Kliff Kingsbury is staying with the Washington Commanders in 2025. Taking advantage of the offensive coordinator's presence while they can is essential.
Kingsbury made a significant impact. He turned the offense into a well-balanced, efficient operation. The play-caller helped nurture rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels en route to a first professional season for the ages. His reputation was firmly restored after being fired as Arizona Cardinals head coach.
This inevitably came with head coaching interest. The Jacksonville Jaguars, New Orleans Saints, and Las Vegas Raiders all put in interview requests. Kingsbury wasn't rushing, opting to focus on the Commanders' playoff quest instead. That went longer than expected and almost every vacancy was filled.
All besides one. The Saints were reportedly willing to make Kingsbury their next head coach. That was made clear to the coordinator, but he turned down the chance to remain in Washington.
Kingsbury will be a head coach soon. He's learning a lot from Dan Quinn and found his love for coaching again. Giving it another year keeps continuity and allows the Commanders to put contingency plans in place.
It could also give the coordinator a chance to link back up with some familiar faces in Washington. With this in mind, here are five players who could reunite with Kingsbury on the Commanders in 2025.
Players who could reunite with Kliff Kingsbury on the Commanders in 2025
Commanders could sign Greg Dortch
Kliff Kingsbury gave Greg Dortch an opportunity before the 2021 season. The wide receiver is undersized, but he's a dynamic threat with the football in his hands. That could lead the Washington Commanders in his direction if he hits free agency.
Dortch hasn't ever put up world-beating numbers throughout his career. He is dependable if schemed effectively. The former Wake Forest standout had the best season of his professional career under Kingsbury in 2022 before he was fired, so he'd likely jump at the chance to reunite.
The Commanders need to surround Daniels with more productive playmakers. Fans are dreaming bigger with the resources available, but Kingsbury might identify Dortch as a versatile piece who could also make his presence felt in the return game.
Dortch is a restricted free agent, meaning the Cardinals hold all the cards. They can match any offer or sign him to a tender. If not, this could be an outside-the-box option for the Commanders to consider.
However, they might also be thinking bigger with the need to maximize Jayden Daniels' rookie contract.