Quiet storm is brewing over the Commanders that demands immediate success

The Washington Commanders are going all-in for another deep postseason run in 2025. But after that, everything could change.

There is one lingering cloud hanging over the Commanders that raises urgency to get the job done next season. And nobody is talking about it much.

Kliff Kingsbury galvanized his career in Washington. Questions were raised about the offensive coordinator following the hire, with some proclaiming he was undeserving of another big NFL job so soon after he was fired by the Arizona Cardinals.

It didn't take long for those critics to eat their words. Kingsbury masterminded one of the league's most efficient offenses. He played a significant role in quarterback Jayden Daniels having a rookie campaign for the ages. His aura, work ethic, and redemption story made Washington the perfect fit, and other teams took notice.

Commanders could lose Kliff Kingsbury to a head coaching gig in 2026

Kingsbury turned down head coaching interviews. He reportedly spurned the New Orleans Saints' vacancy to see out the project in Washington. The play-caller is happy with the Commanders, but one NFL analyst thought this might change in 2026.

Moe Moton from The Bleacher Report listed Kingsbury among the coordinators who could get head coaching jobs during the next cycle. He also stated that a team that drafts a quarterback from an exceptional 2026 class would be wise to get him on board.

Kliff Kingsbury had a significant impact on 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels and the Washington Commanders' surprising run to the NFC Championship Game in the previous season. Kingsbury has head coaching experience that will boost his resume. As the Arizona Cardinals' lead skipper, he helped Kyler Murray make two Pro Bowl rosters and led the club to a playoff berth in 2021. Teams that plan to take a quarterback early in the 2026 draft will hold Kingsbury to a high regard based on what he's done with Murray and Daniels, assuming the Commanders signal-caller builds on a strong rookie campaign.Moe Moton

Nothing lasts forever. There's a good chance this could be Kingsbury's last season with the Commanders. Nobody would begrudge him another head coaching opportunity after being dealt a bad hand in Arizona. What's important is maximizing his presence while he's still around.

The Commanders quietly recognized this fact throughout the offseason. Adam Peters solidified the offensive line and found playmakers capable of making an impact within Kingsbury's schematic concepts. And with Daniels under center, they'll never be out of the fight.

If everything goes as expected for Kingsbury and the Commanders, he may just get an offer from elsewhere that's too tempting to ignore.

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