Just a year after a surprise run to the NFC championship game, the Washington Commanders are making some major changes.
While head coach Dan Quinn's status was never in real doubt, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. And offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury are both not returning for 2026.
Kingsbury's exit is a mutual parting of ways, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, with the former Arizona Cardinals coach planning to pursue other opportunities. Even after a disappointing season in Washington, Kingsbury figures to have a few opportunities.
Here's a look at which teams make the most sense as a destination for Kingsbury.
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What's next for Kliff Kingsbury?
Kingsbury could receive head coaching interviews this offseason, but his best hope is likely for another offensive coordinator role as he shoots for a second NFL head coaching opportunity. Here are the top potential landing spots for Kingsbury:
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles seem poised to move on from offensive coordinator Kevin Patullo after a rocky offensive season, barring a playoff resurgence. If so, keeping Kingsbury in the NFC East could be a wise move. Kingsbury has plenty of experience working with mobile quarterbacks, and he would get the chance to call plays on a team that perennially contends, potentially setting himself up for another head coaching opportunity. The Eagles saw firsthand what Kingsbury can do in 2024, and it's hard to imagine they wouldn't at least explore the possibility if and when Patullo is let go.
Tennessee Titans
The Titans first have to find a head coach this offseason after firing Brian Callahan in October, but their early interview requests indicate they are at least open to hiring a defensive-minded coach. If so, their offensive coordinator hire will be critical, as was Quinn's in Washington two years ago. Pairing Cam Ward with Kingsbury would undoubtedly be intriguing for the Titans, and it might be hard for Kingsbury to pass on the opportunity to coach a former No. 1 pick who really came on strong late in 2025.
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Las Vegas Raiders
The Raiders are in the same situation as the Titans searching for a head coach, so that process comes first, but if Brian Flores were the hire, for example, why not make a run at Kingsbury to lead the offense? Kingsbury spurned the Raiders two years ago, so it's worth wondering whether that bridge has been burned, but that also means ownership liked the idea of bringing him in for the role (albeit before Tom Brady officially joined the organization). Kingsbury helped Jayden Daniels turn in a historic rookie season, so his track record makes him a strong candidate to work with whichever quarterback the Raiders select No. 1 overall.
Kansas City Chiefs
Kingsbury might not go for the Chiefs because Andy Reid could prevent him from calling plays, but it's at least worth exploring the possibility if other opportunities dry up. Kingsbury was Patrick Mahomes' coach at Texas Tech, so the connection is obvious, and current Chiefs OC Matt Nagy could move on to either be a head coach in Tennessee or an offensive coordinator with a team that would allow him to call plays.
Baltimore Ravens
Something likely has to change for the Ravens after an 8-9 season. If it's not John Harbaugh, could it be one of the coordinators? The defense has been more of a problem than the offense over the last two seasons, but the offense couldn't get fully back on track in 2025 even when Lamar Jackson was on the field. Replacing Todd Monken with Kingsbury, who has done a nice job with mobile quarterbacks, could be a way to satisfy fans and shake up the offense without making dramatic changes.
MORE: Who could be the Cowboys' next defensive coordinator?
Kliff Kingsbury coaching timeline
- 2008-09: Houston (quality control)
- 2010: Houston (QBs coach)
- 2011: Houston (co-offensive coordinator)
- 2012: Texas A&M (offensive coordinator)
- 2013-18: Texas Tech (head coach)
- 2019-22: Arizona Cardinals (head coach)
- 2023: USC (offensive analyst)
- 2024-25: Washington Commanders (offensive coordinator)
Kingsbury has largely split the last 15 years between head coaching and offensive coordinator roles, serving as Texas Tech's head coach for six seasons and head coach of the Cardinals at the NFL level for four seasons.
Kingsbury has worked with a litany of notable quarterbacks over the years, including Mahomes, Daniels, Johnny Manziel and even Caleb Williams during a brief stop at USC as an offensive assistant. Now, he's poised for another challenge.
How old is Kliff Kingsbury?
Kingsbury is 46 years old; he is set to turn 47 in August.
Hired by Texas Tech at 33 and the Cardinals at 39, Kingsbury was seen as one of the top young offensive minds in football at any level during a portion of the 2010s. While he likely won't have a hard time finding more offensive coordinator positions, returning to a head coaching role is the ultimate goal for Kingsbury.