One of the Detroit Lions’ reported candidates for its offensive coordinator vacancy is now off the board.
Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Washington Commanders are hiring David Blough as its new offensive coordinator, promoting Blough from within after he served the past two seasons as the franchise’s assistant quarterbacks coach. Blough replaces Kliff Kingsbury, who mutually parted ways with the organization.
Blough, 30, is regarded as one of the coaching profession’s fast risers and was quickly linked to the Lions’ OC vacancy when Detroit fired John Morton.
The #Commanders are hiring former NFL QB and rising assistant coach David Blough to be their new offensive coordinator, sources say.
The #Lions showed real interest in Blough, and Washington acted fast to hire one of the NFL’s youngest and brightest offensive minds. Big hire. pic.twitter.com/FpT83guQk9
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 9, 2026
Detroit could have made sense for Blough as a first-time OC. Blough spent parts of five seasons as one of the Lions’ quarterbacks, starting five games for Detroit during his rookie season in 2019. Of course, Blough also played for Lions head coach Dan Campbell and alongside Detroit franchise signal-caller Jared Goff.
Blough’s familiarity with Goff could have been alluring for both parties. Plus, the Lions’ plethora of pass-catchers and its running backs in Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery give Detroit one of the best sets of skill weapons in the NFL.
But, Blough opts for the promotion in Washington and the chance to continue working with and developing young Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels, who led Washington to the NFC Championship game in the 2024 NFL season.
