WASHINGTON COMMANDERS - Key Persons
Biography
Adam Peters enters his second season as general manager of the Washington Commanders. In his current role, Peters oversees all aspects of the organizations football operations.
Adam Peters enters his second season as general manager of the Washington Commanders. In his current role, Peters oversees all aspects of the organizations football operations.
In 2024, Peters built a roster that finished 12-5, which was the best regular season record in franchise history since 1991. The team also won their first playoff game since 2005 and advanced to the NFC Championship game for the first time since 1991.
Peters became the first GM in franchise history to win 12-plus games in their first season with the franchise. The team improved their win total by +8 from 2023 to 2024, which marked the highest single year improvement in the NFL since the 2019 San Francisco 49ers improved their win total by +9. Peters was the 49ers vice president of player personnel during that 2019 season.
Peters' first draft pick in his role as general manager was selecting QB Jayden Daniels No. 2 overall. Daniels won the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year award, becoming the fifth player in franchise history and the fourth offensive player in franchise history to earn the AP NFL Rookie of the Year honor. Daniels set an NFL record for most rushing yards by a rookie quarterback and threw for the most postseason passing yards by a rookie in NFL history.
In Peters first season as general manager, Washington had four players named to the AP All-Pro team and had three players named to the Pro Bowl. Washington's four All-Pro selections were the most in franchise history since 1991. Free agent acquisitions LB Bobby Wagner and LB Frankie Luvu were both named All-Pro, marking the first time in franchise history that Washington had multiple linebackers named All-Pro in a single season. QB Jayden Daniels, WR Terry McLaurin and LB Bobby Wagner were all named Pro Bowlers. It was the first time since 1991 that Washington had a quarterback and wide receiver named to the Pro Bowl in a single season.
Peters joined the Commanders after serving a variety of senior leadership roles with the San Francisco 49ers, most recently as the team's assistant general manager from 2021-23. Prior to being named assistant general manager, Peters spent four seasons with the 49ers as the vice president of player personnel.
During his time with San Francisco, Peters helped the 49ers construct a top roster in the NFL through the draft, free agency and via trades. Through the NFL Draft, Peters was part of a 49ers leadership team that selected the likes of TE George Kittle, LB Fred Warner, WR Deebo Samuel, T Mike McGlinchey, DT Javon Kinlaw, WR Brandon Aiyuk, and 2019 Associated Press Defensive Rookie of the Year DL Nick Bosa, among others. Through free agency, the team was equally effective, adding key contributors such as CB Richard Sherman, FB Kyle Juszczyk and K Robbie Gould. They also acquired All-Pro RB Christian McCaffrey and T Trent Williams via trade.
Job Titles:
- Football Administration Assistant
Biography
Al Bellamy enters his second season and stint in Washington after spending nine seasons as the director of athletic training for Temple University. While working directly with the football team, he also oversaw all 19 of Temple's intercollegiate sports and also managed the sports medicine staff.
Al Bellamy enters his second season and stint in Washington after spending nine seasons as the director of athletic training for Temple University. While working directly with the football team, he also oversaw all 19 of Temple's intercollegiate sports and also managed the sports medicine staff.
Prior to arriving at Temple, Bellamy spent 25 years in the NFL, including 12 seasons with the Detroit Lions and 13 seasons in Washington. With Detroit, Bellamy helped manage the team's athletic training staff and worked closely with the team's physicians.
Bellamy started his NFL career as an assistant trainer in Washington in 1988. He was a member of Washington's medical staff when the team won Super Bowl XXVI at the end of the 1991 season. Bellamy worked with 21 members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame including
Bellamy and his wife, Sharon, have two children -- son Chase, and daughter Ashley.
Job Titles:
- Operations Assistant / Assistant Linebackers / Pass Rush Specialist
Job Titles:
- Coordinator of Player and Family Support
Biography
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named Andre Coleman as offensive assistant.
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named Andre Coleman as offensive assistant.
Coleman joins the Commanders after most recently serving as the wide receivers coach at the University of Texas (2020-21). Prior to his time with Texas, Coleman was the wide receivers coach at his alma mater Kansas State from 2013-17 transitioning from his first coaching position as a wide receivers coach at Youngstown state (2010-12).
Before joining the Texas staff as an analyst in 2019, Coleman spent the previous six years at Kansas State coaching wide receivers, including two as pass game coordinator (2016-17) and one as offensive coordinator (2018). In 2018, Kansas State totaled 16 touchdowns on the ground led by running back Alex Barnes who led the Big 12 in rushing yards (1,355) rushing yards per game (113) and earned second-team all-conference honors. Offensive lineman Dalton Risner was named Big 12 co-Offensive Lineman of the Year.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Partnership Success
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Sales & Service
Job Titles:
- Run Game Coordinator / Running Backs
Biography
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named Anthony Lynn as the team's run game coordinator/running backs coach.
