The Washington Commanders have experienced another notable coaching staff change, as assistant head coach and offensive pass game coordinator Brian Johnson has left to join the Los Angeles Rams. This move, confirmed on February 23, 2026, comes in the wake of Johnson being passed over for the vacant offensive coordinator position following the 2025 season.
Johnson was hired by the Commanders in February 2024 under head coach Dan Quinn, bringing with him a strong reputation as a quarterback developer and innovative offensive mind. His previous work with quarterbacks such as Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia and Dak Prescott in Dallas positioned him as a rising star among NFL offensive assistants. In Washington, Johnson served as the assistant head coach and pass game coordinator, a role integral to the conception and execution of the team's passing attack.
Following the departure of former offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury after the 2025 season, many expected Johnson to be promoted to fill that critical role. However, the Commanders sought external candidates and ultimately chose to move forward without Johnson, signaling a shift in the team's offensive leadership philosophy. This decision reportedly influenced Johnson's choice to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
The Rams, led by head coach Sean McVay, are renowned for their dynamic offense and stable coaching environment. Johnson will join their staff as a senior offensive assistant, reuniting with Kingsbury, who is now part of the Rams' offensive staff. This opportunity allows Johnson to continue honing his craft alongside one of the league's premier coaching staffs, positioning him for future advancement.
For the Commanders, Johnson's departure leaves a significant vacancy on a staff that has already experienced considerable turnover this offseason. He was a crucial link to the quarterback room and played a pivotal role in pass game design, responsibilities that will now need to be filled either by internal promotion or external hiring. The Commanders' organization faces a critical challenge in maintaining continuity and stability in their offensive coaching staff moving forward.
From a player development perspective, the loss is especially felt in the passing attack, as Johnson's expertise and working relationships with receivers and quarterbacks took part in weekly game planning and execution. Adjusting to a new coach in these roles can affect timing, trust, and performance as the team prepares for the 2026 season.
Johnson's move is emblematic of the competitive and fluid landscape of NFL coaching staffs, where advancement opportunities often require change. For Washington, retaining top offensive coaching talent remains vital as they seek to improve their team performance and establish a sustainable winning culture under Dan Quinn's leadership.
As the 2026 offseason progresses, all eyes will be on how the Commanders address this coaching vacancy while continuing their efforts in free agency and the draft. The selection of Johnson's replacement could set the tone for offensive strategy and influence the trajectory of the team's development moving forward.
The Commanders have the resources and ambition to build a competitive team in one of the NFL's most demanding divisions. However, this process depends as much on coaching stability and vision as it does on player acquisitions. Brian Johnson's departure marks the end of one chapter of offensive development and the beginning of another--where effective leadership and coaching cohesion will be paramount to future success.