The Washington Commanders are still searching for their next defensive coordinator. Dan Quinn has been meticulous, waiting for the right candidate rather than promoting in-house. He also reportedly wants someone with proven experience as a play-caller.
There are several candidates who've been interviewed or are rumored to be in contention for the job. But the Commanders' path to one highly touted option just got a lot more difficult.
It didn't take long for speculation to rise about Raheem Morris as a strong defensive coordinator possibility for the Commanders after he was fired as the Atlanta Falcons head coach. Many were surprised when he was let go after the NFC South club's strong finish to the campaign, but their decision to hire Kevin Stefanski makes it clear they wanted an offensive-minded coach with a run-first philosophy.
Commanders could have increased competition for Raheem Morris
The Commanders are letting Morris go through the head-coaching process. He's spoken to the Arizona Cardinals about their vacancy. They haven't made an appointment yet, so if this is Quinn's guy, it's a waiting game for now.
However, there are now two more viable — and probably more enticing — openings with connections to Morris who could enter the equation if he doesn't get Arizona's top job. And ironically for Quinn, these bonds were built in Washington.
The San Francisco 49ers and Green Bay Packers are both looking for new defensive coordinators. Robert Saleh has agreed to take charge of the Tennessee Titans, while Jeff Hafley is getting the Miami Dolphins' head-coaching gig. The NFC powerhouses will likely want a swift hire, and Morris will probably be high on their respective shortlists.
Morris worked with Kyle Shanahan and Mike LaFleur during their time in Washington as part of Mike Shanahan's staff, which produced several outstanding head coaches around the NFL. Couple this with their defensive personnel being far more accomplished than anything the Commanders have to offer, and it's not hard to see why Quinn has his work cut out.
Quinn and Morris have a close relationship, too. They were together on the Falcons, and Washington's leader is held in the highest regard around the league. But with the Niners and Packers in a much better position to contend immediately, this could go either way if the Commanders also throw their hat into the ring.
The Commanders have other possible options in mind. There wouldn't be many with Morris' defensive credentials, which also won't go unnoticed by Shanahan and LaFleur as they look to make their own contingencies.
Watch this space…