Dan Quinn takes over Commanders DC duties from Joe Whitt Jr.

Field Level Media|published: Mon 10th November, 16:33 2025

NFL: Detroit Lions at Washington Commanders

Nov 9, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn stands with quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) on the sidelines during warmups prior to a game against the Detroit Lions at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

Commanders head coach Dan Quinn is adding defensive coordinator duties to his Week 11 tasks as Washington brings a five-game losing streak to Madrid, where the Miami Dolphins are the opposition on Sunday.

Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. moved from the coaches' box to the sideline on Sunday but the results were no different in a 44-22 loss to the Detroit Lions. Washington (3-7) lost by the same score at Dallas on Oct. 19, the first of four defeats in a row by at least 21 points.

"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. And right now, that'll call for some change," Quinn told reporters Monday. "I'll take over the role as the defensive coordinator, and all that entails.

"After watching and reviewing the tape, we felt off," Quinn added later, when asked why the Commanders made the change. "And so I thought, this is the time to add into that and lean in."

The Commanders are 30th in the NFL in total defense (394.6 yards per game) and 31st against the pass (260.2 yards per game).

Washington is 29th in the league in points allowed (28.0 per game) and has given up 280 total points in 10 games. The Commanders allowed 391 points in 17 games last season.

The Commanders finished the 2024 regular season on a five-game winning streak and reached the NFC Championship Game.

--Field Level Media