Dan Quinn is big on loyalty. It's what makes him a good coach and an exceptional leader. But he also knew that drastic measures were needed in one final attempt to turn around the Washington Commanders' defensive fortunes.
Quinn is taking over defensive play-calling duties from coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. after Washington's latest capitulation against the Detroit Lions. It wasn't easy, but letting things continue as they were would have reflected poorly on the head coach.
There was no other option. Whether it has the desired effect remains to be seen, so fans will be eagerly anticipating what comes next over Washington's final seven games of the campaign.
Joe Whitt Jr.'s future with Commanders looks increasingly shaky after demotion
Whitt acknowledged that he saw it coming when speaking to the media before Washington's international game against the Miami Dolphins. His comments also said the ugly truth out loud about his future beyond the current campaign.
"Our relationship is a special one. There’s very few people in coaching that I’m closer to, but I understood it. … I have no ill will to anybody. It’s about winning. That’s what it’s all about. It’s about winning and playing well, and we haven’t done that. That’s the bottom line. Not worried about that now,” Whitt said. Just worried about winning this game. If we can win this game and get on a streak of winning and producing and playing better defense, we’ll worry about that down the road. But right now, we came here for one reason and that’s to win."
Joe Whitt Jr. via The Athletic
This is what Commanders fans have known all along. The focus is on right now, but once the season ends, there could be a mutual parting of the ways unless Whitt is willing to accept a demotion to remain on the staff.
There is typically no coming back from having your responsibilities removed at the NFL level. Whitt couldn't get a tune out of his players, and they waved the white flag in no uncertain terms in Week 10. Sometimes a fresh injection of ideas and energy is needed, which is precisely what Quinn hopes to accomplish in the coming weeks.
Whitt didn't become a bad coach overnight. His work with defensive backs throughout an accomplished career is something the Commanders could put to good use. His respect for Quinn could see him accept a lesser role on the staff, but that choice might be out of his hands when it's all said and done.
The Commanders had to make this move. Whitt knew it, and he's probably bracing for more bad news when the campaign concludes.