Dan Quinn Reclaims Defensive Play-Calling for Struggling Commanders

The Washington Commanders are making a significant midseason adjustment. Head coach Dan Quinn announced Monday that he will take over defensive play-calling duties from coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., who will remain on staff. The move comes after weeks of mounting defensive breakdowns and a fifth consecutive loss, capped by Sunday’s 44-22 defeat to the Detroit Lions — a game in which Washington failed to force a single punt.

For Quinn, who built his career on defensive success with Seattle and Dallas, the decision represents both an acknowledgment of the team’s struggles and a call to urgency. “When something’s not working, we shift from the question of why isn’t it working to what do we need to do to get it right,” Quinn said. “Joe took the news like the pro he is. We’re all consumed by getting it right. That’s what we intend to do.”

The Commanders have endured one of their worst defensive stretches in franchise history, allowing 154 points over the past four games — the most over any four-game span since 1954. Their 3-7 record reflects the imbalance between an offense showing flashes of potential and a defense unable to hold opponents in check.

The coaching shift comes at a pivotal time, as Washington prepares to travel to Madrid for a Week 11 matchup against the Miami Dolphins. The transatlantic trip could serve as a mental and tactical reset for a team desperate to find stability.

1. Defensive Collapse Prompts Urgent Change

Washington’s defensive numbers tell the story of why Quinn felt compelled to step in. The Commanders rank 28th in scoring defense and 30th in total yards allowed per game, surrendering 35.8 points per contest over the past five weeks — better than only one team, the Cincinnati Bengals. Those figures stand in stark contrast to last season, when the same group finished 18th in points allowed and 13th in yards. The offseason moves that were supposed to strengthen the defense have instead been undercut by injuries and inconsistency. Washington brought in defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw, safety Will Harris, and defensive end Deatrich Wise Jr. through free agency, while drafting cornerback Trey Amos in the second round. However, three of those four key additions are now on injured reserve. Wise tore his quadriceps in Week 2, Harris fractured his fibula soon after, and Amos recently suffered the same injury. Meanwhile, cornerback Marshon Lattimore — acquired to bolster the secondary — tore his ACL in Week 9 and will miss the remainder of the season. “We felt off,” Quinn said of his evaluation after Sunday’s loss. “I thought this was the time to lean into that. Joe and I have a great vibe working together. He’ll continue to help us prepare and plan, but we have to change the feel and the rhythm of how we’re operating.”

2. Quinn’s Return to Familiar Role

Quinn, known for his defensive pedigree, is no stranger to leading from the sideline. Before becoming a head coach in Atlanta, he coordinated Seattle’s “Legion of Boom” defense that powered the Seahawks to a Super Bowl title in 2013 and another appearance the following year. His defensive units have historically emphasized speed, communication, and physicality — qualities the Commanders have lacked in recent weeks. Joe Whitt Jr., who worked under Quinn in Dallas from 2021 to 2023 as pass-game coordinator and secondary coach, will remain involved in defensive planning but return to the coaches’ booth on game days. Quinn said Whitt’s experience and familiarity with the scheme will be critical as the Commanders recalibrate their approach. Despite the turmoil, players have continued to express confidence in Quinn’s leadership. Several defensive veterans have credited his ability to adjust schemes midseason and maintain composure under pressure. “Coach Q has always had our back,” one player said. “If anyone can turn this around, it’s him.” The Commanders’ upcoming game against the Dolphins will be a daunting test for a restructured defensive operation. Facing one of the league’s fastest and most explosive offenses, Washington will need to show immediate improvement to regain credibility on that side of the ball.

3. Looking to Reclaim Defensive Identity

As the Commanders prepare for the international spotlight in Madrid, Quinn’s task extends beyond fixing X’s and O’s. His goal is to reestablish a defensive identity rooted in energy, accountability, and trust — hallmarks of his previous success. For a unit battered by injuries and demoralized by results, that process begins with rediscovering belief in one another. The upcoming weeks will determine whether this midseason course correction can salvage pride and stability in a season already trending toward disappointment. For Quinn, who has seen both championship highs and rebuilding lows, it’s another chance to prove that his leadership can still spark change. Washington’s leadership, including co-owners Josh Harris and Magic Johnson, has publicly backed Quinn, reinforcing confidence that the organization remains unified despite the losing streak. The long-term vision remains centered on developing a young roster capable of competing consistently — but for now, defensive accountability is the priority. “We know where we want to be,” Quinn said. “It starts with making sure our standard shows up every play, every snap, every day.”