Commanders interview top defensive coordinator candidate who would be a home run hire, but lacks one thing worth looking past
The Commanders interviewed Seahawks defensive backs coach Karl Scott for their defensive coordinator position.
The Washington Commanders wasted no time naming their new offensive coordinator by promoting David Blough, but they’re taking the opposite route for the defensive coordinator job.
Head coach Dan Quinn finally moved on from his right-hand man, Joe Whitt Jr., but that was just the start of a key hiring process. Quinn’s future in Washington depends on this hire, and the Commanders having one of the worst defenses in the league with a defensive head coach is an awful look.
Quinn has his scheme and system, so it will be interesting to see who they bring in, but the latest interview is absolutely one of the top candidates they need to push for.
Commanders interview Seahawks DB coach Karl Scott for defensive coordinator position
The Commanders have had a very thorough interview process for the defensive coordinator position, but they’ve mostly stuck with experienced coaches who have called plays and run their own defense. Karl Scott, however, is the only candidate they have interviewed this cycle who has never been a defensive coordinator before, and he’s worth hiring.
Scott has been a defensive backs coach for the last 10 years, both in college and in the NFL, climbing the ranks. Now, he’s one of the top defensive coordinator candidates after putting on a masterclass this season with the Seattle Seahawks secondary, which has dominated the league.
The Seahawks have 18 interceptions this season, the fifth most in the league. Plus, they’re only allowing 193 passing yards per game in the best division in the NFL. They also have a DVOA of -24.2%, the 11th-highest all-time. It’s truly a historic defense.
Should Karl Scott’s lack of play-calling experience be a problem?
The short answer is no. Scott has coached under some of the best, such as Nick Saban and now Mike Macdonald, who is arguably the best defensive head coach in the NFL. Macdonald has transformed the Seahawks’ defense from one of the worst in 2023 to a top unit in no time. Scott has been around the best, and he can bring that knowledge to Washington and run his own defense for the first time.
He would also have a defensive head coach in Quinn, which would be the ideal situation to go into as a first-time defensive coordinator. Scott could bring his modern defense over and lean on Quinn along the way while he ramps up his play-calling duties.
The Commanders have a first-time play caller on offense, and they could have one on defense as well with no problem. If they miss out on Brian Flores, Scott is the best route to go and would still be an amazing hire, with several free agents possibly wanting to follow him from the Seahawks.