Kliff Kingsbury expertly dodged questions about the future during his final media appearance of the 2025 season this week. However, the Washington Commanders should be bracing for some interview requests as the head coaching cycle gets ever closer.
Kingsbury resisted the urge to take any interviews last year. The Commanders were in the playoffs, and the play-caller found his love for football again. But after a campaign that everyone associated with Washington will want to forget, he may be more receptive this time around.
One analyst considered Kingsbury a lively outsider for the vacant New York Giants head-coaching job. That would keep him in the NFC East, which isn't ideal for the Commanders, even if it looks like a good scheme fit from the outside.
Commanders must be ready for anything as Kliff Kingsbury speculation builds
ESPN's Jordan Raanan highlighted the offensive coordinator's intellect as a reason to consider him. However, he also questioned whether Kingsbury would be a good fit for the New York media market, which can be ruthless when things go off plan.
"Commanders offensive coordinator Kingsbury, who also has experience as an NFL head coach with the Cardinals, is considered a bright offensive mind. The question is if he's the right fit for the New York market."Jordan Raanan
Kingsbury is a laid-back character. The New York media likes their coaches to be brash and no-nonsense. This could lead to a personality clash, but it'll be way down the list of requirements for general manager Joe Schoen and others in positions of power.
There is no telling what Kingsbury's influence could do for Jaxson Dart's development. There are very few who boast such accomplished credentials in developing quarterbacks. His scheme looks well-suited to the signal-caller's strengths, and he's got the connections to hire an accomplished staff for good measure.
The Tennessee Titans are the only other vacancy at the moment, making them another intriguing landing spot. Speculation is building about others — the Las Vegas Raiders and Cleveland Browns — potentially coming up. Kingsbury is taking everything in his stride, but the subtle hints suggest that he is going to consider a move if the right opportunity presents itself.
The Commanders should be aware that Kingsbury wants to be a head coach again, especially after how things ended with the Arizona Cardinals. He feels better prepared with more experience, and what he's learned from Dan Quinn will stand him in excellent stead if another team comes calling.
Washington must be ready for anything, because this is much more likely now than it was at this time last year.