Hogs Haven
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Dan Quinn has already made coaching and roster changes after releasing Matt Gay, and we saw an improved defense after he took over as the defensive coordinator. Quinn won’t be the defensive coordinator, however, and he needs to find his next guy.
We already know Quinn loves working with guys he knows, especially on defense, and that was a big reason he brought Joe Whitt Jr. with him from the Dallas Cowboys. If Quinn decides to stick with his coaching tree, there are three possible candidates to keep an eye on.
Atlanta Falcons HC Raheem Morris
It’s been a disaster of a season for the Atlanta Falcons, and the writing could be on the wall for Raheem Morris. His seat has been hot for a while now, and it could get even hotter when the season ends. They just lost quarterback Michael Penix Jr. for the rest of the season with a torn ACL, and he might not be ready by the time the season starts next year. The Falcons are 3-7, don’t see many more wins in sight this season, and their first-round pick is going to the Los Angeles Rams.
If Morris is fired, Quinn will probably be on the phone within the hour to get him an interview.
Chicago Bears DB coach Al Harris
Al Harris has left his mark on defenses over the last few seasons, including his time with the Dallas Cowboys with Quinn. We saw the Cowboys’ secondary create a ton of turnovers in 2024 with 13 interceptions and 18 forced fumbles. Harris was with Quinn from 2021-2023, and honestly should’ve been the top choice for defensive coordinator over Joe Whitt Jr. when Quinn first arrived in Washington. Instead, Harris went to the Chicago Bears, and he’s doing the same thing there.
Atlanta Falcons defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich
Jeff Ulbrich is another coach who was with Quinn from 2015 to 2020 in Atlanta, before he re-joined the Falcons this season with Morris. Remember, a coach can’t make a lateral move to another team; it has to be a promotion of some kind, so Ulbrich would have to be fired for this to happen, which is likely if Morris goes.
Riggo’s Rag
Loser No. 1
Joe Whitt Jr. – Commanders DC
Let’s get the most obvious one out of the way first. Joe Whitt Jr. went from receiving head-coaching interest during the 2025 hiring cycle to being demoted from defensive play-calling responsibilities in just a few short months. That is a damning indictment of how things have unfolded throughout the campaign.
Whitt was devoid of ideas or inspiration. While this isn’t the most talented defense, its flaws have been ruthlessly exposed. The required adjustments weren’t made, and the alarming frequency with which opposing offenses...