Dan Quinn and Kliff Kingsbury met to discuss the future direction of the Washington Commanders' offense. Jayden Daniels' development also took center stage. Despite their previously strong bond, a significant difference of opinion couldn't be resolved.
And it didn't take a genius to figure out what would come next in this scenario.
The Commanders and Kingsbury went their separate ways. Quinn also disposed of defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and offensive line coach Bobby Johnson. This was a stunning development in one fell swoop, which only piles more pressure on the head coach entering a critical third season at the helm.
There were murmurings of Kingsbury leaving Washington in the days before his exit was confirmed. Speculation about a behind-the-scenes disconnect with general manager Adam Peters sent shockwaves through the fan base. Although several influential offensive players vouched for him, the Commanders wielded the axe anyway.
That makes it even more imperative to get the next hire right. Quinn's seat is already getting warmer — this drastic shift proves it. If he whiffs on his choices and the Commanders struggle to make the improvements needed, he will be the one who receives his marching orders next time around.
With this in mind, here are five possible candidates to replace Kingsbury that the Commanders could consider.
Kliff Kingsbury replacements the Commanders should consider after bombshell firing
Commanders could hire Tommy Rees
The Washington Commanders could identify a young offensive mind with modern-day concepts to replace Kliff Kingsbury. According to several reports, head coach Dan Quinn is looking for a more run-heavy scheme to minimize the risk to quarterback Jayden Daniels after his injury-ravaged 2025 campaign. That might place Tommy Rees on the shortlist.
Rees is an up-and-coming play-caller gaining a strong reputation in league circles. He's currently the offensive coordinator for the Cleveland Browns, but his future is now clouded after the organization fired two-time Coach of the Year Kevin Stefanski.
While the Browns might consider promoting Rees, it may come too soon. If a new head coach brings in his own staff, he would be put on the market. In this scenario, the Commanders would be wise to bring him in for an interview at the very least.
Even though Rees is only 33 years old, he's got a glittering résumé. He worked his way up through the ranks at prestigious programs in college — including Notre Dame and a stint as Alabama's offensive coordinator — before getting an opportunity in Cleveland. He's ascending, a progressive thinker, and knows how to develop quarterbacks properly. That makes him an intriguing candidate worth considering.