Commanders to Hire D.J. Williams as New Quarterbacks Coach

Washington is adding a familiar last name to its coaching staff as the Commanders are set to hire D.J. Williams, the son of franchise icon and Super Bowl-winning quarterback Doug Williams, as their next quarterbacks coach. The move aligns with Washington’s ongoing restructuring under head coach Dan Quinn and places the younger Williams in a developmental role that intersects with the organization’s past and future at the position.

Coaching Background and Family Legacy

Williams arrives from Atlanta, where he served as quarterbacks coach this season after previously working as an assistant quarterbacks coach and offensive assistant in 2024. Before his time with the Falcons, he spent five seasons with the New Orleans Saints, gaining experience in offensive operations and skill development. His connection to Washington runs deeper than the job title. Doug Williams became the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl when he led Washington to a championship during the 1987 season, later transitioning into front office roles and now serving as a senior adviser to general manager Adam Peters. D.J. also followed his father to Grambling State, playing quarterback at Doug’s alma mater before moving into coaching.

Washington’s Staff Reshaping Under Quinn

The hiring comes as part of a broader overhaul of Quinn’s staff. The Commanders recently promoted David Blough from assistant quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator following Kliff Kingsbury’s mutual departure after a 5–12 season. With Blough elevated, Williams takes over a position previously held by Tavita Pritchard, who departed midseason to become Stanford’s head coach. Washington still must fill several vacancies, including defensive coordinator, offensive line coach and an assistant quarterbacks coach. Interviews have been conducted with candidates such as Brian Flores, Patrick Graham and Joe Cullen for the defensive role, while additional offensive staffing remains active.

Fit With Jayden Daniels and Offensive Objectives

Williams’ role centers on developing second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels after his Offensive Rookie of the Year campaign, along with veteran backup Marcus Mariota. Daniels flashed high-level playmaking ability as a rookie, and the organization views stability within his supporting staff as essential to maximizing that growth. Williams’ background in quarterback-specific work—ranging from his NFL/Black College Football Hall of Fame coaching summit involvement to his Senior Bowl coaching assignment—aligns with Washington’s development-focused approach at the position.

A Familiar Name Returns to Washington’s Sideline

While Doug Williams’ influence has remained in the building for years, bringing his son into the coaching pipeline reintroduces the family name to the football side of the operation. For a franchise undergoing significant change in leadership structure and identity, the move adds both league experience and organizational continuity. With the Commanders still finalizing key staff hires, D.J. Williams steps into a role that blends history, development and opportunity as Washington moves into its next phase.

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