David Blough and the Offensive Staffing Thread

[KDawg]

I think the succession plan with Kliff was Tavita Pritchard. Once he got the Stanford gig, they were left a bit high and dry. Listening to Mark Bullock on Standig podcast, he complained that Quinn was very worried about having a succession plan in place for OC and now he is right back where he was in Atlanta with no OC and no legitimate heir apparent in house.

And he will continue to be in that position for as long as he is a head coach as a defensive guy.

 

[Riggo44]

Like Conn said, I would be extremely leery of the lack of any kind of experience. Maybe he can do it, I have no idea, but it's extremely risky to put this in such a neophyte's hands.

I also don't think the scheme was problematic, the scheme was rather successful. I think it was aspects of it Kliff refused to let go of: hurry up, no huddle, and designed QB runs.

We shall see. The more I think about it, I can see McDaniel ending up as the HC in Atlanta.

 

[Higskin]

As to Blough. I am not excited or down on it, don't know. He learned under Ben Johnson and Kliff.

I do recall hardly anyone at ES was excited about McVay when he was appointed coordinator but not down on him either. But at a minimum it wasn't an exciting hire at the time. More excitement about Kyle, but it was mixed, and people were down on him fast.

I think its a bit of a roll of the dice from Quinn in an important season for him. But the upside is also big considering it would be an easier transition for Jayden and heck you look good when you find the next big coordinator.

I still prefer McDaniel but wouldn't hate Blough.

I'm with you "I still prefer McDaniel but wouldn't hate Blough". Wish we knew more about the McDaniel situation and whether he'd come here. It's such a huge risk for Quinn to hire Blough.

Pros and Cons of Lions Hiring David Blough as OC

Blough has emerged as candidate to succeed John Morton.

www.si.com

Pros and Cons of Lions Hiring David Blough as OC​

Blough certainly gained the admiration of Detroit head man Dan Campbell during his time in Motown, too.

“He’s extremely smart,” Campbell said of Blough back in 2021. “He knows where to go with the football, I love his timing. He knows how to command the huddle, he communicates well and on top of that, he’s a hell of a dude, by the way. He just is.”

Blough, equipped with a high football IQ, has the potential to become an offensive coordinator one day. He played a role in the development of Commanders dual-threat passer Jayden Daniels, who took the league by storm a season ago and threw for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns. He also added 891 yards and six scores on the ground, as he earned AP Offensive Rookie of the Year and Pro Bowl honors.

“I had kind of known before last season started that my body was starting to fail me a little bit,” Blough said last January. “I had known that I had wanted to do [coaching]. I think when I was in high school, I said I wanted to be a high school coach. When I was in college, I wanted to be a college coach. And then at the highest level, learning from some of the great coaches that I've gotten to be around, this is what I'm supposed to be doing.”

Despite his many positive attributes, Blough is just two years into his coaching career, and has never called plays a day in his life. He seems more suited to be a passing game coordinator than a team's offensive coordinator at this juncture in his coaching career. To me, his lack of experience as an NFL assistant should be used against him in his candidacy to become the Lions’ next offensive coordinator.

And if he were hired to be Morton's successor, there's already speculation that Campbell would retain his play-calling responsibilities. That right there is another reason why Blough should not be strongly considered for the OC vacancy.

 

[Chris]

My dream scenario would be McDaniels as OC and Blough as QB coach (or whatever title he is afforded).

For Blough that would require some thought and patience on his part. At the tender age of 30, would it be better for him to learn under McDaniel for a period of time instead of being the OC in Detroit but not the play-caller? Would that be much of an overall difference?

Considering that success by McDaniel in Washington would most likely lead to more or better HC opportunities in the near future, could or would Blough be considered or labeled as his heir apparent? That would alleviate concerns about continuity going forward.

I have no idea how hungry or ambitious Blough is for promotion but I hope he will be considerate of the potential long-term success he might enjoy by taking a thoughtful and measured approach.

 

[RWJ]

As to Blough. I am not excited or down on it, don't know. He learned under Ben Johnson and Kliff.

I do recall hardly anyone at ES was excited about McVay when he was appointed coordinator but not down on him either. But at a minimum it wasn't an exciting hire at the time. More excitement about Kyle, but it was mixed, and people were down on him fast.

I think its a bit of a roll of the dice from Quinn in an important season for him. But the upside is also big considering it would be an easier transition for Jayden and heck you look good when you find the next big coordinator.

I still prefer McDaniel but wouldn't hate Blough.

