Hogs Haven
Bullock’s Film Room (free article)
Evaluating the list of potential candidates that the Commanders could hire as their new defensive coordinator
Inexperienced external candidates with links to Quinn
So Morris and Ulbrich make the most sense from that first group of candidates, but both could easily end up elsewhere. The belief is that Quinn would prefer an experienced candidate given he’s entering into his crucial third year and his last inexperienced candidate was Joe Whitt, who struggled with the added responsibilities. But if none of the experienced candidates make sense, then perhaps Quinn could be open to giving a younger, inexperienced candidate a chance to step up lead the defense for the first time.
The most obvious candidate in this category is Al Harris. Harris was the defensive backs coach in Dallas under Quinn and Quinn actually tried to hire him in 2024, but without being able to promote him, the Cowboys were able to block it by promoting him to assistant head coach for the 2024 season.
Another intriguing option is Seahawks defensive coordinator Aden Durde. Durde, originally from England, got one of his first breaks in the NFL as a coaching intern under Quinn in Atlanta. He worked his way up to defensive quality control in 2018/19 before being promoted once again to outside linebackers coach in 2020. Durde then followed Quinn to Dallas to become the defensive line coach there. When Quinn left for Washington, Durde was hired by Seahawks head coach Mike MacDonald to be his defensive coordinator. For the Commanders to hire Durde, they would have to get the Seahawks to agree to it as it wouldn’t be a promotion, but Quinn could offer him the chance to call plays which MacDonald won’t do in Seattle.
Durde would be a really interesting hire because he’s spent a lot of time with Quinn and knows his system and how he works, but has now spent two years under MacDonald’s system, which is now the hot defensive system in the NFL. If the Commanders could get him away from Seattle, Durde could try and replicate the Seahawks scheme, or find a way to try and combine aspects of it with aspects of Quinn’s defense to help evolve that system. Plus, he’s English, so he gets my vote!
ESPN
Latest on whether they will re-sign wide receiver Deebo Samuel: The Commanders have been pleased with Samuel’s acquisition, as it has led to a team-high 72 catches for 727 yards this season. But he turns 30 in January and could be costly to retain. Left guard Chris Paul is also an option for Washington to re-sign. — Fowler
Early draft outlook: As mentioned above, improving the defensive front seven will be a core need for Washington, especially with linebacker Bobby Wagner set to hit free agency at 36. Ohio State’s Arvell Reese...
