Kliff Kingsbury uncertainty adds urgency to Commanders' NFC Championship game

Kliff Kingsbury has one more opening if he wants to become a head coach again.
ByDean Jones|
Kliff Kingsbury
Kliff Kingsbury | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The Washington Commanders are gearing up for their biggest game in more than three decades. Something that could have big implications for Kliff Kingsbury's future with the franchise.

Kingsbury's done a remarkable job this season. The Commanders convinced him to join their ambitious project over the Las Vegas Raiders, swooping at the 11th hour to secure his services. This was a tremendous move by those in power looking at the way the offensive coordinator has gone about his business.

Washington's offense took a notable step forward with Kingsbury leading the charge. The bar wasn't exactly high thanks to previous play-caller Eric Bieniemy, but the efficiency upgrades cannot be ignored. His ability to nurture rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels throughout a sensational campaign for the dynamic dual-threat was another integral feature behind his exceptional contribution.

This didn't go unnoticed by others around the NFL. Kingsbury built back his reputation after being fired by the Arizona Cardinals. It inevitably came with head coaching interest with three interview requests in his direction.

Kingsbury opted not to take any interviews while the Commanders were still involved in the postseason. The Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars — two teams that wanted to speak with Kingsbury — have filled their vacancies with Pete Carroll and Liam Coen respectively. The New Orleans Saints have the only remaining opening. They're biding their time, perhaps in the hope of convincing Washington's coordinator to take the plunge.

Kliff Kingsbury remains focused on the Commanders and nothing more

According to Nick Underhill from New Orleans Football, it's been all quiet between Kingsbury and the Saints. The play-caller is locked in on helping the Commanders secure their place in the Super Bowl. He's avoiding any unnecessary distractions and keeping his mind focused on the task at hand.

This is the correct approach. But with Buffalo Bills offensive coordinator Joe Brady pulling himself out of the running, the Saints could aggressively pursue Kingsbury when he becomes more receptive to talks.

There was always going to be interest from elsewhere after Washington's fairytale run. Lance Newmark was a finalist for the New York Jets general manager position before Darren Mougey got the job. Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. also got an interview with the AFC East outfit for their head coaching vacancy, which ultimately went to Aaron Glenn.

If Kingsbury decides to wait, the Commanders will have everyone intact for the 2025 season. This continuity would be welcome, especially considering more big changes are expected to the playing personnel in Year 2 of Adam Peters' ambitious project.

While there is some uncertainty about Kingsbury's status, pressing the panic button would be foolish for fans. He's loving life in Washington, is still getting paid by the Cardinals until 2026, and has already stated it would take a tremendous opportunity to leave Daniels. That suggests New Orleans would need to convince Kingsbury rather than the other way around.

It would be a shock if Kingsbury left Washington for the Saints. But until something is officially confirmed one way or another, it's a waiting game.

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