David Blough, the former Detroit Lions quarterback, is quickly gaining attention as an emerging coaching talent after just one year in the role. Having played a limited role in Dan Campbell’s second season as head coach, Blough spent the 2023 season on the Lions’ practice squad before transitioning to coaching. He joined the Washington Commanders as an assistant quarterbacks coach, signaling the end of his playing career.
While rumors about Blough returning to the Lions as a coach have been circulating amid staff changes, it’s clear that he will have competition for potential positions elsewhere. According to NFL Media’s Mike Garafolo, both the New York Jets and the Chicago Bears have shown interest in interviewing Blough. The Jets have expressed interest in hiring him as their quarterbacks coach, while the Bears are considering him for their passing game coordinator role.
Additionally, Jacksonville Jaguars initially requested to interview him, though they later removed the request. With former Lions coordinators Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn now head coaches with the Bears and Jets respectively, Blough has likely made an impression during his time with the Lions, particularly with Johnson, who has already hired two former Lions assistants for his Bears staff.
Blough’s path to coaching began after his college career at Purdue and an undrafted NFL start in 2019 with the Cleveland Browns. After being traded to the Lions, he started five games during his rookie season when Matthew Stafford was injured. He also had brief stints as a starter for the Arizona Cardinals in 2022, where his connection with former Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury led to his current coaching role. With just one season of coaching experience, Blough’s work with the Commanders, including alongside rising star Jayden Daniels, has turned heads around the league.
