Kliff Kingsbury was a hot name on the head coaching cycle this year. A fresh report confirmed his supreme commitment to the Washington Commanders' cause.
Kingsbury did an outstanding job of restoring his reputation in NFL circles. He turned down the Las Vegas Raiders in favor of joining Dan Quinn's ambitious project. The promise of running the offense and developing rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was too tempting to turn down.
The Commanders rode the crest of a wave to the NFC Championship game. This superb early success was always going to come with alluring eyes from elsewhere. Several teams wanted to speak with Kingsbury. One was reportedly willing to make him their next head coach.
Kliff Kingsbury preferred staying with Commanders over joining the Saints
According to Grant Paulsen from 106.7 The Fan, he was told that the New Orleans Saints wanted to give Kingsbury the keys to their kingdom. They made that clear to the play-caller, but he opted to stay with the Commanders instead.
"I was told by a rival team official the Saints job was Kliff Kingsbury's if he wanted it. Was made clear to him that was the case. He preferred calling plays in DC and staying with Daniels over taking the gig."Grant Paulsen
Not only does this strengthen Washington's position, especially from a continuity standpoint, but it's also set to weaken a division rival for good measure. According to multiple reports, the Saints are going to appoint Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Kellen Moore despite head coach Nick Sirianni wanting to run it back. That's a win-win for the Commanders.
Kingsbury wants to be a head coach again. He's also in no rush.
The offensive coordinator is still getting paid by the Arizona Cardinals until 2026. Kingsbury found his love for coaching again and is learning a significant amount from Quinn. Another year under his guidance is only going to help his chances when he inevitably takes a head coaching gig again.
That could be in 2026 if the Commanders achieve similar or perhaps even greater achievements next season. Kingsbury's a relaxed guy who lets things come to him. He doesn't need to chase anything and can be selective during the process. And he's already admitted that it would need to be a considerable opportunity to leave Daniels.
The Commanders need to maximize Kingsbury for as long as they have him. Their offense improved dramatically in 2024, but it's far from the finished product. Washington needs to bolster the trenches, find another productive running back, and acquire new wide receivers to go alongside Terry McLaurin. The play-caller's voice throughout the recruitment phase will be crucial.
Having continuity is going to do wonders for Daniels. He's got scheme familiarity and an already developed relationship with Kingsbury. With other offensive coaches like Tavita Pritchard and David Blough staying, there is stability around the dynamic signal-caller entering Year 2 of his professional career.
What comes after that is less certain. It would be surprising if more interest didn't come Kingsbury's way. Whether the project or projects are enticing enough to depart the Commanders remains to be seen.
That's for the future. For now, Kingsbury's commitment cannot be questioned. Something that's going to benefit the Commanders enormously when competitive action resumes once again.