Wes Welker‘s tenure on the Dolphins’ coaching staff came to an end this offseason, but he has a new opportunity lined up for 2025. A deal is in place for him to join the Commanders, as first reported by ESPN’s Mike Reiss. 
Welker transitioned from playing to coaching shortly after his retirement. The five-time Pro Bowler spent a pair of seasons with the Texans before working on the 49ers’ staff from 2019-21 as their receivers coach. During that span, Welker worked closely with Deebo Samuel, who was acquired by Washington via trade this offseason.
After Mike McDaniel parlayed his San Francisco tenure into the Dolphins’ head coaching position, Welker followed him to Miami. He remained in place for three seasons but was fired shortly after the 2024 campaign came to an end. As the Patriots were overhauling their staff, Welker received consideration for the role of receivers coach. Instead, New England tapped Todd Downing for the job.
In spite of that development, Welker will have a gig in the nation’s capital for next season. The 43-year-old will hold the role of personnel analyst, per Reiss’ colleague John Keim. He will work alongside Washington’s personnel and coaching staffs in his new position. Welker represents a familiar face to general manager Adam Peters based on his time in New England and Denver during Welker’s playing days; the pair also worked together in San Francisco.
Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury also has a connection to Welker since the two were teammates in college. That level of familiarity could help the latter succeed in his new gig as he aims to help the Commanders duplicate their surprising level of success from the 2024 season.