Sources: Jayden Daniels unhappy with Commanders’ decision to part ways with Kliff Kingsbury

The Washington Commanders’ decision to move on from offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury is already raising eyebrows across the NFL and not just outside the building. According to multiple reports, the move came as a surprise to parts of the Commanders’ offense, including rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, who had publicly voiced support for Kingsbury just days earlier. While coaching changes are common after the season, the reported reaction from players suggests this one may not have unfolded the way many inside the locker room expected.The Commanders and Kliff Kingsbury parted ways following the conclusion of the 2025 season, ending his stint as the team’s offensive coordinator after just one year. The move was reported as a mutual decision, with Washington opting to reset its coaching staff as the franchise continues shaping its long-term direction.Kingsbury’s exit was part of a broader shake-up, as the team also moved on from defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. No immediate replacement for Kingsbury has been announced, and the organization has not publicly commented on the reported player reaction to the decision.According to reporting from NFL insiders, several key Commanders offensive players were disappointed by the decision to move on from Kingsbury. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was reportedly among those caught off guard by the timing of the move, especially after he had spoken positively about Kingsbury earlier in the week.The reporting notes that players believed Kingsbury’s departure would only happen if he landed a head-coaching job elsewhere, which did not materialize before Washington made its decision. Those sentiments, however, have not been confirmed publicly by the team or the players themselves and are attributed strictly to league sources.Just days before the coaching change became official, Jayden Daniels was asked about Kingsbury’s future during a media availability. The rookie quarterback spoke favorably about his offensive coordinator, crediting him for his support and approach throughout the season.The Commanders’ move has been described publicly as a mutual parting, a common phrase used across the league during coaching transitions. However, reports suggesting player surprise highlight the often-messy reality of NFL changes, where front-office decisions and locker-room expectations do not always align.Also read - Full list of NFL head coaches fired on Black Monday 2026