AGGRESSION: Why Al Harris Could TRANSFORM the Washington Commanders’ Defense in 2026
Get ready for a fiery change, if Al Harris lands the Washington Commanders defensive coordinator position, expect aggression, turnovers, and a relentless mindset. This episode breaks down why Harris, currently the Chicago Bears defensive pass game coordinator and a turnover king, promises to bring a ball-hawking, high-risk, high-reward defense that shakes off the passive style of past Commanders teams. With the Bears leading the NFL in interceptions and players like Trevon Diggs thriving under his coaching, Harris’s presence could re-energize Washington’s secondary and entire defensive philosophy.
Explore how Harris’s background in split safety shells, aggressive bait techniques, big dime packages, and green-dog blitzes could transform the Commanders’ defensive schemes. The conversation compares Harris with other top candidates like Karl Scott and Patrick Graham, examines how aggressive tactics maximize super-athletes, and asks: Would you rather lose playing it safe or go down swinging for turnovers and game-changing plays?
0:00 – Al Harris Candidate Introduction
8:32 – Defensive Style & Schematics
22:11 – Coordinator Rankings & Final Thoughts
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Host David Harrison covers the Washington Commanders for WUSA9 and Sports Illustrated.
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7 comments
Great stuff David its obvious you spend a lot of time researching, and I appreciate it!
I like Al Harris. 51 year old former player that has been in the NFL for the last 30 years. He has been on staff learning/teaching since 2012. With a proven track record of turning players around which would be great for us because we struggle with player development
My first choice is Karl Scott, Green Bay also wants Al Harris, I take it Bears didn't block him from being interviewed; do we have to pay Bears compensation if he comes over as our DC? Maybe add Asst HC to sweeten the pot, because frankly DQ relationship the only reason to come to us instead of going to GB or accepting DC/Asst HC promotion from Bears. DQ always wanted AH, maybe that counts for something, and beg him to save his job which is in jeopardy. Amos and Sainristil are great, young CBs, Quan is still learning but a good S, we have some young players to develop like Magee, Kain, etc. A lot of athleticism that needs guidance.
What was scary to me abt our D, it looked like a prevent defense, the entire time. Laying off the WRs so they tackled, after the catch. So if you didn't break through immediately in the QB's face, he had an easy completion. Maybe I'm simplifying it, but that's what it looked like to me.
No no no Harris his secondary guys get but no Ed a lot yes they create turnovers but can’t stop the run and give up to many points with BF the Bears so I say no
al Harris 👍
DQ is a problem, if a DC can’t bring a defense that he constructs himself, why come to D.C.?