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named Anthony Lynn as the team's run game coordinator/running backs coach.
Lynn joins the Commanders after serving as the assistant head coach/running backs coach for the San Francisco 49ers.
In 2023, Lynn continued to work with running back Christian McCaffrey who won Associated Press Offensive Player of the Year and led the league in rushing yards (1,459) and finished fourth for rushing touchdowns (14). McCaffrey earned Pro Bowl honors for the fourth consecutive season and was selected to the Associated Press All-Pro first-team. Lynn also worked with full back Kyle Juszczyk who earned Pro Bowl honors for the eighth consecutive season. The 49ers earned their second consecutive NFC West title and their first NFC championship since 2019.
After acquiring McCaffrey via trade in 2022, Lynn worked closely with the running back who was named NFC Offensive Player of the Week twice (Weeks 8 & 14) and NFC Offensive Player of the Month (December/January).
Prior to joining the 49ers, Lynn served as the offense coordinator for the Detroit Lions for one season (2021). Running back D'Andre Swift rushed for a then career-high 617 yards and finished second on the team with 62 receptions. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown led the Lions with 90 catches for 912 yards and five touchdowns.
From 2017-20, Lynn was the head coach for the Los Angeles Chargers. In 2020, Lynn worked with rookie quarterback Justin Herbert who set NFL rookie records for most passing touchdowns (31) and offensive touchdowns (36). Herbert was named the 2020 Associated Press Offensive Rookie of the Year and the PFWA Rookie of the Year. The 2018 Chargers finished with a 12-4 record and the team reached the playoffs for the first time since 2013.
From 2015-16, Lynn was the assistant head coach/running backs coach for the Buffalo Bills. In 2016, he also served as the offensive coordinator for the final 14 games of the season. The Bills led the NFL in rushing yards (2,432 in 2015 and 2,630in 2016), rushing touchdowns (19 in 2015 and 29 in 2016) and yards per carry (4.8 in 2015 and 5.3 in 2016) during his time in Buffalo.
Lynn was with the New York Jets for six seasons (2009-14) and served as running backs coach (2009-13) and assistant head coach/running backs coach (2014). In 2014, the Jets ranked third in the NFL in rushing yards per game (142.5). From 2007-08, Lynn worked as the running backs coach with the Cleveland Browns.
Prior to his time in Cleveland, Lynn was the running backs coach for the Dallas Cowboys for two seasons (2005-06) and the running backs coach for the Jacksonville Jaguars for two seasons (2003-04).
Lynn began his coaching career with the Denver Broncos as an offensive assistant/assistant special teams coach from 2000-02.
Lynn entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 1992 with the New York Giants. He spent time with the Denver Broncos (1993-94, 1997-99) and the San Francisco 49ers (1995-96). Lynn played in 83 career games and won two Super Bowls (XXXII and XXXIII).
A native of Celina, TX., Lynn played collegiately at Texas Tech University where he earned AllSouthwest Conference honors. Lynn is married to his wife, Stacey, and has two children, D'Anton and Danielle.
Job Titles:
- Player Personnel Assistant
Biography
Barbara Allen is entering her 19th season in Washington after joining the organization in 2004 She currently serves as the team's football administrative assistant.
Barbara Allen is entering her 19th season in Washington after joining the organization in 2004 She currently serves as the team's football administrative assistant.
Prior to working with Washington, Allen spent 16 years with the Chicago Bears organization from 1988-03 spending her first five seasons in the public relations department before transitioning to coaching.
Bobby Engram is entering his first season with the Washington Commanders as the team's wide receivers coach after being hired on March 9, 2023.
Bobby Engram is entering his first season with the Washington Commanders as the team's wide receivers coach after being hired on March 9, 2023.
Engram enters his 10th NFL season after serving as the Baltimore Ravens tight ends coach (2019-21) and wide receivers coach (2014-18). Engram also coached one season with the San Francisco 49ers in the role of offensive assistant in 2011. He also played 14 seasons as a wide receiver for the Chicago Bears, Seattle Seahawks and the Kansas City Chiefs. He was most recently the offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach for the Wisconsin Badgers.
In 2020, Engram contributed to an offensive unit in Baltimore that scored the NFL's seventh-most points (29.3 ppg) in the NFL and led the league in rushing (3,071) for consecutive seasons. During the 2020 campaign, Andrews was tied for the team lead with 58 receptions for 701 yards and seven TDs becoming the first tight end in Ravens history with multiple seasons of at least 700 receiving yards and seven receiving TDs.
