As the Washington Commanders head into the final stretch of their season, the scoreboard isn’t the only thing fans are watching. With five games left, the real drama might be unfolding off the field - and it’s shaping up to be a pivotal offseason for a franchise still carving out its identity under a new regime.
While roster decisions will dominate headlines, it’s the coaching staff that could see the most significant shakeups. One name to keep a close eye on: Kliff Kingsbury.
The Commanders' offensive coordinator is expected to draw serious head coaching interest this offseason, and for good reason. Despite a rocky season in Washington, Kingsbury’s offensive pedigree remains respected across the league.
He turned down opportunities last year, opting to stay and help mold a young Commanders offense. But this time around?
The timing might be right for a return to the big chair.
Kingsbury’s Stock Is Rising Again
According to reports from around the league, Kingsbury is already on the radar for multiple teams. While only two head coaching vacancies are currently open - with the New York Giants and Tennessee Titans leading the list - history tells us that more are coming.
Since 2011, every offseason has seen at least five head coaching jobs open up. That trend isn’t likely to stop now.
And the potential suitors? They’re intriguing.
The Giants’ job could be tough to pass up. With a promising young quarterback, explosive weapons on the outside, a cornerstone left tackle, and a defense that can get after the quarterback, it’s a situation that’s built for a coach with Kingsbury’s offensive mindset. The Titans, meanwhile, are less of a finished product, but they do boast the No. 1 overall pick in Cam Ward - a young quarterback who would benefit immensely from Kingsbury’s quarterback-friendly system.
Other franchises like the Falcons, Browns, Cardinals, Bengals, and Raiders are all being watched closely as potential openings, which only expands the field for Kingsbury.
What This Means for Washington
If Kingsbury does move on, it’ll mark another major shift for the Commanders’ offensive brain trust - and it comes at a critical juncture for quarterback Jayden Daniels. The rookie signal-caller has shown flashes of star potential, but continuity is key for young quarterbacks, and Washington’s coaching carousel could make for a bumpy ride.
Dan Quinn, who’s already taken over defensive responsibilities from Joe Whitt Jr., will need to be proactive in preparing for a possible departure. With quarterbacks coach Tavita Pritchard already gone to take the head coaching job at Stanford, the offensive room could look very different next year.
That’s not ideal for a team trying to build around a young quarterback. But it’s also part of the NFL’s reality - when you have talented coaches, other teams come calling.
Kingsbury’s Approach: Patience and Precision
Kingsbury isn’t the type to jump at the first offer. He’s made it clear that the fit has to be right - not just for his career, but for the kind of program he wants to build.
He’s also a coach with something to prove. His first head coaching stint with the Arizona Cardinals ended on a sour note, and there’s a sense that he’s looking for redemption - not revenge, but a second chance to show what he can do with the right roster and the right support.
He understands how quickly the coaching carousel spins. Today’s hot name can be tomorrow’s afterthought. That awareness makes him deliberate, not desperate.
The Bottom Line
Washington knows what it has in Kingsbury - a smart, innovative offensive mind with a track record of developing quarterbacks. If he stays, the Commanders can continue building around Jayden Daniels with some continuity. If he goes, Quinn and the front office will need to pivot quickly to avoid disruption in the most important room on the team.
Either way, this offseason is shaping up to be a defining one for the Commanders. And whether Kingsbury is part of their future or someone else’s, his next move will be one of the most closely watched storylines of the NFL’s coaching cycle.