The Washington Commanders have significant changes ahead now that the offseason has officially arrived. And for under-fire defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., his tenure with the franchise is over.
Head coach Dan Quinn took charge of defensive play-calling duties during the season at the expense of Whitt. The coordinator struggled to get the right tune out of his players, and even though improvements were minimal at best, the Commanders couldn't let things continue.
Most reports suggested the writing was firmly on the wall for Whitt after the campaign. Quinn is a loyal guy who greatly respects his coaches. He values their opinions and deeply credits them for helping Washington reach the NFC Championship game in Year 1 under his leadership. However, that will not stand in the way of progress.
Commanders finally put Joe Whitt Jr. out of his misery after disastrous season
On the dreaded Black Monday around the league, which is always one of the most challenging dates on the calendar for players and coaches alike, the Commanders officially relieved Whitt of his duties. Now, just one year removed from getting a head coaching interview with the New York Jets, he's looking for alternative employment.
It's the correct decision. Anyone who says otherwise hasn't been paying close enough attention.
Whitt wasn't shocked when Quinn took over the defense before Washington's international game against the Miami Dolphins. He probably wasn't shocked when his services were no longer required. The Commanders need a complete revamp of their defensive personnel. A new defensive coordinator brings a fresh set of ideas, which should be enough for progress to arrive if general manager Adam Peters meets his end of the bargain on the recruitment front.
Just who that'll be is anyone's guess. Raheem Morris was fired as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons. He has a prior connection to Quinn and is widely revered for his defensive nous. That would be a home-run hire, but there is no telling for sure what the Commanders have planned right now.
As for Whitt? His time in Washington ended on a sour note, but he should not be out of work for too long.
He's got proven coaching credentials in the defensive secondary that a plethora of teams across the NFL would benefit from. His chances of being a coordinator again appear remote, but that doesn't mean Whitt won't be able to make a lasting contribution in a different role elsewhere.
Firing Whitt was the easy part for Quinn and the Commanders. But make no mistake: getting his replacement wrong will have severe consequences.