Kliff Kingsbury’s NFL Rollercoaster: From Commanders OC to Free Agent in 2026

In a move that underscores the relentless churn of the NFL, the Washington Commanders and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury have officially parted ways after just two seasons. This development, confirmed on January 6, 2026, marks the latest twist in the coaching career of the former Arizona Cardinals head coach, leaving his future and the Commanders’ offensive direction in question. The separation, described by some reports as a mutual decision, follows a disappointing 5-12 season under head coach Dan Quinn and signals the start of a significant offseason overhaul in the nation’s capital.

Kingsbury’s tenure in Washington was a tale of two seasons, beginning with promise as he helped develop rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels before ending in a flurry of speculation and change. His departure immediately makes him one of the most intriguing names on the coaching market, with his offensive acumen and track record with quarterbacks ensuring he won’t be unemployed for long. For Canadian football fans tracking NFL trends, Kingsbury’s journey offers a compelling case study in coaching adaptability and the high-stakes world of professional play-calling.

The Washington Commanders Tenure: A Brief History

Kliff Kingsbury joined the Commanders in 2024 after a season as a senior offensive analyst at USC. His hiring was seen as a coup, pairing a young, potential franchise quarterback—eventually Jayden Daniels, selected 2nd overall—with a coach renowned for developing passers. The initial results were promising; Kingsbury crafted a system blending his Air Raid roots with modern RPOs (run-pass options) tailored to Daniels’ dual-threat abilities.

However, the 2025 season failed to build on that foundation. The team’s 5-12 record led to a comprehensive evaluation, resulting in the dismissal of both Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. This decision highlights the “what have you done for me lately” nature of the NFL, where past reputations offer little insulation against present-day results.

Kliff Kingsbury’s Coaching Career at a Glance

What Kingsbury Brings to the Table

Despite the Commanders’ exit, Kingsbury’s value on the market remains high, primarily due to his proven ability to design creative offenses and develop quarterbacks. His offensive philosophy is characterized by spread formations, tempo, and a willingness to incorporate trick plays and innovative run schemes, such as the “guard-tackle counter” (GT Counter) he frequently used in Arizona.

His quarterback development resume is particularly impressive, featuring a who’s who of modern passers he coached in college before their NFL success. This track record makes him an attractive candidate for teams with a young quarterback or those holding a high draft pick in the 2026 draft.

Notable Quarterbacks Coached by Kliff Kingsbury

The Road Ahead for Kingsbury and the Commanders

For the Washington Commanders, the search for a new offensive coordinator is now paramount. The successor will be tasked with continuing the development of Jayden Daniels, a significant asset in whom the franchise has heavily invested. Reports suggest internal candidates or experienced play-callers familiar with modern, quarterback-friendly systems are likely targets.

For Kliff Kingsbury, the path forward is filled with options. His name is already circulating in connection with new head coaching vacancies created on “Black Monday.” He could pursue another offensive coordinator role with a clearer quarterback situation, or even return to the NCAA ranks, where his offensive schemes first made him famous. His decision will be one of the first major dominoes to fall in the 2026 NFL coaching cycle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Kliff Kingsbury leave the Washington Commanders?

The Commanders and Kliff Kingsbury parted ways following the 2025 season, where the team finished with a 5-12 record. While some reports called it a mutual decision, it was part of a broader staff shakeup by head coach Dan Quinn. The team’s offensive performance did not meet expectations in their second year together, leading to a change in direction.

What is Kliff Kingsbury’s overall NFL head coaching record?

As a head coach with the Arizona Cardinals from 2019 to 2022, Kliff Kingsbury compiled a regular season record of 28 wins, 37 losses, and 1 tie. He led the team to one playoff appearance in the 2021 season.

Which famous NFL quarterbacks did Kliff Kingsbury develop in college?

While at Texas Tech, Kliff Kingsbury was instrumental in the development of several quarterbacks who later found NFL success, most notably Patrick Mahomes. He also coached Baker Mayfield (who transferred), and Davis Webb. His reputation as a “quarterback whisperer” is a key reason for his high demand as an offensive coordinator.

What offensive system does Kliff Kingsbury run?

Kingsbury’s offense is rooted in the Air Raid passing system but has evolved to incorporate modern elements like run-pass options (RPOs), zone-read concepts, and creative running schemes. He emphasizes spread formations, quick tempo, and tailoring the system to his quarterback’s strengths, as seen with Kyler Murray in Arizona and Jayden Daniels in Washington.