At 3-7, Commanders head coach Dan Quinn is taking matters into his own hands.
The longtime defensive coordinator is taking over play-calling duties for Washington, Quinn announced Monday, replacing defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
“When something’s not working, we shift from the question of why isn’t it working to what do we need to do to get it right? Right now, that’ll call for some change,” Quinn said. “I’ll take over the role as the defensive coordinator and all that entails. Joe’s been my right hand man for years and took the news like the pro he is. As a defensive staff including Joe, we’re all consumed by getting it right, and that’s exactly what we intend to do.”
Whitt remains on staff but will surrender snap-by-snap decision-making to Quinn, who has twice risen from defensive coordinator roles to head coaching jobs over the last decade and a half.
Quinn’s choice to take over play-calling duties comes at a time of desperation for Washington, a team that entered 2025 with high hopes but has veered far off course over the last month and a half, losing each of its last five games. Sunday’s showing in a 44-22 loss to conference rival Detroit — the same team the Commanders upset in the Divisional Round of the playoffs last season — stood as the second instance in which they allowed 44 points, but represented rock bottom for Quinn’s unit.
“I think now, just after watching and reviewing the tape, we felt off,” Quinn explained Monday. “I thought this is the time to add into that and lean in. Joe and I have got a great vibe together. We’ve worked together through our time in Dallas, and we’ll lean back into that space where he’ll help me along the way and all that leads up into the game and calling it.”
