Jan. 17, 2026, 4:04 a.m. ET

The Washington Commanders interviewed more candidates this week for defensive coordinator after firing Joe Whitt Jr. last week. Head coach Dan Quinn brought Whitt with him from Dallas. It was first time ever as an NFL defensive coordinator and Quinn took over play-calling from Whitt ahead of Week 11.

In their search for a new defensive coordinator, Washington is looking for experience. After hiring 30-year-old David Blough as offensive coordinator last week, Quinn would prefer to hire a defensive coordinator with play-calling experience, allowing him to focus on the entire team.

Thus far, Washington has interviewed six known candidates. There could be others; we know of six. Quinn would probably like to speak to former Falcons head coach Raheem Morris, but he remains in the mix for some of the open head coaching jobs. His defensive coordinator in Atlanta, Jeff Ulbrich, remains under contract with the Falcons until they hire a new head coach who will then determine his fate. Quinn is close with both Morris and Ulbrich, who have served on his previous coaching staffs for years.

We rank the six known candidates, plus Ulbrich and Morris from least favorite to favorite picks to be Washington’s next defensive coordinator.

8. Chiefs DL coach Joe Cullen

Chris Jones didn’t want to see his position coach leave Kansas City. Cullen was one of the first candidates to interview. A veteran defensive line coach, Cullen has been a coordinator only once, in 2021 with the Jacksonville Jaguars. It didn’t go well, but that’s not really Cullen’s fault. That was the disastrous Urban Meyer year. But of all eight candidates, he’s the least inspiring.

Expert NFL picks: Exclusive betting insights only at USA TODAY.7. Raiders DC Patrick Graham

There’s something to be said for surviving multiple coaching regimes. Graham was a solid defensive coordinator with the Giants and Raiders. His overall numbers do not inspire confidence, but he’s done some good things despite not always having the best talent. Graham likes to bring pressure.

6. Former Falcons head coach Raheem Morris

Why is Morris so low? When I think of Morris, I don’t see a defensive tactician. I see a motivator, more of a CEO type of coach. Yes, Morris had results with the Rams when they won the Super Bowl with Aaron Donald in the middle of the defense, but he’s only been a DC for four total years. Morris has mostly operated as a position coach or head coach. He’d still be a good pick based on his relationship with Quinn, and they would run a similar scheme.

5. Titans DC Dennard Wilson

Here is a name to watch. Wilson has been Tennessee’s defensive coordinator for the past two seasons, and he’s delivered solid results. He’s also done it without top talent, outside of defensive tackle Jeffery Simmons. The Titans featured a patchwork secondary in 2025 and were a solid overall group. Again, consider the talent he was coaching. Wilson lacked talent at secondary and edge rusher, yet still kept the Titans competitive most weeks.

4. Former Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon

Gannon is an intriguing option. He was excellent in his final season as Philadelphia’s defensive coordinator, which helped him land a head coaching job. He runs a lot of zone, which Quinn also likes to employ. Gannon’s scheme is influenced by Vic Fangio. He didn’t have the greatest success in Arizona, but he also lacked talent. The Commanders basically need to rebuild that entire side of the ball.

3. Seahawks defensive backs coach/passing game coordinator Karl Scott

Scott is the only name on this list who has never called defensive plays. That may be a concern, but consider this: Pete Carroll hired him in Seattle in 2022. When Mike Macdonald took over in 2024, he retained him. Scott is an integral part of the Seahawks’ defensive success. Scott is a teacher. Look at what he’s done with Seattle’s young secondary. He could be the guy to help turn around Washington’s secondary. It’s probable that Scott would want to run Macdonald’s scheme if he landed the job, which is a positive. He should get more attention here.

2. Falcons DC Jeff Ulbrich

Ulbrich played for Quinn and spent years on his staff. They’re close. Ulbrich is also a proven and successful NFL defensive coordinator. There’s a reason why the Falcons would like to retain him. While Washington needs a talent infusion, Ulbrich has shown he can put defenses in a position to succeed. While it’s hard to get into Quinn’s head, Ulbrich is probably his preferred candidate. Ulbrich has been able to generate pressure at every stop.

1. Vikings DC Brian Flores

Who else did you think would be No. 1? Flores is one of the NFL’s top defensive minds. He creates chaos on defense that even the best offenses can’t always see coming. He’s not afraid to blitz. With eight current vacancies, will Flores land a head coaching job? He’s earned another chance at it, but the lawsuit against the NFL is still out there. If Flores doesn’t get a head coaching position, he will have his pick of teams to serve as a defensive coordinator. A return to Minnesota is probably the most likely outcome, but it was a coup for Quinn to get Flores in town for an interview. Flores has a close relationship with Commanders GM Adam Peters.