A Washington Commanders offseason that promises to be full of change started with two big ones: offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. have been relieved of their duties, sources told CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones.Â
It’s a stunning turn of events, one that mirrors a similarly stunning turn of events for Washington. In 2024, Kingsbury’s up-tempo offense led by rookie Jayden Daniels was one of the best in the NFL. In 2025, Daniels played in just seven games, and the Commanders, beset by injuries not only at quarterback but elsewhere, struggled.
|
Yards per game |
7th |
22nd |
|
Success rate |
4th |
12th |
|
Points per game |
5th |
23rd |
Whitt was let go after the Commanders had one of the NFL’s worst defenses across the board and coach Dan Quinn took over play-calling midseason. Washington allowed the sixth-most points in the NFL during the regular season. It was also 28th in the league in passing yards allowed, 30th in rushing yards allowed, 23rd in third down efficiency and 31st in red zone efficiency. The Commanders allowed at least 24 points 12 times during the regular season.Â
Now, Quinn and GM Adam Peters have major decisions to make on both sides of the ball, but the call at offensive coordinator will be absolutely crucial given the presence of Daniels. Last year’s Offensive Rookie of the Year, Daniels missed time with knee, hamstring and elbow injuries. Even when healthy, he struggled compared to his debut season, and his surroundings were far from ideal, too.
Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown — the team’s top two outside wide receivers — missed large chunks of the season, and the offensive line got off to a slow start. McLaurin and Daniels shared the field for just three games. The defense rarely bailed out the offense.
Kingsbury, 46, at times did well adapting to the changing circumstances. Marcus Mariota nearly led an upset against the Denver Broncos’ dominant defense, and even third-string quarterback Josh Johnson earned a pair of wins. But The Athletic reported there was a potential disconnect between Peters and Kingsbury.
Peters, who came from the San Francisco 49ers two offseasons ago, has an interesting decision to make. The Commanders ran the fewest plays under center by a wide margin in both seasons under Kingsbury; the 49ers have been a top-five offense in that category. Finding a way to merge what Daniels has played in while still diversifying the attack will be paramount.
Kingsbury, meanwhile, could figure heavily in both coach and offensive coordinator searches, as CBS Sports lead NFL insider Jonathan Jones reported.
“We’re going through all of all the coaches. Kliff offensively, defensively, on the teams side,” Quinn said on Monday. “And so, that’s really what we’re digging into to find what’s best, how do we do it, you know, where do we find spaces to improve?
“Everything needs to be and is being thoroughly being examined and discussed.”
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