The Washington Commanders have initiated a major overhaul of their coaching staff following a deeply disappointing 2025 NFL season. The franchise has dismissed both its offensive and defensive coordinators, signalling a fresh start for the 2026 campaign.
Coordinator Exodus After Disappointing Season
The team confirmed the departures of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. This decisive action comes on the heels of a 5-12 record that fell far short of expectations, especially after a promising run in the previous year. Head coach Dan Quinn now faces the critical task of rebuilding the team's strategy on both sides of the ball, focusing on a young core of players.
Kliff Kingsbury's Mutual Parting of Ways
The exit of Kliff Kingsbury has captured significant attention. Reports indicate that the Commanders and Kingsbury reached a mutual agreement to separate after an offensive unit that struggled with consistency throughout the season. The statistics tell a stark story: Washington's offense plummeted to 22nd in the league in both points scored and total yards. This was a dramatic fall from their top-10 ranking just a year earlier in 2024.
Injuries were a major contributing factor, most notably to franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels, who missed a staggering 10 games due to various ailments. The offense rarely operated with its full complement of starters, and the passing game never established a reliable rhythm, despite a running game that performed respectably.
The move has reportedly caused some discontent within the locker room. Daniels himself publicly praised Kingsbury earlier in the week, expressing value for their relationship and a belief that they had unfinished business together. However, the front office and Coach Quinn decided a new direction was necessary, believing a fresh offensive voice is required to fully unlock Daniels' potential and accelerate his development.
Defensive Struggles Lead to Joe Whitt Jr.'s Dismissal
While Kingsbury's departure raised some eyebrows, the firing of defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. was widely anticipated. The Commanders' defense was arguably the league's worst, finishing dead last in total yards allowed and near the bottom in points given up per game.
The loss of confidence in Whitt's system became evident midway through the season when Head Coach Dan Quinn personally took over the defensive play-calling duties. Although this change yielded brief moments of improvement, the overall defensive performance remained unacceptable. Whitt, who shares a long history with Quinn, acknowledged the difficulty of the decision but understood the business nature of the NFL.
What's Next for the Commanders?
The Commanders now enter a critical offseason hunting for two new coordinators. This vacancy makes Washington one of the more attractive destinations on the coaching market, given the presence of a young quarterback like Jayden Daniels. Finding the right offensive coordinator to mentor Daniels is now the franchise's top priority, considering his talent and central role in the team's long-term plans.
In a twist, Kliff Kingsbury's stock remains high despite the 2025 struggles. He is already being linked to several head coaching vacancies around the league, including with teams in the same division. His successful work with Jayden Daniels during the 2024 season has preserved his reputation as an innovative offensive mind.
This staff shake-up is more than just a routine change; it's a statement of urgency from the Commanders' leadership. After another dismal season, the franchise is banking on new leadership for its attack and defense to steer the team back to playoff contention in 2026.
