When it was announced on Tuesday, January 6, that the Washington Commanders were parting ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, it came as a shock to many. Players, including quarterback Jayden Daniels, have been reported as “disappointed” with Washington’s decision. It appeared that the move stemmed from philosophical differences between Kingsbury and head coach Dan Quinn, as well as General Manager Adam Peters, regarding how to handle the development of their young signal caller moving forward.
This move was bold, as it created a need for Washington to find the next leader of their offense and put immediate pressure on Dan Quinn and Adam Peters to find a solution. Moving on from a coordinator who helped Daniels win Offensive Rookie of the Year just a season ago is a tall task. Luckily for the Commanders, the perfect option may have just presented itself for the team.
Miami Dolphins Parting Ways with Mike McDaniel
Dolphins owner Stephen Ross met with McDaniel this week to discuss the season. After that meeting and reflection, Ross decided to move on.
The Dolphins announced on Thursday morning, January 8, that they are moving on from head coach Mike McDaniel after a 35-33 record across four seasons with Miami.
McDaniel is known for his offensive brilliance and has immediate connections to the Commanders.
Jordan Schultz tweeted, “Mike McDaniel is likely to get head-coaching interviews this cycle, but if he doesn’t get a HC job, he’d be a very hot OC candidate.
One logical destination would be Washington: McDaniel is extremely close with Dan Quinn, has great admiration for him and what he’s done for his career — and previously worked in San Francisco with GM Adam Peters.”
Peters experienced immense success in San Francisco working with Kyle Shanahan, and it makes sense when looking for an answer on offense that he’d lean towards a coaching product off of Shanahan’s tree. Mike McDaniel operated as the 49ers’ offensive coordinator from 2017 to 2022 and overlapped with Peters, who acted as San Francisco’s assistant general manager from 2021 to 2023.
Other Potential Options for the Commanders at OC
GettyBrian Daboll was fired as head coach of the New York Giants back in November of 2025 after finishing with a 20-40-1 record across four seasons.
While Mike McDaniel becomes the clear favorite to become the Commanders’ next offensive coordinator, he also becomes a hot commodity across the entire NFL.
Dan Orlovsky proclaimed on First Take following that Dolphins announcement, “Mike McDaniel becomes the most desired offensive coach available in the NFL.”
So while McDaniel might be a perfect choice, it’s not a slam dunk with so many other teams potentially competing.
There are a few other options at coordinator that the Commanders could look at.
The first would be Brian Johnson, who is currently Washington’s assistant head coach and offensive pass game coordinator. Having experience with Jayden Daniels and the offense could draw the Commanders to stay in-house with their decision.
Grant Paulsen from 106.7 The Fan threw out some other external options the Commanders could look at.
Former NYG HC Brian Daboll Former CLE OC Tommy Rees Current JAX OC Grant Udinski
I expect Daboll to be involved in early discussions. Would seem odd to move on from Kliff to go more traditional
Brian Daboll carries the most weight on that list, given his reputation as an offensive genius and experience helping Josh Allen develop early in his career with the Buffalo Bills.
I listed other options for the Commanders in a previous piece about Jayden Daniels’ reaction to the news about Kliff Kingsbury. In there, I cited the Denver Broncos quarterbacks coach and passing game coordinator, Davis Webb, the New York Giants’ previous interim head coach, Mike Kafka, and Baltimore Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monkin all as top candidates.
Washington currently has all options available, as we will wait to see which direction the team decides to move in; however, their decision could determine the fates of this entire coaching regime.
Commanders’ OC Search Takes Another Potential Twist