Did the Washington Commanders jump the gun by hiring David Blough without interviewing Mike McDaniel? The swift promotion prioritizes critical offensive continuity for Jayden Daniels, avoiding a complete system reset in Year 3. While McDaniel’s connection to Dan Quinn sparked rumors, timing and the former Dolphins coach’s West Coast preference likely sealed the decision. Blough’s familiarity allows him to simply change the offensive dialect rather than rewrite the entire playbook.

Defensively, Pittsburgh Steelers coordinator Teryl Austin enters the interview room, sparking skepticism among fans. Despite a reputation for soft zones and "bend don't break" frustrations, Austin offers a proven track record of fixing run defenses and adapting schemes to personnel. Is he the experienced floor-raiser Dan Quinn needs, or a conservative misstep? The search intensifies as Washington weighs veteran stability against the need for aggressive playmaking.

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Host David Harrison covers the Washington Commanders for WUSA9 and Sports Illustrated.

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