ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Commanders will enter the 2026 season with new leadership on both sides of the ball.
Washington is parting ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., according to multiple reports Tuesday from NFL Network insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.
Kingsbury and the Commanders mutually agreed to separate following a 5–12 season. Injuries significantly impacted the offense, as quarterback Jayden Daniels played in only 7 games. After ranking in the top 10 in both scoring and total offense in 2024, Washington finished 22nd in points scored and 22nd in total yards in 2025. The run game remained a relative strength, ranking eighth in rushing yards, while the passing offense placed 24th.
Kingsbury departs after one season in Washington. He previously served as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals from 2019 to 2022.
On defense, Whitt’s exit followed a midseason shift in responsibilities. Head coach Dan Quinn reclaimed defensive play-calling duties after 10 games. Washington’s defense finished last in the league in yards allowed and 27th in points allowed.
The Commanders reached the NFC Championship Game in 2024 but regressed sharply in 2025. With both coordinator positions now open, Quinn will oversee a significant reset as Washington looks to rebound in 2026.
Conor Forrest is the Editor-in-Chief and Senior Commanders Insider for SportsJourney.com. As a graduate of George Mason University, Forrest has spent the last eight years sharing his love for sports with listeners and viewers in the DC area and around the world. He hosts the “After Further Review Podcast” and has held numerous on-air and writing roles covering the DC area sports, Division 1 Basketball, and the NFL. His work has been featured on outlets like NBC Sports Washington, Fansided.com, Heavy.com and The Fourth Estate.
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