The Washington Commanders are on an exceptional hot streak. After winning four games in 2023, the team rebounded with the best rookie quarterback of all time in Jayden Daniels, reaching the NFC Championship Game. In the offseason, they’ve been hard at work, making quality moves like trading for Deebo Samuel Sr.
The next stop is the 2025 NFL Draft. But before they arrive in Lambeau Field, Washington is making some changes on the sidelines as well. With an already excellent offense in place, they’re looking to make it even more explosive by bringing on one of the better wide receiver coaches of the last half-decade.
Washington Commanders Make Key Coaching Hire
Wes Welker will go down as one of the best wide receivers between the 2000s and 2010s. A key part of the New England Patriots’ dynasty, he was a four-time All-Pro and five-time Pro Bowl selection during his time with the team.
Since retiring in 2015, the three-time league leader in receptions has taken on roles with teams on the sideline, beginning with the Houston Texans and spending the last six years splitting time between the San Francisco 49ers and the Miami Dolphins as their wide receivers coach.
It led to electric offensive years for the Niners and the Dolphins, the latter of which saw Tyreek Hill record consecutive 1,700+ yard seasons in 2022 and 2023. Now, he’s joining the Commanders, according to breaking news from Mike Reiss of ESPN.
“Wes Welker, who was in the news last week as a worthy nominee for the Patriots Hall of Fame (672 catches over 6 regular seasons + another 69 in playoffs), is in the news again this week. Welker, the former Dolphins WRs coach, has landed on the Commanders staff, per sources,” said Reiss on X.
Wes Welker, who was in the news last week as a worthy nominee for the Patriots Hall of Fame (672 catches over 6 regular seasons + another 69 in playoffs), is in the news again this week.
Welker, the former Dolphins WRs coach, has landed on the Commanders staff, per sources.
— Mike Reiss (@MikeReiss) April 7, 2025
However, after six years as WRs coach, his duty is changing in Washington. Instead, he will be holding a personnel analyst position as Albert Breer broke down.
“Wes Welker’s title with the @Commanders will be personnel analyst. He’ll work with old buddy Kliff Kingsbury and the offensive coaches, and also in the personnel department under GM Adam Peters. Welker and Peters were together in New England, Denver and San Francisco,” Breer reported on X.
Wes Welker's title with the @Commanders will be personnel analyst. He'll work with old buddy Kliff Kingsbury and the offensive coaches, and also in the personnel department under GM Adam Peters.
Welker and Peters were together in New England, Denver and San Francisco.
— Albert Breer (@AlbertBreer) April 8, 2025
His pedigree as a player himself, combined with the success he’s found with virtually every organization he’s joined since his playing career came to an end, does serve as a positive outlook for the Commanders.
Last year, they finished sixth in PFSN’s Offense+ metric. However, with the players they’ve brought on and Walker now entering the fray, there is a real possibility that they will finish even higher in 2025.