Kliff Kingsbury Creativity Again Fueling Commanders' Offense

Kliff Kingsbury Creativity Again Fueling Commanders’ Offense originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

In a season that ended with a run to the NFC Championship Game, the Washington Commanders in 2024 were full of surprises.

Dan Quinn as a charismatic head coach. Jayden Daniels even better than expected as NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year. Terry McLaurin finding another gear in a Pro Bowl receiving year.

But perhaps the biggest shock was the triumphant return of Kliff Kingsbury as an innovative offensive mind in the NFL.

After being fired by the Arizona Cardinals’ head coach in 2023, Kingsbury went on a soul-searching sabbatical to Thailand and Costa Rica. He returned, but only as a consultant at Southern Cal where he coached Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams.

Last season he reportedly turned down head coaching interviews in the NFL to join Qunn’s staff. He wound up crafting a powerful offense that catered perfectly to the multi-dimensional skills of Daniels.

Getting more technical, Pro Football Network is crediting Kingsbury for moving away from “years of predictable designs” and “adapting his up-tempo philosophy in Washington.”

Kingsbury’s doubters – fueled by his sketchy relationship with Kyler Murray in Arizona -rolled their eyes last preseason when No. 1 receiver McLaurin lined up wide left in 28 of 29 snaps. But then came the regular season, and the ditching of the predictable.

Kingsbury quickly adjusted to his talent, reacting to the Commanders ranking 32nd in shift/motion and 31st in play-action. Using Daniels’ agility and mature ball-handling, the Commanders began using misdirection as much as any team.

With the addition of versatile weapon Deebo Samuel and the continued improvement of Daniels – not to mention a Pro Bowl left tackle to help protect him in Laremy Tunsil – it’s likely Kingsbury’s creative mind will be on display again this season.

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 27, 2025, where it first appeared.

Kliff Kingsbury Creativity Again Fueling Commanders’ Offense

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