New Washington Commanders offensive coordinator David Blough has many fans in the NFL. Last offseason, Braff had just completed his first year as a coach as the Commander’s assistant quarterbacks coach when at least three teams tried to hire him. Washington blocked all attempts.
Current Bears head coach Ben Johnson was one of the coaches who tried to hire Braff. Johnson spent three seasons with Braff in Detroit, including serving as offensive coordinator in the finale while Braff served as the backup quarterback. Johnson quickly grew fond of Braff, and when he was named Chicago’s head coach in 2025, he wanted to bring Braff with him, but the Commanders had no intention of letting the young coach leave the building.
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When Washington and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury mutually parted ways last week, GM didn’t wait long to promote Braff. After interviewing five candidates, Washington promoted Braff to offensive coordinator, a quick promotion for a 30-year-old former quarterback who had only coached for two seasons.
Johnson spoke to the media on Friday ahead of this weekend’s NFC Divisional Round game against the San Francisco 49ers and was asked about Braff.
“He also has a bright future,” Johnson said. “He’s really smart. He’s able to relate to everybody, coaches and players, in a natural way. I know he’s not only respected by me, but the staff in Washington has a lot of respect for him, and they find tremendous value in him. I think he’s going to do a great job in that role.” He’s really smart. Having been a quarterback, he has an inherent feel for how to help elevate the position and I think he’s going to be able to do that in that key role going forward. I think he’s going to be one of those guys that gets the executive job before you know it.”
There has been a lot of discussion about what kind of offense Braff will play with Washington. After spending time with Johnson, Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell and Kingsbury, the belief is that Braff’s offense will be more similar to Johnson and O’Connell’s while mixing in the things quarterback Jayden Daniels likes about Kingsbury’s offense.
Does the Bears coach have any advice for Burra?
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“We all have our strengths and weaknesses and you try to highlight your strengths and surround yourself with people who can help you overcome your weaknesses. He knows what those are and I’m sure he’ll do his best to make sure he’s in a good spot. He’s a good guy and I think that’s where he comes from and I think that resonates with everyone around him.”
Johnson also has experience with the Commanders, having interviewed for the head coaching position in the 2024 offseason before it was handed to Dan Quinn. However, it’s clear he believes Washington did the right thing in hiring and promoting Braff. Before the Commander hired Braff, the Lions contacted him for an interview for the offensive coordinator vacancy. But once again, Washington didn’t let Braff leave the building.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Bears coach Ben Johnson praises David Braff
