Commanders coaches talk - what did we learn?
Plenty of insight about the 2026 Commanders squad after talking with the coaches.
NFL head coaches talk all the time.
During the season head coaches are mandated to address the media at least four times a week. In the offseason the pace slows, but still the head coach is by far the most visible mouthpiece for the organization.
Where the NFL doesn’t grant much media access? That would be assistant coaches. Position coaches. Those dudes almost never talk publicly.
Once a year, however, all of the assistants answer questions. For the Commanders that happened this past week and there was plenty to learn, especially as Washington is in the middle of installing a new offensive playbook and defensive system.
So what did we learn?
Commanders LB coach Ken Norton is a no-nonsense dude. He played linebacker in the NFL for over a decade and won three Super Bowl rings. His father was a Heavyweight Champion of the World as a boxer. Did I mention Norton is a no-nonsense dude? Well I couldnt help but laugh when I saw Norton’s reaction to the organization drafting Sonny Styles. Check out his face even when I bring it up. Clearly Norton is fired up to coach Styles.
JP Finlay@JPFinlayNBCSAsked Ken Norton about Washington getting Sonny Styles at 7 - “Oh my gosh! I thought there’s no way.” This is awesome, Norton starts smiling as soon as I bring up the draft9:26 PM · Jun 11, 2026 · 24.4K Views1 Reply · 26 Reposts · 466 LikesSpecial Teams Coordinator Larry Izzo made clear the kicker battle is very real. I asked if incumbent Jake Moody had a leg up (no pun intended) in the competition with rookie kicker Drew Stevens. Izzo said no. This summer is all about who makes the most kicks and added that accuracy is more important than distance. Stevens definitely has more distance than Moody, but the rookie has to prove he’s more accurate.
Wide receivers coach Bobby Engram voiced confidence in the current WR group and particularly pleased to have Terry McLaurin back in full for the offseason programs. Engram, echoed by most of the offensive coaches, talked about how much he believes Jayden Daniels playing more snaps under center and more motion behind the line of scrimmage will help the entire offense. (Ed. note: I agree.)
Offensive assistant Wes Welker also talked about the strong work from the overall WR group this summer. Welker provided particular insight on rookie Antonio Williams.
JP Finlay@JPFinlayNBCSWes Welker says Commanders rookie WR Antonio Williams is adjusting well but adds he believes WR is the “toughest position” in the NFL to adjust from college to the pros9:45 PM · Jun 10, 2026 · 89.9K Views14 Replies · 39 Reposts · 589 LikesA very funny moment happened talking with defensive line coach Eric Henderson. I asked Henderson if he heard Javon Kinlaw’s very positive but very profane assesment of the current DLine room. Henderson didn’t miss a beat, “I saw it. I liked it and agree with him. But I won’t quote it.” Well done coach. Henderson is a Louisiana native but has spent his most reaching coaching stint at USC in Los Angeles. The weather was quite hot in Ashburn and I asked coach if he missed the heat and humidity. He made clear he did not. Funny guy.
Commanders running game coordinator Anthony Lynn said we won’t see the best from rookie RB Kaytron “Fatman” Allen until the pads come on and made a direct comparison to former Washington RB Chris Rodriguez. That’s the tough life in the NFL for running backs: C-Rod played well, got some good money in Jacksonville, and Washington hopes it drafted his replacement.
Lynn also said that Jacory Croskey-Merritt aka Bill wants to be back on the field but that the second-year player is dealing with a minor hammy issue. The Commanders are just being ultra careful, which is the right course of action being in June.
Commanders outside linebackers coach John Pagano said that Odafe Oweh’s explosion at the snap is among the most impressive he’s seen and believes the free agent acquisition will make a major impact this fall.
Pagano also told an awesome story behind the viral picture of Commanders players and coaches with former President Barack Obama last week at a golf course. Pagano said the groups finished their round around the same time and that Obama couldn’t have been cooler or nicer. It was the first President that Pagano ever met.
Of the group in that photo, I’ve only played with Frankie Luvu. I can report first-hand that Luvu has game. He bashes it off the tee and shows a nice touch around the greens.
Unrelated: Knicks/Spurs Game 4 is one of the most memorable games I’ve ever watched. A great reminder why we all love sports.