10 names to watch for next Commanders’ defensive coordinator
The Washington Commanders are coming off an extremely disappointing 5-12 season, one season after a shocking 12-5 year and a run to the NFC Championship Game. In response to such a disastrous season, head coach Dan Quinn is making changes – big changes.
On Tuesday, Quinn and offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury mutually agreed to part ways. Judging by Quinn’s inability to support Kingsbury over the past two weeks, it hasn’t been shocking despite the good job Kingsbury has done with the Commanders’ offense, even despite injuries. Right after Kingsbury’s announcement, the Commanders also fired defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and offensive line coach Bobby Johnson.
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Quinn took over as defensive play caller ahead of Washington’s Week 11 game against Miami. It doesn’t look like that will continue, as Quinn wants to focus on his role as head coach. So who could replace Whitt as defensive coordinator?
We have named 10 potential candidates to be the Commanders’ next offensive coordinator. Now here are 10 defensive coordinator candidates.
Jeff Ulbrich, Falcons defensive coordinator
December 29, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, United States; Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich on the sidelines against the Los Angeles Rams in the second quarter at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images
Jeff Ulbrich could be the leader in the clubhouse. He is still under contract with the Falcons, but that could change soon. Ulbrich and Quinn go back to when Quinn was a 49ers assistant and Ulbrich was a linebacker. Ulbrich began his coaching career with the Seahawks when Quinn was an assistant there. He would serve under Quinn during his six seasons with the Falcons. From there he went to the Jets, where he served as defensive coordinator for 4 years. Keep an eye out for this one.
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Raheem Morris, former Falcons head coach
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – SEPTEMBER 28: Head coach Raheem Morris and head coach Dan Quinn of the Washington Commanders embrace after the game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium on September 28, 2025 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Morris and Dan Quinn are close. They have known each other for more than 20 years, dating back to Quinn’s days as a young assistant at Hofstra when Morris played there. When Quinn was the head coach of the Falcons, Morris was on his staff for 6 seasons. Morris was a successful defensive coordinator with the Rams and a two-time head coach. It appears he will focus on head coach interviews first before considering defensive coordinator positions.
Bears defensive backs coach and defensive passing game coordinator Al Harris
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS – DECEMBER 20: Fox Sports commentator Tom Brady speaks with defensive backs coach Al Harris of the Chicago Bears before the game between the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers at Soldier Field on December 20, 2025 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Another potential favorite. Harris once said he would follow Dan Quinn anywhere as long as they were both with the Cowboys. He tried to bring it to Washington, but the Cowboys blocked it. Harris landed with the Bears this season, and they turn the ball over better than anyone in the NFL. Chicago doesn’t have the best defense, but they are Ballhawks. Harris was an integral part of that success, just as he was in Dallas under Quinn. The Cowboys have forced turnovers better than anyone during Quinn and Harris’ tenure from 2021-23. Does Quinn want to go with another first-time player? That’s the biggest question here. Otherwise, Harris would be a phenomenal recruit.
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Gus Bradley, 49ers linebackers coach
September 24, 2023; Baltimore, Maryland, United States; Indianapolis Colts coach Gus Bradley during the game against the Baltimore Ravens at M&T Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tommy Gilligan-USA TODAY Sports
A veteran coach who was a successful defensive coordinator with four different teams and a former head coach. He and Quinn come from the same Pete Carroll coaching tree. Quinn worked on Seattle’s staff with Bradley for two years. This rental would not energize the fans. Bradley’s defenses with the Colts have weakened. Many would consider this a moot hire at this point.
Jonathan Gannon, former Cardinals head coach
December 21, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, United States; Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon against the Atlanta Falcons at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
Jonathan Gannon is now free. It will land somewhere and quickly. He was great as the Eagles’ defensive coordinator for two seasons. Gannon is a creative coach. He has no connection to Quinn and would bring new ideas to a staff that sorely needs them. Gannon will be at the top of a few lists this offseason.
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Brian Flores, Vikings defensive coordinator
January 13, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, United States; Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
A chimera. Flores is a free agent coach. He can go anywhere. However, he plans to interview for head coaching jobs, but could return to Minnesota if he doesn’t land one. It would be difficult for Washington to land Flores. Flores could basically pick anywhere he wants to go. There are rumors that he could land in Las Vegas as head coach. We’ll see. However, Kevin O’Connell will fight to keep him. Flores is the best defensive coordinator in the NFL. One of the best defensive schemers in the league.
Jim Schwartz, Browns defensive coordinator
Cleveland Browns defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz watches the team warm up before an NFL football game at Huntington Bank Field, Nov. 16, 2025, in Cleveland, Ohio.
With Flores, he is a dream candidate. The Browns won five games thanks to Schwartz’s defense. A Maryland native and graduate of Georgetown University, he previously interviewed for Washington’s head coaching job. A former head coach of the Lions, Schwartz built the best defenses in the NFL. The Browns are interviewing him for the head coaching position. Another coach with no connection to Quinn, so don’t look for this one to happen either.
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Commanders linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr.
September 29, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, United States; Washington Commanders linebackers coach Ken Norton Jr against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The former NFL linebacker also enjoyed a successful coaching career. He previously worked with Quinn and has been the Commanders LB coach since 2024. A two-time defensive coordinator with the Seahawks and Raiders, Norton is an elite shooter. But he has experience calling games, so you can’t rule him out.
Patrick Graham, Raiders defensive coordinator
September 18, 2022; Paradise, Nevada, United States; Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham reacts in the second half against the Arizona Cardinals at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
The first name in the list. Commanders asked the Raiders for permission to interview Graham on Wednesday. A Yale graduate, Graham has been the Raiders’ defensive coordinator since 2022, outlasting several head coaches. Before that, he was the Giants’ defensive coordinator. Graham hasn’t always had a lot to work with, so he’s creative and loves to blitz. Do you want a guy who did more with less? Graham qualifies.
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Cory Undlin, Texans defensive passing game coordinator
September 17, 2023; Houston, Texas, United States; Houston Texans defensive passing game coordinator Cory Undlin reacts during the preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports
Cory Undlin is the underdog. He’s been an NFL assistant for 22 years and has only had one stint as a defensive coordinator: with the Detroit Lions in 2020. That team was terrible and Undlin didn’t have a real chance. From there he went to San Francisco, worked under Kyle Shanahan for two years before following DeMeco Ryans to Houston. The Texans have one of the best defenses in the NFL and Undlin is very involved. He deserves another chance. General manager Adam Peters was in San Francisco for both years Undlin worked there, so there is some familiarity.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: 10 Potential Defensive Coordinator Candidates
