The NFL coaching carousel has been spinning fast this offseason, and it just took another unexpected turn. On Saturday, the Pittsburgh Steelers made headlines by hiring former Packers and Cowboys head coach Mike McCarthy to take over in Pittsburgh. That move doesn't just shake things up in the Steel City-it could have ripple effects across the league, especially for the Washington Commanders.
Washington is now heading into its third week of searching for a new defensive coordinator. One of the names in the mix?
Al Harris, currently the Bears’ defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator. Harris isn’t a stranger to the Commanders’ new head coach, Dan Quinn.
In fact, the two worked closely together in Dallas, where Harris coached the secondary during Quinn’s three-year stint as defensive coordinator. Their professional bond seems strong-Harris has publicly expressed admiration for Quinn and even said he’d love to follow him.
But here’s where things get complicated: Harris has options. Real ones.
He recently interviewed with the Green Bay Packers for their defensive coordinator opening. That’s a big deal, not just because of the job itself, but because of what Green Bay means to Harris.
He spent eight of his 15 NFL seasons there as a player, earned All-Pro honors, made two Pro Bowls, and earned a spot in the Packers Hall of Fame. That’s not just a resume-that’s a legacy.
And let’s not forget: the Packers' defense is in a much different spot than Washington’s. Green Bay boasts a more established core, led by stars like Micah Parsons. That kind of talent makes the job even more appealing for a coach looking to make an impact quickly.
Now, loop back to Pittsburgh. With McCarthy stepping in as head coach, he’s got his own staff to build-and he knows Harris well.
Harris played under McCarthy for five seasons in Green Bay, and the familiarity between the two could make Harris a natural fit to lead the Steelers’ defense. McCarthy needs a defensive coordinator, and Harris checks a lot of boxes.
Timing is everything here. The Bears' season wrapped up last Sunday, which means Harris has been available for interviews for about a week. That’s not a lot of time, but in the NFL coaching world, it’s enough for teams to make a move if they’re serious.
If the Commanders or Packers want Harris, they’ll need to act fast. Because now that McCarthy is officially in Pittsburgh, the Steelers are a real contender for Harris’ services.
For Harris, this is the kind of situation every coach wants to be in-multiple suitors, meaningful connections, and a chance to shape a defense in his own image. The question now is: where will he choose to make his mark?