NFL insider exposes a relationship strain that could lead to surprise changes to the Commanders’ coaching staff this offseason
The Commanders’ offseason could be even crazier than expected, with a change at both coordinator positions as a possibility after a failed season.
The Washington Commanders’ nightmare 2025 season is finally almost over, with just one game left that not many people are even worried about watching.
The offseason is where everyone is focused, and they should be, given that it is the most critical one since general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn took over. Once Black Monday rolls around, numerous changes are expected to take place across multiple teams in the league, including the Commanders.
There have already been rumors and speculation about the changes that could be taking place in Washington by NFL insiders, and the picture continues to get clearer. One article, however, suggests that the changes could be even more drastic, with a possible disconnect between Peters and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
NFL insider says Kliff Kingsbury could be gone due to a disconnect with Adam Peters
It’s been expected that Quinn would be back next season, despite an awful season on so many levels, but many changes could be coming under him. The Commanders desperately need a new defensive coordinator, which NFL insiders suggest will happen, but now they might need a new offensive coordinator as well. Kingsbury has been linked to multiple head coaching vacancies, including the Tennessee Titans, Las Vegas Raiders, and New York Giants, but he might not be back next year, regardless.
Dianna Russini, with The Athletic, wrote in her intel article that she’s been told there’s a disconnect between Kingsbury and Peters, and they may move on from him this offseason, no matter what.
“Commanders coach Dan Quinn is expected back for the 2026 season, though changes to the offense and the defense remain possible after Washington has slumped to a 4-12 record. Quinn took over defensive play-calling from Joe Whitt Jr. in early November, and Washington has also had conversations about potentially moving on from Kingsbury even if he doesn’t get a head-coaching job. Some in the building say there’s been a disconnect between Kingsbury and general manager Adam Peters. When was the last time we were watching to see if an offensive coordinator was going to get fired while he was also preparing for head coaching interviews? We’ll see how this shakes out.” – Dianna Russini, The Athletic
She’s not the only one who suggested changes on offense, as both Tom Pelissero and Mike Garafolo mention that changes could happen in their own intel article, but weren’t clear on when or how it would happen.
The major impact losing Kliff Kingsbury would have on the Commanders
There’s so much to unpack with the ripple effects that would take place on and off the field. Obviously, on the field, there would be a major change for Jayden Daniels going into his third season, and the offensive philosophy overall. Off the field, the impacts are even greater and more long-term.
Quinn will and should be on the hot seat heading into 2026, and that puts them in a tough situation for incoming coordinator options. Who would want to come to a place where there is uncertainty at the head coach position? If Quinn gets fired after the 2026 season, the new coordinator’s jobs are at a high risk of being gone if a new head coach comes in with his own coaching staff, which almost always happens. This also isn’t the best coaching cycle to begin with, and many other teams will have openings for the few top candidates there are. The only top names that could actually be available are Bobby Slowik with the Miami Dolphins or Josh McCown with the Minnesota Vikings, who is highly regarded in the league.
The new coordinator’s only shot at staying in Washington long-term would be by taking Quinn’s spot as the head coach, and that’s a huge gamble on their careers. The most likely option this offseason will be the very Quinn brand move by just elevating Brian Johnson or Anthony Lynn, and it wouldn’t be a splash move at all. Very rarely does a team replace two coordinators in the offseason and keep a head coach whose future is in doubt. Kingsbury needs another year, or Peters needs to clean the whole house.
Buckle up, because this will be a very intense offseason with a lot at stake, as it always is in Washington, which leads to free agency and the 2026 NFL Draft. This is the make-or-break offseason for Peters and company.
Washington Commanders News
Commanders 3-Round 2026 NFL Mock Draft: Washington takes a blue-chip prospect on defense, and a new weapon for Jayden Daniels
The Commanders make the most of their two picks in the top-75 by selecting Caleb Downs to rebuild the defense, and Elijah Sarratt to be another weapon for Jayden Daniels.
