Dan Quinn and Kliff Kingsbury clashed before Commanders OC’s exit

A Year 1 honeymoon ended in Year 2 divorce.

Ex-Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and head coach Dan Quinn had disagreements philosophically that preceded the former’s surprising exit this week, according to 106.7 The Fan.

The two allegedly clashed over the run-pass balance of the offense and how to best develop franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels, last year’s second overall pick.

Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan speculated that Quinn may prefer a traditional offense for his quarterback compared to the no-huddle, college-style system Kingsbury implements.

Those disagreements seemingly factored into why Washington will now have a new leader for its offense in 2026, just two years after Daniels and Kingsbury thrived together.

Kingsbury, the former Cardinals coach, helped Daniels win Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in his rookie season while the Commanders advanced to the NFC Championship game.

Daniels threw for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns to nine interceptions, while adding 891 rushing yards and six scores.

Washington ranked fifth in points per game and seventh in yards per game.

This year, Daniels struggled to stay healthy and did not play nearly as well.

Daniels missed time with a left knee sprain, a right hamstring strain and a left elbow dislocation, with the latter injury sidelining him for all but one of the final eight games.

The mobile quarterback’s dual-threat skills always make him more vulnerable to hits that can cause injuries, and Washington’s offensive line did not protect him well.

The note on the traditional setup for the quarterback seemingly could indicate that Quinn prefers an offense that does not expose Daniels to so many hits.

With the star quarterback mostly unavailable and ineffective, Washington (5-12) dropped to 22nd in both points per game and yards per contest.

Daniels finished with 1,262 passing yards and eight passing touchdowns to three interceptions, while only adding 278 rushing yards and two scores.

Kingsbury is expected to pursue head-coaching opportunities, per ESPN, with eight teams looking for a new leader, including the rival Giants.

Daniels spoke highly of Kingsbury on Monday.

“I love working with Kliff,” Daniels said Monday. “Me and him have a special relationship.

“I just wish I was out there more to play for him this past year. I kind of just wish I was out there to play for him this past year.”

Washington also moved on from defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., meaning Quinn has to replace both coordinators before his third season at the helm.