Headlines

Washington Commanders News & Rumors

Joe Brady, Brian Daboll, Anthony Lynn, Grant Udinski Among Bills’ HC Interview Requests; Klint Kubiak On Radar

By | at January 21, 2026 10:31 am

An eventful Bills morning includes a host of candidates to replace Sean McDermott. As expected, offensive coordinator Joe Brady is on that list.

The three-year Buffalo OC will interview to replace his former boss, The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reports. A former Bills offensive coordinator — Anthony Lynn, currently the Commanders’ run-game coordinator — will also meet about the job, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Lynn, a two-year Bills staffer who finished his tenure as interim HC, will meet about the job Saturday.

[RELATED: 2026 NFL Head Coaching Search Tracker]

A name we also heard at the outset of the search process, Brian Daboll, is on the list as well. Daboll, the Bills’ OC from 2018-21, will interview, Russini tweets. Colts defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo will join him. A request also has gone out to Jaguars OC Grant Udinski, per NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero.

As the Dolphins have hired Jeff Hafley to be their HC, two-year Miami DC Anthony Weaver will likely head elsewhere. Weaver is on the Bills’ HC interview list as well, with Russini confirming he has received a request. Some of the Bills’ meetings will be in Buffalo, some in Florida, according to SI.com’s Albert Breer.

Teams generally veer in a different direction when they fire a head coach, making offense-minded candidates ones to watch closely in this Buffalo search. The Bills are also believed to be monitoring a candidate tied to one of the conference championship-bound teams. Seahawks OC Klint Kubiak is believed to be on the team’s radar, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones notes.

Brady remains in the running for the Cardinals, Ravens and Raiders’ positions. On the radar for some of the jobs already filled, Brady is set to meet with Arizona and has a second Baltimore summit scheduled. He met with the Raiders virtually Sunday. Promoting Brady would be a way for the Bills to ensure continuity for Josh Allen, but given the team’s move to fire McDermott, is continuity what will be sought at this crucial point on the superstar quarterback’s timeline?

While Ken Dorsey was Allen’s OC between Daboll and Brady, the latter two are his most notable coordinators. Daboll was at the wheel when Allen morphed from a raw talent to a superstar, with the OC and Stefon Diggs receiving most of the credit for helping accelerate that development. Daboll, however, is coming off a rough three seasons with the Giants. The 2022 Coach of the Year did oversee an efficient Daniel Jones season in 2022, but he failed to avoid double-digit losses in 2023 and ’24 before being fired early in Jaxson Dart‘s Giants tenure.

Lynn was Buffalo’s OC to close the 2016 season, being elevated two times that year. Originally the Bills’ running backs coach to open Rex Ryan‘s tenure in 2015, Lynn climbed to interim OC and then replaced Ryan the following year. Lynn parlayed that into the Chargers’ HC job. Going 1-for-4 in playoff berths in Los Angeles, Lynn ended up as Dan Campbell‘s first Lions OC. Campbell stripped him of play-calling duties in 2021, leading to a one-and-done Detroit stay. Back on the position coaching tier since, Lynn has been with Washington since 2024.

Anarumo has not been a prominent name in this year’s cycle, but the Colts’ DC met about the Giants’ position. Udinski is deep in the Browns’ HC search, being set for a second interview this week. The 30-year-old made a big jump last year, going from assistant Vikings QBs coach to Jags OC. Udinski is just four months older than Allen.

Weaver is still in the thick of the Steelers and Ravens’ HC races, either being interviewed twice or having a second meeting scheduled with both. The Cardinals have also met with the two-year Miami DC.

Kubiak took meetings during the Seahawks’ bye week, but he is off limits for teams presently. The Bills cannot interview the first-year Seattle play-caller until after the Seahawks’ season ends. Kubiak is still up for the Cardinals, Ravens and Raiders’ positions.

The Bills have gone defense with their past two hires — Ryan and McDermott. Those represent the only HC hires of Terry Pegula‘s ownership tenure. Pegula bought the team during Doug Marrone‘s two-year run, which ended when the coach opted out of his contract following the 2014 season. Pegula and Brandon Beane, promoted to president of football ops, will be the key players in Buffalo’s first HC search in nine years.

