Commanders part ways with coordinators Kingsbury, Whitt

The Commanders will replace both of their coordinators this offseason. The franchise fired defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. on Tuesday, while they agreed to part ways with offensive play-caller Kliff Kingsbury, team sources told The Washington Times.

The Commanders also fired offensive line coach Bobby Johnson. 

Coach Dan Quinn took over defensive play-calling duties from Whitt midseason amid continued struggles during an eight-game losing streak. Washington’s second-year coach said Monday that he had not decided whether he would hire a new defensive play-caller or keep the responsibility next season. 

“I think what I’ve learned is to make the best decision for what the team needs,” Quinn said. “I’m not into that space yet. ‘I’m definitely doing this. I’m definitely not.’ What I do know is that I’ll be heavily involved one way or another.”

The writing was already on the wall for Whitt, who had not coordinated a defense before joining Washington in February 2024. After a middling defensive performance in his first year, the wheels fell off for the Commanders in 2025. 

The club led the NFL in yards allowed per game, while ranking 27th in points against. The team finished with an underwhelming 5-12 record, as fans placed blame on injuries and the defense. 

Kingsbury’s departure was more surprising to fans and the media. Washington’s offense finished 22nd in scoring despite injuries to key playmakers such as quarterback Jayden Daniels and wide receiver Terry McLaurin. 

The pass-happy play caller developed a solid rapport with players during his two seasons in Washington. 

“I like how aggressive he is. I love being able to communicate with him,” guard Sam Cosmi said on Monday. “He’s very open to communication with players. If we have suggestions, I can go up to him and talk to him. That’s awesome.”

Kingsbury’s relationship with young quarterbacks was a key factor in Quinn’s decision to hire him in 2024. The two hadn’t worked together before, but Kingsbury helped turn Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes into a first-round pick at Texas Tech and mentored the Arizona Cardinals’ Kyler Murray during an Offensive Rookie of the Year season in 2019. 

The early results were promising. Washington’s run to the NFC championship game last season was largely powered by the electric Daniels and an explosive offense that could score in key moments. 

The unit stalled in 2025, but it didn’t shake Daniels’ belief in Kingsbury. 

“I love working with Kliff. Me and him have a special relationship that we kind of built over these past two years,” the 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year said. “I just wish I was out there more to play for him this season.”

Daniels started just seven games in his second year due to knee, hamstring and elbow injuries. Backups Marcus Mariota and Josh Johnson led the offense in the remaining 10 games with mixed results. 

Kingsbury, the former coach of the Cardinals, has become a top name in this year’s coaching carousel. He interviewed for multiple head coaching roles last season before returning to the Commanders. 

Now, Quinn has to find a new offensive mind to lead Daniels in his third season. Inside the organization, pass game coordinator Brian Johnson spent one season as the Philadelphia Eagles’ offensive coordinator in 2023. Run game coordinator Anthony Lynn called plays for the Detroit Lions in 2021.

Quinn likely will consider options outside his current staff as well. 

“You want to think about those people who are fresh on ideas, who’s within your own building that knows statuses to go,” he said. “You keep that in mind, but you’re always watching and learning and growing. You have to adapt. Some of the things that were effective 10 years ago, five years ago, evolve and change.”

The Commanders have not announced any interviews for coordinator candidates. General manager Adam Peters said Quinn has free rein to bring in any assistant he wants. 

“It’s the fit; it’s the talent. What do they bring that’s unique?” the coach said of traits he looks for in a potential coordinator. “So communicate, collaborate, has a unique skillset to teach. I think that’s the number one on top of the pile when you’re teaching.”

The hiring process is expected to begin imminently. At least one Commander said he’s ready for the fresh voices. 

“There’s going to be a lot of moving parts this offseason,” Cosmi said on 106.7 “The Fan” on Tuesday. “All I can do is say, ‘OK. What’s next? What’s the new playbook?’”