The Washington Commanders’ hunt for a new defensive coordinator has hit a pivot point. On January 19, the Atlanta Falcons confirmed they are keeping Jeff Ulbrich, removing him from Washington’s list of potential hires.
Falcons owner Arthur Blank praised Ulbrich’s impact, pointing to a clear defensive uptick in 2025. Atlanta finished just 8–9, but the defense fueled a late surge, winning five of the final seven games and holding opponents under 200 passing yards ten times. A revamped pass rush—led by first-round picks Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., who combined for 16 sacks—played a major role.
With Ulbrich off the table, Washington must regroup quickly. Head coach Dan Quinn dismissed defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. on January 6, one day after parting ways with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, leaving both coordinator spots open.
Who’s Next for Washington?
Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores remains a long shot, as he’s expected to either stay with the Vikings or land a head coaching job. That shifts attention to several intriguing alternatives:
Jonathan Gannon: The former Cardinals head coach is seeking a coordinator role to reset his reputation after a 15–36 stint in Arizona. Gannon’s quarters-based scheme is flexible, blending 4–3 and 3–4 looks and emphasizing defensive backs while crowding the line to counter spread offenses.
Karl Scott: Seattle’s passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach helped oversee the NFL’s stingiest defense in 2025, allowing just 292 points. The Seahawks held opponents under 200 passing yards 11 times. The catch? Scott has never called plays, working primarily on concepts and position groups.
Patrick Graham: A Bill Belichick protégé, Graham brings an aggressive, linebacker-driven philosophy that aligns with Quinn’s style. His defenses use big interior linemen to keep linebackers clean, enabling them to attack the run, blitz, and cover. Devin White thrived in this system, posting 174 tackles last season.
A Defense in Need of Answers
Washington surrendered 26.5 points per game last year and was routinely exposed through the air. Finding the right defensive coordinator is critical—not just to stabilize the unit, but to restore its ability to finish games, something the team showed flashes of in 2024.
With Ulbrich staying put in Atlanta, the Commanders’ search continues—and the next hire could define their defensive identity moving forward.