6 comments Buffalo Bills Indianapolis Colts Jacksonville Jaguars Miami Dolphins Seattle Seahawks Washington Commanders

Coaching Rumors: Bucs, McDaniel, Morris, Bolts, Eagles, Vikings, Jags, Commanders

By | at January 20, 2026 3:00 pm

Mike McDaniel is still on the HC carousel, meeting with the Raiders on Monday and set for a second Browns interview Wednesday. He has landed on a few teams’ OC radars, including the Lions, Chargers, Eagles, Titans and Buccaneers. The Tampa gig could appeal given Todd Bowles‘ hot-seat status. The prospect of McDaniel joining the Bucs with an arrow toward succeeding Bowles is on the radar, per SI.com’s Albert Breer. The Bucs have promoted from within twice in the Jason Licht GM era, elevating OC Dirk Koetter and then giving Bowles the job after Bruce Arians‘ mid-offseason retirement in 2022. Bowles survived a collapse this season, firing OC Josh Grizzard. It would be interesting to see if he would hire an OC who could be in line to replace him down the line.

Here is the latest from the coaching ranks:

  • If the Chargers lose Jesse Minter to one of the remaining HC jobs, Jim Harbaugh may well look to promote from within. Defensive backs coach Steve Clinkscale has a “very good chance” of being Minter’s DC successor, The Athletic’s Daniel Popper notes. Harbaugh confirmed internal staffers would be considered if Minter leaves. This would add up considering Clinkscale’s past. He worked as Michigan’s DBs coach in 2021 before being the Wolverines’ co-DC alongside Minter from 2022-23. While Minter received the DC opportunity in Los Angeles, Clinkscale came along with Harbaugh in 2024. The Chargers would need to comply with the Rooney Rule, of course, meaning one external minority would need to be interviewed before this rumored promotion becomes final.
  • Raheem Morris has interviewed for the Cardinals, Giants and Titans’ HC jobs. With New York and Tennessee moving in different directions, Morris is down to either Arizona or the coordinator level. The two-time HC not receiving a third opportunity at a top job could lead to a TV future, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. Morris has come up as a possible Commanders DC option, and other teams would surely consider the former Rams coordinator. But he could be joining Mike Tomlin in the media soon.
  • Although Nick Sirianni and GM Howie Roseman are the point men in the Eagles‘ offensive coordinator search, the Philadelphia Inquirer’s Jeff McLane notes both Jeffery Lurie and his son have been sitting in on interviews. Julian Lurie has recently been named to a position within the organization, being listed as a business and football strategy staffer. Via PFR’s Coordinator Search Tracker, Philly has some big names on its radar.
  • The Vikings are moving on from offensive line coach Chris Kuper, with ESPN.com’s Kevin Seifert indicating the four-year Minnesota staffer’s contract expired. Minnesota will be looking for a new O-line coach for the first time in the Kevin O’Connell era. This was Kuper’s first crack as a top O-line coach, having been an assistant OL coach with the Broncos and Dolphins previously. Kuper, 43, was an eight-year Broncos O-lineman from 2006-13.
  • Jaguars assistant O-line coach Keli’i Kekuewa is taking over as Stanford’s O-line coach, CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz tweets. Kekeuwa spent one season in Jacksonville; he will follow ex-Commanders staffer Tavita Pritchard to Palo Alto. Offensive assistant Trevor Mendleson should receive consideration to replace him, per the Florida Times-Union’s Ryan O’Halloran.
  • Pritchard’s old job as Commanders QBs coach went to D.J. Williams; Washington has since named Danny Etling as its assistant QBs coach, Zenitz adds. A Patriots seventh-round pick in 2018, Etling bounced around the NFL before being cut by the Packers in August 2023. He spent the 2024 season with the UFL’s Michigan Panthers. This will be the ex-LSU QB’s first coaching job. Etling, 31, was a college teammate of new Commanders OC David Blough at Purdue before transferring.
0 comments Jacksonville Jaguars Los Angeles Chargers Minnesota Vikings Philadelphia Eagles Tampa Bay Buccaneers Washington Commanders

2026 NFL Offensive/Defensive Coordinator Search Tracker

By | at January 20, 2026 9:00 am

The 2026 head coaching carousel has now seen 10 jobs open since the start of the offseason, as the Bills have fired Sean McDermott. HC firings generally lead to coordinator changes, and several other teams have proceeded with OC or DC moves to start their offseasons. Here are the current OC and DC searches transpiring. As the remaining HC searches conclude, more coordinator searches will be added to this list.

