The Washington Commanders’ new assistant coaches bring a mix of championship experience and ties to the D.C. area, signaling a fresh start for the team. Among the familiar faces for Commanders fans are former Washington linebackers Ryan Kerrigan and Darryl Tapp, along with former Los Angeles Chargers coach Anthony Lynn, former cornerback William Gay, and former quarterback David Blough, who retired after the 2023 season. The coaching staff spoke highly of new head coach Dan Quinn, praising his leadership, adaptability, and collaborative spirit.
Coach Quinn brought in coaches from his previous teams and other NFL squads. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., Gay, and Floyd worked under Quinn with the Dallas Cowboys, while Tapp was coached by Quinn in Seattle in 2009. Lynn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, however, are new additions who have not previously worked with Quinn.
Several members of the coaching staff have connections to the Washington area. Quinn played college football at Salisbury University in Maryland, while new special teams coordinator Larry Izzo grew up in the area and attended high school in Ashburn. Izzo expressed his excitement about returning to the area and being part of the passionate fan base.
Tapp, a Virginia native, grew up as a fan of the franchise, played for the team in 2013, and later coached in Blacksburg in 2020. He described working with Quinn on the Commanders as a dream come true. Kerrigan, another longtime Commanders player, reminisced about sitting with Tapp in their old meeting room, reflecting on their journey and excitement for the future.
Overall, the coaching staff, including a few holdovers from the previous year, noted a positive shift in the team’s atmosphere in Ashburn. With a blend of seasoned veterans and fresh faces, the Commanders aim to build a winning culture and bring success to Washington, D.C.
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