The Washington Commanders are actively searching for a new defensive coordinator, a process that intensified over the weekend. The team interviewed several candidates, but two have already secured positions elsewhere. Former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon has been hired by the Green Bay Packers to replace Jeff Hafley, while Dennard Wilson has been appointed by the New York Giants as their new defensive coordinator under head coach John Harbaugh.
As the Commanders continue their pursuit, they have now interviewed a total of nine candidates, including Daronte Jones, the defensive pass game coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings. Despite these interviews, the loss of Gannon and Wilson raises questions about the team’s leading options.
Among the remaining candidates, two names stand out: Raheem Morris, the former head coach of the Atlanta Falcons, and Karl Scott, the passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach for the Seattle Seahawks. Morris, who has strong connections with head coach Dan Quinn, is still in the running for the Cardinals’ head coaching position after being dismissed from Atlanta. He may also consider a media career in 2026, but his experience makes him an appealing choice for the Commanders.
Scott, who was interviewed by Washington, is still actively coaching as the Seahawks have advanced to the Super Bowl. If the Commanders wish to hire him, they will need to wait until after the championship game, as he remains unavailable until then. This week, Washington can conduct in-person interviews with Scott, contingent on both sides agreeing to a potential partnership.
The situation becomes more complex when considering the Commanders’ strategy. Despite having potential frontrunners like Morris and Scott, the team has expanded its search, interviewing Teryl Austin, the defensive coordinator for the Pittsburgh Steelers, last Friday. This expansion indicates that Washington may not have fully settled on a candidate, even if they have preferences in mind.
The urgency of the search is heightened as the week progresses. If the Commanders do not finalize a new defensive coordinator by the end of the week, it may suggest that their preferred candidate is still engaged in coaching duties. Currently, the only candidate still coaching that Washington has interviewed is Scott, which adds to the intrigue surrounding this search.
As the Commanders navigate this critical decision, the organization remains focused on securing a defensive coordinator who can effectively lead the team’s strategies in the upcoming season. With various candidates still in play, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see who takes the helm for Washington’s defense in the near future.
