Commanders Cut Both Coordinators After Stunning One-Year Collapse

The Washington Commanders have parted ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. after a sharp fall from NFC contenders to one of the league’s weakest teams. The moves signal a philosophical reset under head coach Dan Quinn as Washington searches for stability.

Washington, United States – January 2026

What Happened

The Washington Commanders made sweeping changes to their coaching staff, moving on from both coordinators just one season after reaching the NFC Championship Game. According to league sources, the team and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury mutually agreed to part ways following a meeting with head coach Dan Quinn. At the same time, Washington dismissed defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., a decision widely anticipated inside league circles.

The changes come after a stunning reversal of fortunes. Washington entered the season with momentum and expectations but finished 5–12, a dramatic drop from its 12–5 record the previous year. Ownership and leadership determined that adjustments at the coordinator level were necessary to realign the franchise’s direction.

Kingsbury still had one year remaining on his contract and continues to receive payments from the Arizona Cardinals, who fired him as head coach after the 2022 season. Multiple sources expect Kingsbury to explore head coaching or senior offensive roles elsewhere this offseason.

Where It Happened

The decisions were finalized at the Commanders’ team facility in Ashburn, Virginia, following end-of-season evaluations. While the organization has not issued a lengthy public statement, internal discussions reportedly intensified once Quinn completed his review of both units.

Washington’s struggles unfolded largely at home and on the road alike, with no clear rebound after midseason adjustments. By Week 10, Quinn had already taken over defensive play-calling duties, a move that foreshadowed Whitt’s departure.

Official Confirmation

While the Commanders have kept their public messaging brief, ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported the exits, confirming that both coordinators were no longer part of the team’s future plans. Quinn acknowledged differences in offensive philosophy during recent media availability, stopping short of endorsing Kingsbury’s fast-paced system.

Quarterback Jayden Daniels, who worked closely with Kingsbury, spoke candidly about their relationship earlier this week.

“I love working with Kliff,” Daniels said. “We built something special. I just wish I was healthy enough to be out there more this season.”

That sentiment underscored a season defined as much by injuries as by inconsistency.

Why It Matters

The fact that Kingsbury and Whitt are out as Commanders coordinators reflects more than just a bad year—it highlights a franchise wrestling with identity.

Washington’s defense collapsed statistically. The unit finished last in total yards allowed and 27th in points, a steep fall from respectable league-average numbers the previous season. Injuries played a major role, but the lack of cohesion became impossible to ignore.

Both starting defensive ends—Deatrich Wise Jr. and Dorance Armstrong—suffered season-ending injuries early. The secondary followed suit, losing Marshon Lattimore to a torn ACL and Trey Amos shortly after. Strong safety Will Harris also missed significant time. The result was a defense unable to generate pressure or stop explosive plays.

On offense, the picture proved equally complicated. Washington ranked 22nd in both scoring and total yards after finishing top-seven in both categories the year before. Injuries again loomed large. Jayden Daniels played only four complete games. Terry McLaurin appeared in just nine. Austin Ekeler tore his Achilles in Week 2, and tight end Zach Ertz went down with a torn ACL late in the season.

Yet philosophical differences also emerged. Quinn reportedly wanted a more balanced, clock-controlling offense to protect the defense, while Kingsbury remained committed to his no-huddle, tempo-heavy approach. Washington ran 349 more no-huddle plays than any other team, a number that stood out across the league.

What Happens Next

With Kingsbury and Whitt out as Commanders coordinators, attention now shifts to how Quinn reshapes his staff. League sources expect Washington to prioritize defensive stability and offensive balance in its next hires.

Quinn has already signaled interest in an approach that better integrates the run and pass while reducing exposure for an injury-prone defense. Although Washington ranked ninth in total rushing attempts, its running backs accounted for only 25th-most carries. Quarterbacks led the team in rushing, a trend that raised durability concerns around Daniels.

Kingsbury, meanwhile, is unlikely to remain unemployed for long. His offensive résumé, particularly with young quarterbacks, still draws interest. Whitt’s future also remains open, though his lack of play-calling experience before Washington may limit immediate coordinator opportunities.

Conclusion

The Commanders’ decision to move on confirms that last season’s collapse was unacceptable by organizational standards. A team that once looked poised for sustained success now faces another reset, starting with its coaching structure.

By parting ways with both coordinators, Washington has chosen clarity over continuity. Whether that gamble restores the franchise’s upward trajectory will depend on how quickly Quinn can align personnel, philosophy, and health into a functional whole.

One thing is clear: the message from the front office is unmistakable. After a lost season, standing still was no longer an option.