Nearly a year removed from their appearance in the NFC Championship game, the Commanders have swept both of their main coordinators. It was announced on Tuesday, January 6, that Washington is moving on from defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, according to NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. While Whitt Jr.’s move was relatively understandable given that head coach Dann Quinn took over as play-caller mid-season, the team’s decision to ‘part ways’ with Kingsbury was more of a shock. This blindside decision not only surprised fans but players as well, including quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Jordan Schultz reported, “My understanding is that key Commanders offensive players, including QB Jayden Daniels, are disappointed with the team’s decision to part ways with OC Kliff Kingsbury.”
Schultz went on to report that many of the players believed that the only reason Kingsbury wouldn’t be there was if he was offered a head coaching opportunity.
While the news might have come out of nowhere for some, there have been previous reports of discourse between Kingsbury and head coach Dan Quinn.
GettyKliff Kingsbury is expected to interview with several teams, including the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans, for their head coaching vacancies this offseason.
Commanders’ Coaching Decision Came Down To Philosophical Differences
Dianna Russini of The Athletic released a piece about updates she had heard about the NFL coaching carousel on January 3. In the midst of a detailed article breaking down several teams’ positions in the coaching space, she left one brief clue about potential discourse within the Commanders. “Some in the building say there’s been a disconnect between Kingsbury and general manager Adam Peters,” Russini wrote.
Following the move, more reports about the “disconnect” between Kingsbury and the heads of the Commanders franchise have been released.
It also seems like DQ has a different vision for what’s best for the long-term development of Jayden Daniels. Kliff runs a very unique, college-like system. DQ may
Several reports suggest that Kingsbury’s vision for the direction of Jayden Daniels differed from Quinn and Peters.
While the connection between the offensive coordinator was strained with the head coach and general manager was strained, it wasn’t with the starting quarterback.
Jayden Daniel said in his press conference on Monday, January 5, “I love working with Kliff. Me and him have a special relationship.”
While the move from Kingsbury was to the dismay of Daniels, Quinn, and Peters have made it known that the starting quarterback will be a ‘crucial component’ of making decisions moving forward.
Commanders’ Potential Targets For Offensive Coordinator
Replacing the success Kingsbury had with the offense in 2024 will be difficult, but there are plenty of quality candidates available.
Starting in-house may be the first look for Washington. Dean Jones suggested that the Commanders’ assistant head coach and offensive pass game coordinator, Brian Johnson, could be an easy transition. This move would make sense given his connection with Daniels and understanding of Washington’s existing offense.
Joseph Zucker of Bleacher Report threw out three more potential options for the Commanders at OC if they chose to go outside the facility.
Zucker listed Denver Broncos quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator Davis Webb, New York Giants’ previous interim head coach Mike Kafka, and Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken all as top candidates.
These moves all make sense given their experiences dealing with mobile young quarterbacks and could provide a good fit with Daniels and the offense.
Time will only tell how Washington decides to move forward, but leading with an emphasis on the development of Jayden Daniels is the correct move and will ultimately determine the success of this team moving forward.
Jayden Daniels Blindsided By Commanders’ Coaching Move