Even though the Washington Commanders brought in Brian Flores for an interview, fans remained skeptical that he would become the team's new defensive coordinator. They were right.
Flores is still waiting for news on his interviews with the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Baltimore Ravens for their head-coaching vacancies. If he doesn't do enough to secure a promotion, he will go back to the Minnesota Vikings after signing a contract extension with the NFC North club.
It was always an inevitable outcome, but it was disappointing nonetheless. The Commanders need to pivot swiftly, and Quinn managed to do just that with a move that some sections of the fan base have been clamoring for.
Commanders moved swiftly to Al Harris after inevitable Brian Flores outcome
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, the Commanders are interviewing Al Harris as a potential replacement for Joe Whitt Jr. He's the current defensive backs coach for the Chicago Bears. However, he is also a former close confidant of Quinn's from their time together with the Dallas Cowboys.
Harris is a fantastic coach who is expected to be a coordinator one day. His reputation only enhanced with the Bears this season, masterminding a secondary that created the league's most takeaways. The Commanders would benefit greatly from his presence, and the previously established relationship with Quinn would make the transition to a different environment seamless.
However, the Commanders are not the only ones interested in Harris. ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed that he'd also interviewed with the Green Bay Packers about their defensive coordinator vacancy after Jeff Hafley got the Miami Dolphins' head-coaching gig. They have far superior defensive personnel than Washington. This would also strike a blow within the NFC North, only sweetening the pot.
Packers interviewed defensive backs coach Al Harris today for their defensive coordinator job.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) January 22, 2026
Not securing Flores' services is a blow; there's no getting away from that. Even so, Harris is an ascending coach who would command instant respect in the locker room. His obvious bond with Quinn may be enough to get him into the building, but the Packers are another intriguing possibility that cannot be overlooked.
Quinn has built his reputation on forming relationships that stand the test of time in the NFL's ever-changing world. Commanders fans will be hoping this counts for something with Harris, who has made no secret of his admiration for someone he holds in the highest regard. He's got no play-calling experience, but he would have the head coach's experience to lean on.
And if Harris is the guy, no Commanders fan should be complaining.