After a 5-12 season that fell well short of expectations, the Washington Commanders are hitting the reset button - again. Head coach Dan Quinn wasted no time making changes, parting ways with both his offensive and defensive coordinators after the season finale. While the team quickly promoted David Blough to offensive coordinator, the defensive side of the ball remains a major question mark.
Now, the Commanders are turning their attention to a new candidate: Chicago Bears defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator Al Harris. According to reports, Harris is in the mix for Washington’s open defensive coordinator role.
Harris brings a wealth of experience to the table, both on the field and on the sidelines. He spent 15 seasons as an NFL cornerback, known for his physical play and veteran savvy.
Since transitioning into coaching in 2012, he’s worked his way up the ranks, starting as an intern with the Miami Dolphins before landing longer stints with the Chiefs and Cowboys. In 2025, he joined Ben Johnson’s staff in Chicago, where he helped guide a young Bears secondary through a competitive NFC North campaign.
With the Bears now out of the postseason, Harris is free to explore opportunities - and he’s not short on interest. He recently interviewed with the Green Bay Packers for their defensive coordinator vacancy, and now Washington is giving him a serious look.
The Commanders have also met with other candidates, including Jonathan Gannon and former Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson. But Harris, with his blend of playing pedigree and coaching experience, is an intriguing option for a defense that desperately needs a new identity.
And make no mistake - this unit needs a full-scale rebuild. After a promising 2024 campaign that saw Quinn and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels lead Washington to the NFC Championship Game, the wheels came off in 2025. Injuries piled up, and the defense simply couldn't hold the line.
The numbers paint a grim picture: 27th in scoring defense, surrendering 26.5 points per game, and dead last in total defense, giving up a staggering 384 yards per contest. That’s not just bad - that’s historically porous.
Whoever steps into the defensive coordinator role won’t just be calling plays - they’ll be tasked with reshaping a unit that’s been leaking yards and points at an alarming rate. The Commanders have some young talent and a head coach with a defensive pedigree, but they need the right voice to bring it all together.
Al Harris could be that voice. He’s earned respect across the league, both as a player and as a coach. Now, Washington has to decide if he’s the right fit to help this defense find its footing again in 2026.