The Washington Commanders are entering a new era.
Josh Harris is now the owner, replacing the beleaguered Daniel Snyder. Jayden Daniels was drafted to be the quarterback of the future. Dan Quinn was brought aboard as head coach, bringing along a lengthy résumé.
One of his key appointments was at offensive coordinator, where he tabbed former Arizona Cardinals and Texas Tech head coach Kliff Kingsbury to take on the role. According to ESPN’s John Keim, there is belief that Kingsbury—who served as a senior offensive assistant for USC last season—has grown as an offensive mind and play-caller:
“One coach who has faced Kingsbury multiple times said he likes how Kingsbury has evolved as an offensive coach in the NFL. The coach said early in his Arizona career, Kingsbury did not throw enough between the hashes—they were 25th in his first two seasons. But in his final two seasons, Arizona ranked 13th.
“‘It looks like he’s gotten a better feel for it,’ the coach said.
“The coach also said he likes how Kingsbury incorporated the tight end more, something that likely will take place in Washington.”
He’ll have familiarity at tight end after Zach Ertz—who played two seasons for him at Arizona—was signed by the team this offseason.
“He’s one of the best offensive minds that I’ve been around,” Ertz told Keim regarding Kingsbury.
The Commanders will be hoping that Daniels thrives under the offensive coordinator and eventually feels the same way about him as Ertz does.