Four names emerge in the Washington Commanders search for its next defensive coordinator, plus an update on a timeline to make a hire.
The Washington Commanders filled its first vacancy days after head coach Dan Quinn replaced one of its two coordinator roles with the internal move that drew buzz as a realistic possibility coming to fruition, elevating David Blough serving in a coordinator role in his third season as a coach. What happens on the defensive side of the ball was less clear for Washington with already three interviews completed for the vacancy through the first week.
Those interviews brought in Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham, Chiefs defensive line coach Joe Cullen and Titans defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson to replace Joe Whitt's role on the staff, but according to ESPN's John Keim, there could be four coaches worth watching for the vacancy.
While noting that "initially what I had heard is that they wanted an experienced play caller," Keim pointed to Wilson and Graham as realistic names alongside former Falcons head coach Raheem Morris and Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich.
"If that's the case, then you're looking at Dennard Wilson, Patrick Graham, Raheem [Morris], [Jeff] Ulbrich," Keim said on his podcast on Sunday.
Keim also expressed pessimism around Bears defensive pass game coordinator Al Harris, who spoke glowingly of Dan Quinn during their time in Dallas, becoming a viable candidate.
Wilson would serve as a homecoming of sorts with the Upper Marlboro native playing at nearby DeMatha then Maryland before kicking off his coaching career at both schools then making the jump to the Rams in 2012, spending the last 14 seasons in the NFL. While he has not overlapped with Quinn, Wilson has only served as defensive coordinator over the last two seasons where the Titans have produced mixed results.
Graham has survived the last two head coaching changes and could also survive a third after Pete Carroll was relieved of duties after one season as head coach, but the two Falcons coaches may be most intriguing.
Especially Morris, who would be the most accomplished among the group, but is expected to draw head coaching interest while Keim also noted the TV route could be an option. The wildcard is Ulbrich, who owner Arthur Blank already said would be recommended to the Falcons' next head coach. But the Cowboys reportedly had their interview request for Ulbrich denied on Friday, likely an indication of his availability for vacancies outside of the Falcons' organization.
Keim also reiterated the point that has been echoed since Whitt's departure - Washington is expected to bring someone on with play calling experience after Quinn took over duties after the Commanders' 44-22 against Detroit back on Nov. 9. Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic reported the same following Whitt's dismissal from the organization.
"I think what I've learned is make the best decision for what the team needs," Quinn said in his end of season press conference when asked whether he will call plays in 2026.
The next question after who are the names to know is when a hire could materialize, but Keim does not see an extended timeline before the vacancy is filled.
"My understanding is what I had been told late last week was offensive coordinator by the end of this weekend, which clearly happened, and then a defensive coordinator probably hopefully by next weekend, maybe that Monday," Keim said.