No one has remarked as I have put into other posts but Newmark knows Blough from Detroit. That should have some relevance when DQ is wanting to know more about him.

To me McDaniel via his first stint as HC reminds me or Norv Turner as far as success as a HC. Very good OC but does seem and I say seem to have it as a HC. Who knows, he may get another HC gig now or after taking another OC position, hopefully with us and take off.

Right now, most are for McDaniel as our OC, me too and Ulbrich as DC. Problem with Ulbrich, with Ryan taking a position in Atlanta he may want the new HC to keep Ulbrich and that could be a problem. DC candidate Graham I find interesting as there is no DQ or AP connection there. I have to think that we hear Al Harris's name mentioned when he's available to be interviews.

 

[skinsinparadise]

I think offensive coordinator is a great situation here. I think the opposite of defensive coordinator. That seems to fit the national media narrative, too not that it matters.

For an offensive guy, you get the chance to work with Jayden, a good line, and with some tinkering a loaded offense. And heck if Quinn lets go you are probably the hier apparent or if not should be easy to land elsewhere. Defense sucks because you are working under a defensive coach with crap talent.

This team has had some good luck with young O coordinators giving them their first shot: McVay and O'Connell. Not saying Blough is the next in that line. But some of the young and upcomers live up to their hype when given a chance, some don't.

Do I trust Quinn to figure that out -- i am agnostic on it -- I don't fully trust him and I don't distrust him either.

Judging by twitter-Internet, Lions fans seem to be diving in more than us fans on him.

For me if they hired him, wouldn't love it wouldn't hate it. I'd like it over hiring name that retread offensive coordinator. I wouldn't like it compared to name that proven stud offensive coodinator like a McDaniel.

The “Rising Star” Option: Why David Blough is the Gamble Detroit Needs to Take

He excels at creating “easy buttons” for quarterbacks—scheming open targets to get a passer in rhythm before dialing up the aggression

www.detroitfootballjournal.com

The “Rising Star” Option: Why David Blough is the Gamble Detroit Needs to Take​

He excels at creating “easy buttons” for quarterbacks—scheming open targets to get a passer in rhythm before dialing up the aggression​

The Archetype: “Sean McVay / Kellen Moore”
​

Blough fits the mold of the modern “boy genius” coach—a former cerebral backup quarterback who transitions seamlessly to the headset, skipping typical rung-climbing steps like Quality Control or positional assistant roles. His trajectory mirrors that of Kellen Moore, who went from backup QB to Offensive Coordinator in a single offseason. He represents the “Quarterback-to-Coach” pipeline that prioritizes processing speed and relatability over decades of sideline tenure.

The Case For: Rapid & Proven Development
​

Blough retired from playing in 2023 and immediately joined Dan Quinn’s staff in Washington. In just two seasons, he has generated substantial buzz in league circles for two primary reasons:

• The “Jayden Daniels” Effect: Blough’s fingerprints are all over the rapid development of Washington QB Jayden Daniels. After helping Daniels secure Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2024, Blough navigated a chaotic 2025 campaign. When Daniels was limited to just 7 starts due to injury, Blough was tasked with preparing a carousel of backups (including veteran Josh Johnson). Despite the 5-12 finish, the quarterback operation remained professional and prepared, a testament to Blough’s teaching ability during a crisis.
• The “Genius” Label: During his playing days, Blough was often described as a coach in a helmet. Kliff Kingsbury, his Offensive Coordinator in Washington (and former Head Coach in Arizona), famously remarked that Blough “knew the offense better than I did” after being in the building for only two weeks. He is viewed not as a former backup, but as a Head Coach in waiting.

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The Case Against: Inexperience
​

The resume is undeniably thin. Blough has never called plays in a regular-season NFL game. Promoting a positional coach with only two years of experience to Offensive Coordinator for a Super Bowl contender is a massive projection.

• Lack of Play-Calling Reps: While he likely called plays in practice or preseason, doing it live against defensive masterminds like Steve Spagnuolo or Brian Flores is a different beast.
• Authority Issues: Can a 30-year-old former teammate of Jared Goff command the room effectively? While they were peers recently, shifting to a “Coach/Player” dynamic requires a delicate touch.

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The Risks
​

• The “Peter Principle”: Is he rising too fast? There is a risk that he is an elite Quarterbacks Coach who isn’t ready to manage an entire offense, run game, and protection plan simultaneously.
• Schematic Overload: Young coaches sometimes try to do too much, too soon. The risk is that Blough tries to install a “Greatest Hits” offense from all his mentors (Bevell, Kingsbury, Johnson) without a cohesive identity, leading to a disjointed attack.

