The Washington Commanders have made significant changes to their coaching staff following a disappointing 5-12 season. The team has parted ways with both offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. Their dismissals come as part of a strategic overhaul aimed at improving team performance.
Key Changes in Coaching Staff
Sources indicate that Kingsbury and head coach Dan Quinn had a meeting earlier this week, during which they mutually decided to part ways. This decision follows a season characterized by notable injuries and underperformance. Meanwhile, Whitt’s situation had seemed precarious since he surrendered defensive play-calling duties after Week 11 due to a string of poor results.
Performance Overview
Under Kingsbury, the Commanders had a blend of offensive strategies. The 2024 season saw the team rank seventh in total yards and fifth in scoring, largely crediting Kingsbury’s system built around rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. However, after injuries plagued the team in the 2025 season, the offense fell to the bottom third in scoring and total yardage.
- 2024 Offensive Rankings:
- 7th in total yards (369.6 per game)
- 5th in scoring (28.5 points per game)
- Record 87.0% conversion rate on fourth downs
- 2025 Offensive Struggles:
- 20.9 points per game (bottom third of the league)
- 318.8 total yards per game
- 184.1 passing yards per game
Injuries Impacting Team Dynamics
Injuries significantly impacted the Commanders’ roster, most crucially affecting Daniels, who managed to play only four complete games. Other key players, including running back Austin Ekeler and receivers Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown, also struggled with injuries, leading to a lack of coherence in the offensive lineup.
Defensive Woes under Joe Whitt Jr.
Whitt’s first season as defensive coordinator saw some early successes, but the defense regressed significantly in the following year. The team finished first in allowed yards at 384.3 per game, while ranking poorly in several other defensive metrics. Issues such as poor execution and missed assignments periodically undermined the unit’s performance.
Looking Ahead
With Kingsbury and Whitt’s exits, the Commanders will now search for new candidates to fill the pivotal roles of offensive and defensive coordinators. Quinn may consider both emerging young coaches and seasoned veterans as potential successors.
- Potential Candidates for Offensive Coordinator:
- Young assistants with innovative strategies
- Experienced coaches with extensive play-calling backgrounds
- Potential Candidates for Defensive Coordinator:
- Brian Flores (Vikings DC)
- Raheem Morris (former Falcons coach)
- Jim Schwartz (former Browns DC)
- Jonathan Gannon (former Eagles DC)
The Commanders are committed to restructuring their coaching staff to reinvigorate their performance in the upcoming seasons. As the team approaches a new chapter, their focus will be on developing a cohesive strategy that aligns with their goals for improvement and success.
