The Commanders have a new target at defensive coordinator – and his connection to Dan Quinn makes him a top candidate

Dan Quinn looks to an old friend in Al Harris as a new defensive coordinator candidate for the Commanders.

Josh Taylor — Washington Commanders News Writer
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The Washington Commanders continue to search for their next defensive coordinator after parting ways with Dan Quinn’s right-hand man, Joe Whitt Jr.

They’ve interviewed a lot of top candidates, but they struck out on coaches like Brian Flores, so they have to pivot. The Commanders are still waiting on some coaches in the playoffs, like Karl Scott with the Seattle Seahawks, but others are now available. After missing out on Jeff Ulbrich and Flores, Quinn has expanded his search, and now the Commanders are set to interview another familiar face, who is likely the new favorite to come to Washington.

The Commanders are set to interview Al Harris

Al Harris is currently the defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach for the Chicago Bears, and he’s done a great job creating turnovers. The Bears had the most interceptions in the NFL this season, with 23, while the Commanders were 27th in the NFL with only eight. After being eliminated by the Los Angeles Rams this past weekend, the Commanders requested to interview Harris for their defensive coordinator position.

Harris has had a strong connection to Quinn since their days with the Dallas Cowboys together, and Harris has said in the past that he would follow Quinn anywhere. Quinn tried to bring Harris with him when he was first hired, but the Cowboys blocked it from happening, so maybe they can finally reconnect. The Commanders aren’t the only team trying to get him, however, and Harris will have a strong temptation to go to a top team in the NFC.

Al Harris interviewed with the Green Bay Packers before the Commanders

Quinn might have to make sure Harris doesn’t leave without a deal with the Commanders, because the Green Bay Packers just interviewed him on Wednesday, and they’re loaded with talent to work with. Between Micah Parsons, Edgerrin Cooper, and Xavier McKinney, the Packers have a much better roster on defense, and the Commanders are a couple of offseasons away from reaching that level.

Head coach Matt LaFleur just got a contract extension, while Quinn is going into 2026 on the hot seat. The Packers might be the safer and more intriguing destination for Harris, unless he just loves Quinn that much. Harris would help the young guys like Trey Amos and Mike Sainristil improve their games day one. The one downside that Quinn could help with is that Harris has never been a defensive coordinator before and never called plays as a coach. He would likely run Quinn’s defense for the most part, while integrating newer and fresher ideas that Washington hasn’t used yet.

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