Head coach Dan Quinn has already made changes to his staff this offseason. Nobody expected anything less after the Washington Commanders failed to meet expectations in 2025, but it was a drastic roll of the dice that can hopefully lead to improved fortunes moving forward.
Both coordinators have been replaced. Daronte Jones will lead the defense, and David Blough will spearhead the offense. There have also been alterations to the assistant coaches. Most were already public knowledge, but Quinn confirmed another development that may seem minor but could have significant benefits.
Quinn revealed that Wes Welker will move from the personnel analyst role he occupied last season onto the offensive coaching staff. The official position hasn’t been disclosed, but this adds yet another accomplished up-and-coming mind to help Blough implement his new concepts.
Commanders will benefit greatly from Wes Welker on the offensive staff
Welker joined the Commanders last offseason. His previous connection to wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. was another positive, and it was no surprise to see the versatile weapon enjoy a productive year as a result.
The ex-wideout also helped out on special teams while Brian Schneider was dealing with a health issue. Quinn was suitably impressed, and now Welker will aim to make his presence felt in a more influential coaching role.
This isn’t Welker’s first coaching go-around. He was a wide receivers coach with both the San Francisco 49ers and Miami Dolphins before joining the Commanders. He’s also a two-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowler who attained 903 receptions for 9,924 receiving yards and 50 touchdowns throughout his career, so the achievements speak for themselves.
Just what Welker’s responsibilities will be hasn’t been disclosed as yet. But having his presence, knowledge, and personable approach will only help the Commanders get out of their slump and back into contention.
Welker has earned Quinn’s trust, which is important. But the head coach is letting Blough mold his offensive staff as he sees fit, so the play-caller clearly also sees something that could potentially help.
This is a new era for the Commanders. Quinn is under pressure to put things right, and he’s gone a little bit out of his comfort zone. Nobody should discredit him for that, and Welker is another sign that Washington is willing to go bolder with fresh ideas and coaches who may resonate more with modern players to turn the tide.
If it doesn’t work out, at least Quinn tried something new. And in Welker, this is a proven performer in his playing days who will be striving with everything he has to help get this ambitious project back on track.
