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Jayden Daniels made a surprising demand about the next Washington Commanders offense without former coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
Kliff Kingbsury being out as offensive coordinator was supposed to have blindsided several Washington Commanders players, most notably Jayden Daniels, but a surprising comment from the star quarterback changes the narrative.
Daniels was asked what he wants to see from next season’s offense, and 2024’s NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year made a couple of telling observations. He revealed, “I want to go out there and run the offense that I want to run and be super comfortable in it. That’s the main thing. If AP and DQ come talk to me about players and ask me questions, I’ll be more than willing to give my input,” per Monumental Sports Network’s Ethan Cadeaux.
Jayden Daniels *did* show support for Kliff Kingsbury yesterday. BUT, I did find this quote interesting when asked what input he’ll have on offseason moves regarding the offense:
“I want to go out there and run the offense that I want to run and be super comfortable in it.
Those remarks make it sound as though Daniels is seeking greater ownership of the offense than what he enjoyed on Kingsbury’s watch. The idea is surprising on a couple of levels, a surprise that may impact who replaces Kingsbury on the headset for 2026, amid rumors a former head coach is the favorite for the job.
Jayden Daniels, Kliff Kingsbury Seemed Like the Perfect Fit
The notion the Commanders cutting Kingsbury loose would leave Daniels rattled makes sense when the two appeared like the perfect fit of player and coach. At least during a prolific union last season.
Kingsbury built an offense ideal for a rookie with dual-threat athleticism, but raw in the nuances of a pro passing game. The Commanders offset any limitations in Daniels’ skill-set by packaging designed runs, read-option play designs, quick and short throws and a rapid pace.
The latter was exemplified by league-leading use of the no-huddle offense. Kingsbury also protected Daniels with a creative and power-based running game, but things unravelled this season, although not all of the problems were related to scheme.
Daniels dealing with multiple injuries didn’t help, but Kingsbury was already using different formations and personnel to expand his QB1’s game. Those adjustments didn’t always work because Kingsbury lacked enough healthy playmakers in both phases of the offense, but Daniels may not have been completely “comfortable” with the plan.
The first problem won’t go away without some significant changes in personnel, but the Commanders could help Daniels by being more creative with what they already have. A play-caller well known to key members of the franchise is imaginative enough to make it happen.
Commanders Have ‘Logical’ Candidate for Next OC
Now former Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel is a natural fit to call plays for Daniels next season. There are many factors in favor of hiring McDaniel, starting with Commanders head coach Dan Quinn being “his close friend (and former boss in Atlanta),” per The MMQB’s Albert Breer, who also called “The idea of McDaniel with Jayden Daniels … pretty cool.”
Mike McDaniel figures to have a boatload of interest from teams with offensive-coordinator openings. Perhaps starting with the one in Washington, with his close friend (and former boss in Atlanta) Dan Quinn.
The idea of McDaniel with Jayden Daniels … pretty cool.
It would be exciting to see McDaniel get more from versatile skill players such as wide receivers Deebo Samuel and Jaylin Lane. Both are gifted speedsters and credible rushing threats who would benefit more from McDaniel’s heavy use of motion.
Quinn knows McDaniel “can process things so quickly, it’s no surprise to see that his offense can throw the ball quickest. They can have the fastest motions,” according to David Harrison of Locked on Commanders.
Dan Quinn, just a couple months ago, on Mike McDaniel:
“I’ve known Mike to be an excellent coach. He can process things so quickly, it’s no surprise to see that his offense can throw the ball quickest. They can have the fastest motions. That’s Mike to a T, where he can just… https://t.co/8OtQBqe2ri
— David Harrison (@DHarrison82) January 8, 2026
McDaniel would also have the approval of general manager Adam Peters, because both worked together with the San Francisco 49ers from 2017-2021. Their familiarity could be a significant factor based on a recent report detailing frequent interference from the front office in coaching decisions.
No matter who makes the call, hiring McDaniel would give Daniels an offense he would surely get comfortable with in a hurry.
James Dudko covers the New York Giants, Washington Commanders, New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens for Heavy.com. He has covered the NFL and world soccer since 2011, with bylines at FanSided, Prime Time Sports Talk and Bleacher Report before joining Heavy in 2021. More about James Dudko
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