The Washington Commanders will officially watch a second former offensive head to the West Coast with Brian Johnson accepting a job elsewhere
One of the biggest questions for the Washington Commanders coaching staff to answer this offseason has now been answered with Brian Johnson leaving the organization to join the Los Angeles Rams' staff under head coach Sean McVay.
Johnson is set to become a senior offensive assistant for the Rams after the team announced their finalized staff on Monday, leaving the Commanders after two seasons as the assistant head coach and offensive pass game coordinator. He joined the organization ahead of the 2024 season alongside Kingsbury, who reunites with the former Washington assistant on the West Coast.
The move also comes after David Blough was promoted from assistant quarterbacks coach to new offensive coordinator just days after head coach Dan Quinn announced both coordinators would not return following the 2025 season. The promotion marked a notable shift for Washington, but also marked a missed opportunity for Johnson after interviewing yet ultimately being passed over for the job, ending a chance for upward mobility within the organization.
The former Eagles offensive coordinator drew an interview with the Denver Broncos during the early stages of their search for a new offensive coordinator, but Johnson would be passed over after head coach Sean Payton opted for an internal move after promoting Davis Webb into the position. While it closed the door on the chance for Johnson to head to the AFC for the first time in his career, that never meant his status with Washington was solidified after being passed over for the position.
Johnson also previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles during the 2023 season after previously serving as the quarterbacks coach, while he also carried the same title with both Houston and Florida prior to making the jump to the NFL.
While the possibility that Johnson would leave still remained ever since his interview last month, the official departure marks a notable blow to an offensive staff with already limited NFL experience. Previous reports pointed to Washington expected to prioritize a veteran addition to replace Johnson's role on the staff with first-year coordinator David Blough transitioning to an under center style offense in 2026 as quarterback Jayden Daniels - and head coach Dan Quinn - prepares for a pivotal year three.
The news also comes on the same day that an official title materialized for Kliff Kingsbury, Washington's former offensive coordinator, with the Rams announcing him as the new assistant head coach.