Updated 1-21-26 (6:55pm CT)

Offensive Coordinators

Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens 

Detroit Lions (Out: John Morton)

Kansas City Chiefs (Out: Matt Nagy)

Los Angeles Chargers (Out: Greg Roman)

New York Giants (Out: Mike Kafka)

Philadelphia Eagles (Out: Kevin Patullo)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Out: Josh Grizzard)

Tennessee Titans (Out: Nick Holz)

Washington Commanders (Out: Kliff Kingsbury)

Defensive Coordinators

Dallas Cowboys (Out: Matt Eberflus)

Green Bay Packers (Out: Jeff Hafley)

New York Giants (Out: Shane Bowen)

New York Jets (Out: Steve Wilks)

  • Mathieu Araujo, cornerbacks coach (Dolphins): Interviewed
  • Ephraim Banda, safeties coach (Browns): Interviewed
  • DeMarcus Covington, defensive line coach (Packers): Interviewed
  • Chris Harris, interim defensive coordinator (Jets): Interviewed 1/18
  • Daronte Jones, defensive backs coach (Vikings): Interviewed
  • Jim Leonhard, defensive backs coach (Broncos): Interviewed
  • Don Martindale, defensive coordinator (Michigan): Interviewed
  • Jim O’Neil, defensive assistant/safeties (Lions): Interviewed

Washington Commanders (Out: Joe Whitt)

2 comments Arizona Cardinals Atlanta Falcons Baltimore Ravens Buffalo Bills Chicago Bears Cincinnati Bengals Cleveland Browns Dallas Cowboys Denver Broncos Detroit Lions Green Bay Packers Indianapolis Colts Kansas City Chiefs Las Vegas Raiders Los Angeles Chargers Miami Dolphins Minnesota Vikings New York Giants New York Jets PFR Originals Philadelphia Eagles Pittsburgh Steelers Seattle Seahawks Tampa Bay Buccaneers Tennessee Titans Washington Commanders

Falcons Retain DC Jeff Ulbrich

By | at January 19, 2026 10:05 am

The Falcons have a new head coach in place, and they are among the teams set to bring in a new offensive coordinator. A full housecleaning on the sidelines will not be taking place, though.

Defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich is being retained, Atlanta announced on Monday. This news comes about thanks to a three-year contract agreement, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports. Ulbrich arrived last offseason to take over the Falcons’ defense, and his success in that regard did not go unnoticed.

The Falcons blocked an attempt from the Cowboys to interview Ulbrich for their DC opening. That suggested retention was a strong possibility in his case. Indeed, when Kevin Stefanski was officially hired as the team’s new head coach, signs pointed further to Ulbrich remaining in place. Today’s confirmation thus comes as little surprise. According to ESPN’s John Keim, the Commanders were also interested in this case regarding their D-coordinator opening, but that is now a moot point.

Ulbrich was with the Falcons from 2015-20. During much of that span, he worked as the team’s linebackers coach; the 2020 campaign saw him take over interim D-coordinator duties. The following year, Ulbrich was hired by the Jets as their new defensive coordinator. The 48-year-old held that role for three years before becoming New York’s interim head coach in 2024 following Robert Saleh‘s firing.

Ulbrich returned to a familiar setting last offseason by taking on the Falcons’ DC gig. In 2025, Atlanta set a new franchise record with 57 sacks, good for second in the league. Pass rush production had been a major issue for years in the Falcons’ case, but a foundation in that regard led by first-round selections Jalon Walker and James Pearce is now in place. Ulbrich will look to continue overseeing their development while guiding a unit which also ranked in the top half of the NFL against the pass this season.

