Commanders hired Danny Etling as assistant QBs coach
Most Washington Commanders fans thought it would be wise for David Blough to put an experienced staff in place to help smooth his transition from an assistant coach to offensive coordinator. There are still decisions to make, but the youth movement hasn't slowed down by any stretch of the imagination.
The Commanders hired Danny Etling as their assistant quarterbacks coach, a role Blough held this time last year. He's got no coaching experience and was a well-traveled signal-caller who didn't do enough to catch on anywhere.
Etling's last run was with the UFL's Michigan Panthers in 2024. It's another surprising hire, but Blough obviously trusts him. The two were teammates once upon a time, so there is already a developed relationship. And if the rookie play-caller believes, there needs to be a level of confidence attached.
Grade: C+
The move is a shot in the dark. It is also in keeping with Washington's approach, so there is at least some alignment.
Commanders promoted Darnell Stapleton to OL coach
When Bobby Johnson was removed from his role as offensive coordinator, almost everyone thought the Commanders would bring in an outside hire for fresh ideas and coaching strategies to potentially improve the group. But once again, an in-house promotion was the preferred route.
The Commanders gave the job to Darnell Stapleton. He was the assistant offensive line coach under Johnson. So if the departed coach deserves praise for turning this unit into a cohesive force, then his replacement also deserves a chance.
Stapleton is a young, ascending coach. He's spent the last two years in Washington. He was also a high-priority addition to the staff when Johnson came on board. This speaks volumes and maintains stability amid drastic changes across the board.
- Grade: A
The blocking concepts will probably change, but this was a shrewd move to keep around a coach held in high regard around the league.
Commanders hired Daronte Jones as DC
The Commanders waited patiently before confirming their next defensive coordinator. There was immense importance to get this hire right, so head coach Dan Quinn was right to cover every base before making his move.
Washington couldn't convince Brian Flores to leave the Minnesota Vikings. However, the Commanders managed to get the next best thing by luring their right-hand man to the franchise.
Daronte Jones is the new defensive coordinator. Like David Blough, he's also got no previous NFL play-calling experience. But unlike Blough, his journey in the coaching ranks is vast and widely respected.
Jones will make the Commanders' defense more aggressive and explosive. He's worked under some of the elite defensive minds in his career, and his accomplished credentials and motivational techniques make this a natural progression.
- Grade: A
Again, some fans were hoping for more experience. But the Commanders may have pulled off a masterstroke of epic proportions by giving Jones a deserved shot.
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