New Washington Commanders offensive coordinator David Blough has his fans around the NFL. Last offseason, Blough just completed his first year as a coach, serving as the Commanders‘ assistant quarterbacks coach, when at least three teams attempted to hire him. Washington blocked all attempts.
One of those coaches who tried to hire Blough was current Bears head coach Ben Johnson. Johnson was in Detroit with Blough for three seasons, including the final as the offensive coordinator, while Blough served as a backup quarterback. Johnson quickly took a liking to Blough, and when he was named Chicago’s head coach in 2025, he wanted to bring Blough along, but the Commanders weren’t about to let the young coach leave the building.
When Washington and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury mutually parted ways last week, the Commanders didn’t wait long to promote Blough. After interviewing five candidates, Washington promoted Blough to offensive coordinator, a rapid rise for a 30-year-old former quarterback who had only been coaching for two seasons.
On Friday, Johnson spoke to the media ahead of this weekend’s NFC Divisional Round game against the San Francisco 49ers, and he was asked about Blough.
“He’s got a bright future, as well,” Johnson said. “He’s really smart. Has a natural way of connecting with everybody, coaches and players alike. I know he’s highly respected, not just from me, but that Washington staff, they’ve found tremendous value in him as well. I think he’ll do an outstanding job in that role. He’s really smart. Having played quarterback, he’s got that inward feel of how to help elevate that position, and I think he’ll be able to do that in that play-calling role moving forward. I think he’ll be one of those guys who gets a head job before you know it.”
There has been a lot of talk about what type of offense Blough will run with Washington. After having been around Johnson, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell and Kingsbury, there is a belief that Blough’s offensive style will more resemble what Johnson and O’Connell do, while mixing in things from Kingsbury’s offense that quarterback Jayden Daniels likes.
#Bears HC Ben Johnson is very high on new #Commanders OC David Blough, (who he coached as a player in Detroit):
“He’s one of those young guys who will get a head job before you know it.” pic.twitter.com/SgMBQZFTWC
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 16, 2026
Does the Bears coach have any advice for Blough?
“We all have our strengths and weaknesses, and you try to accentuate your strengths and surround yourself with people who will help you with your weaknesses. He knows what those are, and I’m sure he’s doing the best he can to make sure he puts himself in a good spot. He’s a good person, and I think that’s where it starts with him, and I think that’s going to resonate with everybody he’s around.”
Johnson has his own history with the Commanders, having interviewed for the head coaching job in the 2024 offseason before it went to Dan Quinn. However, it’s clear he believes Washington got it right by hiring and promoting Blough. Before the Commanders hired Blough, the Lions reached out about interviewing him for their offensive coordinator vacancy. But once again, Washington was never letting Blough out of the building.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Bears coach Ben Johnson praises David Blough
