With a 5-12 record and an injury-plagued season nearing its end, the Washington Commanders are preparing for staff decisions that could reshape both sides of the ball in 2026.
Latest reports indicate head coach Dan Quinn is expected to return, while changes beneath him are being evaluated, including on offense, where Kliff Kingsbury’s future has come under internal review. The organization’s posture remains to assess the broader coaching market before finalizing moves, but signals of potential coordinator turnover have emerged as the club looks to stabilize an offense battered by injuries and a defense Quinn personally took over in November.
Latest On Commanders’ Coaching Plan for 2026
The Athletic’s Dianna Russini reported that Washington is planning continuity at head coach while exploring adjustments to the staff structure after a difficult campaign, reporting: “Commanders coach Dan Quinn is expected back for the 2026 season, though changes to the offense and the defense remain possible after Washington has slumped to a 4-12 record.”
The franchise is expected to weigh market dynamics before formal decisions, reflecting a process-first approach after extensive injuries across key positions impacted performance and evaluations.
Previous reporting suggested Quinn would remain, with the organization considering changes to the play-caller role he assumed midseason and additional adjustments to restore defensive identity. The offense suffered significant attrition, including extended absences for Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin, Noah Brown Jr., Austin Ekeler, and multiple depth receivers, a reality acknowledged in season recaps that nonetheless highlighted persistent struggles in protection and scoring.
The evaluation window, therefore, includes health, scheme fit, and alignment with roster construction heading into 2026.
OC Kliff Kingsbury Exit Possible Following Disconnect With Adam Peters
Washington’s offensive coordinator is expected to draw head-coaching interview interest around the league, but internal conversations reportedly include moving on from Kingsbury regardless of external opportunities. Russini’s report cited both timing and alignment as factors under discussion, including the noted disconnect with general manager Adam Peters.
“Quinn took over defensive play-calling from Joe Whitt Jr. in early November, and Washington has also had conversations about potentially moving on from Kingsbury even if he doesn’t get a head-coaching job. Some in the building say there’s been a disconnect between Kingsbury and general manager Adam Peters. When was the last time we were watching to see if an offensive coordinator was going to get fired while he was also preparing for head coaching interviews? We’ll see how this shakes out,” Russini reported.
The team’s 2025 offense ranked in the bottom half of the league across multiple passing metrics, and while injuries were a major variable, the club’s review has centered on whether a shift in leadership is the best pathway to operational consistency and development for a young core.
Season detail adds context to that debate. Daniels’ midseason elbow injury and hamstring issues forced extended reliance on Marcus Mariota, while the offensive line allowed frequent pressure and sacks across both quarterback stints. The receiver room was repeatedly reshuffled, and Ekeler’s season-ending Achilles injury in Week 2 removed a key outlet in the passing game.
Even with improved availability late, Washington’s offense failed to sustain rhythm, capped by a shutout loss to the Minnesota Vikings with multiple starters active. The combination of injuries and execution has led to a thorough review of fit and direction, with coordinator decisions expected to follow once the market clarifies and internal evaluations conclude.
