FRESH SHAKEUP: Why Washington Commanders Should TARGET Sean McDermott as Defensive Coordinator

Sean McDermott’s firing from the Buffalo Bills ignites the Washington Commanders’ defensive coordinator search, sending shockwaves through the NFL coaching carousel. As potential top candidate Brian Flores weighs his own prospects, McDermott claims the number two spot, with his adaptive defensive schemes and proven track record highlighted as major assets. How will McDermott’s approach—favoring nickel and dime packages over heavy fronts—shape Washington’s defensive future, and what does this mean for the Commanders’ quest to climb the defensive rankings?

Get the latest on why Al Harris failed to gain traction in the current coordinator conversation, despite fan buzz and strong connections, and explore why the familiar names like Jeff Ulbrich and Raheem Morris are off the table. Plus, find out which emerging coaches could be waiting in the wings. This bonus episode breaks down coaching philosophies, potential franchise-changing hires, and whether a short-term defensive coordinator tenure is a risk worth taking for the Commanders.

0:00 – McDermott Fired, Coordinator Rankings

3:00 – McDermott’s Defensive Philosophy

11:55 – Al Harris & Other Candidates

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Host David Harrison covers the Washington Commanders for WUSA9 and Sports Illustrated.

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17 comments
  1. I think john G shouldn’t be in the list his defense in Arizona got worse yearly it seemed like so I’m kinda under the impression that the eagles personnel got him a job

  2. Washington's defense needs be big fast and physical to win in the NFC east .. That small nickel and dime look won't hold up in the conference .. Ask Minnesota and Buffalo ,Miami ,Atlanta ,LA Rams and Pittsburgh vs big physical NFL teams …

  3. Mcdermott would probably bring A J Epenesa and Matt Milano with him. Looking at the Bills roster he seems to be able to make do with weak CBs. At least his system makes since. The one we have run for the last 2 years seemed to be set up to fail.

  4. I'm fine with having a great year next year then losing a DC or something because of that than suck again I seen it year to year so long I'm my life being fan since the 80s then give me the chance to make run I will take it tomorrow isn't promised for nothing

  5. We are definitely seeing “copy cat” action in the league. Mainstay winning coaches are getting canned for not winning the SB. Is Kyle Shanahan next? I would say he’s on the hot seat. That being a possibility, are we seeing chess moves being made in the shadows by AP? DQ as a coach is definitely on the hot seat. But AP might not be as a GM. We haven’t seen GMs getting fired.

  6. What about Karl Scott as the DC hire, then call Gregg Williams and bring him in as a DEFENSIVE CONSULTANT to mentor Karl Scott since Scott does not have play calling experience?

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