New Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn is already putting together his coaching staff.
After Quinn was announced as Washington’s head coach on Thursday, one name began to surface as his potential defensive coordinator for the Commanders: Cowboys passing game coordinator/secondary coach Joe Whitt Jr.
Multiple sources reported Whitt was expected to follow Quinn to Washington, including Aaron Wilson of KPRC TV in Houston.
#Commanders are expected to hire highly regarded #Cowboys defensive passing game coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. as their new defensive coordinator, and Dallas will be looking to replace him as well as Dan Quinn, per league sources @KPRC2
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) February 1, 2024
For anyone who has followed Dallas over the past three seasons with Quinn as defensive coordinator, you’ve noticed all of those turnovers, specifically from cornerbacks Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland. It was Whitt who coached them.
A former walk-on receiver at Auburn, Whitt jumped immediately into coaching after his playing career ended. His first NFL opportunity came with the Falcons in 2007 as an assistant defensive backs coach. The Packers, under current Dallas coach Mike McCarthy, hired Whitt in 2008, and he spent the next 11 seasons in Green Bay.
He spent the 2020 season with Atlanta under Quinn. When Quinn was hired as the Dallas defensive coordinator, Whitt followed him and also reunited with McCarthy. During his time with the Packers, Whitt helped develop numerous cornerbacks, such as Tramon Williams, Davon House, Sam Shields and others.
Whitt has the option to remain in Dallas, potentially replacing Quinn, according to Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News.
Washington is working on scheduling an interview with Cowboys defensive passing game coordinator Joe Whitt for its defensive coordinators job a person with knowledge of the team’s thinking said. Cowboys also interested in Whitt’s services.
— Calvin Watkins (@calvinwatkins) February 1, 2024
However, with McCarthy’s job status in question following 2024, Whitt may follow Quinn to Washington. Landing Whitt would be a big hire for Quinn’s new staff.