The Washington Commanders made a shocking announcement when they announced that they had mutually parted ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury on Tuesday morning. Kingsbury had spent the last two years as the offensive coordinator for the Commanders and was credited by many as a key piece in the development and immediate success of Jayden Daniels as he started his NFL career.
The move came as a surprise to players on the team and leaves the Commanders with a massive hole to fill on their coaching staff.
Jayden Daniels Among Those Shocked by Commanders’ Decision on Kliff Kingsbury
“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,” said NFL insider Jordan Schultz. “Daniels vouched for him to stay in his presser on Monday and was among those blindsided by the move.”
Sources: 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.
Daniels vouched for him to stay in his presser on Monday and was among those blindsided by the move.… https://t.co/AGa8IcUwK1 pic.twitter.com/VVuP6lXjnb
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 6, 2026
While Washington had a disappointing season in 2025, finishing third in the NFC East with a 5-12 record, several factors contributed to its underperformance. Daniels only played in seven games in his second season, due to a myriad of injuries, including a knee sprain, a hamstring strain, and a dislocated elbow.
In addition to Daniels, top wide receiver Terry McLaurin missed seven games to injury, and running back Austin Ekeler played in only two games before suffering a season-ending Achilles injury.
Despite the myriad of injuries, Washington ranked as the No. 11 offense in PFSN’s Offense Impact rankings (OFFi). Marcus Mariota enjoyed some success when he played in relief of Daniels, leaving many to believe that Washington could recapture some of the magic they found in 2024, come the 2026 season.
“Offensive players on the team figured the only way Kingsbury would be gone is if he got a HC job,” Schultz added.
Washington was one of the most surprising teams in the NFL in 2024, largely due to the Daniels and McLaurin tandem, with Kingsbury calling the shots. After going 4-13 in 2023, the Commanders finished in second place in the NFC East with a 12-5 record, before making a run in the postseason, and falling to the Super Bowl Champion Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game.
Kingsbury’s offense ranked as the No. 6 unit in OFFi in 2024, finishing seventh in yards per game (396.6), third in rushing yards per game (154.1), and fifth in points per game (28.5).
Time will tell if the decision was a wise one for Washington and Kingsbury. In the meantime, Washington will be in the market for new offensive and defensive coordinators, while Kingsbury figures to quickly become a sought-after coaching candidate, as NFL teams look to fill out their 2026 coaching staffs.
