With Joe Whitt Jr. Fired, Who is Favored to be Washington’s New DC in 2026? Who is the Top Candidate to Replace Joe Whitt Jr.?
Full Story on Whitt Jr. Being Fired by Washington
The Commanders entered the 2025 campaign with high expectations coming off their NFC Championship Game appearance last season. In fact, Washington achieved its first 10-win record since Robert Griffin III’s rookie year in 2012. Unfortunately, the team struggled in 2025 due to injuries of QB Jayden McDaniels and key losses by one possession scores. So therefore, the Commanders decided to make multiple major coaching changes this offseason. While Washington kept head coach Dan Quinn, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. will not return for 2026. Top offense caller Kliff Kingsbury was also let go by the Landover-based organization.
Whitt Jr. becomes the second defensive coordinator to lose his job in recent days along with Matt Eberflus (Cowboys). At the time of the coaching change, the 5-12 Commanders began the season with a 3-2 start before their 8-game losing streak. Washington also lost the international game in Madrid, Spain 16-13 in overtime vs. Dolphins on November 16. Perhaps their biggest win of this year came on January 4, where the Commanders edged out the Eagles 24-17 and prevented their division rival from securing a #2 seed in the NFC. In eleven games played in 2025, the defense gave up 25 points or more per contest.
Joe Whitt Jr.’s Career with the Washington Commanders
Whitt Jr. became the defensive coordinator in 2024 after the retirement of Jack Del Rio. The former led the Commanders to their first playoff victory in 20 years en route to their NFC Championship Game berth. The team has not been to the postseason in consecutive years since 1990-1991. In addition, the football squad is aiming for its first Super Bowl title since defeating Buffalo in 1991. Throughout the top defense caller’s time in Landover, the team compiled a 17-17 record and 2-1 in the playoffs.
Before joining Washington, Whitt Jr. served as the pass game coordinator for the following teams: Cowboys (2021-2023), Falcons (2020), Browns (2019), and Packers (2018). He took Dallas to two NFC East Division championships under the direction of Mike McCarthy. Whitt Jr. was also the cornerbacks coach for Green Bay from 2009 until 2017, where he guided them to a Super Bowl title in 2010. He even helped the Packers reach four NFC Championship Game appearances.
What’s Next for the Washington Commanders?
Many Commanders football fans might wonder: Who is the leading candidate to replace Joe Whitt Jr. in 2026? The top coaches in consideration listed in this article have prior coaching experience. In addition, those candidates have been on the coaching staff for at least five years. Please refer to the information below for the list of top candidates to replace Whitt Jr. as Washington Commanders Defensive Coordinator!
Possible Candidates to Replace Joe Whitt Jr. as Washington’s DC
Internal Candidates
Jason Simmons-Washington
- Packers Defense Assistant (2011-2015)
- Green Bay Secondary Coach (2018)
- Packers DB Coach (2019)
- Panthers Secondary Coach (2020-2021)
- Raiders DB Coach (2022-2023)
- Commanders Pass Game Coordinator (2024-Present)
- Three NFC Championship Game Appearances with Green Bay
Top Defensive Coordinator Candidates for Washington Commanders to Consider
Gus Bradley-San Francisco
- North Dakota State LB Coach (1996-2005)
- Buccaneers LB Coach (2006-2008)
- Seahawks DC (2009-2012)
- Jaguars HC (2013-2016)
- Chargers DC (2017-2020)
- Raiders DC (2021)
- Colts DC (2022-2024)
- 49ers Associate HC (2025-Present)
- Took Los Angeles to Playoff Berth in 2018
- Guided San Francisco to #6 Seed in the NFC in 2025
Raheem Morris-Atlanta
- Buccaneers Defense Assistant (2002-2005)
- Kansas State DC (2006)
- Buccaneers DB Coach (2007-2008)
- Buccaneers HC (2009-2011)
- Washington NFL DB Coach (2012-2014)
- Falcons Associate HC (2015-2019)
- Falcons Interim HC & DC (2020)
- Rams DC (2021-2023)
- Falcons HC (2024-2025)
- 2-Time Super Bowl Champion with Bucs (2002) and Rams (2021)
- Also Led Atlanta to Super Bowl in Early 2017
Brian Flores-Minnesota
- Patriots Offense Assistant (2011)
- New England Safeties Coach (2012-2015)
- Patriots LB Coach (2016-2018)
- Dolphins HC (2019-2021)
- Steelers LB Coach (2022)
- Vikings DC (2023-Present)
- Guided Minnesota to Playoff Berth in 2024
- Also Helped Miami to 10-Win Season in 2020
- Won Super Bowl with New England in 2014, 2016 & 2018
Jonathan Gannon-Arizona
- Falcons Defense Qualities Coach (2007)
- St. Louis Rams Scout (2009-2011)
- Titans Defense Qualities Coach (2012-2013)
- Vikings Assistant DB Coach (2014-2017)
- Colts DB Coach (2018-2020)
- Eagles DC (2021-2022)
- Cardinals HC (2023-2025)
- Led Philadelphia to Super Bowl in Early 2023
- Also Guided Minnesota to NFC Championship Game in Early 2018
Leading Candidate to Replace Joe Whitt Jr. as Washington’s DC in 2026
Jeff Ulbrich-Atlanta
- Seahawks Assistant Special Teams Coach (2010-2011)
- UCLA LB Coach (2012-2014)
- Falcons LB Coach (2015-2019)
- Falcons Interim DC & LB Coach (2020)
- Jets DC (2021-2024)
- Jets Interim HC (2024)
- Falcons DC (2025-Present)
- Guided Bruins to Pac-12 Championship Game in 2012
- Led Atlanta to Super Bowl in Early 2017
Other Coaching Carousel Updates in the NFL:
Kliff Kingsbury (Commanders OC)
Jonathan Gannon (Cardinals HC)
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