Dan Quinn can’t escape the Commanders coaching loss that feels inevitable

The Washington Commanders kept their staff intact last season despite surging beyond all expectations to reach the NFC Championship game. That might not be the case when the upcoming hiring cycle commences.

And there is one coach above all else that could depart.

The Commanders took a chance on Kliff Kingsbury. He looked set to join the Las Vegas Raiders, but interest from Washington and a conversation with Magic Johnson helped tip the scales. This was a shrewd hire, as the offensive coordinator formed a close relationship with quarterback Jayden Daniels and completely transformed the team's fortunes.

Commanders must make contingency plans for Kliff Kingsbury's eventual departure

This inevitably came with interest from elsewhere. The Jacksonville Jaguars reportedly wanted to speak with Kingsbury. Reports also suggested that the New Orleans Saints wanted him to be their next head coach. These overtures were resisted, with the play-caller's comfort in Washington and his rediscovery of love for football playing key roles in his decision to stay.

Kingsbury knew that he would be a highly sought-after head coaching candidate if Washington's offense performed well once again in 2025. That's providing to be the case, so Quinn should already be forming contingency plans for his eventual (or inevitable) exit.

The Commanders boast the league's most prolific rushing attack despite trading Brian Robinson Jr. and losing Austin Ekeler to injury. Washington has also scored 18 or more points in 22 consecutive games, which is the 10th-longest streak in NFL history.

Momentum is building around Kingsbury. He's already being touted as the No. 1 coaching candidate by some analysts. The former Arizona Cardinals head coach won't be chasing anything. Still, he'll no doubt seriously consider the possibility of stepping up for a second time if the right opportunity presents itself.

This won't go unnoticed by Quinn. He'll have some thoughts at the back of his mind on possible replacements if Kingsbury does depart. There are a couple of lively in-house candidates — quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard, assistant quarterbacks coach David Blough, or run game coordinator Anthony Lynn. The Commanders could also look further afield, depending on who becomes available.

That's for the future. Kingsbury remains committed to the cause, and the fact that he didn't take interviews last season, when Washington was still in the playoff hunt, speaks volumes. His primary focus will be on helping the Commanders get over the hump. After that, he'll take everything one day at a time.

You're only hot for so long. Kingsbury knows he might never be hotter than he is right now, and everything can change in the blink of an eye. If a top job offer comes along, this will probably be his final season in Washington.

And Quinn cannot be caught on the back foot.