10 names to know for next Commanders' offensive coordinator

4 days ago 2

The Washington Commanders need a new offensive coordinator after parting ways with Kliff Kingsbury on Tuesday. When Kingsbury was hired in 2024, most believed he'd only be in Washington for the short term, as he'd eventually leave for another head coaching job.

That's not what happened. Philosophical differences apparently led head coach Dan Quinn to seek a new offensive coordinator. Will Quinn look to someone with whom he has a prior relationship, or go outside of his comfort zone? In addition to needing a new offensive coordinator, Quinn also needs a new defensive coordinator.

CBS NFL insider Jonathan Jones said the following about Washington's offensive coordinator search.

That certainly sounds promising for Washington, but the Commanders are also competing with several teams that are hiring new head coaches and need coordinators.

Who are some of the best potential fits for Washington? Here are 10 candidates to watch.

Former Giants coach Brian Daboll

We explained the case for Daboll earlier. He has experience working with mobile quarterbacks in recent years (Josh Allen, Daniel Jones & Jaxson Dart). Daboll also adapts to his personnel. While things were bad during his time as the Giants' head coach, Daboll has an excellent reputation as an offensive play-caller. He's also a big fan of Jayden Daniels. Another bonus: he's currently unemployed and can get to work immediately. Daboll also has connections to Quinn and GM Adam Peters.

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel

McDaniel is a potential dream hire. He's still the Dolphins head coach, but Baltimore's firing of John Harbaugh makes things interesting. If Miami fires McDaniel, he vaults to the top of the list. He's a Kyle Shanahan disciple, which is important to Washington because it wants to run the ball better. He's also close with Quinn. This feels impossible currently, but if he's free, watch out.

49ers offensive coordinator Klay Kubiak

A former college quarterback and son of former Super Bowl-winning coach Gary Kubiak, Klay Kubiak is also the younger brother of Seahawks offensive coordinator and head coaching candidate Klint Kubiak. After beginning his coaching career in high school, the 49ers hired Kubiak in 2021, and he's been moving up ever since. He took over as 49ers offensive coordinator in 2025. While he doesn't call plays yet, Kyle Shanahan believes he has a bright future. Shanahan is close with Quinn and GM Adam Peters. Kubiak could be worth the gamble.

Rams offensive coordinator Mike LaFleur

LaFleur is similar to Kubiak in many ways, including their titles and ages. LaFleur has been the Rams' offensive coordinator since 2023. He doesn't call plays under Sean McVay. But, like Shanahan, other teams love to hire from their coaching tree. Did we also mention that LaFleur is Green Bay coach Matt LaFleur's younger brother? Mike LaFleur has play-calling experience. It didn't go well, but it was with the New York Jets. No one succeeds there. LaFleur has worked for Shanahan and McVay—another impressive name to watch.

Rams passing game coordinator Nate Scheelhaase

Another Sean McVay assistant. Scheelhaase received plenty of attention last year, but chose to remain with the Rams. A former college quarterback at Illinois, Scheelhaase immediately transitioned to coaching, working at Iowa State for six seasons, advancing multiple times before coming to the NFL in 2024. McVay increased his responsibilities last offseason in order to retain him. Scheelhaase is 35, and many believe he will be a head coach soon. If McVay is high on him, that's all you need to know.

Commanders assistant QB coach David Blough

Blough is a former NFL quarterback who has been with Washington for the last two seasons. Kliff Kingsbury hired Blough and immediately saw his potential as a future coach. Jayden Daniels loves Blough. He took over as QB coach late in the season when Tavita Pritchard left for Stanford. Blough will soon be an offensive coordinator. He's a future head coach and his rise will be fast. Would Quinn trust his future with the 30-year-old Blough?

Commanders assistant head coach/pass game coordinator Brian Johnson

Assistant head coach and offensive passing game coordinator Brian Johnson of the Washington Commanders looks on against the New York Jets in the second half of the preseason game at MetLife Stadium on August 10, 2024 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Jets defeated the Commanders 20-17. (Photo by Mitchell Leff/Getty Images)

Johnson is young (38) and has experience as an NFL offensive coordinator. Unfortunately, his one season as the Eagles' offensive coordinator did not go well. Sure, it's not fair to place all the blame on Johnson, but it's a concern. A former college quarterback at Utah, Johnson has been with the Commanders for the past two seasons. His candidacy depends on whether Quinn thinks he's ready for another shot.

Jaguars offensive coordinator Grant Udinski

Udinski is in his first season as the Jaguars' offensive coordinator. He doesn't call plays. Only 30, Udinski could be considered the top up-and-comer on this list. He's drawn rave reviews from numerous respected coaches, including Kevin O'Connell. O'Connell wanted to retain Udinski, but he chose to go to Jacksonville to work under Liam Coen. He's ready for the next step. Will it be in Washington?

Vikings quarterbacks coach Josh McCown

A 19-year NFL quarterback, McCown, 46, is also viewed as a riser in the coaching ranks. Working under O'Connell in Minnesota the last two seasons, McCown is ready for the next step. McCown has experience playing in many different offensive schemes and working under O'Connell; there are some similarities to McVay's scheme. McCown is a great teacher, and this seems like the year he will land an offensive coordinator position.

49ers run game coordinator/tight ends coach Brian Fleury

Another Shanahan disciple. The 49ers love Fleury and have praised him at every turn. He's been on these lists for a few years, but always remains in San Francisco. Peters knows Fleury well from his time in San Francisco as assistant GM. Fleury has been in the NFL since 2013, and Shanahan hired him in 2019. He's moved up multiple times. When you're looking to improve the run game, there may not be a better candidate than Fleury. The Commanders were linked to Fleury in 2024 before Kingsbury's hiring.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: 10 names to watch for next OC

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