The Washington Commanders are in full rebuild mode, and Dan Quinn isn’t wasting any time putting his stamp on this team. After a 5-12 season, the new head coach is overhauling the coaching staff from top to bottom - and that includes bringing in some serious firepower on the defensive side of the ball.
One of the biggest moves so far? Hiring Eric Henderson as the new defensive line coach and run game coordinator.
If that name rings a bell, it should. Henderson is widely respected across the league, and his return to the NFL could be a game-changer for Washington’s front seven.
Let’s break down why this hire matters - and what Commanders fans can expect from the man who helped mold Aaron Donald into a generational force.
A Proven Track Record with the Best
When you’ve got Aaron Donald singing your praises, you’re doing something right. Henderson coached the future Hall of Famer for five seasons with the Rams, and their relationship went beyond the field. Donald has openly credited Henderson for pushing him to improve, even when he was already the most dominant defensive player in football.
That kind of respect doesn’t come easy - especially from a player like Donald, who’s known for his relentless work ethic and attention to detail. Even after Donald stepped away from the NFL in 2023, he was spotted on the sidelines at USC games, supporting Henderson during his college coaching stint. That tells you everything you need to know about the kind of impact Henderson makes on his players.
From College Star to Pro Grinder
Before he was teaching elite defensive linemen how to wreck games, Henderson was doing it himself. He starred at Georgia Tech from 2001 to 2005, earning All-ACC honors three times and leaving the program as the all-time leader in tackles for loss. He also finished top five in sacks - not bad for a guy who would go undrafted.
But Henderson didn’t let that stop him. He carved out a six-year pro career, including three seasons with the Cincinnati Bengals and three more in the now-defunct UFL, where he helped the Las Vegas Locomotives win two championships under former NFL head coach Jim Fassel. That grind, that persistence - it shows up in the way he coaches.
Super Bowl Pedigree
Henderson’s coaching résumé is just as impressive as his playing days. He spent five seasons with the Rams, where he helped engineer one of the league’s most disruptive defensive fronts. In 2021, he was named the John Teerlinck Defensive Line Coach of the Year - a recognition that speaks volumes in coaching circles.
That same season, the Rams finished top five in sacks, tackles for loss, and yards allowed per carry. And in Super Bowl LVI, Los Angeles sacked Joe Burrow seven times, tying a Super Bowl record. That kind of performance doesn’t happen without a coach who knows how to prepare his unit for the biggest stage.
A Recruiting Force at USC
After stepping away from the NFL, Henderson spent the last two seasons at USC, and he didn’t miss a beat. Not only did he coach up the Trojans’ defensive line, but he also quickly became one of the top recruiters in the country. In fact, 247Sports named him the No. 1 recruiter for the 2026 cycle.
That’s not just about charisma - it’s about connection, vision, and the ability to sell a program. And now, Henderson brings that same energy and player-first mentality back to the NFL, where he’ll be tasked with developing a young Commanders defensive line and helping them reach their potential.
What Henderson Brings to Washington
If you’re looking for finesse or flash, this isn’t your guy. Henderson’s philosophy is built on one core principle: physicality. And that should fit right in with Dan Quinn’s defensive identity.
“We have to earn the right to rush the passer,” Henderson says. “And the way you do that, you have to be able to stop the run.
If you can’t stop the run, you’re never going to be able to get after the quarterback. So, we take pride in stopping the run first, knowing that will allow us opportunities to rush on third down.
And we feast.”
That mindset is exactly what Washington needs. The Commanders have talent up front - now they’ve got a coach who knows how to unlock it.
But make no mistake: effort is non-negotiable. If you’re not playing fast and physical, you won’t last long under Henderson.
The Bottom Line
The Commanders aren’t just reshuffling the deck - they’re building a new foundation. With Eric Henderson on board, Washington adds a coach who brings championship experience, player development chops, and a no-nonsense approach to the trenches.
For a team looking to re-establish its identity, this is the kind of hire that can set the tone. And if Henderson’s track record is any indication, Washington’s defensive line is about to get a whole lot tougher - and a whole lot better.