After a five-win season in 2025, the Washington Commanders are facing a pivotal offseason - and they know it. The pressure is on to turn things around, and while Dan Quinn’s job isn’t in immediate jeopardy, that leash gets shorter if 2026 doesn’t bring tangible improvement.
General manager Adam Peters is already deep in the trenches, mapping out a roster overhaul that includes free agency, the draft, and veteran options. But before any of that, Quinn zeroed in on something closer to home - his coaching staff. And he didn’t waste time making changes.
Let’s break down the first eight moves in what’s shaping up to be a defining offseason for the Commanders - starting with two of the biggest shake-ups on the coaching front.
Commanders Fire DC Joe Whitt Jr.
Grade: A+
This one felt inevitable the moment Dan Quinn reassumed defensive play-calling duties. Joe Whitt Jr., a longtime associate of Quinn’s, was officially let go after two underwhelming seasons as defensive coordinator. And while parting ways with a trusted colleague is never easy, this was a move that had to happen.
Washington’s defense under Whitt simply didn’t show up. Sure, you can point to injuries and some questionable personnel fits, but the bottom line is the unit lacked identity, creativity, and execution.
It wasn’t just about being bad - it was about being uninspired. That’s a dangerous place to be in the NFL.
Jayden Daniels did what he could when healthy, but even his flashes of brilliance couldn’t mask the defensive shortcomings. Whitt’s scheme lacked energy and adaptability.
The players didn’t look prepared, and they rarely looked motivated. That’s on coaching.
Quinn made the tough call here, and it was the right one. If Washington’s going to build a defense that reflects Quinn’s aggressive, fast-flowing philosophy, it needed new leadership. This is a reset the Commanders desperately needed on that side of the ball.
Commanders Part Ways with OC Kliff Kingsbury
Grade: B
Now this one? A little more surprising.
Kliff Kingsbury’s exit wasn’t as predictable as Whitt’s. But when you dig into it, the writing was on the wall. Dan Quinn and Kingsbury reportedly couldn’t find common ground on the future of the offense, and when the head coach and play-caller aren’t aligned, there’s really only one way it ends.
Still, there’s nuance here. Kingsbury’s offense took a step back last season, but a lot of that had to do with circumstances beyond his control.
Jayden Daniels, the dynamic rookie quarterback, was limited to just seven games due to injury. And Terry McLaurin - the team’s top receiving threat - also missed significant time.
That’s a tough hand to play, especially with a young offense trying to find its footing.
But someone had to be held accountable, and Quinn decided it would be Kingsbury.
It’s a bold move, and maybe even a risky one, considering Daniels showed flashes of real promise when healthy. Continuity can be a young quarterback’s best friend, and now Daniels will be learning his second system in as many years. That’s not ideal.
Still, if the vision between coach and coordinator wasn’t aligned, then change was necessary. Quinn is clearly building a staff that reflects his philosophy - and that starts with finding someone who shares his offensive vision.
As for Kingsbury, he’s been in the mix for a few jobs - including the Ravens’ head-coaching gig and the Titans’ OC role - but nothing’s landed yet. That tells you something. Whether it’s scheme fit, reputation, or timing, the market isn’t exactly banging down the door.
These moves - bold, calculated, and in some cases overdue - mark the beginning of what’s shaping up to be a defining offseason for Washington. Dan Quinn isn’t just tweaking around the edges.
He’s making foundational changes, and he’s doing it with urgency. The message is clear: status quo isn’t good enough.
There’s a long road ahead, and the roster still needs major work. But if the Commanders are going to climb out of the NFC basement, it starts with leadership. And Quinn is making sure he’s got the right people in the building to do it.