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Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels and other key offensive players were reportedly "disappointed" with the team's decision to part ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, sources with knowledge of the situation confirmed to NFL insider Jordan Schultz on Tuesday (January 6).
"Sources: My understanding is that key #Commanders offensive players, including QB Jayden Daniels, are disappointed with the team’s decision to part ways with OC Kliff Kingsbury. Daniels vouched for him to stay in his presser on Monday and was among those blindsided by the move. Offensive players on the team figured the only way Kingsbury would be gone is if he got a HC job," Schultz wrote on his X account.
ESPN's Adam Schefter previously reported that Kingsbury, 46, was leaving the franchise to pursue other opportunities, having met with head coach Dan Quinn on Tuesday and agreeing to mutually part ways.
"Sources: Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is leaving the organization to pursue other opportunities. Kingsbury and HC Dan Quinn met today, and agreed to mutually part ways," Schefter wrote on his X account.
Kingsbury, who had previously worked as a head coach at both the NFL and collegiate level, was praised for leading one of the NFL's top offenses during Commanders Daniels' rookie season in 2024. Washington was, however, hindered in 2025 with the former No. 2 overall pick suffering multiple injuries limiting him to just seven appearances.
Kingsbury joined the Commanders' staff during Quinn's first season as head coach in 2024 after one season as the USC Trojans' senior offensive analyst. The former quarterback had previously worked as the head coach at his alma mater, Texas Tech, from 2013 to 2018 and the Arizona Cardinals from 2019 to 2022.
Kingsbury has a 28-37-1 NFL head coaching record during four seasons with the Cardinals, which includes one playoff berth in 2021 and a 35-40 (19-35 Big 12 Conference) record during six seasons at Texas Tech.
The Commanders also reportedly parted ways with defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., sources confirmed to Schefter on Tuesday.