The Washington Commanders are still trying to process the sudden and disappointing end to the 2024 season. However, two days after the Commanders lost the NFC championship game to the Eagles, they received some terrific news. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury will officially return in 2025.
This is not entirely unexpected, as Kingsbury passed on potential interviews for head coaching vacancies while Washington remained in the playoffs. After Sunday’s loss, only one vacancy remained: the New Orleans Saints. That is not considered an attractive job with no stable quarterback situation in place and the Saints in a bad salary cap situation.
Kingsbury has repeatedly stated he’s happy in Washington. He led a top-five offense and aided in the development of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Daniels had perhaps the greatest rookie season for a quarterback in NFL history, and the Commanders came one game short of the Super Bowl.
Breaking: #Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury — despite interest from the #Saints and other teams — has decided to stay in Washington for a second season following a remarkable turnaround that saw the team go from 4 wins to an NFC Championship appearance.
His return ensures… pic.twitter.com/xQlOdt6zVz
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) January 28, 2025
Kingsbury was Arizona’s head coach for four seasons and was fired after the 2022 season. He spent a year in college working with Lincoln Riley as an analyst at USC before returning to the NFL with Washington. Due to a contract extension he received not too long before his firing, the Cardinals still pay Kingsbury like a head coach. Therefore, he can be more selective.
Kingsbury has repeatedly mentioned how happy he is in Washington working with Daniels and head coach Dan Quinn. He understands he is in an excellent situation and will be selective with where he interviews and ultimately goes for his second chance as an NFL head coach.
