Commanders deep dive: Assessing the new coaching staff under Dan Quinn
By Jonathan Eig
Bobby Johnson - Commanders OL coach
- Previous job: Offensive line coach, New York Giants
- Replacing: Travelle Wharton
One of the position groups most in need of an overhaul is being turned over to a coach who was fired by the New York Giants as soon as the 2023 season concluded. Bobby Johnson has had a long and mostly successful career coaching offensive lines, but his two-year run with the G-Men was disastrous.
The Giants' offensive line may have been one of the only units worse than the Commanders in 2023. This one is a head-scratcher.
Green flag: Andrew Thomas. Johnson doesn’t get all the credit, but the player grew into an exceptional left tackle during Johnson’s tenure in New York.
Red flag: His stint with the Giants doesn't leave many reasons for encouragement.
Brian Johnson - Commanders offensive assistant
- Previous job: Offensive coordinator, Philadelphia Eagle
- Replacing: Perhaps Ken Zampese
After making a name for himself coaching Jalen Hurts, Brian Johnson took over as Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator for the departed Shane Steichen in 2023. The season began pretty well, but something happened in the second half of the campaign and they imploded.
Johnson was one of the primary scapegoats. He was fired at the end of the season.
Green flag: With Kliff Kingbury, Tavita Pritchard, and Johnson in house, the Commanders boast a lot of coaches who have had success developing young quarterbacks.
Red flag: No one is entirely sure of Johnson’s responsibilities as of now. I believe he was unfairly blamed for what happened in Philadelphia last year, but you have to wonder whether the experience damaged his confidence.