Dan Quinn isn't planning to make any knee-jerk changes to the Washington Commanders' coaching staff without thorough investigations and conversations. However, the head coach cannot get caught on the back foot with the hiring cycle already underway.
And when it comes to the future of defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., his fate should be pretty easy to figure out.
Whitt got demoted from defensive play-calling duties. Quinn took the lead and assumed control of the unit. There weren't many improvements after that, but something had to be done.
Quinn is planning to have some difficult talks in the coming days before deciding on further action. Whitt seems the most likely to depart, but smoke continues to rise about offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury also taking his chances elsewhere for good measure.
Commanders should keep tabs on Jim Schwartz if Joe Whitt Jr. is fired
The Commanders need to put contingency plans in place if they haven't already. Quinn's next defensive hire will be crucial, and there is an overlooked candidate well worth considering who could now be seeking a fresh start elsewhere.
In a bombshell move on Black Monday, the Cleveland Browns fired head coach Kevin Stefanski. The two-time NFL Coach of the Year took the fall for the AFC North club's recent failures, which began with the trade and guaranteed contract for Deshaun Watson that blew up in their face. This generated plenty of headlines, but it should put the Commanders on red alert for a different reason.
The Browns had plenty of problems in 2025, but their defense wasn't one of them. This group was excellent throughout the campaign, with All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett breaking the NFL single-season sacks record and the unit keeping them in games they had no business being in.
Of course, they are — or were — led by Jim Schwartz. His credentials and experience need no introduction. If the Commanders do relieve Whitt of his duties as expected, he should be right at the top of their shortlist.
There is one potential stumbling block. Stefanski is expected to generate interest in this cycle for an immediate return to work. The Tennessee Titans have already set up an interview, and more could be on the way. If he gets another head-coaching gig, he may decide to bring Schwartz along for the ride.
That's to be determined, but that makes it three experienced defensive coaches who just recently became available. Raheem Morris and Jonathan Gannon are the others. Considering the esteem in which Quinn is held around the league, these are the sort of names the Commanders should be seeking in their quest for better fortunes in 2026.
Time will tell, but Quinn would be wise not to delay some obvious upcoming decisions for too long.