As the Washington Commanders pivot toward the 2026 NFL calendar year, the franchise faces a bevy of changes and a new cast of leaders in the clubhouse. Among the most notable moves is the promotion of David Blough from interim Quarterbacks Coach to Offensive Coordinator. The 30-year-old former quarterback has spent two seasons in offensive assistant roles with Washington and possesses an impressive pedigree, having learned under minds like Kliff Kingsbury, Kevin O’Connell, and Ben Johnson during his playing and coaching career.

While Blough’s rise is exciting, there is reason for caution as the team builds its 2026 offense around star quarterback Jayden Daniels. Blough is an inexperienced play-caller who has never called plays in a professional game. The "ebb and flow" of an NFL Sunday requires a certain level of “game-feel” and savvy that can typically only be developed through years on the headset.

With the potential departure of Assistant Head Coach Brian Johnson—who is currently being courted for coordinator roles elsewhere—Washington would be wise to insulate its young coordinator with a grizzled veteran who has experience leading a room through high-pressure situations. Enter Darrell Bevell.

The most obvious link to Bevell is his history with Head Coach Dan Quinn. The two weren’t just colleagues in Seattle; they were the lead coordinators of the Seahawks’ back-to-back Super Bowl appearances in 2013 and 2014. While Quinn oversaw the legendary “Legion of Boom” defense, Bevell managed the league's top-rated rushing attack and guided the rise of Russell Wilson. Quinn has firsthand knowledge of Bevell’s temperament, leadership, and offensive philosophy.

Under Bevell, the Seahawks’ ground game was the epitome of "smashmouth" football. From 2012 to 2015, Seattle fielded a top-four rushing offense anchored by Marshawn Lynch. This physical, downhill attack provided the perfect marriage to a stout defense—an identity Quinn likely hopes to replicate in Washington.

Even more appealing is the explosive element Bevell brought to that system. He integrated play-action seamlessly, using misdirection to open "moonball" shots downfield for Wilson. During his seven seasons in Seattle, the team’s cumulative passer rating of 95.7 was fourth-best in the NFL. This blueprint—marrying a physical run game with vertical shots—is exactly what Washington envisions for Jayden Daniels. 

He also capitalized on Wilson’s mobility through designed bootlegs and zone-read concepts, ensuring his quarterback remained a threat while creating easier throwing lanes. These are skills that align perfectly with Daniels’ dual-threat strengths. 

Another compelling component to Bevell is his recent connection with Mike McDaniel. Over the last four seasons, Bevell has served as the Passing Game Coordinator and Quarterbacks Coach for McDaniel in Miami. This is beneficial to Washington for two reasons: First, it has been widely documented that Quinn and McDaniel have a deep relationship and communicate often, so the Bevell connection is further deepened. Second, Bevell has now expanded his repertoire and gained firsthand experience running the Shanahan offensive system—something Washington is reportedly hoping to adopt this season.

In addition to running the traditional Shanahan wide-zone scheme, McDaniel is renowned for integrating high-speed pre-snap motion and a vertical West Coast philosophy. McDaniel dresses his offense with "eye candy," and now the 15-year coordinator can add those modern learning principles to his cap.

Incorporating more pre-snap motion and having firsthand knowledge of the Shanahan offense would only benefit Washington, and further support Blough in his creativity and offensive install. 

The other hot name in NFL circles is Ben Johnson, the current head coach of the Chicago Bears. Almost everyone wants to pull from his braintrust and incorporate his philosophies into the modern NFL. Both Blough and Bevell have connections to Johnson from their shared time in Detroit. In 2019, when Bevell took over as the Lions’ Offensive Coordinator, he actually scouted Johnson and gave him his first real opportunity in the league. As opposed to typical NFL cronyism, he ventured outside the box and appointed Johnson as Offensive Quality Control coach per the recommendation of Kevin Rogers, whom Bevell knew from their time together on the Minnesota Vikings coaching staff. Johnson obviously impressed during his tenure under Bevell, leading to his eventual promotion to Tight Ends Coach.

Johnson has credited Bevell for his first opportunity and expressed gratitude for being allowed to spend extra time in the film room to “nerd out.” At times, Bevell would even incorporate trick plays that Johnson designed, and the two continue to maintain a strong relationship. This history with Johnson is encouraging because it illustrates that Bevell knows how to not only coexist with, but actively foster young offensive minds under his guidance.

Considering that Bevell has spent over 15 years as an elite offensive mind and reached the Super Bowl twice, it would be highly beneficial for him to come to Washington and support a novice play-caller. Although Blough is an “upside” move as a coordinator, he would benefit from having a veteran thought-partner to bounce ideas off of and ask for guidance. After all, Bevell has also served as an interim head coach twice—with the Detroit Lions (2020) and the Jacksonville Jaguars (2021)—so he has experience leading an entire room.

The Commanders currently have Anthony Lynn as their run game coordinator and Darnell Stapleton as their offensive line coach. Although Lynn has extensive experience, Stapleton is in a newer role as the primary O-line lead. At 40 years old, Stapleton is running his first NFL blocking scheme at the top level and would likely benefit from additional veteran guidance.

Therefore, if current Assistant Head Coach Brian Johnson leaves, Bevell stands out as a logical fit to support Blough in his first season commanding an offense. Bevell has proven experience leading physical run attacks and fostering the growth of mobile quarterbacks like Russell Wilson. He offers exposure to the desirable Shanahan offensive system and provides a steady balance of experience and modern perspective to the Commanders’ staff.

Do you see Bevell as a good fit? Share your thoughts in the comments below. 

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