The NFC East has wasted no time shaking things up this offseason. All four teams are in the market for at least one new coordinator, and in some cases, more than that.
The New York Giants have already hit the reset button on their coaching staff. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders are still deep in the hunt to round out their sideline leadership - and the decisions ahead could shape the trajectory of their 2026 season.
Let’s start in Washington, where the Commanders needed to fill both offensive and defensive coordinator roles. They’ve already made one notable move, promoting David Blough to offensive coordinator in the wake of Kliff Kingsbury’s departure.
That’s a bold swing, no doubt - Blough is stepping into a big role, and the franchise clearly sees something in him. But the bigger question now is on the other side of the ball: who’s going to lead the defense?
While the Commanders continue their search, the Dallas Cowboys just made a move that turned some heads. On Thursday, Dallas hired Christian Parker - formerly Philadelphia’s passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach - to take over as defensive coordinator.
At 34, Parker is young by NFL coaching standards, and he doesn’t have any prior connection to Cowboys head coach Brian Schottenheimer. But that didn’t stop Dallas from pulling the trigger.
And that’s worth highlighting. In a league where coaching hires often come down to relationships and familiarity, the Cowboys went with the best guy for the job, regardless of past ties.
Parker’s résumé speaks for itself. He’s a Vic Fangio disciple who’s played a key role in developing young defensive backs like Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean.
Around the league, Parker is viewed as a rising star. Dallas recognized that - and acted accordingly.
Which brings us back to Washington. Head coach Dan Quinn is in a similar spot to Schottenheimer.
He knows the importance of getting this hire right, especially in a season where wins will be at a premium. The Commanders have already interviewed a wide range of candidates for the defensive coordinator role, including:
- Vikings DC Brian Flores (who could still return to Minnesota if he doesn’t land a head coaching job)
- Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen
- Former Titans DC Dennard Wilson
- Raiders DC Patrick Graham
- Seahawks passing game coordinator/DBs coach Karl Scott
- Bears passing game coordinator/DBs coach Al Harris
- Former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon
It’s a solid list, filled with experience and pedigree. But if you’re looking for Washington’s version of Christian Parker - a young, forward-thinking coach with upside - Karl Scott jumps out.
Scott has been instrumental in shaping Seattle’s secondary, one of the few bright spots on a Seahawks defense that had its share of struggles in 2025. There’s a reason new Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald retained Scott when he took over in 2024 - the guy can coach. He’s sharp, energetic, and has a strong track record with defensive backs, which just so happens to be an area Washington could use a spark in.
Now, Scott hasn’t called plays at the NFL level, and that may give Quinn pause. But here’s the thing: Quinn is one of the most experienced defensive minds in the league.
If anyone’s equipped to mentor a first-time play-caller, it’s him. And Scott isn’t walking in completely green - he’s got more experience than Blough, who Washington already promoted to OC.
So if the Commanders were willing to take a chance on Blough, why not Scott?
This wouldn’t be a reckless gamble. It would be a calculated move with a high ceiling.
Scott fits the mold of what Washington needs: a coach with fresh ideas, player development chops, and the potential to grow into a long-term asset. Quinn doesn’t need to find someone who’s done the job before - he needs someone who’s ready to rise to the occasion.
Washington has already shown a willingness to think outside the box this offseason. Hiring Scott would be another step in that direction - and one that could pay off in a big way. All that’s left is for Quinn to trust his instincts and make the call.