After winning five games in 2025, fans are expecting massive changes from the Washington Commanders this offseason. Pressure is building to right the ship, and even though there was no heat on head coach Dan Quinn's job, that won't be the case if improvements don't arrive in 2026.
General manager Adam Peters is currently making roster plans involving free agents, the 2026 NFL Draft, and potential veteran reinforcements. But for Quinn, his immediate attention turned to the coaching staff.
There were seismic alterations that sent shockwaves through the fan base. Quinn wasn't going to wait around to see if things would work themselves out. He took decisive action, and nobody can blame him.
With this in mind, we graded the first eight moves from what's been an eventful start to Washington's offseason revolution.
Grading the first eight moves from a critical Commanders' 2026 offseason
Commanders fired DC Joe Whitt Jr.
When Dan Quinn decided to demote Joe Whitt Jr. and take over the defensive play-calling, it didn't take a genius to figure out what would come next. It no doubt hurt the head coach, but the time for sentimental attachment is over.
The Washington Commanders fired Whitt after two seasons. Their defense has been a weak link throughout his time at the helm. One can point to personnel issues and injuries as reasons for their demise, but being one of the league's most moribund units was always going to have consequences.
- Grade: A+
Jayden Daniels couldn't paper over the cracks this time around. Whitt's scheme was bland and uninspiring. The players didn't look prepared or motivated, which is a dangerous combination. Quinn had no choice other than to remove him from the equation.
Commanders parted ways with OC Kliff Kingsbury
If Whitt's departure was inevitable, the Commanders' decision to part ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury was a lot more surprising.
Dan Quinn and Kingsbury couldn't reach an agreement on how to move the offense forward, and the play-caller was let go. Some fans were calling for this move, though the offensive regression last season can largely be attributed to Jayden Daniels' injury issues, which limited him to just seven games. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin also missed considerable time, but someone had to carry the can for the team's failings.
It's a gamble. But when there is no alignment, the next move is clear.
- Grade: B
Kingsbury is still looking for work. He interviewed for the Baltimore Ravens' head-coaching job and the Tennessee Titans' offensive coordinator position, but they went in different directions. With openings being filled around the league, he's running out of options. That is the most damning indictment of all.