Kliff Kingsbury and the Washington Commanders went their separate ways this offseason. Now, head coach Dan Quinn all but confirmed why during his recent media availability before a pivotal recruitment phase for the franchise.
Reports suggested that Kingsbury and Quinn failed to reach a compromise on the best way to take the offense forward after an underwhelming 2025 campaign, though mitigating factors were cited. There was only going to be one winner after that, and the Commanders will now move forward with David Blough as their new offensive play-caller.
Kingsbury wasn't out of work for long, either. He got a prominent position on the Los Angeles Rams' offensive staff under head coach Sean McVay, which could be the perfect place to galvanize his career. As for the Commanders? Quinn left no doubt about how the offense will function next season and potentially beyond.
Commanders' new offensive direction was never going to suit Kliff Kingsbury
There will be more aggression, more emphasis on setting the foundation for explosive plays, and more of quarterback Jayden Daniels under center. Given this evident intent for a seismic shift, it's no wonder Kingsbury was let go.
"This is going to be like an aggressive, balanced attack that will probably have more under center than we have in the past. That’s also for run action and play passes to generate explosive plays. We’re going to feature every part of Jayden that makes him unique and special, but also the run action and the runs and the play action game that goes with it."Dan Quinn via Pro Football Talk
The Commanders ran more shotgun plays than anyone in the league under Kingsbury, and it wasn't particularly close. His Air Raid concepts are more in keeping with the college game than the NFL, and they tend to get exposed pretty quickly the longer he stays with any team. Quinn wanted a more pro-style offense, so the former Arizona Cardinals head coach had outstayed his welcome.
Washington sees Blough as the perfect candidate to put this pro-style desire into action. He's got no play-calling experience, but the ex-quarterback is widely respected in league circles. It's a big risk from Quinn, but one that could prove highly beneficial for the Commanders if it comes off.
Kingsbury won't be around, and the lack of interest shown during the hiring cycle was no doubt humbling. In Los Angeles, he'll get the chance to study and embrace McVay's scheme. He's regarded as one of the more innovative play-callers around, so it's only going to serve the new arrival well as he looks to tweak his own designs in the coming years.
Quinn is a loyal guy, so deeming Kingsbury surplus to requirements was probably difficult. But looking at the way he wants the offense to be, it seemed inevitable.