Washington Commanders offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury had an up-and-down stint as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals from 2019 to 2022. Still, his awe-inspiring season guiding quarterback Jayden Daniels to a historic rookie year has reignited the league's interest in him as a leading man.
While Kingsbury was interested in the vacant New Orleans Saints job, he officially put any speculation that he would be leaving Washington to bed. The play-caller's rebirth has allowed him to be very selective about trying to get back into the head coaching game.
Kingsbury will be a hot name on the 2026 coaching cycle if he replicates his strong performance from last season once again. However, he will likely be eyeing landing spots with solid quarterbacks that he can elevate.
These three teams make tons of sense for a coach who will once again be in high demand if Daniels replicates his stellar rookie campaign.
3 teams who could hire Commanders OC Kliff Kingsbury as head coach in 2026
3. Cincinnati Bengals
Zac Taylor is a solid coach, but fewer people may fault the Cincinnati Bengals if they decide to go in a different direction should they keep falling short in the playoffs. Coaches like Kingsbury will likely be banging down the doors for the chance to coach former No. 1 pick Joe Burrow.
Kingsbury's offense going to a player as cerebral and decisive as Burrow could be enough to torch the AFC. If he brings in a good defensive coach, possibly from Dan Quinn's staff in Washington, he could have all the ingredients to become a postseason regular.
2. Dallas Cowboys
Jerry Jones has shown that he values past head coaching experience. New leading man Brian Schottenheimer is not guaranteed a very long tenure should he fail to improve this team's outlook. Kingsbury should have a very fun time coaching Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb.
The Dallas Cowboys need a shot of creativity as bad as any team in the NFC, and Kingsbury's offenses giving them some new life might be the best for a team that needs Prescott to play above what he is normally capable of.
Dallas might be willing to can Schottenheimer if they catch wind of Kingsbury's rumored interest.
1. Kansas City Chiefs
Crazy? Well, Andy Reid will turn 67 years old in March, and he has more than enough hardware in his trophy case. The Kansas City Chiefs will eventually need to find a long-term successor, especially if excellent defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo is either not the right fit or is hired away by a rival team.
Kingsbury has already put up gaudy numbers with Patrick Mahomes during their college days at Texas Tech. He could be in for more of the same with a veteran No. 15 behind center on the Chiefs.
If Reid calls it quits, Mahomes would likely be on the phone with ownership instantly vouching for Kingsbury.
