The Washington Commanders appear to be building an impressive coaching staff under new head coach Dan Quinn. Shortly after Quinn’s hiring was made official last weekend, the Commanders hired Kliff Kingsbury as offensive coordinator and Joe Whitt Jr. as defensive coordinator.
Kingsbury, a former Cardinals head coach, is known for his excellent work with quarterbacks, while Whitt specializes in defensive backs.
On Thursday, Washington added to its coaching staff. First, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reported that the Commanders planned to hire former Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson as offensive pass-game coordinator and Jason Simmons as defensive pass-game coordinator. Later on Thursday, Nicki Jhabvala of The Washington Post reported that quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard would return in 2024 after impressing Quinn and Kingsbury.
The Commanders still have several openings and are continuing to interview potential candidates.
Of Thursday’s new hires, Johnson was the big name. And due to the Eagles’ struggles down the stretch last season, his hiring was praised by many — except Philadelphia fans.
Here are some of those reactions.
.@Commanders putting together a hellava staff
— TheIronman (@LFletcher59) February 8, 2024
Kliff Kingsbury & Brian Johnson have impressive track records of developing quarterbacks.
Joe Whitt Jr. & Jason Simmons have impressive track records of developing defensive backs.
Washington has been bad at player development for years. That now may be changing.#Commanders
— Al Galdi (@AlGaldi) February 8, 2024
Commanders are assembling a credible staff on both sides of the ball. Seahawks do not have an OC or DC yet.
— Burgundy Blog (@BurgundyBlog) February 8, 2024
I'm starting to think the #Commanders are rolling with Sam Howell and trading back, why?
1. Retained old QB Coach Tavita Pritchard
2. Hired Kliff Kingsbury aka QB whisperer
3. Hired Brian Johnson who coached J. Hurts (Howell comp)#HTTC pic.twitter.com/BpHbQEFS9e— David Brown (App) (@appreciateit81) February 9, 2024
Brian Johnson has a long track record of working with QBs. Was with Dak Prescott at Miss State. Obviously worked w Jalen Hurts in Philly. This is a solid move for Washington pic.twitter.com/0l3mrwT3OI
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 8, 2024
Did the Eagles collapse this year? Yes. But their offense was still quite good. 7th in yards, 8th in points. Commanders getting Brian Johnson a solid move, especially w a young QB coming
— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) February 8, 2024
This is the best coaching staff Washington has had top to bottom in a long time. #HTTC
— Josh Taylor (@JoshTaylorFB) February 8, 2024
For everyone that thought Washington was taking their time on their HC hiring with Dan Quinn and that he was 3rd choice, the team has filled out their staff very quickly and deliberately with very good talent
This was organized, strategic and surgical and Commanders fans should… pic.twitter.com/Q9Bs0OUFrN
— WhatGibbsFF (@WhatGibbsFF) February 8, 2024
I really like this hire. Struggled as an OC last year but he was ascending quickly. Also, the Commanders continue to add coaches with intel on their division rivals. https://t.co/1QHTRRaYTS
— Grant Paulsen (@granthpaulsen) February 8, 2024
My team out here looking like a competent franchise putting this staff together pic.twitter.com/9mCD84duHr
— Not Robert Griffin (@Pseudo_RGIII) February 8, 2024
Love this move for Washington 😂
— DIE-HARD 🦅 Fans (@Eaglesfans9) February 8, 2024
Why was he a hot name? lol
— Greg (@Greg75678187) February 8, 2024
Do we like losing? Do we like being losers?
— Barry Muhammad (@nervtibloni7) February 8, 2024
Great news
— The Birds Blitz (@TheBirdsBlitz) February 8, 2024
Congrats you've just lost the division for years to come.
— Chaos Chris (@ChaosChrisPHL) February 8, 2024
POVERTY FRANCHISE
— 𝔰𝔬𝔲𝔱𝔥𝔰𝔦𝔡𝔢𝔩𝔲𝔨 💔 (@southsideluk) February 8, 2024
STUCK WITH DRAKE MAYE AND BRIAN JOHNSON LMAOOOO
— 𝔰𝔬𝔲𝔱𝔥𝔰𝔦𝔡𝔢𝔩𝔲𝔨 💔 (@southsideluk) February 8, 2024
Ayo pic.twitter.com/823QgFHqDb
— ✭Izzy✭ 𝕏𝕏𝕏 🤦🏾♂️ (@eadyIofficial) February 8, 2024
So we still got a B. Johnson 😄
— Fantasy Sports Is My Religion (@kiingspadee) February 8, 2024
Great guy and great news
— SABI BOY (@Sabiboydoings) February 8, 2024
As a cowboys fan, music to my fucking ears
— Honcho (@AlivePr3z) February 8, 2024
the rest of the nfc east loves this hire
— coty babes (@cotydabes) February 8, 2024
