ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Commanders officially hit the reset button on Tuesday. Just one year after a Cinderella run to the NFC Championship, the “Burgundy and Gold” coaching staff collapsed under the weight of a 5-12 season. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is leaving the organization to “pursue other opportunities,” while defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. was relieved of his duties.
The numbers tell a brutal story. In 2024, Kingsbury’s offense was a top-10 juggernaut. Fast forward to 2025, and the unit regressed to 22nd in points per game (20.9) and total yards (318.8). While Kingsbury’s “spread” system faced criticism for becoming predictable, the roster was decimated by the training room. Jayden Daniels missed 10 games, Terry McLaurin missed 7, and the running game lost Austin Ekeler for nearly the entire season.
Defensively, the situation was even grimmer. Washington finished dead last—32nd—in yards allowed. Joe Whitt Jr. lost play-calling duties to Dan Quinn mid-season, making his Tuesday morning firing an expected formality. Quinn and GM Adam Peters are now searching for a “philosophical match” to revitalize a team that holds the No. 7 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
| Category | 2025 Rank | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|
| Points Per Game | 22nd | 20.9 PPG |
| Total Yards Allowed | 32nd | 384.3 YPG |
| Red Zone TD % | 4th | 65.2% (The lone bright spot) |
| Giveaways | 23rd | 23 turnovers |
“I love working with Kliff. Me and him have a special relationship. I kind of just wish I was out there more to play for him this past year.” — Jayden Daniels, Commanders Quarterback (via Washington Post)
Expect the Commanders to look toward the San Francisco 49ers or Miami Dolphins coaching trees. Names like Klay Kubiak (SF OC) and Frank Smith (MIA OC) fit the “Shanahan-style” mold Peters and Quinn likely covet. On defense, the search begins with Raheem Morris, who was recently fired by Atlanta and has deep ties to Quinn. Gus Bradley and Al Harris are also names to watch as Washington tries to rebuild the “Legion of Boom” energy Quinn brought from Seattle.
Kingsbury won’t stay unemployed. The Tennessee Titans are reportedly preparing an interview request, and the New York Giants are sniffing around for a veteran play-caller. For Washington, the 2026 season hinges on finding a coordinator who can keep Jayden Daniels healthy and upright in a more balanced, physical system.
