We’re one day away from the Week 18 season finale as the Washington Commanders prepare to close out a disappointing season with a battle of the backups in Philadelphia. That also means we’re two days away from Black
Monday, the day when several teams will be firing coaches, and preparing to hire the next guy that can save their franchises. Some teams like the Tennessee Titans and New York Giants have gotten a head start on the process by firing their head coaches and some of their assistants.
The Washington Commanders started the process of making changes to their coaching staff when head coach Dan Quinn relieved defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr of his play calling duties in November. Quinn said he could call plays again next season, but he hasn’t gone down that road yet. Most people expect Washington to hire a new DC after the season, with Bears defensive backs coach/defensive pass game coordinator Al Harris being one of the top names mentioned due to his history with Quinn on the Cowboys coaching staff. Dallas blocked him from being interviewed for the same position on the Commanders after they had already hired Whitt as DC.
Washington could also need losing offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury if he decides to leave for a head coaching opportunity after the season ends. He received interest from several teams last year, but the Commanders were in a deep playoff run, and he told reporters he was focused on the team. He made similar comments on Thursday, saying he was focused on this week’s game, and getting 39-year old veteran QB Josh Johnson ready for his second start. Kingsbury is also still getting paid head coach money from his extension with the Arizona Cardinals for next season.
The Athletics Dianna Russini says there might be another reason the Commanders and Kliff Kingsbury part ways soon:
Some in the building say there’s been a disconnect between Kingsbury and general manager Adam Peters.
This is far from a report and sits squarely in the rumorville category, but it’s something to keep an eye on as things play out. The Commanders have been pretty tight-lipped since Josh Harris bought the team, and Adam Peters was hired as GM. This could be another nothing report based on frustrations from a season that saw the team go from the NFC Championship Game to a potential top-5 draft pick in a year.
If Washington goes into the 2026 season with two new coordinators, the pressure will be intense on Dan Quinn to turn things around quickly. The Commanders were a win over the Giants away from ending the season on a 12-game losing streak. Injuries have devastated the team this season, and Quinn is expected to get another year. Will more drastic changes work, or is it too little, too late for Quinn’s swcond stint at head coach?
Commanders coach Dan Quinn is expected back for the 2026 season, though changes to the offense and the defense remain possible after Washington has slumped to a 4-12 record. Quinn took over defensive play calling from Joe Whitt Jr. in early November, and Washington has also had conversations about potentially moving on from Kingsbury even if he doesn’t get a head-coaching job. Some in the building say there’s been a disconnect between Kingsbury and general manager Adam Peters. When was the last time we were watching to see if an offensive coordinator was going to get fired while he was also preparing for head coaching interviews? We’ll see how this shakes out.
The Commanders likely won’t make any final decisions until they see how the broader coaching market develops.
