The Washington Commanders have announced substantial coaching changes in the wake of a disappointing 5-12 season. Both offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. are no longer part of head coach Dan Quinn’s staff, according to a team official who confirmed the moves on condition of anonymity prior to a formal announcement.
Kingsbury and Whitt were initially brought in alongside Quinn before the start of the 2024 season. Kingsbury, tasked with leading the offense, and Whitt, who began the year as the defensive coordinator before being relieved of play-calling responsibilities during the campaign, have both departed following a season fraught with challenges.
The decision regarding the offense came after a morning discussion between Quinn and Kingsbury about the future direction of the team’s offensive strategy, which revolves heavily around quarterback Jayden Daniels. The two parties mutually agreed to part ways after this conversation.
Whitt's dismissal was expected, given his earlier removal from play-calling duties amid notable defensive shortcomings. The Commanders' defense under his coordination allowed more yards to opponents than any other NFL team over the season, highlighting systemic issues leading to this change.
In addition to the coordinators, the team has also parted ways with Bobby Johnson, who served as the offensive line coach. This coaching reshuffle comes merely two days after the conclusion of Washington’s underwhelming season, which starkly contrasts with the prior year’s successful campaign. In Quinn’s first year as head coach, the team finished with a 12-5 record and advanced to the NFC championship game. Moreover, Daniels earned AP NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year honors after being the No. 2 overall draft pick.
The 2024 season was marred by injuries to Daniels, who managed to start just seven games. He ultimately was sidelined in December after a sequence of injuries affecting his left knee, right hamstring, and left elbow, limiting his contributions throughout the year.
Reflecting on his relationship with Kingsbury, Daniels expressed a strong connection to the former offensive coordinator. “I love working with Kliff. Me and him have a special relationship. We’ve built that over the past two years,” Daniels said during the offseason locker clearance at the team facility in Ashburn, Virginia. “I wish I was out there more to play for him this past year.”
During their joint end-of-season press conference, Quinn and general manager Adam Peters refrained from detailing potential alterations to the coaching roster. However, Peters made it clear that final decisions rest solely with Quinn, stating, “I’m not involved in whatever decision it is. It’s always DQ’s call and I have his back on whatever he wants to do.”