The Washington Commanders are currently devising their shortlists to replace Joe Whitt Jr. and Kliff Kingsbury. Head coach Dan Quinn removed both coordinators from the franchise following a dismal 2025 campaign. It was a drastic measure, but what comes next is even more important.
These hires have to go well for Quinn. Reports of disconnect and upheaval behind the scenes are a far cry from how things appeared this time last year. Any further failures will not be tolerated, and the head coach will be the next one to fall if he cannot steady the ship.
Kingsbury is already generating interest around the league, with interviews scheduled with the Tennessee Titans and Baltimore Ravens. The Commanders are surveying the landscape, deep in discussions about who could be in line to succeed the play-caller. Given the stakes, this is the correct approach.
Commanders request permission to speak with Lunda Wells about their offensive coordinator vacancy
There has been one confirmed interview so far. According to ESPN's Todd Archer, the Commanders have requested permission to speak with Lunda Wells about their offensive coordinator vacancy. He's currently the Dallas Cowboys' tight ends coach. He was on the staff when Quinn was the defensive coordinator, so there's an already established relationship. And the coach thinks enough of him to find out a little more about what he could potentially bring to the table.
The Commanders have requested permission to speak with Cowboys tight ends coach Lunda Wells regarding their offensive coordinator opening, according to multiple sources. Wells has been big part of game planning in his 6 seasons. He was on staff with Dan Quinn for 3 years.
— Todd Archer (@toddarcher) January 8, 2026
To say fans were underwhelmed would be an understatement. This came a few short hours after Mike McDaniel was fired by the Miami Dolphins. He immediately went to No. 1 on their lists, and his strong bond with Quinn could put Washington in a strong position if he decides not to pursue head coaching opportunities.
Wells is a solid coach, but entrusting him with this role while Quinn's seat is getting a lot warmer is a massive gamble. At the same time, Commanders fans might be reading a little too much into it.
There are procedures that must be followed. The Commanders need to interview several candidates before narrowing things down. McDaniel might be their guy, but there must be a process first.
This points to Quinn's preference for guys he's worked with before. McDaniel and others, such as Raheem Morris and Jeff Ulbrich, also fit into this category. Fans are rightfully apprehensive right now, panicking amid the uncertainty. But the Commanders have plenty more steps to take before confirming the appointment.
It would be a bombshell of epic proportions if Wells got the job. This was probably due diligence more than anything else, but the Commanders must be thinking much bigger to improve their chances of a bounce-back campaign.