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Strengths As A Coordinator
​

For a Lions team that needs to evolve beyond the established norms, Blough offers a fresh schematic perspective.

• Modern Scheme Hybrid: Blough sits at a unique intersection of offensive philosophies. He played under Darrell Bevell (West Coast) and Ben Johnson (Modern Pro-Style) in Detroit, and coached under Kliff Kingsbury (Air Raid) in Washington.
  • The Result: A playbook that blends the “easy buttons” of the Air Raid—getting athletes in space quickly—with the complex protection schemes and under-center play-action of the pro game.
• Relatability & Communication: Speaking the same language as the modern player is a non-negotiable trait for young coordinators. At just 30 years old, Blough connects with players on a peer level. Having coached the dual-threat Daniels and played as a pocket passer himself, he possesses the rare ability to coach both styles effectively.

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Why He Fits
​

Blough fits because he bridges the gap between the “Grit” culture of Dan Campbell and the “Finesse” requirements of a modern passing game.

• Schematic Continuity: He knows the core of what Jared Goff likes (having sat in the room with him for years) but brings the “Air Raid” concepts from Washington that Goff needs to evolve his game.
• Collaborative Mindset: With Dan Campbell likely retaining play-calling duties, the Lions need a brilliant architect to build the weekly game plan, not a dictator. Blough fits this collaborative role perfectly.

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Ideal Landing Spots
​

• Detroit Lions: This is the clear primary fit. It is a homecoming that makes too much sense to ignore given his history with the staff and roster.
• Los Angeles Rams: If Sean McVay were to lose staff members, he often looks for “mini-mes”—young, smart QBs who process the game like he does.
• Arizona Cardinals: With a head coaching vacancy, a new defensive-minded head coach might look to pair with a young offensive mind like Blough to revitalize Kyler Murray (whom Blough knows from his playing days).

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The Cognitive Edge: QB Processing Translates
​

The primary argument for David Blough’s potential as a play-caller lies in the concept of “live-fire processing.”

While many coaches learn football from the “top down” (looking at All-22 film and X’s and O’s on a whiteboard), a quarterback learns it from the “inside out.” Blough spent his entire career in the pocket, meaning his brain is wired to process defensive structures in milliseconds while under physical threat. This translates to the sideline in three specific ways:

Pattern Recognition vs. Theory: A standard coach sees a defense and thinks, “That looks like Cover 3.” A former quarterback like Blough sees the safety rotate, feels the leverage of the linebacker, and instinctively knows, “They are disguising Cover 3, but the weak-side seam is about to open up.” Because he has physically rep’d these reads thousands of times, he doesn’t have to “think” about the counter-move; he simply recognizes the pattern and reacts. On the headset, this allows Blough to give the quarterback real information before the snap, rather than correcting them after the drive.

The “OODA Loop” Speed: In military and sports strategy, the OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) determines who wins. The person who cycles through this loop faster controls the engagement. Quarterbacks are trained to cycle through this loop in under 2.5 seconds. As a play-caller, Blough would naturally operate at this tempo. He won’t just be reacting to the previous play; he will be anticipating the Defensive Coordinator’s next adjustment based on the flow of the game, calling plays that attack a weakness before the defense can even shore it up.

Feeling The Game Flow: Non-QB play-callers sometimes get stuck in a script—calling plays that should work mathematically but fail because they ignore the “feel” of the game (e.g., a nervous QB, a tired left tackle). A former QB understands the rhythm of the position. Blough knows exactly what a quarterback hates to see and what makes them comfortable. He can process the emotional and physical state of his offense instantly, adjusting the play-calling aggression to match the quarterback’s current rhythm.

Best & Recent Case Study: John Morton

In Short: David Blough wouldn’t just be calling plays; he would be playing the game vicariously through the headset. His processing speed allows him to see the game in slow motion, keeping him one step ahead of a Defensive Coordinator who is still trying to diagnose the formation.

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Final Take: The Verdict & Ideal Fit
​

Verdict: Hire him. This isn’t just a fit; it’s a homecoming that makes too much sense to ignore.

 

[RWJ]

My dream scenario would be McDaniels as OC and Blough as QB coach (or whatever title he is afforded).

For Blough that would require some thought and patience on his part. At the tender age of 30, would it be better for him to learn under McDaniel for a period of time instead of being the OC in Detroit but not the play-caller? Would that be much of an overall difference?