The offensive coordinator spot is likely to officially open soon, as Zac Robinson continues to weigh his options around the NFL and Stefanski prepares to arrange his staff. A number of new faces will no doubt be in place shortly, but Ulbrich will continue during his second Atlanta stint.

18 comments Atlanta Falcons Washington Commanders

Commanders Hire D.J. Williams As QBs Coach

By | at January 15, 2026 2:49 pm

The Commanders are already transitioning from Kliff Kingsbury to David Blough at OC, giving a recently retired quarterback the play sheet ahead of his 31st birthday. Washington is now adding another key voice for Jayden Daniels.

D.J. Williams, son of Commanders exec and former Super Bowl MVP Doug Williams, is coming over from the Falcons to be Washington’s next QBs coach, ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweets. D.J. Williams spent the past two seasons with the Falcons, first as assistant QBs coach and then as QBs coach.

This decision comes after the Panthers made the move to keep another Commanders candidate. Carolina is promoting assistant QBs coach Mike Bercovici to pass-game coordinator, insider Jordan Schultz tweets. Bercovici received an interview request from the Commanders about the job but will remain on Dave Canales‘ Carolina staff. Bercovici, 32, has been with the Panthers since Frank Reich‘s 2023 stopover.

Previously a five-year Saints assistant, Williams will join his father in Washington after interviewing for the job. The former Grambling State QB mentored Michael Penix Jr. over the past two seasons, being hired just before Atlanta completed an unusually assembled quarterback room by signing Kirk Cousins to a big-ticket contract and then drafting Penix. The latter was inconsistent before being shut down due to injury this season, but Washington will bring in his position coach to work with Daniels.

This will be an interesting setup for the Commanders, who jettisoned a seasoned play-caller in Kingsbury. Blough was on the Lions’ OC radar, leading to this Commanders promotion. Blough entered the 2025 season as Washington’s assistant QBs coach, moving up a rung on the ladder when QBs coach Tavita Pritchard became Stanford’s HC. It will now be Blough overseeing Williams as the top offensive staffers in Washington ahead of Daniels’ third season.

Bercovici has been part of Bryce Young‘s development since the diminutive passer’s 2023 arrival, but he also worked both under Kingsbury in Arizona (2020-22) and with Daniels at Arizona State. Bercovici was with the Sun Devils as a graduate assistant in 2019, Daniels’ freshman season with the then-Pac-12 program. It would appear the Panthers’ decision to promote Bercovici prevented a reunion with the standout quarterback, but Doug Williams certainly carries plenty of clout in Washington. The former Washington starting QB, now working in an advisory role, has been in the franchise’s front office since 2014.

0 comments Carolina Panthers Washington Commanders

Commanders Interview Brian Flores, Karl Scott For DC Job

By | at January 14, 2026 3:42 pm

The Commanders are continuing to interview potential replacements for defensive coordinator Joe Whitt, with Brian Flores and Karl Scott as the latest candidates on the list.

Flores, who just completed a three-year contract as the Vikings defensive coordinator, met with the team on Wednesday, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. He formed Minnesota’s defense into one of the best in the league with his signature blitz-heavy scheme frequently stifling opposing passing offenses. His ability to generate pressure could be especially appealing to a Commanders team that struggled to do so in 2025.

Flores also spent a decade as a defensive assistant in New England, which included multiple Super Bowl matchups with Commanders head coach Dan Quinn when he was with the Seahawks and the Falcons.

It is worth noting that Quinn took over calling the defense’s plays in 2025 after Whitt’s initial struggles and indicated that he could retain those duties moving forward. He would almost certainly hand that responsibility off to Flores if he came to Washington.

That may not be the case if Quinn goes with a less-experienced option like Scott, who has also interviewed with the team, according to ESPN’s John Keim and Brady Henderson. The 40-year-old only has five years of NFL experience with one years as the Vikings’ defensive backs coach and four years in the same role in Seattle, plus the title of passing game coordinator. The Seahawks’ pass defense saw some improvements after Scott’s arrival in 2022, and he was retained in 2024 after Mike Macdonald was brought in as the team’s new head coach.

