Jan. 18, 2026, 4:46 a.m. ET

The Seattle Seahawks demolished the San Francisco 49ers on Saturday in the NFC divisional round, earning a trip to next weekend’s NFC Championship Game. The Seahawks’ top-rated defense kept the 49ers out of the end zone in a 41-6 blowout.

For the teams that need a new defensive coordinator, hopefully you were watching. We’re talking to you, Washington Commanders.

Washington has interviewed multiple candidates to fill its defensive coordinator vacancy. One of those candidates that the Commanders interviewed was Seattle defensive backs coach/pass game coordinator Karl Scott.

Did you happen to see Scott’s unit hold the 49ers to 128 passing yards?

Saturday night’s performance was a continuation of what we saw in the regular season. The Seahawks are a dominant group. They’re dominant against the run, outstanding against the pass, they get to the quarterback, force turnovers and keep teams out of the end zone. That about says it all. Sure, head coach Mike Macdonald receives much of the credit and deservedly so, but he has also hired a terrific staff.

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Saturday may have been an impactful night for Washington’s search for a new defensive coordinator. Many considered Jeff Ulbrich the leading candidate, but Kevin Stefanski’s hiring may keep Ulbrich in Atlanta. That means head coach Dan Quinn will need to look elsewhere.

Why not Scott? There’s the argument that Scott has never called plays before. While that may not be an issue in most circumstances, Quinn may be hesitant about hiring two first-time coordinators after promoting David Blough to offensive coordinator last week. That makes sense when you consider Quinn is entering a make-or-break 2026 season.

But did you watch Seattle’s defense?

The Seahawks are creative, versatile and confuse quarterbacks pre-snap, perhaps better than any team in the NFL. While Scott can’t bring Seattle’s defensive players or Macdonald with him, he’s earned high praise as one of the league’s top up-and-coming defensive minds. As far as bringing players with him, there are a few Seahawks defenders who will be free agents in March who could step right into Washington’s starting lineup.

Scott may not be the safe hire in terms of experience, but he may indeed be the best hire. Quinn has taken a risk in hiring Blough. It was a bold, forward-thinking move. Will he do it again? He should.