The Washington Commanders are searching for new offensive and defensive coordinators. As news around the league breaks regarding who will and won't be retained by their current staff, the pool of candidates has begun to come into focus.
At offensive coordinator, the Commanders got a potential gift after the Miami Dolphins fired Mike McDaniel. On defense, they've already requested to interview Las Vegas Raiders coordinator Patrick Graham, and he surely won't be the only one.
With the Atlanta Falcons cleaning house, Raheem Morris is an obvious candidate given his history with Commanders head coach Dan Quinn. If Washington can't get him, there's also a solid consolation prize who could be available.
Jeff Ulbrich could be an enticing name to watch in the Commanders' defensive coordinator search
Falcons owner Arthur Blank confirmed that the team's next head coach will be assembling their own staff, meaning current assistants are free to pursue other opportunities. That includes defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.
Jeff Ulbrich is a top DC candidate and there is plenty of interest already for him to interview elsewhere. https://t.co/tIgRWl1ISd
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 8, 2026
Ulbrich was the linebackers coach on Quinn's staff from 2015 to 2020 and returned there this past season under Morris. Between his Atlanta stints, he served as the New York Jets' defensive coordinator from 2021 to 2024 and even coached 12 games as their interim head coach.
His defenses have had mostly positive results. Between 2022 and 2024, the Jets ranked in the top five in fewest yards allowed every year. Ulbrich's units have also ranked in the top 10 in takeaways twice, in 2022 and this past season.
Ulbrich has also showcased a strong knack for player development. He took over a unit in East Rutherford that was the worst in the league in both yards and points allowed his first season at the helm, and had them in the top five in both categories the following year. The Falcons' young defense saw significant contributions from recent draft picks in James Pearce Jr., Brandon Dorlus, Jalon Walker, and Xavier Watts this season.
The Commanders would be wise to consider Ulbrich for their vacant position after they put Joe Whitt Jr. out of his misery. His defenses have consistently performed with a competitive fire and found ways to make plays. He comes from Quinn's coaching tree, and he'd be an excellent fit for a unit that needs to get younger in a bad way.
Ulbrich will have no shortage of suitors, provided the Falcons' new staff doesn't retain him. Washington needs to be one of them, although Atlanta may not give up without a fight after rejecting an approach from the Dallas Cowboys.