10 names to watch for next Commanders' defensive coordinator

NFL Week 9 instant reactions

Story by

Story by
10 names to watch for next Commanders' defensive coordinator

Bryan Manning, Commanders Wire · Commanders Wire

Thu, Jan 8, 2026 ·

5 min read

About Our Ads

The Washington Commanders are coming off a hugely disappointing 5-12 season, one season after a shocking 12-5 year 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 . Judging by Quinn's inability to endorse Kingsbury over the last two weeks, it wasn't shocking despite the good work Kingsbury has done with the Commanders ' offense, even despite the injuries. Right after the Kingsbury news, the C ommanders also fired defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and offensive line coach Bobby Johnson.

Quinn took over as defensive play-caller before Washington's Week 11 game against Miami . It doesn't sound like that will continue, as Quinn wants to focus on being the head coach. So, who could replace Whitt as defensive coordinator?

We named 10 potential candidates to be the Commanders' next offensive coordinator. Now, here are 10 defensive coordinator candidates.

Embedded content: https://commanderswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/commanders/2026/01/06/washington-commanders-10-names-watch-kingsbury-oc/88056493007/

Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich

Jeff Ulbrich may be the leader in the clubhouse. He's still under contract with the Falcons, but that could change soon. Ulbrich and Quinn go back to when Quinn was a 49ers assistant, and Ulbrich was a linebacker. Ulbrich began his coaching career with the Seahawks when Quinn was an assistant there. He would serve under Quinn during his entire six seasons with the Falcons. From there, he went to the Jets, where he served as a successful defensive coordinator for 4 years. Keep an eye on this one.

Former Falcons head coach Raheem Morris

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - SEPTEMBER 28: Head coach Raheem Morris and Head coach Dan Quinn of Washington Commanders embrace after the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)

Morris and Dan Quinn are close. They've known one another for over 20 years, dating back to when Quinn was a young assistant at Hofstra when Morris played there. When Quinn was the Falcons' head coach, Morris was on his staff for 6 seasons. Morris has been a successful defensive coordinator with the Rams and a two-time head coach. It sounds like he will first focus on head-coaching interviews before considering any defensive coordinator positions.

Bears defensive backs coach & defensive pass game coordinator Al Harris

CHICAGO, ILLINOIS - DECEMBER 20: Fox Sports commentator Tom Brady talks with defensive backs coach Al Harris of the Chicago Bears prior to the game between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on December 20, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)

Another potential favorite. Harris once said he'd follow Dan Quinn anywhere while they were both with the Cowboys. He tried to bring him to Washington, but the Cowboys blocked it. Harris landed with the Bears this season, and they turn the ball over better than anyone in the NFL. Chicago doesn't have the best defense, but they are ballhawks. Harris has been an integral part of that success, much like he was in Dallas under Quinn. The Cowboys forced turnovers better than anyone during Quinn and Harris's tenure from 2021-23. Does Quinn want to go with another first-time play-caller? That's the biggest question here. Otherwise, Harris would be a phenomenal hire.

49ers linebackers coach Gus Bradley

Sep 24, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, USA; Indianapolis Colts 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 worked on the Seattle staff with Bradley for two years. This hire would not energize fans. Bradley's defenses with the Colts tailed off. Many would consider this an uninspiring hire at this point.

Former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon

Dec 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Jonathan Gannon is now free. He will land somewhere and quickly. He was terrific as the Eagles' defensive coordinator for two seasons. Gannon is a creative coach. He has no ties to Quinn and would bring fresh ideas to a staff in dire need of them. Gannon will be at the top of a few lists this offseason.

Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores

A pipedream. Flores is a coaching free agent. He can go anywhere. However, he plans to interview for head coaching positions but could return to Minnesota if he doesn't land one. It would be hard for Washington to land Flores. Flores could essentially pick anywhere he wants to go. There are rumors that he could land in Las Vegas as head coach. We shall see. However, Kevin O'Connell will fight to keep him. Flores is the NFL's best defensive coordinator. One of the league's best defensive schemers.

Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz

Along with Flores, this is a dream candidate. The Browns won five games because of Schwartz's defense. A Maryland native and Georgetown University graduate, he once interviewed for Washington's head coaching position. A former Lions head coach, Schwartz has built top defenses across the NFL. The Browns are interviewing him for the head coaching vacancy. Another coach with no ties to Quinn, so don't look for this one to happen either.

Commanders linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr.

The former NFL linebacker has also enjoyed a successful coaching career. He has worked with Quinn before and has been the Commanders LB coach since 2024. A two-time defensive coordinator with the Seahawks and Raiders, Norton is a long shot. But he has experience calling plays, so you can't rule him out.

Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham

The first name on the list. The Commanders asked the Raiders for permission to interview Graham on Wednesday. A Yale graduate, Graham has been the Raiders' defensive coordinator since 2022, surviving multiple head coaches. Before that, he was the Giants' defensive coordinator. Graham hasn't always had a lot to work with, so he's creative and loves to blitz. You want a guy who has done more with less? Graham qualifies.

Texans defensive passing game coordinator Cory Undlin

Cory Undlin is the underdog. He's been an NFL assistant for 22 years and had only one stint as a defensive coordinator: with the Detroit Lions in 2020. That team was terrible, and Undlin didn't have a real shot. From there, he went to San Francisco , worked under Kyle Shanahan for two years before following DeMeco Ryans to Houston . The Texans have one of the NFL's top defenses, and Undlin is very involved. He deserves another shot. GM Adam Peters was in San Francisco for both of Undlin's years there, so there is familiarity.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: 10 potential defensive coordinator candidates

Mobilize your Website

View Site in Mobile | Classic

Share by: