quinn goes down because of David Blough, at least he went down swinging
For as much heat as Quinn has taken, in this instance, he did exactly what Commanders fans have been begging the team's various coaching staffs to do for years. Washington had a young assistant in its ranks who was turning heads around the league as a rising star, and didn't let him leave the building.
The Detroit Lions, for whom Blough played three seasons as a backup, were interested in hiring him for the same position. This was not some total left-field hire out of pure desperation. It was one in which, had Washington not pulled the trigger, somebody else would have.
Ben Standig, who covers the team independently, may have put it best on The Team 980. Hiring Blough shows that Quinn is willing to fall on his sword if the move doesn't pan out.
"It's a bold move, to say the least, and it's probably Dan Quinn saying, "If I'm going out, I'm going out on my terms. I gotta do my thing.""Ben Standig via The Team 980
Ben Standig thinks the David Blough hire is risky by Dan Quinn, but believes if the Commanders HC is gonna go out, it'll be on his terms at least pic.twitter.com/0hyO3eYpPc
— The Team 980 (@team980) January 12, 2026
Standig also points out that, had Washington hired McDaniel or attempted to keep Kliff Kingsbury, they probably wouldn't have been around for very long. Blough gives the Commanders someone who likely won't be considered for head coaching openings for at least a few more years, but who can build a long-term relationship with Jayden Daniels and the offense.
It's an admirable move from Quinn, the more you think about it.
In his position, he could have easily chosen a safer hire to keep his job secure. Instead, he's swinging for the fences, and if it doesn't pan out, he's made his peace with what that means for him.
If Blough's promotion results in Quinn being fired, it'll be because he tried to do something different. It's hard to fault him for that.