Why the Washington Commanders Face a Critical Reset in 2026
The Washington Commanders’ season may have ended in disappointment, but inside the locker room, the mood never fully collapsed. Even as losses piled up, players described a tight-knit group that continued to work, practice, and support one another — a sharp contrast to the fractured atmospheres of past losing seasons in Washington.
That positive culture, however, couldn’t overcome what became a 5–12 campaign filled with setbacks. Injuries ravaged the roster, most notably at quarterback, where Jayden Daniels struggled to stay healthy. Contract issues also lingered longer than expected, particularly with wide receiver Terry McLaurin, whose delayed extension disrupted valuable offseason reps.
On the field, inconsistency and philosophical disagreements behind the scenes ultimately pushed the organization toward major change.
Head coach Dan Quinn moved quickly once the season ended, parting ways with both offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt.
The defense, once respectable, collapsed badly in 2025, finishing near the bottom of the league in key categories due to missed assignments and breakdowns. Washington has already begun searching for a replacement, prioritizing familiarity and accountability.
The decision to move on from Kingsbury surprised many. Just a year earlier, Washington’s offense had been among the league’s best, but injuries and declining production exposed deeper issues. More importantly, Quinn and Kingsbury were not aligned on the offense’s long-term direction. Quinn wanted a different identity, especially a more balanced run-pass approach, and chose not to let that divide carry into another season.
The coaching turnover could also affect the quarterback room. Daniels had built strong relationships with members of the offensive staff, and Washington now faces the challenge of maintaining stability while reshaping its system. Internally, the belief is that Daniels can handle adversity, but the organization wants a staff fully unified in vision.
McLaurin’s contract standoff served as another lesson. His late return limited chemistry with Daniels, and injuries followed soon after. Both the player and team acknowledged that earlier negotiations might have prevented some of the offensive struggles. Determined not to repeat that mistake, Washington hopes to resolve a new deal with left tackle Laremy Tunsil sooner rather than later.
Looking ahead, roster construction looms large. Washington entered 2025 as one of the league’s oldest teams, and recent draft misses have left gaps in long-term talent. With ample cap space, a high draft pick, and a core that includes Daniels, McLaurin, and a strong offensive line, the Commanders believe they have a foundation — but only if smarter decisions and better health follow in 2026.
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