At 3-7, Commanders coach Dan Quinn is taking matters into his own hands.
The longtime defensive coordinator will take over the play-by-play duties in Washington, Quinn announced Monday, replacing defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
“When something doesn’t work, we move from the question of why it’s not working to what do we need to do to make it right? Now that’s going to call for change,” Quinn said. “I will take on the role of defensive coordinator and all that comes with it. Joe has been my right-hand man for many years and took the news like the pro he is. As a defense, including Joe, we’re all about getting it right and that’s exactly what we’re going to do.”
Whitt remains on staff but will cede decision-making suddenly to Quinn, who has been promoted from defensive coordinator to head coach twice in the past decade and a half.
Quinn’s choice to take over the coaching duties comes at a time of desperation for Washington, a team that entered 2025 with high hopes but has gone way off course over the last month and a half, losing each of its last five games. Sunday’s performance in a 44-22 loss to NFC East rival Detroit — the same team the Chiefs beat in last season’s Division I playoff game — was the second time they allowed 44 points, but were rock bottom for Quinn’s team.
“I think right now, just watching and looking at the tape, we felt bad,” Quinn explained Monday. “I thought it was the right time to add it and lean into it. Joe and I have got a great vibe together. We’ve worked together over the years in Dallas and we’ll lean back into that space where he’ll help me along the way and everything leading up to the game and calling it.”