Considering that success by McDaniel in Washington would most likely lead to more or better HC opportunities in the near future, could or would Blough be considered or labeled as his heir apparent? That would alleviate concerns about continuity going forward.

I have no idea how hungry or ambitious Blough is for promotion but I hope he will be considerate of the potential long-term success he might enjoy by taking a thoughtful and measured approach.

I've thought about this Chris. Things would have to line up but it could happen, I think and it would be the best scenario for us as I agree with you.

 

[skinsinparadise]

No one has remarked as I have put into other posts but Newmark knows Blough from Detroit. That should have some relevance when DQ is wanting to know more about him.

I don't think he can know how good someone is as a playcaller until they do it. So much of it is about having a feel for the game as its going on and sequencing it.

Could be a home run, could be a strike out. It does fit the theme of Quinn just being ballsy so far this off season for better or worse.

 

[RWJ]

I don't think he can know how good someone is as a playcaller until they do it. So much of it is about having a feel for the game as its going on and sequencing it.

Could be a home run, could be a strike out. It does fit the theme of Quinn just being ballsy so far this off season for better or worse.

Yes, but I really want McDaniel like most on the board here. DQ has probably spoken with McDaniel and will know something soon. DQ saved the dudes life basically turning him around from substance abuse in Atlanta. Thinking that if McDaniel is a No, then Blough might be their target.

 

[skinsinparadise]

Yes, but I really want McDaniel like most on the board here. DQ has probably spoken with McDaniel and will know something soon. DQ saved the dudes life basically turning him around from substance abuse in Atlanta. Thinking that if McDaniel is a No, then Blough might be their target.

It's early, but right now yeah it does feel like its between those 2.

I just stumbled on the tweet below, and it made me think, while I get the idea that Quinn wouldn't have the guts to do it, I think he does have the guts to do it. I am not saying that its good that he has the guts to do it. In his shoes, I'd go proven. But if he fires Kliff for the QB coach, its a wild risk if the idea is 2026 or bust.

For me, I'd let it play out but I wouldn't distrust it or trust it. Only thing I like about Quinn's lets get nuts version of the off season so far is I think its a preview of an aggressive FA season -- or am hoping.

 

[SkinsNumberOne]

We do not have windows into thinking internally. So I like to read quotes that expose some windows. JD has a quote where he says he wants to be “comfortable” in the offense. That is not a great quote because that word is really specific especially for him.

It is widely reported that he is comfortable in pistol/shotgun - that led to some of the formation limitations we had. I read his desire for “comfortable” along those lines and frankly I don’t like it. All of this time I have had my thinking predicated on “this kid is uber teachable” but “comfort” is just NOT a priority for what uber teachable people want.

Very bad quote.

Still a Jayden fan but this is a question mark. This quote seems meaningful (especially now) and shouldn’t be dismissed. It is in line maybe with Kliff not wanting to change much.

 

[Chris]

Detroit likes Blough but he (most likely) wouldn’t be the play-caller there. He would have to be here. That’s a considerable difference to me.

 

[Discobob]

It's early, but right now yeah it does feel like its between those 2.

I just stumbled on the tweet below, and it made me think, while I get the idea that Quinn wouldn't have the guts to do it, I think he does have the guts to do it. I am not saying that its good that he has the guts to do it. In his shoes, I'd go proven. But if he fires Kliff for the QB coach, its a wild risk if the idea is 2026 or bust.

For me, I'd let it play out but I wouldn't distrust it or trust it. Only thing I like about Quinn's lets get nuts version of the off season so far is I think its a preview of an aggressive FA season -- or am hoping.

I don't know if it's guts necessarily. I suspect it mostly comes from the fact that Quinn is a defensive coach. He can take a risk on a defensive coordinator because if push comes to shove, he can coordinate the defense.

In my mind, that's the biggest issue with us hiring a guy like Blough and Detroit doing it. In Detroit, Dan Campbell could continue calling the plays while Blough takes over the OC position. That is one of the huge advantages of having an offensive play caller as head coach IMO.

Edit: I see that Chris makes this point above

 

[Conn]

Like Conn said, I would be extremely leery of the lack of any kind of experience. Maybe he can do it, I have no idea, but it's extremely risky to put this in such a neophyte's hands.

I also don't think the scheme was problematic, the scheme was rather successful. I think it was aspects of it Kliff refused to let go of: hurry up, no huddle, and designed QB runs.

We shall see. The more I think about it, I can see McDaniel ending up as the HC in Atlanta.

