Even though the Washington Commanders have lost their two games since head coach Dan Quinn took over the defense, the improvements represent a positive amid the chaos this season has provided.

The Commanders fought for their lives against the Denver Broncos. Marcus Mariota once again led a potent offensive attack, and he did it against one of the league’s top defenses. Meanwhile, Washington’s own defense showed more signs of growth under Quinn’s play-calling, which he was reluctant to implement but was extremely necessary.

The change has paid off, to say the least. And Quinn, a Super Bowl-winning defensive coordinator, hinted that it might be more than a short-term solution.

Dan Quinn hasn’t ruled out taking Commanders’ defense over beyond 2025

Quinn told the media he would be open to continuing to serve as Washington’s de facto defensive coordinator beyond this season, in addition to his head-coaching role. Nothing has been decided, but all options seem to be on the table.

DQ says “there’s a possibility” he could call the defense next year. Says they havent really thought much about next year

— JP Finlay (@JPFinlayNBCS) December 1, 2025

Now, the question is: Should he? There are good arguments both for and against it.

The defense has improved significantly since Quinn became more involved, and his résumé speaks for itself. He led the Seattle Seahawks’ formidable Legion of Boom unit in 2013 and 2014, one of the best defenses of all time. He also had success in the same position with the Dallas Cowboys, which helped him land the Commanders’ head coaching job.

That said, it’s a lot of work for a head coach to double as a play-caller on either side of the ball. It might help the Commanders’ defense to have Quinn at the helm, but it could also hurt the team overall if he’s not careful.

Obviously, Whitt should not return. It has been clear in the Commanders’ past two games that he was the defense’s biggest problem. If he is to have any role within the organization, it’s in the assistant position he’s been demoted to. But that doesn’t mean Washington shouldn’t hire someone else.

The best option for the Commanders is likely an experienced defensive mind with a former head coaching pedigree, just as Kliff Kingsbury is on the offensive side. Washington needs someone to be their own version of what Steve Spagnuolo is for the Kansas City Chiefs, what Vic Fangio is for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Of course, that someone might as well be Quinn. If the Commanders’ defense continues to show life for the remainder of 2025, it’ll be hard to argue against keeping things exactly how they are.