The Washington Commanders will have a new defensive coordinator in 2026. Head coach Dan Quinn begrudgingly took play-calling duties away from his handpicked coordinator, Joe Whitt Jr., before the Week 11 game against the Miami Dolphins. Whitt had been with Quinn at two of his previous stops, with Quinn giving him his first chance at running a defense.

Things didn’t go well. Last season, the Commanders had quarterback Jayden Daniels and the offense to bail them out most weeks. Washington didn’t make significant investments in its defense in 2025, and the results were proof. The Commanders are near the bottom of almost every major defensive statistical category. They have nothing to hang their hat on. They struggle to defend the pass, aren’t good against the run and do not create turnovers. While things improved somewhat under Quinn, it’s clear that a talent infusion is what’s needed most.

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You could also argue that the Commanders need a new defensive scheme, too. Quinn’s defenses have historically struggled against Kyle Shanahan and anyone from that similar coaching tree, which includes the Rams (Sean McVay), the Packers (Matt LaFleur) and others.

So, should Quinn’s next defensive coordinator be someone with whom he has a shared history? Or, should Quinn go outside of his comfort zone?

Quinn may get lucky, and his top option could be someone he is close to. That’s Chicago Bears defensive backs coach/defensive pass game coordinator Al Harris. Harris worked under Quinn for three seasons with the Dallas Cowboys from 2021-23. Quinn tried to bring Harris with him to Washington, but the Cowboys denied the request and promoted him to assistant head coach.

Harris departed Dallas after the 2024 season, joining Ben Johnson’s new Chicago staff. The results are similar to Harris’ time in Dallas. While serving as Quinn’s defensive backs coach in Dallas when the latter was the defensive coordinator, no team forced more turnovers than the Cowboys. That trend has continued in Chicago, where the Bears lead the NFL in turnovers and interceptions. Johnson recently praised Harris for his work this season.

The Bears have a solid defensive coordinator in Dennis Allen, so there is no way they could prevent Washington from hiring Harris. Harris once shared his affinity for Quinn.

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“If Q was to go and get a head coaching job,” Harris said back when they were in Dallas together, via Todd Brock of Cowboys Wire. “Honestly, in whatever capacity he wanted me to come, I’m there. I’m there.”

Does Quinn think Harris is ready to lead a defense? He’s certainly earned the opportunity. But Quinn himself could be on the hot seat in 2026. As much as he may love Harris, he may want to go with an experienced coordinator, someone like Jim Schwartz or Brian Flores.

Schwartz is with the Browns and remains one of the NFL’s best coordinators. While we aren’t sure of his contract status for 2026, the Browns could move on from their entire coaching staff. Flores is definitely out of contract in 2026 and will undoubtedly look to land another head coaching gig. If Quinn could get Flores, that should be his first call.

If Quinn opts for familiarity, Harris is a worthy candidate. The longtime former NFL player was one of the league’s best cornerbacks during his time with the Packers and has quickly developed into one of the league’s best secondary coaches.

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One thing is certain: Quinn can’t afford to get this hire wrong.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Bears assistant Al Harris an option for next DC