In a move that clearly signals a decisive effort to turn around their struggling defense, the Washington Commanders have announced a significant coaching change: defensive play-calling responsibilities are now being reassigned from defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. to head coach Dan Quinn. This adjustment comes after the team’s recent underwhelming defensive performances, prompting Quinn to step in personally to address the issues.
During his Monday press conference, Quinn explained that he will now be directly responsible for the defensive calls, although Whitt will continue to be part of the defensive staff, working alongside Quinn. The key difference is that Quinn will now hold the official title and duties of defensive coordinator moving forward.
"When a strategy isn’t yielding the results we want, it’s crucial to shift from questioning why it’s not working to focusing on what we need to do to fix it," Quinn shared during his media session. "I’ve decided to assume the role of defensive coordinator and take on all the responsibilities that come with it. Joe has been a trusted partner for years, and he received the news professionally. Our entire defensive staff, including Joe, are fully committed to improving, and that’s exactly what we’re aiming to do."
The Commanders currently rank very poorly in defense, sitting at 29th in points allowed and 30th in yards surrendered this season. They have particularly struggled against the pass, giving up a total of 2,602 passing yards—second-highest in the league—and are also ranked 23rd against the run.
The recent game against Detroit provided a stark illustration of these difficulties. Washington allowed 546 yards of total offense and 44 points on the scoreboard, exposing the vulnerabilities in their defense.
"After reviewing the game tape, it’s clear we weren’t performing at our best," Quinn stated. "That word, ‘off,’ has come up often, and this was the moment to intensify our focus and effort."
Quinn and Whitt’s professional history together adds context to this decision. They previously collaborated in Dallas from 2021 to 2023, with Quinn serving as the Cowboys’ defensive coordinator and Whitt as the pass game coordinator and secondary coach. Earlier, in 2020, during Quinn’s final year as Atlanta Falcons head coach, they also worked closely in similar roles.
Quinn confirmed that Whitt will remain involved throughout the week, assisting in planning and preparation. On game day, Whitt will be in the press box, providing oversight on coverage schemes and other tactical adjustments. Quinn also highlighted their familiarity with each other’s working style, noting how their successful partnership in Dallas makes this transition smoother.
"Joe and I share a great chemistry. We’ve worked in sync for a long time, and we’re confident that we can quickly get back into that rhythm," Quinn added. "He’ll support me both in the lead-up to the game and in calling the defensive plays during the game itself. Since we’ve been in that mode before, we’re planning to lean into it again and execute it effectively."
