Wes Welker To Remain On Commanders' Staff In 2025

Welker will continue his role on the Commanders' offensive staff next season.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn announced that Wes Welker will remain on the team's coaching staff for the 2026 season. Welker, who joined the Commanders' staff last April as a personnel analyst, will continue to work on the offensive side of the ball. Quinn also revealed other changes to the Commanders' coaching staff, including the hiring of Daronte Jones as the new defensive coordinator.

Why it matters

Welker's retention on the Commanders' staff provides continuity and experience on the offensive side of the ball. As a former Pro Bowl wide receiver, his expertise and knowledge can be valuable in developing the team's offensive players. The coaching staff changes, particularly the hiring of Jones as defensive coordinator, signal the team's commitment to improving on both sides of the ball.

The details

Welker joined the Commanders' staff last year as a personnel analyst and helped out on special teams while the team's assistant special teams coordinator, Brian Schneider, battled cancer. Quinn said Welker will work on the offensive staff in 2026, though his exact role has not been specified. Welker has previous coaching experience with the Texans, 49ers, and Dolphins. Elsewhere, Quinn announced that new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones will have the authority to implement his own defensive system, replacing the fired Joe Whitt. Jones' staff will include William Gay as the cornerbacks coach and Darryl Tapp as an assistant defensive line coach.

  • Welker joined the Commanders' staff in April 2025.
  • Welker will remain on the Commanders' staff for the 2026 season.

The players

Wes Welker

A former Pro Bowl wide receiver who played in the NFL from 2004 to 2015. He joined the Commanders' coaching staff in 2025 as a personnel analyst and will continue in that role in 2026.

Dan Quinn

The head coach of the Washington Commanders, who announced the coaching staff changes for the 2026 season.

Daronte Jones

The new defensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, who will have the authority to implement his own defensive system in 2026.

William Gay

The new cornerbacks coach for the Washington Commanders' defense in 2026.

Darryl Tapp

The new assistant defensive line coach for the Washington Commanders' defense in 2026.

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What they’re saying

“Welker helped out on special teams last season while Commanders assistant ST coordinator Brian Schneider battled cancer.”

— Dan Quinn, Head Coach, Washington Commanders (NBC Sports Washington)

What’s next

The Commanders will continue to finalize their coaching staff for the 2026 season, including determining Welker's exact role on the offensive side of the ball.

The takeaway

The retention of Wes Welker and the hiring of Daronte Jones as defensive coordinator signal the Commanders' commitment to improving on both offense and defense in the 2026 season. Welker's expertise and experience can be valuable in developing the team's offensive players, while Jones will have the freedom to implement his own defensive system.