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.
Commanders could hire Darrell Bevell
Dan Quinn has strong connections around the NFL. He's widely respected as a supreme leader of men and a strong builder of relationships. It would be surprising if the head coach didn't tap into this in pursuit of finding his next offensive coordinator.
While some fans feel that an outside hire with no connection to Quinn could bring fresh ideas and energy to the mix, he may opt for familiarity, as his job prospects seem to hang in the balance. If this scenario comes to fruition, Darrell Bevell will go into the equation.
Bevell has a previous working relationship with Washington's leading man. He was the Seattle Seahawks' offensive coordinator when Quinn ran the defense, so there is a previous bond there. He's highly experienced and runs a pro-style offense, which is reportedly what the Commanders want to help take Jayden Daniels' game to new heights.
He's among the most experienced candidates, having served as offensive coordinator at four different stops around the league. Bevell has spent the last four years working with the Miami Dolphins under Mike McDaniel. Still, he would likely relish the chance to link up with Quinn once again in Washington if the opportunity presented itself.
Commanders could hire Mike LaFleur
This would be among the least likely candidates on this list. Even so, that shouldn't stop Dan Quinn from swinging for the fences to find the correct replacement for Kliff Kingsbury.
The Los Angeles Rams are among the Super Bowl favorites this season. Mike LaFleur is their offensive coordinator, but he doesn't call plays. That task is done by head coach Sean McVay, the former Washington coach who was Jay Gruden's right-hand man before getting a well-deserved promotion elsewhere.
LaFleur would deploy a McVay-style offense in this scenario, which is precisely what the Commanders need. It's from the legendary Mike Shanahan tree and has stood the test of time. Whether the Rams would permit a lateral move is debatable. Still, the promise of having complete control of an offense and working alongside Jayden Daniels might be a tricky proposition to turn down.
He's also worked under Quinn as an offensive assistant with the Atlanta Falcons. LaFleur spent four years under Kyle Shanahan in addition to his experience alongside McVay. While his time as a play-caller with the New York Jets didn't go well, that's not exactly the most prosperous franchise in which to thrive.
McVay could very easily block the approach. But that shouldn't prevent the Commanders from trying.
Commanders could hire Grant Udinski
As mentioned previously, the Washington Commanders could hedge their bets on a young coach who resonates with modern-day players. That might not be head coach Dan Quinn's typical approach, but the time for half-measures is over.
It's ambitious, but one has to wonder whether the Commanders could lure Grant Udinski from the Jacksonville Jaguars once their playoff run concludes. Like Mike LaFleur, he's an offensive coordinator who doesn't call plays. He's also worked alongside another Mike Shanahan disciple — Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O'Connell — during his time in the NFC North.
The Jaguars would likely block any approach from Udinski, who has played a leading role in helping quarterback Trevor Lawrence finally reach his potential. However, as in the case of LaFleur, the chance to do the same with Jayden Daniels while also running the offense entirely is an intriguing option to have.
Jacksonville is finally on a sounder footing after years of languishing in the proverbial wilderness. Upsetting the dynamic after such a successful season could jeopardize everything. The Commanders don't care much about that, but Jaguars owner Shahid Khan may offer Udinski a substantial pay increase to deter offers from elsewhere.
That seems the likeliest outcome. But for the Commanders, it's nothing ventured, nothing gained.
Commanders could hire Brian Daboll
It didn't take long for Brian Daboll's name to come up in speculation once Kliff Kingsbury and the Washington Commanders mutually agreed to part ways. Even though his tenure as New York Giants head coach ended poorly, he remains a respected offensive mind with a proven record of developing quarterbacks.
Daboll is unlikely to get head-coaching interest during this cycle. However, he will be a coveted offensive coordinator for several teams. And rumors suggest that the Commanders will target him early in their process.
This would be a home-run hire for the Commanders. Daboll is a known fan of Jayden Daniels, which is always a positive start. He's also had significant success with a mobile quarterback in the past, turning Buffalo Bills signal-caller Josh Allen into an elite-level difference-maker before taking the job in New York.
That wasn't a good fit despite some fleeting success. Daboll was hanging by a thread entering the season and couldn't turn the tide despite some encouraging work with rookie quarterback Jaxson Dart. With pressure mounting on Dan Quinn, this could be the experienced yet innovative offensive mind he is looking for.
The Commanders won't be alone in targeting Daboll. If there is a legitimate interest in bringing him into the fold, it needs to happen sooner rather than later.