The Washington Commanders have missed the playoff run once again this season. Their lackluster 4-13 season campaign saw the departure of head coach Ron Rivera, and the vacancy was filled by former Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn.
The commanders also appointed Adam Peters as general manager Joe Whitt Jr., while general manager Martin Mayhew is expected to stay with them as well. Now, the franchise has made another coaching move by hiring Cowboys secondary coach and passing game coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. as their defensive coordinator.
Joe Whitt Jr becomes new Commanders DC
On Sunday, the Commanders secured Joe Whitt Jr. as their new defensive coordinator under the leadership of recently appointed HC Dan Quinn. Whitt emerged as the leading candidate for the position since Quinn’s arrival on Thursday’s Bleacher Report.
The DC brings a wealth of NFL coaching experience dating back to 2007. Despite never having held the position of DC before, his proven track record and close collaboration with Quinn in previous roles set him apart as the ideal choice for the Commanders.
DC’s new DC. 🔒
— Priority Sports (@PrioritySports) February 5, 2024
Congrats to Joe Whitt Jr. on becoming the next Defensive Coordinator for the @Commanders! pic.twitter.com/3CAo5jETnv
The veteran’s tenure includes stints with teams such as the Atlanta Falcons and the Green Bay Packers, where he served as a defensive assistant. However, it was his recent role as the secondary coach and pass game coordinator for the Cowboys that showcased his prowess in defensive strategies.
During his three-year tenure with the Cowboys, the defensive mastermind played a vital role in fortifying the team’s defense. Under his leadership, the Cowboys ranked among the top in crucial defensive categories, including passing yards allowed, completion percentage, and quarterback rating.
The appointment of Joe Whitt Jr. comes at a crucial time for the Commanders. The team is seeking to revitalize a defense that struggled this season after ranking last in both points and yards allowed. Now, he will be tasked with revamping the D-line.
Kliff Kingsbury also expected to sign with Commanders
Former Arizona Cardinals head coach Kliff Kingsbury is set to join the Commanders as their offensive coordinator. This move comes after his negotiations with the Las Vegas Raiders fell through over the weekend.
The coach’s journey to Washington saw him explore other options, including discussions with the Chicago Bears for their offensive coordinator position. However, the Bears ultimately opted for Shane Waldron, leaving him available to join the Commanders.
Commanders are hiring Kliff Kingsbury as their new offensive coordinator, per league sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 5, 2024
Following his departure from the Cardinals last January, the OC spent the past season as an offensive analyst for the USC Trojans. He had played a crucial role in developing the potential top draft pick of 2024, Caleb Williams. The USC quarterback has already announced his draft.
Meanwhile, Kliff Kingsbury’s tenure in Arizona was marked by a 28-37-1 record over four seasons, including a playoff appearance in 2021. He managed to improve the team’s performance following a disappointing start before a disappointing 2022 campaign led to his dismissal.
In his new role with the Commanders, the coach will face the challenge of revitalizing an offense that ranked in the bottom tier of the league in various metrics. Will Joe Whitt Jr. have a successful stint with the Commanders? Make sure to tell us in the comments section.
