Why the Commanders Still Don’t Have a Defensive Coordinator - And Why That’s a Bigger Problem Than It Seems
It’s been weeks since Dan Quinn took the reins in Washington, and yet, the Commanders still don’t have a defensive coordinator. That’s not just a footnote - it’s a flashing warning light.
And while it might be easy to chalk it up to indecision or delay, the reality is more layered. There are multiple factors at play, and none of them point to an easy fix.
The Market Is Crowded - and Competitive
Let’s start with the obvious: the NFL coaching carousel is still spinning. Several teams - including the Cardinals, Browns, Raiders, Steelers, and Bills - are deep in the process of hiring head coaches.
And when those hires are finalized, new defensive coordinators are likely to follow. Just this week, the Ravens hired Jesse Minter as their head coach, which opened up the Chargers’ DC job - a gig that’s suddenly very attractive.
So here’s the question: if you’re a top defensive coordinator candidate, why would Washington be your first call? You’ve got options, and many of them come with more stability, better defensive personnel, and a clearer path to success.
That’s the reality Quinn is facing. He’s trying to fill a critical position, but the candidates he likely wants are fielding multiple offers - and Washington might not be at the top of their list.
The Defensive Roster Is a Tough Sell
Let’s not sugarcoat it - the Commanders’ defense has been a liability. In 2024, they were stuck in the bottom third of the league.
In 2025, things got even worse. Under Joe Whitt Jr., the unit didn’t just struggle - it bottomed out.
For most of the year, they were ranked near or at the bottom in key defensive metrics.
Now, imagine you’re a seasoned DC surveying the landscape. You’re looking at rosters like the Steelers, Chargers, or Packers - teams with established talent and upside.
Then you look at Washington, where the defensive cupboard is looking pretty bare. That’s a tough pitch, even for a coach who loves a challenge.
And if you’re trying to build your resume or re-establish your value, walking into a rebuilding defense isn’t exactly the dream scenario.
Job Security: The Elephant in the Room
Here’s where things get even trickier. Dan Quinn is a respected defensive mind, but let’s be honest - he’s walking into a situation with pressure baked in. Washington has cycled through coaches and coordinators like clockwork in recent years, and the leash isn’t always long.
It’s a familiar story, one that echoes back to Jay Gruden’s tenure. Back in 2016, Gruden had the offense humming with Kirk Cousins, but the defense was a mess.
He went looking for a new coordinator, but few wanted to hitch their wagon to a coach on shaky ground. The result?
Gruden settled for Greg Manusky. The defense never clicked, Cousins left, and the whole thing unraveled.
Fast forward to now, and Quinn might be in a similar spot. If the defense underwhelms for a third straight year - and defense is supposed to be Quinn’s specialty - the heat will turn up fast.
And that’s not lost on potential coordinators. Add in the fact that Quinn just hired an offensive coordinator with only two years of coaching experience, and it’s fair to wonder if candidates are questioning the overall stability of the staff.
The Bigger Picture: A League-Wide Shuffle
It’s also worth noting that this offseason has been unusually active. Ten head coaching jobs opened up, and all ten are now being filled.
That means ten new DC hires are coming. It’s a ripple effect that impacts the entire coaching market.
For many defensive coordinator candidates, joining a new head coach can be appealing. There’s a sense of a fresh start, and usually, a bit more runway.
A new regime often gets at least a couple of seasons to build something. That’s not always the case for a coach stepping into a franchise already under scrutiny.
What It All Means for Washington
The Commanders’ delay in hiring a defensive coordinator isn’t just about waiting for the right fit - it’s a reflection of where the franchise stands right now. They’re trying to attract top-tier coaching talent while battling against roster questions, job security concerns, and a crowded market. That’s a tough sell.
For Dan Quinn, the challenge is clear: he needs to find the right defensive mind to help turn this team around. But until the Commanders can offer more stability and a stronger foundation, they may continue to find themselves on the outside looking in when it comes to top candidates.
There’s still time to get this right - but the longer the search drags on, the more it feels like a symptom of deeper issues.