Commanders’ latest defensive coordinator candidate loss leaves them with home run option to hire
The Commanders’ search for a defensive coordinator just got much clearer after the Packers hired Jonathan Gannon.
The Washington Commanders are still looking for their new defensive coordinator as dominoes around the league continue to fall.
Head coach Dan Quinn needs to get this hire right, and they’ve already missed out on top candidates such as Jeff Ulbrich, who the Atlanta Falcons didn’t let leave the building, and Brian Flores, who stayed with the Minnesota Vikings. Other teams around the league are finalizing their own defensive coordinator hires, and it’s making the Commanders’ search clearer.
The Green Bay Packers were one of the Commanders’ top competitors, and they made their own hire, which takes a name off the list, but keeps another safe.
Green Bay Packers have hired Jonathan Gannon as their defensive coordinator
The Packers interviewed two of the Commanders’ candidates, and their decision would greatly impact Washington’s options. After losing Jeff Hafley to the Miami Dolphins, they hired former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon.
Gannon is now officially off the Commanders’ list, and he was a top option for many fans, given his experience and success in Philadelphia before becoming a head coach. It is a loss for the Commanders if they really wanted him, but it also protects them from losing another top option who has been linked to them because of his connection to Quinn.
The Packers’ defensive coordinator move leaves one less option for Al Harris
We all expected Quinn to hire a familiar face with his track record on defense, and Al Harris was the top option. The Packers were heavily targeting Harris, given his playing history with the franchise, and his unit led the NFL in interceptions with the Chicago Bears. Harris should still be a leading candidate for the Commanders, but he also interviewed with the Tennessee Titans, so the Commanders need to act fast if he is the guy.
They could also be stuck in a waiting game for a candidate like Karl Scott, who is still in the playoffs with the Seattle Seahawks. Quinn needs to decide whether he wants a defensive coordinator with experience calling plays. Neither Harris nor Scott has ever called their own defense before, and it could be something Quinn has to look past for an up-and-coming defensive coordinator in the league.
The Commanders had a bottom-three defense last year, and despite the injuries, we saw many players take a step back in the system. Maybe the defense needs a fresh look at a different scheme and a new mindset in the building.
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