In 2019, under Engram's watch, the Ravens tight ends played a major part of the team's record-setting offense and 14-2 franchise-best season. Mark Andrews earned his first Pro Bowl, led the team with 64 receptions, 852 receiving yards and 10 receiving TDs. TE Nick Boyle and TE Hayden Hurst rounded out a trio that accounted for three of the Ravens Top 5 receptions leaders. In 2019, the Ravens ranked No. 1 in points (33.2) and rushing yards (206.0) per game, and finished No. 2 in total yards (407.6). The club also set a new NFL single-season rushing record (3,296). Baltimore also became the first team ever to average 200 passing and 200 rushing yards per game in a season.
In Engram's third year (2016) guiding Baltimore's receivers, Engram's group helped record the second-most net passing yards in Ravens history (4,100), including a franchise-best 4,317 passing yards by QB Joe Flacco. Engram helped WR Mike Wallace achieve his third-career 1,000-yard campaign (1,017 yards on 72 receptions) in the receiver's first season with the team. He also coached All-Pro WR Steve Smith Sr., including during his 2014 season where he registered 79 receptions for 1,065 yards and six touchdowns.
Prior to entering the coaching ranks, Engram played for 14 seasons (1996-2009) and three teams (Chicago, Seattle and Kansas City). Originally a second-round draft pick by the Bears, Engram played in 176 career games, totaling 650 receptions for 7,751 yards and 35 TDs. He also recorded two career punt returns for touchdowns.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Football Operations
Job Titles:
- Director of Player Performance
Job Titles:
- Assistant Head Coach / Offensive Pass Game Coordinator
Biography
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named Brian Johnson as the team's assistant head coach/offensive pass game coordinator.
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named Brian Johnson as the team's assistant head coach/offensive pass game coordinator.
Johnson joins the Commanders after serving as the offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles last season.
Job Titles:
- Defensive Pass Game Coordinator
Job Titles:
- Coordinator of Team Support and Community Impact
Job Titles:
- Director of Video Operations
Job Titles:
- Director of Football Operations
Job Titles:
- Assistant Strength & Conditioning
Biography
Cesar Castillo is entering his first season as assistant strength and conditioning coach with the Commanders after spending the last two seasons with the Chicago Bears as a seasonal strength and conditioning coach.
Cesar Castillo is entering his first season as assistant strength and conditioning coach with the Commanders after spending the last two seasons with the Chicago Bears as a seasonal strength and conditioning coach.
He earned his masters of science in applied exercise science from Concordia University Chicago in 2024. Castillo spent the 2021 season as an assistant strength and conditioning coach for the Miami Dolphins. Prior to his time in Miami, he spent two years (2018-20) with the Minnesota Twins as a strength and conditioning coach. He was a strength and conditioning intern at Harvard University in 2018 Castillo played fullback at the University of Miami from 2015-18.
Job Titles:
- Head Strength & Conditioning
Chad Englehart is entering his 15th season with Washington and his eighth as the team's head strength and conditioning coach in 2023 after being promoted to the role during the 2017 offseason.
Chad Englehart is entering his 15th season with Washington and his eighth as the team's head strength and conditioning coach in 2023 after being promoted to the role during the 2017 offseason. He initially joined the team as an assistant strength and conditioning coach on February 26, 2010.
Prior to joining Washington, Englehart served as the head strength and conditioning coach with the Florida Tuskers of the United Football League in 2009.
In 2008, Englehart served as director of strength and conditioning at Xcel Sports Performance in Louisiana. Before that, he was head strength and conditioning coach in 2007 at HS2 Athletic Performance in Mandeville, La., and at the University of New Orleans in 2006.
Englehart holds a Master's degree in human movement with a concentration in corrective exercise from A.T. Still University. He also holds a bachelor's degree in kinesiology with a concentration in exercise science from Southeastern Louisiana University. He is a certified strength and conditioning specialist with the National Strength and Condition Association and is a Performance Enhancement Specialist and Corrective Exercise Specialist with the National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM).
Englehart also holds certifications with USA Weightlifting and USA Track and Field, Functional Movement Screen and TRX Suspension Training certifications as well as a Fitness Nutrition Specialist certification from the NASM and a 3DMAPS (3D Movement Analysis and Performance System) certification from Gray Institute.
Englehart and his wife, Lyndsey, have two daughters, Blair and Elise.
Job Titles:
- Senior Manager of Football Communications
Job Titles:
- Director of Process Innovation
Job Titles:
- Football Operations Assistant
Quinn became the first head coach in franchise history to win 10-plus games in his first season as head coach. He also became the first head coach in franchise history to win multiple playoff games in his first season as head coach. Quinn joined Pro Football Hall of Famers Joe Gibbs and George Allen as the only head coaches in franchise history to win multiple playoff games in a single season.
