The Washington Commanders were instantly linked to Mike McDaniel once he was fired by the Miami Dolphins. His close connection to head coach Dan Quinn, forged during their time together with the Atlanta Falcons, goes way beyond football. This seemed like a no-brainer, home-run move to most fans after offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury departed the franchise.
That didn't happen. And now, we may know why.
The Commanders promoted David Blough to the offensive coordinator role, who has no play-calling experience. McDaniel will become the Los Angeles Chargers' offensive coordinator if he doesn't get a head coaching job. That left some sections of the fan base and members of the Washington media perplexed, to put it mildly.
Commanders' fear of Mike McDaniel being one-and-done led them elsewhere
Fresh intel may reveal why the Commanders didn't seriously consider McDaniel for their play-calling role. Grant Paulsen from 106.7 The Fan, citing conversations with people in the building, said Washington wasn't enamored of the idea that this might be a one-and-done arrangement. As a result, they reportedly chose stability around quarterback Jayden Daniels instead.
"From what I've heard from people in the building, I do believe that this idea that it was a one-and-done with [Mike] McDaniel was a major turnoff for them. Because [Jayden] Daniels this year had this offense. Next year, he would have the McDaniel offense. And then the year after that would probably have yet another new coordinator. Ideally, someone you promote from within, from under McDaniel. That's three offenses in three years. It would be four offenses in five years. And at some point, you just go, "You know what, this is too much on the kid.""Grant Paulsen
Grant Paulsen believes the Commanders wanted continuity at the OC position, and Mike McDaniel wouldn't have been the best option for what they wanted. pic.twitter.com/BYzNzCPrFy
— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) January 21, 2026
This seems feasible. McDaniel was a hot commodity on this coaching cycle. If he came into the Commanders and got this offense humming once again, he'd be high on the list next year. Jim Harbaugh is willing to take that chance, knowing his innovative schematic concepts could be enough to get the Chargers and quarterback Justin Herbert over the hump.
Quinn wanted continuity. Daniels lost Kingsbury and Tavita Pritchard — two of his closest allies. If Blough had taken a job elsewhere, he'd have been starting from scratch. And one doesn't have to look far across league history to see what complications could arise.
However, the pressure is growing on Quinn. Having an elite offensive mind like McDaniel would have improved his chances of an immediate turnaround. If he left after that, so be it, but at least concerns about his own job status would have subsided.
And if everything does go well, there is just no telling how long Blough will be around before head-coaching interest comes his way.
It's an interesting strategy. For Quinn's sake, it better pay off.