Kliff Kingsbury was one of the hottest names on last year's head coaching cycle. The Washington Commanders' memorable run to the NFC Championship game, coupled with quarterback Jayden Daniels' phenomenal rookie impact, led many to believe the offensive coordinator could be in line for a second chance at a top job elsewhere.
The Jacksonville Jaguars wanted to speak with Kingsbury. Reports indicated that the New Orleans Saints' interest was even stronger. However, the play-caller was happy in Washington and didn't speak to anyone while the Commanders were still involved in the postseason.
He later acknowledged that it would have required a significant opportunity to leave this project, especially given the relationships Kingsbury had formed with Daniels and head coach Dan Quinn. And fans were thrilled to see him stick around.
Commanders and Kliff Kingsbury might not be moving in different directions
Kingsbury's name is already being speculated as a potential head coach in 2026. However, one respected NFL insider hinted that he might not be as coveted as some experts predict.
Dan Graziano of ESPN thought Kingsbury could be under consideration, depending on how many vacancies become available. Even so, the failures of previous offensive coordinators who became head coaches could be enough to prompt a shift in strategy this time around.
"Maybe [Kliff] Kingsbury, though Washington's season has gone off the rails and that could dampen interest from teams in him. Otherwise, the OC pool has kind of thinned out in recent years, as so many of them have gotten head coach jobs and been fired within two or three years. But there aren't a ton of places right now where a playcalling offensive coordinator -- who isn't also the head coach -- is having the kind of success that lands interviews."
Dan Graziano
Obviously, it's a wait-and-see situation. Kingsbury will likely be more receptive to offers, especially considering how things have unfolded for the Commanders this season. But if the former Arizona Cardinals head coach doesn't do enough, that leaves Quinn facing a tricky conundrum.
Does he keep Kingsbury around? Or does he go with a shift in ideas?
Quinn is a loyal guy. It hurt him to take over defensive coordinator duties from Joe Whitt Jr., but he didn't have much choice. This loyalty means Kingsbury could get a third season in Washington, and the injuries that have decimated his offense are also an excuse to consider.
Much has been made about Kingsbury's offense getting found out in his second or third year. Quinn will have heard all the chatter, but with a fresh injection of energy at the skill positions and a better run of luck on the health front, it's hard to envisage a scenario where improvements didn't arrive.
There are six games left before any interested suitors come forward for Kingsbury. And Quinn will already have contingency plans in place for every eventuality.
What direction he goes remains to be seen.