As for the teams’ coaching staff, the Lions are working with two new coordinators and a handful of new position coaches, while the Commanders are rolling back the same unit from last season. As a reminder of who the Commanders’ decision-makers are and how things have changed in 2025, let’s take a closer look at the scheme they run and some scouting notes from previously viewed games.
Commanders head coach: Dan Quinn
NFL coaching seasons: 23 seasons
Head coaching seasons: 8 seasons (Falcons 2015-20, Commanders 2024-present)
Influences: Nick Saban, Eric Mangini, Gus Bradley, Jim Mora
Style: Culture setter
Playcaller: Yes (Defense)
Dan Campbell on Quinn and the Commanders:
“Got a lot of respect for what Dan Quinn’s done out there. Good program. They’ve gotten some injuries, some things that they’ve been trying to overcome here - and really no different than us though, coming off a loss and getting back on their feet. We’re getting back on our feet and cleaning things up and find a way to be competitive and get the win.”
Offensive coordinator: Kliff Kingsbury
NFL seasons as a player: Quarterback from 2003-06 (Patriots, Saints, Broncos, Jets, and Bills)
NFL coaching seasons: 6 seasons
Offensive coordinator seasons: 2 (Commanders 2024-present)
Head coaching seasons: 4 (Cardinals 2019-22)
QB cultivator: Case Keenum (Houston, 2010-11), Johnny Manziel (Texas A&M, 2012), Baker Mayfield (Texas Tech, 2013), Patrick Mahomes (Texas Tech, 2014-16), Kyler Murray (Cardinals, 2019-22), Caleb Williams (USC, 2023), and Jayden Daniels (2024-present)
Influences: Mike Leach (HC during time as a player), Dana Holgorsen (Texas Tech), Lincoln Riley (USC, 2023)
Key Staff: David Blough (Assistant QB coach), Anthony Lynn (Run game coordinator)
Passing game: Modified Air Raid
Running scheme: Outside Zone
Staples of scheme:
Dan Campbell on Quinn being blamed for playing Daniels in a lost game before being injured:
“You can’t second-guess that. That’s (my opinion), you can’t. (Daniels) just got back and I’m sure (you want to) get him in a rhythm, a flow. So, I think it’s hard to second-guess that. And I know hindsight, all this and that. But yeah, I do feel for (Quinn). But I don’t feel like he should have to feel that way. Try to get your guy going back in a rhythm and it’s unfortunate. I hate that for (Daniels) JD, man. That’s tough. But it’s not (Quinn’s) fault.”
Defensive coordinator: Joe Whitt Jr.
NFL coaching seasons: 19 seasons
Defensive coordinator seasons: 2 seasons (Commanders 2024-present)
Influences: Dan Quinn (6 years), Dom Capers (10 years), Steve Wilks, Mike Pettine, Mike Zimmer
Key Staff: Ken Norton Jr. (LB coach), Ryan Kerrigan (Asst pass rush specialist), Darryl Tapp (DL coach)
Base: 4-3, aggressive “multiple” front
Coverage: Single-high structured (1/3 Man, 2/3 Zone)
Staples of scheme:
Jared Goff on the Commanders’ defense:
“Yeah, good. Bobby (Wagner)’s been playing for a long time now, got as much respect for him as anyone in our League. (Frankie) Luvu is a hell of a player as well. They do a hell of a job, man., they do. They’re really well-coached over there, their front seven is a problem and their backend is doing a good job, too. So yeah, it’s a really good defense and we’ll have our hands full.”