While Macdonald rightfully gets much of the credit for turning Seattle’s defense into one of the best in the league, Scott has still played a key role in developing the team’s young secondary. Several defensive backs have taken huge strides under Scott’s coaching, including recent first-round picks Devon Witherspoon and Nick Emmanwori. Spending time under Macdonald, who is quickly becoming one of the league’s most respected defensive minds, further boosts Scott’s resume.

4 comments Minnesota Vikings Seattle Seahawks Washington Commanders

NFC East Notes: Smith, Cowboys, Draft, Giants, Eluemunor, Eagles, Commanders

By | at January 14, 2026 11:11 am

Mentioned as a player who could move back to tackle, Tyler Smith is not going down that road yet. The Cowboys have seen Smith become an All-Pro at guard, and Brian Schottenheimer said (via ESPN.com’s Todd Archer) the recently extended standout will be staying there entering the 2026 offseason. The second-year Dallas HC did indicate the door will be open to shift Smith outside, however. Smith lined up at guard for the bulk of 2025, but the 2022 first-round pick — who filled in for Tyron Smith at left tackle as a rookie — saw 203 snaps on the blind side this season. Smith is 3-for-3 in Pro Bowls as a guard; he signed a guard-record $24MM-per-year extension last September. As it stands, 2024 first-round pick Tyler Guyton will enter the offseason as Dallas’ top LT.

Here is the latest from the NFC East:

  • Jerry Jones made good on past comments the Cowboys could trade into the draft assets acquired in the Micah Parsons trade for veteran talent, acquiring Quinnen Williams at the deadline. The Cowboys used a 2027 first-round pick as the headliner in a deal to acquire the Pro Bowl defensive tackle from the Jets. The team still has two first-round picks in 2026. “Don’t think that we couldn’t do some trading with those two No. 1s,” Jones said, via The Athletic’s Jon Machota. “All of the value that you get out of having these extra picks and having some flexibility under the cap, we’re going to take advantage of it.” The Cowboys hold the Nos. 12 and 20 overall picks in the upcoming draft. Moving down the board would provide extra capital for a Cowboys team in dire need of defensive help; based on Dallas’ impressive first-round track record, it would surprise to see the team trade one of these two picks for veteran talent.
  • The Commanders hold the No. 7 overall pick, and top sacker Von Miller is headed to free agency. While Miller is interested in staying, he will turn 37 in March. Washington is interested in adding EDGE talent in the draft or free agency, GM Adam Peters said (via The Athletic’s Nicki Jhabvala). The team has Dorance Armstrong entering a contract year. After pursuing Joey Bosa and DeMarcus Lawrence in free agency last year, Washington signed Miller over the summer.
  • Among the non-Saquon Barkley storylines during the memorable Hard Knocks: Offseason HBO offering on the Giants from 2024 covered Jermaine Eluemunor‘s free agency. The former Raiders right tackle sought a two-year deal rather than a longer-term commitment, betting on himself. After playing out a two-year, $14MM pact, Eluemunor should command a decent deal ahead of his age-31 season. Indeed, the New York Post’s Paul Schwartz notes the Giants’ two-year RT is expected to command a “far bigger” contract than he did in 2024. Pro Football Focus graded the 31-year-old blocker 54th among tackles this season. He did start 31 games — at both right and left tackle — for the Giants over the past two seasons. Eluemunor will carry 76 career starts into free agency.
  • A November ankle surgery sent Eagles safety Andrew Mukuba to IR. The operation appears likely to cost the rookie offseason time. The 2025 second-round pick said (via the Philadelphia Inquirer’s E.J. Smith) he hopes to be ready by the late summer. Mukuba made 10 starts as a rookie. The Eagles also have Reed Blankenship and Marcus Epps set for free agency at safety; one year remains on Sydney Brown‘s rookie contract.
3 comments Dallas Cowboys New York Giants Philadelphia Eagles Washington Commanders

Commanders Want To Interview Brian Flores For DC Job

By | at January 13, 2026 11:33 am

The Commanders have already hired a new offensive coordinator and are now turning to fill their rest of their coaching vacancies.

