The Washington Commanders are coming off a very disappointing 5-12 season, one that follows a shocking 12-5 season and a run to the NFC Championship Game. In response to such a disastrous season, head coach Dan Quinn is making changes — big changes.
On Tuesday, Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury mutually agreed to part ways. It’s not a shock judging by Quinn’s inability to back up Kingsbury the past two weeks, even though Kingsbury has done a good job running the offense while injured. The Commander also fired defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and offensive line coach Bobby Johnson after the Kingsbury news broke.
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Quinn took over the defensive reins before Washington’s Week 11 game against Miami. It sounds like that won’t last as Quinn wants to focus on being a head coach. So, who could replace Whitt as defensive coordinator?
We named 10 potential candidates to be the Commander’s next offensive coordinator. Now, here are 10 defensive coordinator candidates.
Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ubrich
December 29, 2025; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ubrich on the sideline during the second quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Jeff Ubrich could be the leader in the clubhouse. He’s still under contract with the Falcons, but that could change soon. Ulbrich and Quinn return to a time when Quinn was an assistant coach with the 49ers and Ulbrich was a linebacker. Ulbricht began his coaching career with the Seahawks, where Quinn was an assistant coach. He played under Quinn for his entire six seasons with the Falcons. From there, he went to the Jets, where he served as a successful defensive coordinator for four years. Keep an eye on this.
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Former Falcons head coach Raheem Morris
ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 28: Washington Commanders head coach Raheem Morris and head coach Dan Quinn hug after the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Morris and Dan Quinn were close. They have known each other for more than 20 years, dating back to when Quinn was a young assistant at Hofstra University and Morris played football there. Morris was on Quinn’s staff for six seasons when he was the Falcons’ head coach. Morris was a successful defensive coordinator with the Rams and served two terms as head coach. It sounds like he will focus on head coaching interviews first before considering any defensive coordinator position.
Bears defensive backs coach and defensive passing game coordinator Al Harris
CHICAGO, IL – DECEMBER 20: Fox Sports commentator Tom Brady talks with Chicago Bears defensive backs coach Al Harris before the game between the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on December 20, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reeves/Getty Images)
Another potential favorite. Harris once said he would follow Dan Quinn everywhere he went when they were both with the Cowboys. He tried to bring him to Washington, but the Cowboys stopped him. Harris joins a Bears team this season that runs the ball better than any team in the NFL. Chicago doesn’t have the best defense, but they are ball hawks. Harris is as integral to that success as he was in Dallas under Quinn. The Cowboys are better than any team at forcing turnovers during Quinn and Harris’ tenure from 2021-23. Does Quinn want to go with another first-time gamer? This is the biggest problem here. Otherwise, Harris would be a phenomenal hire.
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49ers linebackers coach Gus Bradley
September 24, 2023; Baltimore, MD, USA; Indianapolis Colts head coach Gus Bradley during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
A veteran coach who has been a successful defensive coordinator with four different teams and a former head coach. He and Quinn come from the same Pete Carroll coaching tree. Quinn and Bradley were with Seattle for two years. This kind of hire doesn’t inspire fans. Bradley’s defense faded on the Colts. At this point, many would consider this an uninspiring hire.
Former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon
December 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon plays against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jonathan Gannon is now free. He’ll land somewhere soon. He excelled in two seasons as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator. Gannon is a creative coach. He has no connection to Quinn and will bring fresh ideas to a much-needed staff. Gannon will be at the top of several lists this offseason.
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Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores
January 13, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores during the NFC wild card game against the Los Angeles Rams at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
A daydream. Flores is a free agent. He can go anywhere. However, he plans to interview for a head coaching job but may return to Minnesota if he doesn’t get the head coaching job. It would be difficult for Washington to acquire Flores. Flores can basically choose wherever he wants to go. There are rumors he could land in Las Vegas as head coach. We will see. However, Kevin O’Connell will fight to keep him. Flores is the best defensive coordinator in the NFL. One of the best defensive planners in the league.
Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz
Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz watches the team warm up before an NFL football game at Huntington Bank Stadium in Cleveland, Ohio, on November 16, 2025.
Like Flores, this is an ideal candidate. The Browns won five games thanks to Schwartz’s defense. A Maryland native and graduate of Georgetown University, he interviewed for the head coaching job in Washington. As a former Lions head coach, Schwartz built one of the top defenses in the NFL. The Browns are interviewing him for the head coaching job. Another coach who has no relationship with Quinn, so don’t expect that to happen either.
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Commander linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr.
September 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Washington Commanders linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr. against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory photo credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The former NFL linebacker also enjoyed a successful coaching career. He previously worked with Quinn and served as the Commander’s LB coach starting in 2024. Norton, a two-time defensive coordinator with the Seahawks and Raiders, didn’t stand a chance. But he has experience calling plays, so you can’t rule him out.
Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham
September 18, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham reacts during the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The first name on the list. On Wednesday, commanders asked the Raiders for permission to interview Graham. Graham, a Yale graduate, has been the Raiders’ defensive coordinator since 2022 and has served as a head coach. Before that, he was the Giants’ defensive coordinator. Graham doesn’t always have a lot to do, so he’s creative and loves to blitz. Do you want someone who does more with less? Graham qualifies.
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Texans defensive passing game coordinator Corey Undlin
September 17, 2023; Houston, TX, USA; Houston Texans defensive passing coordinator Corey Undlin reacts before the game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Cory Undlin is a loser. He has been an NFL assistant for 22 years and has served as defensive coordinator only once: with the Detroit Lions in 2020. That team was terrible and Onderin had no real chance. From there, he went to San Francisco, where he worked under Kyle Shanahan for two years before following DeMeco Ryans to Houston. The Texans have one of the top defenses in the NFL, and Undlin is very committed. He deserves another try. General manager Adam Peters has been in San Francisco during Ondlin’s two years there, so everyone is familiar.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: 10 potential defensive coordinator candidates
