Bryan Manning, Commanders WireSat, January 31, 2026 at 1:38 AM UTC·2 min readCould the Washington Commanders be losing a key member of their offensive coaching staff? Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Denver Broncos recently requested permission to interview Washington assistant head coach/offensive passing game coordinator Brian Johnson. Schultz indicates that the interview has already taken place.
Johnson, 38, is a native of Barrett Station, Texas, and played collegiately at Utah, where he began his career as a backup quarterback to Alex Smith under Urban Meyer. Once Smith went to the NFL, Johnson became a three-year starter for the Utes. Once his playing career ended, Johnson quickly turned to coaching.
He returned to his alma mater in 2010, working as quarterbacks coach and offensive coordinator over the next four seasons. In 2014, Johnson joined Mississippi State, serving as Dan Mullen's quarterbacks coach for three seasons, during which he mentored Dak Prescott.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementIn 2018, Johnson followed Mullen to Florida, where he spent three years before landing his first NFL coaching job in 2020 with the Philadelphia Eagles. He was with Philadelphia for three seasons and was promoted to offensive coordinator in 2023. However, he was fired after one season. In 2024, he arrived in Washington, where he was a part of the coaching staff that helped mentor Jayden Daniels.
When the Commanders parted ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury after the season, Johnson appeared to be a logical candidate. Washington interviewed five coaches, including Johnson, but promoted assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough. It remains to be seen whether Johnson wants to remain on staff or feels passed over for Blough. The Commanders reportedly want to retain Johnson, as his experience will benefit the 30-year-old Blough.
Washington also replaced defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. with Daronte Jones. Additionally, defensive passing game coordinator Jason Simmons left to join Mike McCarthy's new staff with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Also, the Commanders fired offensive line coach Bobby Johnson and promoted assistant offensive line coach Darnell Stapleton to replace him.
The Broncos recently fired offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, which many believe was so Sean Payton could offer a promotion to quarterbacks coach Davis Webb to retain him.
AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementThis article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Broncos interviewed Brian Johnson for OC
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