Dan Quinn enters his second season as Washington's head coach after being hired as the 31 st head coach in franchise history on February 3, 2024.
Biography
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named Darnell Stapleton as the team's assistant offensive line coach.
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named Darnell Stapleton as the team's assistant offensive line coach.
Stapleton joins the Commanders after serving as an assistant coach/offensive line coach for the University of Florida 2022-23. Stapleton brings 11 years of collegiate coaching experience to Washington. Before landing in Florida, Stapleton served as an offensive line coach for Louisiana Lafeyette (2021), Sam Houston State (2018-20), and Bucknell (2014-17). Beginning his college coaching career as a graduate assistant Rutgers in 2013, Stapleton additionally coached for Montclair Academy in 2013 along with coaching the New York Sharks in the Women's professional football league the previous year.
In 2022, Stapleton worked alongside offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Rob Sale on the offensive line. The Gators finished the regular season as the best in the conference in yards per carry (5.84). Florida ran the ball for an average of 213.7 yards per game in 2022, which ranked 16th in the FBS and third in the SEC.
Stapleton's offensive line unit produced two NFL products via the 2023 NFL Draft including O'Cyrus Torrence who was drafted by Buffalo in the second round, and tackle Richard Gouraige who was signed by the Bills as an undrafted free agent. Torrence became first Gators offensive guard to be named a Consensus All-American, and the fifth lineman in Florida history.
Prior to his tenure in Florida, Stapleton helped lead the Ragin' Cajuns to a Sun Belt Conference championship in 2021. The unit was responsible for 31 rushing touchdowns and 2,496 rushing yards, ranking 14th and 24th in the nation.
From 2018-20, Stapleton served as the offensive line coach and the run game coordinator for Sam Houston State. In 2019, running back Donovan Williams finished second in the Southland conference in rushing with 925 yards and 14 touchdowns.
Prior to his tenure with Sam Houston State, Stapleton served as the offensive line coach at Bucknell University (2014-17). He coached Julién Davenport, who earned First Team All-America honors and became Bucknell's first NFL Draft pick since 1969 when he was taken in the fourth round by the Houston Texans.
In 2013, Stapleton joined the Rutgers football staff as a graduate assistant working with the offensive line. The Scarlet Knights earned a bowl game appearance along with a Big East title.
As a player, Stapleton was a member of the Pittsburgh Steelers (2007-09) and won Super Bowl XLIII at the conclusion of the 2008 season. He started 12 games on the offensive line during his time in Pittsburgh, including the Super Bowl. He played in 16 career games with the Steelers. In 2010, Stapleton spent a season with the Virginia Destroyers in the UFL.
A native of Union Township, New Jersey., Stapleton graduated from Rutgers in 2007 with a degree in business and labor relations.
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named Darryl Tapp as the team's defensive line coach.
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named Darryl Tapp as the team's defensive line coach.
Tapp joins the Commanders after serving as an assistant defensive line coach for the San Francisco 49ers from 2020-23. Tapp brings six years of collegiate and professional coaching experience to Washington. Before landing in San Francisco, Tapp served as the co-defensive line coach at his alma mater Virginia Tech in 2020. Tapp spent the 2019 season with Vanderbilt as a special teams quality control coach and the year before at Central Michigan as a defensive quality control coach.
In 2023, Tapp assisted in producing one of the best defensive line units in the league with key players Nick Bosa, Javon Hargrave, Arik Armstead, and Javon Kinlaw on the front. The 49ers defense held opponents to 89.7 rushing yards per game, the third fewest in the NFL, along with 48.0 sacks which tied for the seventh most in the league. The elite defensive production granted Tapp his first Super Bowl appearance falling short to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVIII.
In 2022, the 49ers defense ranked first in the NFL in total yards per game allowed (300.6) and points allowed per game (16.3). The team also finished second with 77.7 rushing yards allowed per game. San Francisco's defense held its opponents to 277 points on the season, the fewest in the NFL and the lowest surrendered by a 49ers team since 2013. Tapp, along with defensive line coach Kris Kocurek, coached defensive lineman Nick Bosa, who was named Associated Press NFL Defensive Player of the Year after leading the NFL with a career-high 18.5 sacks. The previous season, the 49ers defense ranked third in the NFL allowing 310 total yards per game and sixth in passing yards allowed per game (206.5).
Prior to joining San Francisco, Tapp served as a co-defensive line coach at Virginia Tech in 2020 where the defense finished with 36.0 sacks on the year. In 2019, Tapp was part of the Vanderbilt coaching staff as a special teams quality control coach. The punt team averaged 42.2 yards per punt, with the field goal units connecting on 10 of 12 attempts on the season.
