Commanders begin search for new DC, expected to move on from Joe Whitt

5 days ago 2

With just a week remaining in the 2025 NFL season, the Washington Commanders are already making strides to revamp their coaching staff for the 2026 season.

Head coach Dan Quinn is expected to be retained by the Commanders organization, despite leading Washington to a 4-12 record entering Week 18, with just two division wins over the New York Giants in Weeks 1 and 15.

However, according to NFL insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero, the Commanders have begun researching potential candidates for the defensive coordinator role, as Washington began to steer away from Joe Whitt Jr. near the second half of the season.

Quinn took over the defensive play-calling duties in mid-November, prior to Washington's Week 11 contest with the Miami Dolphins in Berlin, Germany.

General manager Adam Peters is also expected to be retained, and the pair of Peters and Quinn will likely head the search for a new defensive coordinator. Washington currently ranks 27th in opponent points per game (27.1) and 31st in total yards allowed (6,226).

While the Commanders suffered significant injuries to most of their defensive starters, at times, it felt like it was not skill but effort that was lacking on defense. Whitt Jr. has been Washington's defensive coordinator since 2024; however, he has been a long-time coach with Quinn, spending time with him in Dallas and Atlanta.

Whitt is not the only coordinator expected to move on; Washington's offensive coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury, is also expected to field head coaching interviews around the league. This means that in 2026, Washington could have a completely new set of coordinators as it looks to put a disappointing season behind it and make strides toward returning to the NFC Championship game.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Search for new DC is underway

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