Commanders Are Parting Ways With OC Kliff Kingsbury And DC Joe Whitt Jr

The Washington Commanders are making major changes to their coaching staff under Dan Quinn. 

According to multiple reports, the Commanders are parting ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. 

The #Commanders and OC Kliff Kingsbury are parting ways, sources say, as the play-caller looks for a new opportunity after meeting with coach Dan Quinn.

Kingsbury will be an OC again this cycle, but also should be considered as a HC candidate. pic.twitter.com/LxjSchO8wp

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 6, 2026

And this — a change of D.C. in D.C.: Joe Whitt Jr. also is out as the Commanders defensive coordinator, per sources. pic.twitter.com/OnondgaCvO

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 6, 2026

Kingsbury and Quinn elected to mutually part ways after having a conversation on Tuesday about the direction of the offense. Kingsbury is now able to pursue other opportunities, including head coaching vacancies. Kingsbury tallied a 28-37-1 record as Cardinals head coach from 2019-2022.

Whitt was demoted during the season from his play-calling duties, with Quinn taking them back.

After reaching the NFC Championship Game in 2024, Washington finished 5-12 in 2025. The offense ranked No. 22 in points scored and total yards while the club’s defense was No. 27 in points allowed and No. 32 in yards allowed.