Tapp began his coaching career in 2018 with Central Michigan serving as a defensive quality control coach. The defense recorded 29 sacks and 12 fumble recoveries on the season with defensive lineman Mike Dana earning First-Team All-Mid-American honors.
As a player, Tapp was drafted by the Seattle Seahawks in the second round (63rd overall) of the 2006 NFL Draft. His NFL career involved stints with the Seahawks (2006-09), Philadelphia Eagles (2010-12), Washington Commanders (2013), Detroit Lions (2014-15), New Orleans Saints (2016) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2017). He appeared in 165 games (39 starts) and registered 316 tackles, 29.0 sacks, 20 passes defensed, 11 forced fumbles, 10 fumble recoveries and two interceptions. He appeared in six postseason games and recorded 15 tackles, 2.0 sacks and two forced fumbles.
A native of Chesapeake, Virginia., Tapp played defensive end at Virginia Tech (2002-05), where he appeared in 53 games and registered 187 tackles and 23.5 sacks and earned a degree in marketing. He was inducted into the Virginia Tech Sports Hall of Fame in 2018. He is married to his wife, Tiffany, and has one daughter, Taylor, and one son, Duece.
OLB Darryl Tapp watched the Washington Redskins' success in 2012 as a member of the Eagles and knew he wanted to come home to Washington and play for a winner.
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President of Football Initiatives
Job Titles:
- Director of Player Personnel
Biography
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named David Blough as the team's assistant quarterbacks coach.
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named David Blough as the team's assistant quarterbacks coach.
Blough joins the Commanders with five years of playing experience, most recently as a member of the Detroit Lions.
He spent four seasons with the Lions (2019-21; 2023) and one season with the Arizona Cardinals (2022).
Throughout his career, Blough recorded 1,435 passing yards and six touchdowns.
Blough attended Purdue from 2015-18 and earned his master's degree in health and kinesiology after earning his bachelor's in organizational leadership.
A native of Carrollton, Texas, Blough is married to Olympian Melissa Gonzalez, who specializes in the 400-meter hurdles and the 4 x 400-meter relay.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Special Teams Coordinator
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named David Raih as the team's tight end coach.
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named David Raih as the team's tight end coach.
Raih joins the Commanders after serving as a senior offensive analyst for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2023. Raih brings 15 years of professional and collegiate experience to Washington. Before landing in Tampa, Raih served as the offensive coordinator at Vanderbilt in 2021. Prior to Vanderbilt, Raih spent seven years in the NFL; two seasons (2019-20) as the wide receivers coach with the Arizona Cardinals and five seasons (2014-18) as an assistant coach with the Green Bay Packers.
In 2019, Raih coached wide receivers Larry Fitzgerald and DeAndre Hopkins. In 2020, Hopkins earned first team All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors. He ranked second in the NFL in receptions (115), and third in receiving yards (1,407).
Prior to joining Arizona, Raih served in a variety of coaching roles with the Green Bay Packers. He joined the staff as a coaching administrator in 2014. He was then promoted to the role of assistant offensive line coach the following season and became an offensive perimeter coach in 2017 before assuming the role of wide receivers coach in 2018. Raih began his coaching career as a coaching intern with the quarterbacks at UCLA (2008-09) before accepting roles at his alma mater, Iowa (2010-12), and Texas Tech (2013).
A native of Edina, Minnesota., Raih played quarterback at Iowa (1999-2003) and went to St. Thomas Academy, in St. Paul, MN. He and his wife, Lauren, have two children: Goldie and Rockford.
Job Titles:
- Manager of Football Research & Development
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Athletic Trainer
Job Titles:
- Senior Advisor to the General Manager
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Team Support and Advancement
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Partnership Development
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Operations
Job Titles:
- Football Solutions Developer
Job Titles:
- Defensive Quality Control
Biography
The Washington Commanders have named George Banko as defensive quality control coach.
The Washington Commanders have named George Banko as defensive quality control coach.
Banko joins the Commanders after most recently serving as a football analyst for the University of Alabama. Banko began his career in football as a defensive graduate assistant for the program.
Banko attended Chancellor High School where he played defensive end/outside linebacker and graduated in 2016.
A native of Fredericksburg, Virginia., Banko completed his degree in business from Alabama in 2020.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Athletic Trainer
Job Titles:
- Senior Physical Therapist / Assistant Athletic Trainer
Job Titles:
- Defensive Pass Game Coordinator
Biography
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named Jason Simmons as the team's defensive pass game coordinator.
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named Jason Simmons as the team's defensive pass game coordinator.
Simmons joins the Commanders after serving as the defensive backs/pass game coordinator for the Las Vagas Raiders for the past two seasons (2022-23).
