Commanders Eye Al Harris for Defensive Coordinator Role After Disappointing Season

The Washington Commanders are entering 2026 with major changes on the horizon after a season that fell far short of expectations. After finishing 5-12, head coach Dan Quinn moved quickly to overhaul his staff, dismissing both the offensive and defensive coordinators in the wake of a disappointing campaign. While David Blough was promoted to offensive coordinator, the defensive coordinator position remains vacant.

The Commanders had previously expressed interest in Brian Flores, who had built a strong reputation with the Minnesota Vikings. However, Flores’ contract extension in Minnesota forced Washington to continue its search, leaving the team to explore new options for a defense that ranked near the bottom of the league.

Among the candidates now under consideration is Al Harris, the Chicago Bears defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator. Harris brings a mix of playing experience and coaching acumen, and his name has surfaced as a strong potential fit to rebuild a struggling unit.

The urgency of the hire is underscored by Washington’s defensive struggles in 2025. Ranked 27th in scoring defense and last in total yards allowed, the team gave up 26.5 points and 384 yards per game, leaving the next defensive coordinator with significant challenges ahead.

1. Al Harris’ Path to Consideration

Harris spent 15 seasons as an NFL cornerback before transitioning into coaching, beginning his career in 2012 as an intern with the Miami Dolphins. Over the following decade, he honed his skills with multiple organizations, including six years with the Kansas City Chiefs and five with the Dallas Cowboys. In 2025, Harris joined the Chicago Bears staff under head coach Ben Johnson, taking on the role of defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator. His work with Chicago’s secondary helped develop young talent and contributed to defensive schemes aimed at limiting big plays. With the Bears eliminated from playoff contention, Harris became available for other teams seeking defensive leadership. Earlier this week, he interviewed with the Green Bay Packers for their defensive coordinator position, demonstrating league-wide interest in his expertise. Now, the Commanders are formally interviewing Harris as part of a competitive process that also includes other candidates with proven track records, signaling the organization’s commitment to rebuilding its defense after a season of setbacks.

2. Other Candidates and the Hiring Process

Washington is not limiting its search to Harris. The team has also engaged with Jonathan Gannon, a seasoned defensive coordinator with experience leading NFL units, as well as former Tennessee Titans DC Dennard Wilson. These interviews reflect a deliberate effort to weigh multiple candidates capable of overhauling a struggling defense. Dan Quinn’s arrival in 2024 initially inspired optimism. With second overall pick Jayden Daniels earning Offensive Rookie of the Year, the combination of a talented quarterback and a new head coach led the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game. That momentum, however, proved fleeting. Injuries and inconsistencies on both sides of the ball contributed to a sharp decline in 2025. The defense, once a potential strength, became a glaring liability, and leadership in the coordinator role is seen as critical to returning the unit to competitiveness. The next defensive coordinator will face immediate pressure to improve performance, implement disciplined schemes, and work alongside Quinn to create a cohesive team capable of competing in the NFC East and beyond.

3. Challenges Facing the Next Coordinator

Washington’s 2025 defensive metrics highlight the scale of the task ahead. Ranking 27th in points allowed and dead last in total yards, the team struggled to contain both the run and the pass, giving up an NFL-high 384 yards per game. Turnovers and big plays allowed were persistent issues that eroded confidence and consistency throughout the season. The new coordinator will need to instill discipline, emphasize fundamentals, and craft strategies that compensate for personnel weaknesses. Coordination with Quinn and alignment with the broader team philosophy will be crucial for long-term success. Harris, with his extensive playing experience and coaching background, brings credibility and technical knowledge to the table, particularly in pass defense and secondary development. If hired, he would inherit a team in desperate need of structure, accountability, and tactical innovation. As the Commanders move forward, their choice at defensive coordinator could set the tone for the next phase of the franchise, determining whether Washington can rebound from a season of disappointment and reestablish itself as a contender.