Their defensive coordinator job is their next crucial hire. The team is looking to bring in Brian Flores to interview for the gig, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. He just completed his three-year contract with the Vikings in the same position. Though he has been seeking another shot as a head coach, his ongoing lawsuit against the league and three teams could be an insurmountable obstacle until it is resolved.

Washington’s defense took a notable step back in 2025 relative to their first year under head coach Dan Quinn and DC Joe Whitt. Quinn took over play-calling duties during the season, which made Whitt’s dismissal after the season no surprise. Flores should be an upgrade. After adjusting to a new team in his debut year in Minnesota, he led a solid defense in 2024 and a great one this past season across the board. The Vikings ranked seventh in points allowed and third in yards allowed in 2025 with Flores’ diverse blitz packages wreaking havoc on opposing offenses. The Commanders, meanwhile, ranked 27th in yards and dead-last in points. Their 19.6% pressure rate was the seventh-lowest mark in the NFL, while the Vikings finished third with a 28.1% pressure rate.

But Flores has already interviewed with the Ravens regarding their head coaching position, and he could draw additional interest as a defensive coordinator now that his contract in Minnesota is up. The Vikings still believe they can retain him, but proving himself with another franchise may strengthen his case for another head coaching job, though it still might have to wait until the lawsuit concludes.

The Commanders are also filling David Blough‘s offensive staff, starting with a quarterbacks coach to work with Jayden Daniels. Panthers assistant quarterbacks coach Mike Bercovici was one of their first candidates, and Falcons quarterbacks coach D.J. Williams has joined the list. Washington submitted a request to interview Williams, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. He is the son of franchise legend Doug Williams, who was named MVP when the team won the Super Bowl at the end of the 1987 season.

D.J. Williams worked as an offensive assistant in New Orleans from 2019 to 2023. In 2024, he joined the Falcons as assistant quarterbacks coach and took over the lead role after T.J. Yates was promoted to pass game coordinator. Michael Penix has shown flashes as a starter in the last two years, but he has lacked consistency. Williams’ family connection with Washington will certainly help his chances, but it will ultimately come down to the team’s belief to get the most out of Daniels.

4 comments Minnesota Vikings Washington Commanders

Commanders Request Interview With Mike Bercovici For QBs Coach Job

By | at January 12, 2026 11:00 pm

The Commanders moved quickly to secure David Blough as their next offensive coordinator, and they are now in the process of filling his staff.

Panthers assistant quarterbacks coach Mike Bercovici is one of Washington’s early targets. The Commanders requested to interview him for their quarterbacks job, per NFL insider Jordan Schultz.

Bercovici, 32, is a former quarterback who played at Arizona State in college. After brief stints with the Chargers and the Cardinals, which featured no regular season playing time, he moved to the now-defunct American Alliance of Football. He retired from playing when the league folded in 2019 and went back to Arizona State to start his coaching career.

Bercovici quickly made the jump into the NFL’s coaching ranks when Kliff Kingsbury – the Commanders’ last offensive coordinator – hired him for a role on his Cardinals staff in 2020. When Kingsbury was fired after the 2022 season, Bercovici was hired by then-Panthers head coach Frank Reich as an assistant wide receivers coach. When Dave Canales arrived in Carolina in 2024, he moved Bercovici to his current role.

Panthers quarterback Bryce Young has made notable strides in the last two years, and Bercovici likely deserves some credit for his development. He would be tasked with taking Jayden Daniels to another level after the former LSU quarterback followed up his Offensive Rookie of the Year debut with a disappointing, injury-riddled sophomore campaign. The two overlapped for a year at Arizona State, with Bercovici serving as a graduate assistant while Daniels started at quarterback as a true freshman.

2 comments Carolina Panthers Washington Commanders

NFL Reserve/Futures Deals: 1/12/26

By | at January 12, 2026 6:59 pm

Today’s reserve/futures deals:

Carolina Panthers

Green Bay Packers

Jacksonville Jaguars

New York Jets

Philadelphia Eagles

Washington Commanders

4 comments Carolina Panthers Green Bay Packers Jacksonville Jaguars New York Jets Philadelphia Eagles Transactions Washington Commanders
Show all
Go To Pro Hockey Rumors
Go To Hoops Rumors