Job Titles:
- Manager of Football Communications
Job Titles:
- Chief Partnerships Officer
Biography
Whitt Jr. joins the Commanders after serving as the secondary/defensive passing game coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys for the past three seasons (2021-23).
Whitt Jr. joins the Commanders after serving as the secondary/defensive passing game coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys for the past three seasons (2021-23).
Since taking over the secondary in 2021, Whitt's unit has led the league with 59 interceptions. Last season, Dallas' pass defense ranked fifth in passing yards allowed per game (187.4) and recorded 17 interceptions, tied for the eighth most in the NFL. CB DaRon Bland set an NFL single-season record for most interceptions returned for touchdowns in a single season (five), and earned Pro Bowl and All Pro honors. The Cowboys allowed 27 plays of 25-plus yards, the second fewest in the league.
In 2022, Whitt Jr. worked closely with CB Trevon Diggs as he recorded three interceptions, 14 passes defensed and forced incompletions on 12.1 percent of passes. Dallas ranked eighth in the league in net pass yards per game (200.9) and tied for 10th in completion percentage (62.7). S Donovan Hooker registered 5.0 sacks which led all defensive backs and was tied for the most by a Cowboys defensive back since 1984.
In 2021, the Cowboys finished in the top 10 for opponent completion percentage (59.5 - third) and interceptions (26 - first). Diggs led the NFL with 11 interceptions and tied a franchise record while also earning his first Pro Bowl honors. Diggs was also named First Team All Pro as voted on by the Associated Press.
Whitt Jr. served as the secondary/defensive passing game coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons in 2020.
Prior to working in Atlanta, he worked as the pass game coordinator/secondary coach for the Cleveland Browns in 2019. His unit ranked seventh against the pass, allowing 216.9 yards per game. The Browns had 14 interceptions, tied for eighth in the NFL.
In 2018, Whitt Jr. was the defensive pass game coordinator after serving as the secondary/cornerbacks coach for the Green Bay Packers for nine seasons (2009-17). During his time in Green Bay, he helped the team win Super Bowl XLV, and he coached the Packers to a league-high 176 interceptions while ranking ninth in opponent passer rating (83.2). His unit ranked seventh in opponent completion percentage (59.8) and touchdown-to-interception ratio (1.34).
Job Titles:
- Senior Defensive Assistant
Biography
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named John Pagano as the team's senior defensive assistant.
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named John Pagano as the team's senior defensive assistant.
Pagano joins the Commanders with 32 years of coaching experience, most recently as the special assistant to the head coach at the University of Connecticut.
From 2020-21, Pagano served as the outside linebackers coach for the Denver Broncos. In 2020, linebacker Bradley Chubb earned his first career Pro Bowl honors after recording 7.5 sacks and 19 quarterback hits in 14 games played.
Pagano spent two seasons (2018-19) with the Houston Texans as senior defensive assistant/outside linebackers coach. During his time with the Texans, he worked closely with linebackers Jadeveon Clowney and Whitney Mercilus. In 2018, Clowney earned his third consecutive Pro Bowl nod and in 2019, Mercilus was one of two players to record at least seven sacks, two interceptions and four forced fumbles.
n 2017, Pagano was the defensive assistant head coach for the Oakland Raiders. In Week 12, he took over play calling duties and helped the Raiders pass rush record the seventh-most sacks (17) in the final six games of the season after ranking last in the league in sacks through the first 10 games of the season.
Before his time in Oakland, Pagano spent 15 seasons with the San Diego Chargers in various defensive coaching roles - defensive coordinator (2012-16), linebackers (2009-11), outside linebackers (2007-08), assistant linebackers/quality control (2005-06) and defensive assistant/quality control (2002-04). While with the Chargers, the team scored the fifth most defensive touchdowns (17) during the span and had six playoff appearances.
Pagano spent four seasons (1998-2001) as a defensive assistant with the Indianapolis Colts. He started his NFL coaching career with the New Orleans Saints in 1996 as a defensive assistant after six seasons as a college assistant - University of Mississippi (1995), Louisiana Tech (1994), UNLV (1990-91) and Mesa State (1989) and one as a high school coach - Overland High School, Aurora, Colo. (1992-93).
Job Titles:
- Assistant Strength & Conditioning
Prior to entering the NFL, Latham completed strength and conditioning internships at Rutgers (2011), St. Joseph's (2012) and Temple (2012). In addition, he contributed as an assistant coach at his alma mater, The College of New Jersey, during those two years.
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named Ken Norton Jr. as the team's linebackers coach.
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named Ken Norton Jr. as the team's linebackers coach.
