4 days ago
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Just one day after the Commanders parted ways with defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., Washington has already begun its hunt for a suitable replacement to fill the vacant role.
The Commanders have requested an interview with Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter first reported the news.
Graham has been Vegas' defensive coordinator since 2022, after leaving an assistant head coach & defensive coordinator role with the New York Giants (2020-2021).
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In 2025, Graham led the Raiders defense to allow the 14th-least yards allowed per game (317.8), as well as boasting the 14th-best passing defense and 17th-best rushing defense.
However, Vegas finished its season with an abysmal 3-14 record, thanks to an offense that averaged 14.2 points per game. When Washington faced the Raiders in Week 3, the Commanders scored a season-high 41 points and defeated them by 17.
The Raiders recorded only 16 total takeaways in 2025 (eight interceptions, eight fumble recoveries), ranking them in the bottom third of the league. Yet, it is a significant step up from Washington's 10 total takeaways (eight interceptions, two fumble recoveries), which ranked second-worst in the league only behind the New York Jets (4), who failed to notch an interception.
Graham is the first in what will likely be a long line of candidates who interview for the position. With a top 10 pick and tons of cap space, the Commanders have plenty of ammunition to improve one of the league's worst defenses, making it an attractive option for potential defensive coordinator candidates.
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This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Request to interview Raiders DC Patrick Graham
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