Jayden Daniels
Getty
Quarterback Jayden Daniels celebrates during an October 13, 2025 game.
Washington Commanders offensive coordinator David Blough doesn’t seem to be waiting around to build his staff. According to NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, Blough promoted tight ends coach David Raih to passing game coordinator. Essentially, Blough solidifies the offensive management spot by promoting his right-hand man.
“The #Commanders are promoting TEs coach David Raih to pass game coordinator, per me and
@TomPelissero First-time OC David Blough locks in his top lieutenant for the new offensive scheme.”
Raih will help design a passing attack that hopes to take advantage of the passing game. He’s spent five seasons as the tight ends coach, helping the Zach Ertz rack up 153 catches and 14 touchdowns in two seasons.
Following the separation from Kliff Kingsbury and Blough’s elevation, Washington wants to put distance between itself and last year’s offense. The Commanders threw for more than 250 yards just once, a 276-yard day, culminating in a 27-26 loss to the Denver Broncos.
Beset by injuries and subpar performance, the Commanders could not get out of their own way offensively. Granted, the team finished in the Top 10 in offensive rushing statistics, completing just 61% of their passes with a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 19:12, and cannot remain the same if they want to emerge from the 5-12 season. The league interception-to-touchdown ratio hovers around 2.5:1.
Raih’s promotion follows a trend of promoting from within as a way to continue while building out from there. By allowing Blough to build out the staff to his liking, Dan Quinn seems to hand over the keys to the offense to Blough, who will lean on Raih to spur the offense.
Differences Could Help Build the Air Attack
While Blough started through his first season as a coordinator, Raih’s road started differently. After his playing career at Iowa ended, Raih began working in the private sector. He left a well-paying job to take an unpaid internship at UCLA.
From there, he bounced between two college jobs (Iowa and Texas Tech) before finding his professional stride with the Green Bay Packers. Over the course of five seasons, Raih held four different jobs with the organization. From administration to wide receivers coach, he developed his coaching philosophy.
Meanwhile, Blough played a backup quarterback who occasionally started. While not as diverse, Bliugh can use Raih’s expertise to make the Commanders more efficient on offense. That blending of style could give the Commanders a balanced view of the passing game. For example, installing a deep crossing route with a tight end dragging underneath can confuse defenses.
Jayden Daniels
GettyJayden Daniels attempts a pass against the Los Angeles Chargers in 2025.
Jayden Daniels’ Development Hinges on Ability to Evolve Within Offense
Entering his third season, the Commanders’ signal caller needs a bounce-back season for a couple of reasons. Traditionally, NFL teams will exercise a first-round pick’s fifth-year option after the third year. This allows them extra time to hammer out a deal. With a strong rookie season but an injury-filled and uneven season in 2025, playing better this season directly correlates to his future pay.
Raih will develop the passing game, crafting game plans with Blough, who will focus on playcalling and game management. If he takes pages out of his playbook, where time in the West Coast Offense and the Air Raid could see a newer version of Daniels. Plus, in both places, the quarterback enjoyed a heavy-volume wideout.
In Green Bay, Raih coached Davante Adams. In Arizona, DeAndre Hopkins saw the majority of the targets. Blough went on record with his plans for Terry McLaurin. As a result, Daniels could find himself with the tools and scheme to orchestrate a comeback.
Terry McLaurin
GettyTerry McLaurin runs after the catch.