“Dynamic Coaching Pair Elevating NFL’s Emerging Quarterbacks”
At the 2024 NFL combine, Dan Quinn had a dual purpose: assessing draft prospects and scouting potential coaching talent for the Washington Commanders. As he assembled his coaching team for his inaugural season with the Commanders, Quinn aimed to secure another key addition to the staff. His target was David Blough, a former Detroit Lions practice squad quarterback who had recently transitioned to coaching and garnered interest from multiple teams. Blough ultimately joined the Commanders as the assistant quarterbacks coach and played a crucial role in guiding rookie sensation Jayden Daniels to a historic debut season after being selected as the second overall pick. This trend of enlisting young quarterbacks as coaches is gaining traction across the league.
Having a youthful quarterbacks coach or assistant coach can significantly impact the development of a young quarterback, who is often considered the most valuable investment in professional sports. Quinn expressed confidence in Blough at the 2025 combine, noting his seamless transition into coaching despite it being his first year in the role. The average age of coaches holding the title of “assistant quarterbacks coach” during the 2023 and 2024 seasons was 31.25 years old, emphasizing the increasing trend of youthful coaching in the league.
Various successful coaches, such as Liam Coen, Kevin Stefanski, and Zac Taylor, have passed through the quarterback coaching ranks before advancing in their careers. This pattern underscores the close connection between coaching mobility and the quarterback position. Notably, many offensive coordinators have either mentored quarterbacks or previously served as passing game coordinators, highlighting the significance of quarterback expertise in coaching progression.
Kellen Moore, the head coach of the New Orleans Saints, began his coaching journey as a quarterbacks coach and is heavily involved in mentoring the team’s quarterbacks due to his professional playing experience at the position. With the average age of starting quarterbacks in the 2025 season nearing 27.66 years old, the impact of knowledgeable and experienced quarterback coaches like Blough becomes increasingly vital.
Blough’s contributions to Daniels’ success on the field were evident, including devising game-winning plays and engaging in competitive drills that enhanced their rapport and skills. Daniels praised Blough’s insights and experience, emphasizing his valuable perspective on the game and quarterback preparation.
Quinn acknowledged the positive impact of recruiting Blough to the Commanders’ coaching staff, citing his outstanding performance and influence in his first season with the team.
“Quinn expressed enthusiasm about the impact their new player will have on the team moving forward. Sean Payton, who hired Davis Webb as his quarterbacks coach based on a strong recommendation, praised Webb’s ability to simplify plays and positively engage with players. Jerrod Johnson, the former Houston Texans’ quarterbacks coach, guided C.J. Stroud to Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2023. Meanwhile, Grant Udinksi, who mentored rookie J.J. McCarthy, is set to join the Jacksonville Jaguars as their offensive coordinator, working closely with star quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The Falcons, led by ex-NFL quarterback T.J. Yates, have D.J. Williams as their assistant quarterbacks coach, focusing on developing rookie Michael Penix Jr. into a key player. Williams has now transitioned into the role of quarterbacks coach for the upcoming season, continuing to work closely with the team’s quarterbacks.”
Transitioning into the pass game coordinator role, D.J. Williams, the son of Super Bowl-winning quarterback Doug Williams and a former offensive assistant with the New Orleans Saints from 2019-23, has been highly praised for his expertise. Described as “absolutely awesome” by Yates, he provided valuable insights and knowledge gained from his time with Drew Brees in New Orleans.
The task of guiding Caleb Williams, the top pick of the 2024 draft class, back on course now rests with J.T. Barrett, a former Ohio State quarterback. Barrett, under the tutelage of Ben Johnson (now head coach of the Bears) as assistant quarterback coach of the Lions, played a key role in Jared Goff’s career resurgence.
In a league where youth is becoming more prominent, coaches like Ashton Grant (29 years old) and others under the age of 40 are making significant impacts. The average age of NFL head coaches has dropped to 47.7 years old for the 2024 season, with younger hires like Coen, Johnson, and Moore taking the helm. Additionally, the trend continues with quarterbacks coaches, where the average age is 43 years old, and coaches like Scott Tolzien and Sean Mannion (who steps in for the Packers) bring a fresh perspective to the game.
Mannion’s journey from backup quarterback to coach reflects the evolving landscape of the NFL coaching ranks. His transition from player to coach was facilitated by his hunger to succeed, a trait that younger coaches like him bring to the table, according to Coen.
The Buccaneers’ offensive coordinator emphasized at the combine the importance of players looking to progress in their careers. He mentioned that every coach he has hired has had other opportunities, making the recruiting process competitive. Recruiting against other coaches and various entities like colleges and NFL teams requires a persuasive approach. This recruiting task becomes crucial for teams like the Commanders and Broncos, as well as other organizations, especially those seeking stability at the quarterback position. This article, by Tom Schad, Nate Davis, and Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz, highlights the significance of young coaches in grooming the latest NFL quarterbacks.
