When the Washington Commanders hired D.J. Williams to be their new quarterbacks coach, some believed this was a sentimental hire. This is the son of franchise legend Doug Williams, and the old-boys' club act was floated once the appointment was confirmed.
However, there is no doubt Williams earned the job on merit. And the ambitious coach has already made a considerable impact even before the Commanders get to training camp.
Williams might have a strong family connection to the organization, but he is more than qualified. His father didn't even know head coach Dan Quinn was considering him for the job until he found out after the Commanders made their choice. And he immediately hit it off with Jayden Daniels.
Commanders' bold D.J. Williams hire already looks like good business
The coach wasted no time pushing Daniels over Washington's offseason program. This is what the signal-caller responds best to. And away from the practice field, they have bonded, talking about life beyond the game.
This is precisely what Commanders fans wanted to see.
Daniels has lost two key allies. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury left the club after his vision for the offense no longer matched Quinn's. Quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard left during the season for the Stanford head coaching job. David Blough is still around in a more important role, but someone else needed to become a support system.
That man is Williams.
There is a long way to go, and Williams is only just finding his feet. Even so, he's made a good first impression. And after a smooth transition between the two, Daniels is fully on board.
Continuity is important in the NFL. Daniels is undergoing plenty of changes around him, but Williams has helped keep complications to a minimum.
This matters a lot. Williams is confident, convincing, and is ready to capitalize on this significant opportunity. Daniels has responded positively to his demands, and all signs are pointing up for an offense that promises to look much more innovative with Blough calling plays.
The Commanders need to bounce back this season. They need to make sure last season's capitulation becomes a blip on their road to prosperity. Quinn is under pressure to turn the tide, so every move needed to be the right one this offseason.
Quinn believed in Williams. He's been around the game for a long time, and he knows a good coach when he sees one. For all his perceived faults, he cannot be faulted for putting exceptional coaching staffs in place both with the Commanders and during his tenure with the Atlanta Falcons.
And for now, it seems as if he may have pulled off another masterstroke with Williams.
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