Commanders OC reveals the team's new challenge for this season

Last year, they shocked everyone. Now, the Washington Commanders are the team everyone is watching. Their OC explains the new mindset for 2025.

Nov 24, 2024; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury stands on the field during warmup prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

The Washington Commanders were underdogs last year. More than that, they were underrated. Not anymore. 

Kliff Kingsbury was the offensive coordinator nobody believed in, and head coach Dan Quinn wasn’t on anyone’s early offseason short list to be the next leader of the Commanders. 

What everyone wanted was a new, fresh, and innovative approach to football in Washington. What we got was an experienced, educated, and determined group of leaders who put everyone on notice in 2024.

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kill Kingsbury. | Tommy Gilligan-Imagn Images

Hunters Turned Hunted

Last year, the Commanders could “take our shot at people,” Kingsbury says, but now, some refer to the team as hunters turned hunted.

Quinn will tell you that change doesn’t exist, and that Washington will never stop hunting as long as he’s on the clock.

Kingsbury could have gone back on the head coaching clock himself this offseason, but decided to stick with Quinn and with quarterback Jayden Daniels, to help grow the offense even further than it went last season.

“Last year you didn't really know what you had,” he says. Now that he knows, he isn’t letting it go that easily and is back to find out just how much more he can get out of it.

The Quest for Consistency

With the suddenly popular coaching staff intact, a young quarterback with preseason MVP buzz, and a core of talented players to help fully develop the offense, consistency (or a lack thereof) is the only hurdle standing in Kingsbury’s way.

“This year we got to be more consistent in how we do everything, and I think that's the biggest message I'm preaching,” he says.

Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

'A Huge Jump'

“It's a huge jump. I think last year, this time I don't think we'd even named a starting quarterback yet, so to go from that to where we're at... is exciting,” Kingsbury shared. 

And he’s right. This time last year, Daniels was “just a rookie” and ‘hadn’t done anything yet.’ Now, he’s done something, putting together a rookie season that is arguably the best we’ve ever seen.

Whether the cliche is accurate or not, nobody is sleeping on Washington football anymore, and Kingsbury has his sights fixed on ensuring he, Daniels, and the entire offense do everything necessary to keep any would-be hunters from catching their prey in 2025.

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READ MORE: Commanders QB not seen at practice, starting WR out

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2025 season.

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