Key Takeaways
- Kliff Kingsbury and the Washington Commanders have mutually agreed to part ways, allowing Kingsbury to seek other opportunities.
- The Commanders have also fired defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and offensive line coach Bobby Johnson as part of an extensive staff reset.
- Kingsbury was expected to be a top candidate for head-coaching jobs in the 2026 NFL coaching carousel after helping Jayden Daniels become the nearly unanimous Offensive Rookie of the Year.
- The Commanders’ offense struggled in 2025 due to injuries to Daniels, leading to a 5-12 record and a finish of 22nd in both scoring and yards per game.
Introduction to Kliff Kingsbury’s Departure
Kliff Kingsbury, the former offensive coordinator of the Washington Commanders, will not be returning to the team for the upcoming season. According to multiple reports, Kingsbury and the Commanders have mutually agreed to part ways, allowing Kingsbury to pursue other opportunities. This move comes as a surprise to many, given Kingsbury’s success with the team in the previous season. In 2024, Kingsbury played a crucial role in helping quarterback Jayden Daniels become the nearly unanimous Offensive Rookie of the Year, leading the Commanders to a surprising run to the NFC championship game.
The Commanders’ Staff Reset
The Commanders have also made other significant changes to their coaching staff. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and offensive line coach Bobby Johnson have been fired, marking an extensive reset for coach Dan Quinn’s staff. Whitt Jr. had been stripped of his defensive play-calling duties in November, with Quinn taking over responsibilities. The changes suggest that the Commanders are looking to shake things up and bring in fresh perspectives to try and improve their performance in the upcoming season. The team’s offense struggled in 2025, finishing 22nd in both scoring and yards per game, and the defense also had its share of struggles, leading to a 5-12 record.
Kingsbury’s Future Prospects
Kingsbury’s decision to leave the Commanders may be a strategic move to position himself for a head-coaching job in the 2026 NFL coaching carousel. Despite being expected to be a top candidate for head-coaching jobs, Kingsbury eschewed interest from the New Orleans Saints to return to his role with the Commanders. However, with the team’s offense struggling in 2025, Kingsbury may have decided that it was time to move on and explore other opportunities. His experience and success with the Commanders, particularly with Jayden Daniels, make him an attractive candidate for teams looking for a new head coach.
Jayden Daniels’ Comments on Kingsbury
On Monday, Jayden Daniels spoke highly of Kingsbury and their working relationship. "I love working with Kliff," Daniels told reporters. "Me and him have a special relationship. We kinda built that over the past two years. I kind of just wish I was out there more to play for him this past year." Daniels’ comments suggest that Kingsbury had a positive impact on his development as a quarterback, and their relationship was an important factor in the team’s success in 2024. Kingsbury’s ability to connect with his players and get the best out of them is likely to be an asset in his future coaching endeavors.
Conclusion and Future Implications
The departure of Kliff Kingsbury and the firing of Joe Whitt Jr. and Bobby Johnson mark a significant turning point for the Washington Commanders. The team will need to rebuild its coaching staff and find new leaders to guide the team in the upcoming season. For Kingsbury, the move may be a calculated risk to position himself for a head-coaching job, and his experience and success with the Commanders make him a strong candidate. As the NFL coaching carousel continues to spin, it will be interesting to see where Kingsbury ends up and how the Commanders fare without him. One thing is certain, however: the Commanders will need to make significant changes to improve their performance in the upcoming season, and the departure of Kingsbury is just the beginning.