Atlanta’s got some weapons, could retain their high rep OL coach, and Penix is a talented lefty who needs refinement and needs the scheme to provide some answers. It would be a pretty good fit, but I don’t know what the rep of the ownership/organization is. If you’re McDaniel you may only get one more shot at a HC job, it’s why I wouldn’t jump at the Browns opportunity if that’s his only HC offer, when he’s a hot commodity as a playcaller at the least and can choose elsewhere in the future.

 

[SkinsNumberOne]

Detroit likes Blough but he (most likely) wouldn’t be the play-caller there. He would have to be here. That’s a considerable difference to me.

If Blough wants control it could make us more appealing but more risky for us at the same time.

With a good HC risk should be less. He should have his finger on the pulse and know from two years some idea of what they have done. As someone under the OC- it would be a bit out of his orbit but a good HC woukd know some of it

 

[Riggo44]

Atlanta’s got some weapons, could retain their high rep OL coach, and Penix is a talented lefty who needs refinement and needs the scheme to provide some answers. It would be a pretty good fit, but I don’t know what the rep of the ownership/organization is. If you’re McDaniel you may only get one more shot at a HC job, it’s why I wouldn’t jump at the Browns opportunity if that’s his only HC offer, when he’s a hot commodity as a playcaller at the least and can choose elsewhere in the future.

I don't see him taking the Browns, Raiders, Titans, or the Giants (Mara low-key sucks, he is thriving off his name)

 

[Chris]

If Blough wants control it could make us more appealing but more risky for us at the same time.

With a good HC risk should be less. He should have his finger on the pulse and know from two years some idea of what they have done. As someone under the OC- it would be a bit out of his orbit but a good HC woukd know some of it

As the OC here? Absolutely.

In my scenario posted above (what I will call a Powerball ticket) it wouldn’t matter.

 

[DixieFlatline]

And he will continue to be in that position for as long as he is a head coach as a defensive guy.

Why do you say that? I get the OC may move on to a HC job, but wouldn't that mean others on the offense know there's a good chance they can move up to OC here?

 

[Commander Wraith]

I have serious reservations about the idea of Blough getting promoted to OC, including (but not limited to) being disappointed we didn’t land McDaniels and not getting someone in the Shanahan/McVay tree. While Blough has drawn praise and Quinn talked about setting up succession planning last year (so I can see the logic to some degree), it seems like a really a risky choice made riskier given Quinn’s seat is probably at least a bit warm if not hot.

With that said, if I’m looking for some positives to the idea, promoting Blough -

Gives Daniels and the offense continuity. Continuity isn’t the end all be all, but with this comes the possibility for Daniels to spend more time growing in other areas rather than focusing on learning a new offense.

Blough is seen (at least somewhat) as being in that wunderkind mold of other coaches that have left DC and gone on to high level success. Would be nice not to lose one for a change.

Potentially speeds up the process vs waiting on guys from playoff teams or for someone like McDaniels to go through the HC process first.

If Blough doesn’t get the job done, it’s likely Quinn et al are gone and we turn the page.

If the defense still sucks and/or Quinn’s DC pick doesn’t work out, but Blough does, there’s the potential we promote Blough (however unlikely).

Peters wouldn’t have to revamp personnel to fit a new system/play style.

You (potentially) keep Daniels happy.

Probably means Quinn has a high level of comfort and good working relationship with Blough, alleviating some of the uncertainty (in terms of them and other coaches meshing) in bringing in a guy Quinn doesn’t know.

Good chance Blough (vs some other candidates) is less likely to push back against Quinn wanting a certain play style in terms of what he probably considers offensive/defensive cohesion.

If it works out, it means Quinn made a good call and the succession planning worked. I’d also tend to doubt it leads straight to Blough getting a HC opportunity.

 

[Conn]

Why do you say that? I get the OC may move on to a HC job, but wouldn't that mean others on the offense know there's a good chance they can move up to OC here?

Yeah but even if you’re successful (hurdle 1) you eventually run out of talent (hurdle 2), it isn’t sustainable.

The Bucs got extremely lucky and actually improved going from Canales to Coen. Lost both after a single year with Baker Mayfield, back to back. Then they stumbled this year because the 3rd guy in line wasn’t good enough, and they’re starting over.

It’s a tough scene in this league to be a team with a defensive HC, a productive QB, and an intriguing younger mind at OC. You’ll be trying to replace that last piece constantly if you’re good enough. It’s why most of us wanted an offensive HC hire, in a vacuum, after hiring Peters and having the #2 pick in a QB-rich draft.