Norton Jr. joins the Commanders after recently serving as the linebackers coach for UCLA for the 2022-23 seasons. Norton Jr. brings 12 years of NFL coaching experience to Washinton including nine seasons with the Seattle Seahawks (2010-14, 2018-21), and three with the Las Vegas Raiders (2015-17). Before becoming an NFL coach, Norton Jr. spent six years coaching at USC (2004-09) as a linebackers coach and an assistant head coach in his final season.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Public Affairs
Job Titles:
- Assistant General Manager
Job Titles:
- Special Teams Coordinator
Biography
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named Larry Izzo as the team's special teams coordinator.
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named Larry Izzo as the team's special teams coordinator.
Izzo joins the Commanders after recently serving as the special teams coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks (2021-23). Izzo is entering his 14th year of NFL coaching and fourth as a special teams coordinator. Before his six-year stint with Seattle, Izzo spent seven seasons coaching with the N.Y. Giants (2011-15) and Houston (2016-17) following a 14-year playing career.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Partner Solutions
Job Titles:
- Assistant Athletic Trainer / Physical Therapist
Job Titles:
- Chief Legal Officer & SVP, Business Affairs
Job Titles:
- Assistant Head Athletic Trainer
Job Titles:
- Football Solutions Engineer
Job Titles:
- Football Operations Coordinator
Kiper has the Redskins taking Young for the second time in his most recent mock draft. He believes adding Young would help the team become a "much improved" team in 2020.
Job Titles:
- Assistant
- Athletic Trainer
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Marketing
Job Titles:
- Development Coach
- Player Development Coach
Job Titles:
- Football Solutions Developer
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Football Administration
Job Titles:
- Director of Rehabilitation
Job Titles:
- Assistant Linebackers / Pass Rush Specialist
- Run Game Coordinator / Running Backs
Biography
Ryan Kerrigan enters his second season as the Commanders assistant defensive line coach after being named to the role on September 5, 2022.
Kerrigan, along with defensive line coach Jeff Zgonina, led a defensive line room that contributed two Pro Bowlers, Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne.
Kerrigan signed a one-day contract on July 29th, retiring as a member of the Burgundy and Gold. He is the Commanders all-time official sack leader and appeared in 156 games for the franchise from 2011-20.
Kerrigan finished his career in Washington with 457 tackles (333 solo), including 120 for loss, 95.5 sacks, three interceptions which were all returned for touchdowns, 25 passes defensed and 26 forced fumbles.
Along with being the franchise's all-time leader in official sacks, Kerrigan is also one-of-three players in NFL history to record 60-plus sacks and 3-plus interceptions returned for touchdowns joining Jason Taylor and Julius Peppers. He is also second in franchise history in multi-sack games (18), trailing only Dexter Manley.
Kerrigan was selected in the first round (No. 16 overall) of the 2011 NFL Draft by Washington. He was a four-time Pro Bowl selection during his tenure with the organization. Kerrigan was recently selected as one of the 10 new additions to the 90 Greatest List. He also had a streak of 139-consecutive games played from 2011-19.
Kerrigan recorded two sacks Sunday to become the franchise's official all-time sacks leader.
Kerrigan had two sacks in Washington's 27-17 win to pass Manley as the franchise's official career sack leader.
Kerrigan, who has been around Young a lot the past few weeks, said the No. 2 overall pick "wants to know how he can be great."
Kerrigan's role will likely change in the 4-3 scheme, but he still intends on being a pivotal piece in the defensive line rotation.
Job Titles:
- Assistant Strength and Conditioning / Player Performance
Job Titles:
- Football Communications Coordinator
Biography
Samantha Hawkins is entering her first season with Washington after spending the last two years (2022-24) with the University of Memphis as the director of football nutrition.
Samantha Hawkins is entering her first season with Washington after spending the last two years (2022-24) with the University of Memphis as the director of football nutrition.
Prior to her time in Memphis, Hawkins was the associate director of athletic performance for sports nutrition for the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. She interned in sports nutrition at Southeastern Louisiana University, University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and in performance nutrition at Louisiana State University.
Hawkins graduated from Mississippi State University with a bachelor of science in nutrition and health promotion in 2020. She got her masters of science in nutrition and food systems from the University of Southern Mississippi in 2022 and her masters of science in exercise nutrition in 2023.
Biography
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named Sarah Hogan as the team's coaching chief of staff.
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named Sarah Hogan as the team's coaching chief of staff.
Hogan joins the Commanders after serving as the director of coaching operations for the Atlanta Falcons in 2023. Hogan spent two seasons as the assistant director of coaching operations for the Falcons.
From 2016-20, Hogan served as coordinator of coaching operations for Atlanta. She originally joined the organization in 2015 as the coordinator of scouting administration.
