Get all your news in one place.

100’s of premium titles.
One app.

Start reading

Get all your news in one place.

100’s of premium titles. One news app.

Start reading

USA Today Sports Media Group

Sport

Bryan Manning

Twitter reacts to Commanders hiring former Eagles OC to Dan Quinn’s coaching staff

Dan Quinn Commanders Brian Johnson Eagles Kliff Kingsbury Washington Joe Whitt, Jr. Jason Simmons JP Finlay

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