Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn announced he will assume defensive coordinator duties, a move he said was necessary to right a struggling unit. The change follows a stretch of poor defensive performances and arrives as the team seeks to salvage its season.
Quinn made the switch after a lopsided loss to the Detroit Lions that underlined persistent problems in pass rush and coverage. The Commanders entered the decision with a 3-7 record and a defense ranking near the bottom of the league in yards allowed, prompting Quinn to shift from diagnosing issues to directly intervening in play‑calling and scheming.
Washington Commanders, Dan Quinn
Jan 18, 2025; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn celebrates the win against Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-Imagn Images
Quinn described the adjustment as requiring role shifts across the defensive staff and characterised it as a practical response to immediate needs. Joe Whitt Jr. will remain on staff but will cede snap‑by‑snap play‑calling, and Quinn framed the change as collaborative rather than punitive. Sources and reporting indicate Whitt accepted the decision professionally and will continue to contribute to game planning.
The coach also supported the move with roster activity, quietly adding veteran depth to the edge group as the unit coped with injuries and underperformance. Observers noted that the signing of a veteran pass rusher to the practice squad suggests Quinn intends to reconfigure personnel usage while he implements schematic adjustments. Analysts have likened the action to other midseason interventions by head coaches who doubled as coordinators to try to spark improvement.
Washington Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn Reveals How Joe Whitt Reacted to His Major Decision
Washington Commanders, Dan Quinn
Aug 18, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn looks on from the sidelines against Cincinnati Bengals during the second half at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
Quinn revealed how Whitt reacted to his decision to handle how the team was running its defense. This can be seen in a post shared by Tom Pelissero on X.
Commanders coach Dan Quinn on taking over defensive play-calling duties: “”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? Right now, that’ll call for some change. I’ll take over the role as the defensive…
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 10, 2025
Players and staff expect a period of transition as Quinn reinstates concepts he has deployed in past defensive roles. He has prior experience as a coordinator and with the Seattle defense that built the Legion of Boom, and he signalled a willingness to lean on trusted assistants while reclaiming play‑calling duties. The expectation is for clearer communication and a more aggressive approach to generating pressure.
Washington Commanders, Dan Quinn
Sep 11, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn looks on in the first half against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Quinn’s decision will be judged on short‑term results but also on whether it stabilises a defense that has struggled to sustain stops. The coming weeks will reveal if direct oversight by the head coach can restore effectiveness and morale on that side of the ball.
For now, the Commanders have made a decisive change aimed at control and accountability, and the team will monitor whether the reconfigured coaching roles produce the needed turnaround.
Washington Commanders, Dan Quinn
Sep 7, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn walks off the field after the game against the New York Giants at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Amber Searls-Imagn Images
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