Prior to her time in Atlanta, Hogan was the director of football operations at Georgia State University from 2010-15 under Head Coach Bill Curry (2010-12) and Head Coach Trent Miles (201315). She was a member of the GSU's football staff as they prepared for its inaugural season in 2010.
She spent the previous three seasons as the director of football operations at Northeastern University which discontinued its football program following its 2009 season.
Before her time at Northeastern, Hogan worked in the athletics department at Maryland University and at the campus recreation center at Georgia Tech. She interned with the New York Jets in the college scouting department.
Hogan received a bachelor's degree in kinesiology and sport management from James Madison University in 2004 and her master's degree in sports administration from Georgia State in 2006.
Job Titles:
- Assistant to the General Manager
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Football Communications
Job Titles:
- Director of Football Solutions
Job Titles:
- Advertising
- Offensive Quality Control
Biography
Shane Toub enters his sixth NFL season in the coaching ranks and second in Washington. He will be the team's offensive quality control coach.
Shane Toub enters his sixth NFL season in the coaching ranks and second in Washington. He will be the team's offensive quality control coach. Toub previously worked for the Chicago Bears as an offensive assistant (2018-19) and as a defensive quality control coach (2020-21). He spent the 2022 season as a defensive quality control coach for the University of Kansas.
In 2022, Toub was a part of a staff that engineered one of Kansas' best seasons in the past two decades. The team started 5-0 and became an AP Top 25 ranked school for the first time since 2009. The season culminated with a trip to the Liberty Bowl to face Arkansas. It was the school's first trip to a bowl game since 2009.
Prior to his stint at Kansas, Toub was a member of Matt Nagy's Chicago Bears staff from 2018-21. Toub was part of the Bears 2018 team that finished with a 12-4 record, winning the NFC North for the first time since 2010. The team's 12-4 record in 2018 was the organization's best regular season finish since 2006.
Prior to his coaching career, Toub played five seasons at the University of Dayton. Toub started 34 total games in his career at center. He started all 11 games as a senior and was named the Stan Kurdziel Memorial Trophy winner for being the team's top lineman along with being named a team captain that season. He was also a four-year member of the PFL Academic Honor Roll during his career. He is also the son of David Toub who is currently the special teams coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs.
Biography
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named Shariff Floyd as the team's assistant defensive line coach.
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named Shariff Floyd as the team's assistant defensive line coach.
Floyd joins the Commanders after serving as a quality control/assistant defensive line coach for the Dallas Cowboys in 2023. Floyd served as an intern with Dallas during training camp in 2022 as a part of the Bill Walsh Diversity Coaching Fellowship before returning to Florida where he served as a student assistant coach while finishing his undergraduate degree.
Prior to his coaching at the University of Florida, Floyd was the defensive coordinator at Ben Franklin High School in his hometown of Philadelphia in 2019.
As a player, Floyd was a defensive tackle drafted in the first round (23rd overall) by the Minnesota Vikings in the 2013 NFL Draft. He played three seasons for Minnesota before a knee injury ended his pro career, totaling 65 tackles, 9.5 sacks, 70 hurries and 26 tackles for loss, starting 24-of-43 games played. Floyd attended the University of Florida where he played in 37 games with 26 starts and earned first team All-American honors during his final season.
A Philadelphia native, Floyd earned his degree in sociology in May 2023. He has three children, a daughter, Aria, and two sons, Trygg and Jett.
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Ticket Sales, Service & Operations
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Premium Hospitality
Job Titles:
- Director of College Scouting
Job Titles:
- Senior Director of Player Health and Performance
Job Titles:
- Director of Partner Service
Job Titles:
- Senior Vice President, Operations & Guest Experience
Job Titles:
- Vice President, Community Relations & Executive Director, Foundation
Job Titles:
- Assistant Defensive Backs
Biography
The Washington Commanders announced today they have named William Gay as the team's assistant defensive backs coach.
The Washington Commanders have named William Gay as the team's assistant defensive backs coach.
Gay joins the Commanders with 11 years of playing experience - 10 with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2007-11; 2013-17) and one with the Arizona Cardinals (2012). He most recently served as the defensive backs coach at Missouri State in 2020.
In 2019, Gay served as a coaching assistant for the Pittsburgh Steelers.
He played in 176 games, making 101 starts and recording 577 total tackles, 13 interceptions, 87 passes defensed, 34 tackles for loss, 10 forced fumbles and five interception return touchdowns, which is tied for the most in Steelers history.
Gay was named the recipient of the Ed Block Courage Award in 2015 and was Pittsburgh's Walter Payton Man of the Year Nominee in 2014. Gay attended the University of Louisville and earned first-team All-Big East honors in 2006. He majored in sports administration.
A native of Tallahassee, Fla., Gay attended Rickards High School and is the son of Corine Hall.