The Washington Commanders pulled the trigger, firing defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury in one fell swoop. If fans were wondering how much pressure is on head coach Dan Quinn to turn the tide inside the building, they now have their answer.
Speculation is already rising about who will replace Kingsbury. It's a pivotal hire, especially considering the need for stability around quarterback Jayden Daniels. The signal-caller and other influential figures in the locker room were reportedly disappointed by Quinn's decision, which came after a crunch meeting where their differences proved too much to compromise over.
Now, what comes next is crucial. And the Commanders are already being linked with the most ideal candidate imaginable.
Report suggests Commanders will target Brian Daboll to replace Kliff Kingsbury
Grant Paulsen from 106.7 The Fan, citing sources around the league, believes that Brian Daboll is someone the Commanders will target early in the process. He may have been fired as New York Giants head coach earlier this season, but he was a fiercely respected offensive mind before things went south at MetLife Stadium.
Daboll knows what Daniels can do. He enjoyed phenomenal success with a mobile quarterback while working with Josh Allen on the Buffalo Bills. And there was that infamous video of the interview with the signal-caller during the Giants' pre-draft evaluations in 2024, which prompted Joe Shoen's son to ask his dad to trade up for the former LSU phenom.
This would be a home-run hire. Daboll won't be short of offers, but the Commanders need to throw a blank check at the best possible options. Because if these appointments don't have the desired effect, Quinn will lose his job.
It's that simple.
While it seems unlikely that Daboll will be in the head-coach hiring cycle, he may be in high demand when it comes time to hire coordinators. Quinn has a head start on that, and getting the chance to stick it to the Giants twice a season only sweetens the pot.
Others will be considered, but the Commanders could do far worse than look in Daboll's direction.
Whether it's Daboll or someone else, the significance of these next few weeks for Quinn and the Commanders cannot be overstated. Kingsbury was revered in the locker room, so this transition has to go smoothly. There are big shoes to fill, and Daboll is among the very few with the reputation and credentials to be an upgrade.
Time will tell, but it would be surprising if Daboll weren't on the shortlist.