Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. didn’t exit the organization on the same note after a disappointing 5-12 finish this season.
Washington and Kingsbury mutually agreed to part ways after he met with head coach Dan Quinn, while Whitt was fired two years after joining the organization, ESPN reported Tuesday.
Kingsbury will pursue other opportunities, per ESPN.
There was a divide about how to run the offense, with Quinn wanting to run the ball more to control the clock and help the defense, ESPN said, citing team sources.
Kingsbury’s no-huddle offense was favored among quarterback Jayden Daniels and backup Marcus Mariota.
Daniels, who played only four full games this season, spoke glowingly of Kingsbury a day before the news of his exit.
“I love working with Kliff,” Daniels said Monday. “Me and him have a special relationship.
“I just wish I was out there more to play for him this past year. I kind of just wish I was out there to play for him this past year.”
Quinn took over defensive play-calling duties from Whitt after Washington’s 44-22 loss to the Lions in Week 10.
The Commanders defense finished the season ranked last in yards and 27th in points, one year removed from a trip to the NFC Championship game.
Last year, they finished with a 12-5 mark, and ranked 18th in points and 13th in yards.
Washington was decimated by injuries on both sides of the ball in 2025.
