Kliff Kingsbury wasn't interested in taking head coaching interviews during the 2025 hiring cycle. The Washington Commanders were in the midst of a deep playoff run, and the offensive coordinator was firmly focused on that. The New Orleans Saints reportedly waited patiently, but the play-caller decided to stay with the NFC East club.
That might not be the case this time around.
Kingsbury's name is once again coming up in head coaching speculation. There are two confirmed openings, and more could be added once the 2025 campaign concludes. Given how things have gone for the Commanders this season, coupled with the fact that you only stay a hot name for so long, it would be a shock if he wasn't more receptive to offers this time around.
And he no doubt wants another shot after things ended sourly during his first head coaching stint with the Arizona Cardinals.
Commanders should plan for Kliff Kingsbury's potential departure this offseason
Unsurprisingly, Kingsbury was questioned by the media about the upcoming hiring cycle ahead of Washington's stand-alone game against the Dallas Cowboys on Christmas Day. He wasn't giving too much away, but he didn't exactly refuse point-blank that he was going to dismiss the possibility, either.
"We'll see how that plays out, but for today, but today I'm just trying to get one of these quarterbacks ready on a short week."Kliff Kingsbury
Kingsbury is still being paid by the Cardinals, so there is no rush whatsoever. However, given that his play-calling has come into question this season — albeit with mitigating circumstances — he could decide this is the right time to explore other options.
This is something the Commanders should plan for. They have a couple of in-house candidates who could take over, but looking further afield should also be seriously considered. With head coach Dan Quinn also likely to need a new defensive coordinator at season's end, it typifies the massive changes that could be coming across the board in Washington.
Much will depend on how many openings come up for Kingsbury and whether there is any suitable interest. The New York Giants have the pieces in place to make them an attractive destination. The Tennessee Titans are still fighting hard, boasting No. 1 pick Cam Ward under center. Several other head coaches are feeling the heat, so it'll be fascinating to see what happens when the dreaded Black Monday begins around the NFL.
Kingsbury will see out his commitments this season with Washington and let the chips fall where they may after that. It would be surprising if some interview requests didn't arrive, but whether that amounts to anything more is unknown.
Even so, contingency plans must be put in place for every eventuality.