The Washington Commanders have decided to make a significant change on the offensive side of the ball that could have a ripple effect up and down the roster.
On Tuesday, the Commanders reportedly decided to part ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury after just two seasons with the team.
The move is at least a little surprising.
Granted, the Commanders struggled on offense in 2025 and no doubt took a step back, but Jayden Daniels, who only played in seven games due to injury, also became a star in Kingsbury's offense in 2024.
What Commanders firing Kingsbury means
NFL analyst Ryan Fowler points out the obvious: Washington moving on from Kingsbury means a scheme change is coming.
But it could also be bad news for several offensive players who had Kingsbury's approval, as Washington could decide to shake things up personnel-wise to fit whoever replaces Kingsbury.
"A new OC for the Commanders means not only changes in scheme, but changes in skillsets preferred. Recent picks -- Luke McCaffrey, Jaylin Lane, Ben Sinnott, Bill Croskey-Merritt, all had Kingsbury's seal of approval to some degree," Fowler explained. "Different now."
We would also venture to guess that, at the very least, this makes veteran wideout Deebo Samuel's future murkier as he prepares to hit free agency.
ESPN's John Keim also notes that this decision may not sit well with Daniels, who enjoyed working with Kingsbury and the offensive staff.
Furthermore, backup quarterback Marcus Mariota might look to move on in 2026 as a result of this decision, Keim added.
"It will be interesting to see what happens to Washington's offensive staff -- and how much changes around QB Jayden Daniels. He liked working with this staff. Already lost Tavita Pritchard; need to try to keep [assistant] QB coach David Blough (whom Kingsbury brought with him)," Keim wrote.
"And I wonder how it then impacts Marcus Mariota, who liked playing in Kingsbury's offense," Keim added. "He has said often how much he likes playing here. But he felt [Kliff Kingsbury's offense] helped him. What does he then decide? He's been good for Daniels as well."
NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports that Daniels and other key offensive players were "blindsided" by Kingsbury's departure and are "disappointed" with it.
Major changes were already expected on offense in Washington after a failed 2025 campaign, but the firing of Kingsbury might shake things up even more on that side of the ball.
More NFL News
- Kyle Pitts free agent update from ESPN is exactly what Falcons should do
- Matt Prater injury update from Bills offers better-than-expected news
- Colts veteran defender considering retirement for health reasons
- Browns rumor doesn't bode well for Cleveland's head coach search