The Washington Commanders were expected to make staff changes. Dan Quinn wasn't giving much away during his recent media availability. But it didn't take long for the axe to fall.
And both coordinators carried the can for the team's failures in 2025.
Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. was fired as expected. However, the speculation linking offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury with an abrupt departure from the Commanders was also accurate.
Kingsbury was let go in a stunning development. The Commanders are now looking for a new offensive coordinator to work alongside quarterback Jayden Daniels. For someone who was expected, and still could, generate head coaching interest this offseason, it's a damnining indictment of a clash of opinions in the building.
Commanders shockingly fire Kliff Kingsbury after Dan Quinn meeting goes wrong
Dianna Russini of The Athletic reported a disconnect between Kingsbury and general manager Adam Peters. The front-office leader distanced himself from this during his end-of-season presser, leaving the call down to Quinn. Now, the former Arizona Cardinals head coach is out just one season after helping Washington reach the NFC Championship game.
Kingsbury took some heat for his play-calling at times this season. He wasn't playing with a full deck due to the countless injury problems he had to deal with, so it wouldn't have been a big surprise to see him get the benefit of the doubt.
But that all changed after a meeting with Quinn. Their conversation clearly didn't go as either wanted, and there would only be one winner.
The Commanders are now poised to make drastic alterations under Quinn before preparations for the 2026 season gather pace. Everyone on the staff is now in jeopardy. New hires will have their own guys, and people holding promising coaching positions may not fit into their plans.
Everything has changed around Daniels. He's lost his offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach in the space of a few weeks. Getting these appointments right cannot be overstated, because there is nobody left to blame for Quinn.
He will be under a closer microscope than ever before. There are no more scapegoats left. Unless significant enhancements arrive on and off the field in 2026, it doesn't take a genius to figure out what will come next.
As for Kingsbury? He might still get a couple of interviews, and there should also be an offensive coordinator gig somewhere else if that fails. But considering the esteem in which he was held by everyone in Washington last season, this is the steepest fall from grace imaginable.