The Washington Commanders are taking a deliberate approach in their search for a new defensive coordinator, and that patience might be tested sooner than expected. Head coach Dan Quinn, fresh off officially taking the reins, is looking for an experienced voice to anchor the defensive side of the ball-a replacement for Joe Whitt Jr., whose tenure didn’t exactly inspire confidence and ended as many anticipated.
Quinn’s search has reportedly included some high-profile names, but one of the most intriguing possibilities-Jeff Ulbrich-may be slipping out of reach. And it’s not because of anything happening in Washington.
The Atlanta Falcons have hired Kevin Stefanski as their next head coach, a move that not only reshapes their offensive identity but could also have ripple effects on the Commanders’ plans. Stefanski, according to reports, has done his homework on Ulbrich and is exploring the possibility of keeping him on staff as defensive coordinator. Falcons owner Arthur Blank is said to be on board with that idea, which puts the Commanders in a tough spot.
Ulbrich, who previously worked under Quinn during their time together in Atlanta, is believed to be high-if not at the very top-of the Commanders' shortlist. But because of the coaching transition in Atlanta, Quinn hasn’t had the opportunity to speak with him yet. Now, with Stefanski settling in and potentially locking Ulbrich down, that window might be closing before it ever really opened.
This situation is more than just a minor inconvenience for Washington. It's a pivotal moment in a coaching search that carries real weight.
Quinn’s return to a head coaching role brings expectations-especially on defense, his bread and butter. Whoever he brings in to run that side of the ball will be tasked with helping reshape a unit that struggled mightily last season.
Ulbrich, with his familiarity with Quinn’s system and a strong track record in Atlanta, seemed like an ideal fit.
But ideal doesn’t always mean available.
And here’s the rub: waiting too long on Ulbrich could cost the Commanders the chance to land another top-tier candidate. It’s a delicate balancing act-hold out hope for your preferred option, or pivot quickly to ensure you’re not left scrambling.
If Ulbrich ends up staying in Atlanta, Washington will need to move fast to secure a Plan B. There are other qualified candidates out there, and the Commanders can’t afford to be caught flat-footed.
The pressure is real. Quinn knows it.
The front office knows it. And fans, after years of inconsistency, are watching closely.
This hire is about more than just Xs and Os-it’s about setting the tone for a new era in Washington. Quinn has to get it right.
If that means waiting a few more days to see how things shake out in Atlanta, fine. But if the writing’s on the wall with Ulbrich, the Commanders need to make peace with it and move on-decisively.
Because in this league, hesitation can be costly. And the Commanders don’t have the luxury of missing on this one.