The announcement that Kliff Kingsbury, the offensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, will reportedly continue with the team for the upcoming season has generated significant excitement within the NFL community.
As reported by Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports, Kingsbury declined an interview opportunity with the New Orleans Saints for their head coaching vacancy, opting instead to stay with Washington, where he enjoyed a productive season characterized by a robust offensive performance.
The choice to remain with the Commanders is significant, especially given the considerable interest surrounding Kingsbury’s prospects of resuming a head coaching position. Having led the Arizona Cardinals from 2019 to 2022, there was widespread speculation about Kingsbury’s potential interest in a similar role, particularly with the New Orleans Saints seeking a new head coach after a lackluster season.
Nevertheless, it seems that Kingsbury is fully committed to the bright future ahead with the Commanders, particularly in light of their recent achievements.
The Saints’ Head Coaching Vacancy
The New Orleans Saints’ pursuit of a new head coach has emerged as a prominent narrative in the NFL’s offseason. Following a disappointing 2024 season that culminated in a 5-12 record, the Saints are tasked with the dual challenge of revamping their roster and coaching staff.
Compounding their difficulties, the team is grappling with significant financial constraints, currently exceeding the salary cap by $50.2 million for the 2025 season, as reported by Spotrac, which limits their avenues for enhancement.
Although the Saints’ management expressed interest in Kingsbury potentially stepping into the head coaching role, the allure of this position has been notably reduced by the team’s precarious circumstances. New Orleans not only confronts a challenging salary cap situation but also a roster that has not yet shown signs of returning to playoff competitiveness.
With restricted options in free agency, the team’s prospects for substantial improvement remain uncertain. The upcoming draft, featuring the No. 9 overall pick and other high-round selections, may offer immediate assistance, but the long-term viability of the franchise will hinge on their ability to effectively develop their existing roster.
Kliff Kingsbury’s decision to remain with Washington was probably swayed by the opportunity to collaborate with a team that is showing signs of improvement.
Considering the Saints’ unpredictable future and difficult financial situation, it is reasonable for Kingsbury to choose to stay in Washington, where he can further develop a dynamic offense and mentor one of the league’s most promising young quarterbacks, Jayden Daniels.
Kingsbury’s choice to remain in his position is a logical one
Kingsbury’s return to Washington is likely not unexpected for those monitoring the team’s development. The Commanders achieved an impressive journey to the NFC Championship Game in 2024, highlighting their potent offense and well-rounded performance.
With a young and talented quarterback in Daniels, who has emerged as one of the league’s standout players, Kingsbury’s influence was significant in refining Daniels’ skills throughout the season, potentially influencing his choice to remain with the team.
Moreover, Kingsbury’s extensive coaching background has established him as a leading offensive strategist in the sport. His previous experience with quarterbacks such as Kyler Murray, Patrick Mahomes, and Baker Mayfield has enhanced his reputation.
His capacity to adjust to various systems and player styles has rendered him a crucial asset for the Commanders. As Washington continues to progress, Kingsbury is likely positioned for future head coaching opportunities, and he appears willing to await the right moment.
Kingsbury’s choice to remain is also unsurprising due to his financial circumstances. According to Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, Kingsbury’s buyout from the Arizona Cardinals lasts until 2026, ensuring he continues to receive compensation as a head coach, irrespective of his decision to remain in Washington or explore other options.
This financial stability enables him to be discerning about his future employment and the timing of his next career move.
What are the future prospects for the Commanders?
As the 2025 NFL season approaches, the Washington Commanders have much to feel positive about. With Kingsbury remaining as the offensive coordinator, the team aims to capitalize on the success achieved during their NFC Championship Game run.
The offense, which ranked among the elite in the league during the 2024 season, is expected to flourish further under Kingsbury’s leadership.
Central to the Commanders’ offensive strategy is their promising young quarterback, Jayden Daniels, who demonstrated significant potential throughout the previous season. With an entire offseason dedicated to his development and increased experience, Daniels is poised to become one of the premier quarterbacks in the NFL.
Kingsbury’s proven track record in quarterback development will play a vital role in facilitating Daniels’ progression.
The improvements seen in the Commanders’ offensive line, receiving corps, and running game last season are encouraging signs for the future. Should Washington’s offense maintain its high performance and the defense sustain its effectiveness, the team could emerge as a formidable contender in the NFC.
Kingsbury’s skill in refining the offense and nurturing a talented young quarterback will be essential for the team’s success in 2025.
Kingsbury’s Impact on Coaching
Kliff Kingsbury has established a notable reputation for his creative offensive strategies and his proficiency in developing quarterbacks throughout his coaching career. His period as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals yielded mixed results, featuring one playoff appearance and an overall record of 28-37-1.
Nevertheless, Kingsbury achieved significant progress during his initial three seasons, although the team experienced a downturn in 2022, finishing with a 4-13 record.
Prior to his tenure with the Cardinals, Kingsbury enjoyed a successful coaching career at Texas Tech from 2013 to 2018, where he notably developed quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Baker Mayfield, reinforcing his status as an offensive expert.
Following his roles as offensive coordinator at Houston and Texas A&M, he moved to Washington, where his collaboration with Daniels significantly enhanced the Commanders’ offensive performance.
Despite the challenges faced in his previous head coaching positions, Kingsbury has consistently demonstrated his ability to tailor offensive strategies to leverage his players’ strengths.
His work with Daniels in Washington stands out as one of his most successful coaching endeavors, indicating that Kingsbury’s expertise will likely continue to influence the team’s offensive direction in the future.
Looking Ahead to the Future
Kliff Kingsbury’s choice to remain with the Washington Commanders can be regarded as a prudent one. The head coaching role with the Saints lacked appeal due to the team’s financial difficulties and an unclear route to success.
By opting to stay in Washington, Kingsbury can collaborate with a promising young quarterback and contribute to the development of a competitive offense that may contend for championships soon. If the Commanders maintain their upward trajectory, Kingsbury could become a sought-after candidate in the 2026 coaching cycle.
Ultimately, Kingsbury’s decision to stay with the Washington Commanders reflects his belief in the team’s potential and his own career advancement.
By prioritizing growth and development within Washington, he is strategically positioning himself for future prospects and solidifying his status as a significant presence in the NFL coaching arena for the foreseeable future.