The Washington Commanders made what was at least a somewhat surprising move on Tuesday.
That move was to part ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury after just two seasons, a decision that left many scratching their heads.
There are no two ways about it: Washington's offense was not up to snuff in 2025, but the Commanders also only had quarterback Jayden Daniels for seven games due to injury.
In the season prior, Daniels, who was reportedly not happy with the decision to move on from Kingsbury, became a star in the play-caller's offense in his rookie campaign, which figured to be enough to look past what happened in 2025.
That turned out not to be the case.
Why did Commanders part ways with Kingsbury?
NFL insider Josina Anderson said it was simply a matter of differing visions for the future of the offense and Daniels.
"My understanding is that Dan Quinn and Kliff Kingsbury discussed the long term vision for the offense & Jayden Daniels, and didn't see eye-to-eye," Anderson reported.
Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan adds more specifics, saying Kingsbury and Quinn disagreed over several things, with run-pass balance topping the list.
Paulsen also noted that Quinn seemingly has a different vision for Daniels than Kingsbury does.
"I'm told Dan Quinn and Kliff Kingsbury disagreed over several things; run-pass balance being high on the list," he wrote. "It also seems like [Dan Quinn] has a different vision for what's best for the long-term development of Jayden Daniels.
"Kliff runs a very unique, college-like system. DQ may want a more traditional NFL look for Daniels moving forward."
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports that Daniels and key offensive players were caught off guard by Kingsbury's departure, and they aren't happy about it.
"Sources: My understanding is that key Commanders offensive players, including QB Jayden Daniels, are disappointed with the team’s decision to part ways with OC Kliff Kingsbury. Daniels vouched for him to stay in his presser on Monday and was among those blindsided by the move. Offensive players on the team figured the only way Kingsbury would be gone is if he got a HC job," Schultz said.
The Commanders were already facing a ton of uncertainty going into the offseason. The decision to part ways with Kingsbury only adds another question mark to the pile.
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