Commanders Oust Two Coaches After Disappointing 2025 Season

Originally posted on The Spun | By Tzvi Machlin | Last updated Jan 6, 2026 12:21 PM ET

After reaching the NFC Championship Game in 2024, the Washington Commanders were out of playoff early as injuries and poor coaching caused them to go from 12-5 to 5-12. With their eyes on the playoffs in 2026, the team is making two core changes to their coaching staff (and more may follow).

According to The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the Commanders have decided to part ways with both offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. Head coach Dan Quinn is staying in place though.

Kingsbury's offense regressed in 2025 as star quarterback Jayden Daniels struggled to stay healthy. The unit that had finished top-10 in 2024 finished ranked 22nd in points and yards in 2025.

Whitt's defense wasn't exactly elite in 2024 but it was downright atrocious in 2025. The team finished 27th in points allowed and dead last in yards allowed.

Additionally, the Commanders have parted ways with DC Joe Whitt Jr. https://t.co/F6w2cOjn56
— Dianna Russini (@DMRussini) January 6, 2026

A brighter tomorrow?

In theory, the Commanders should be significantly better in 2026 if Jayden Daniels returns to full health. They clearly have some good building blocks on offense such as rising star Jacory Croskey-Merritt and Chris Rodriguez, a solid 1-2 punch at running back moving forward.

The defense is the real problem and may continue to be one even if Daniels is healthy though. When you finish dead last in yards allowed, you need more than just new leadership. You need a massive overhaul on that side of the ball.

Oct 19, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) celebrates after a touchdown against the Dallas Cowboys during the first quarter of the game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images© Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

Right now a lot of their top performers from 2025 on defense are either aging veterans on short-term deals or just not very good. Only one player under the age of 30 mustered five or more sacks this past season.

Suffice it to say, the Commanders front office has its work cut out for it over these next six-plus months.

This article first appeared on The Spun and was syndicated with permission.

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