Report: Jayden Daniels, other Commanders players unhappy with Kliff Kingsbury exit

by: Nick Geddes 01/06/26 NickGeddesNews

The Washington Commanders and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury made the decision Tuesday to part ways. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz , the departure of Kingsbury isn’t sitting well with Commanders offensive players, including quarterback Jayden Daniels .

“My understanding is that key Commanders offensive players, including QB Jayden Daniels, are disappointed with the team’s decision to part ways with OC Kliff Kingsbury,” Schultz reported. “Daniels vouched for him to stay in his presser on Monday and was among those blindsided by the move. Offensive players on the team figured the only way Kingsbury would be gone is if he got a HC job.”

According to The Athletic , head coach Dan Quinn met with Kingsbury on Tuesday. The two discussed the future of the offense and after that conversation, decided to part ways. Quinn also dismissed defensive coordinator Joe Whitt .

Whitt’s firing was expected, as Washington finished the season with the league’s lowest ranked unit. Kingsbury, however, was expected — and still is — to be a head coaching candidate this hiring cycle.

Kliff Kingsbury leaving Commanders, will search for new opportunity

Kingsbury joined the Commanders ahead of the 2024 season, syncing up with the arrival of Daniels, then a rookie signal caller. Daniels thrived in Kingsbury’s offense last season. The Commanders finished seventh in total offense and Daniels was named AP Offensive Rookie of the Year. Washington went all the way to the NFC Championship Game, falling to the eventual Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.

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