Washington Commanders head Coach Dan Quinn Assumes Defensive Coordinator Duties
ASHBURN, VA – In a significant shift for the Washington Commanders’ defense, Head Coach Dan Quinn will take over defensive play-calling duties from defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., effective promptly. The move comes as the Commanders struggle defensively, currently ranking 29th in points allowed and 30th in total yards allowed through the season’s first several weeks.
Quinn announced the change during a press conference, stating, “When something’s not working, we shift from the question of, ‘why isn’t it working?’ to ‘What do we need to do to get it right?’ And right now, that’ll call for some change.” He emphasized his long-standing relationship with Whitt, adding, “I’ve known Joe as my right-hand man for years and he took the news like the pro he is.” Whitt will remain on the defensive staff and contribute to game planning, operating from the press box on game days with a focus on coverage analysis.
The Commanders’ defensive woes were notably evident in Sunday’s 44-point loss to the Detroit Lions, where they surrendered 546 total yards. Washington has allowed the second-most passing yards in the league with 2,602, and currently ranks 23rd against the run.
Quinn and Whitt previously worked together with the dallas Cowboys from 2021-2023, where Quinn served as defensive coordinator and Whitt as defensive pass game coordinator/secondary coach. They also collaborated in 2020 when both were with the Atlanta falcons, with Whitt holding the same position.
“Joe will be involved all week, obviously [with] the rest of the staff, in planning and getting ready for the game,” Quinn said. “and on gameday, he’ll be in the press box with the vision on the coverage and the things that we need to do.” Quinn described their working relationship as having a “great vibe” and expressed confidence in quickly re-establishing their accomplished dynamic.
