Tag: Joe Whitt

Commanders DC Joe Whitt credits Ryan Kerrigan

Ryan Kerrigan earns praise from from DC Joe Whitt.

Ryan Kerrigan is one of the greatest players in the 90-plus-year history of the Washington NFL franchise. A first-round pick in the 2011 NFL draft, Kerrigan played 10 seasons in the burgundy and gold before former coach Ron Rivera foolishly allowed Kerrigan to play his final season elsewhere.

Kerrigan set the franchise record for sacks with 95.5, and after playing the 2021 season with the Philadelphia Eagles, he returned to Washington to retire, where he immediately jumped into coaching.

In 2022, Kerrigan was named the Commanders’ new assistant defensive line coach, a role he held for two seasons until Rivera was fired after the 2023 season. New head Dan Quinn kept Kerrigan, naming him the new assistant linebackers coach/pass rush specialist.

Earlier this season, head coach Dan Quinn praised Kerrigan for his work with former first-round pick Jamin Davis. While Davis was ultimately released after changing positions, coaches were impressed with the work and time Kerrigan spent with Davis to learn a new position.

As it turns out, Davis isn’t the only player Kerrigan has helped this season.

Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. praised Kerrigan for his work with veteran edge rusher Dante Fowler Jr. Fowler leads the Commanders with 8.5 sacks, and the 10-year veteran is on pace to set a new career-high in sacks.

“The past couple years, his sack numbers haven’t been as high,” Whitt said of Fowler. “He’s won, he’s beat the tackle, he just hasn’t controlled and finished on the quarterback. And I give all that credit to Ryan Kerrigan. He’s done just a heck of a job taking Dante, and once you get past the tackle, control to the quarterback and finish. That’s really what he’s worked with him for a long time and it’s showing. And then the production that Dante’s having. So, that’s all Ryan right there.”

That’s high praise for the beloved Kerrigan. Consider that Fowler has been with Quinn for years, dating back to when he was a college player at Florida. He’s been with Whitt since 2020. They know him well and recognize that it was Kerrigan who helped Fowler take another step in his career at 30 years old.

Some coaches make it in the coaching world because of their name and who they know. Kerrigan isn’t the type to rest on his name. After a terrific playing career, the future is even brighter for the 36-year-old Kerrigan in the next phase of his football career.

 

Tug of war between Cowboys, Commanders as Quinn pulls, poaches

Quinn’s desire to bring over a bunch of familiar names at his new digs was met with some level of resistance by Dallas. | From @BenGrimaldi

The Dallas Cowboys finally lost defensive coordinator Dan Quinn to a head coaching job after fending off suitors for two offseasons. Quinn did a great job turning around a defense that was one of the worst in franchise history and was rewarded for his three years of service by getting one of the top 32 gigs in professional football.

Unfortunately, the coaching job he took was with the Washington Commanders. As NFC East rivals, the Commanders and Cowboys have a long history of feuds and hatred between the two iconic organizations, and Quinn’s hiring appears to be stoking the flames once again.

Quinn’s hiring meant he was going to try and bring along coaches he’s worked with in the past, which includes several position coaches in Dallas. Since Quinn’s been the head man with the Commanders, there’s been a healthy amount of tug of war between the two teams involving their coaches.

Here’s who’s gone, who might go, and who hasn’t been allowed to go with Mr. Quinn to Washington.

11 candidates for Cowboys vacant defensive coordinator position

The Cowboys are in need of fresh perspective in the defensive coordinator role, but it may be a difficult fill. 11 candidates, both internal and external. | From @KDDrummondNFL

The Cowboys are in a unique situation now. They are going to have to find a new defensive coordinator after the departure of Dan Quinn. Quinn became Washington’s new head coach, and will have a playground to work with that includes $63 million in cap space and the No. 2 overall selection in a QB-heavy draft class.

That Dallas needs to replace a coordinator isn’t a big deal. The fact that their head coach is going into the final year of his contract without an extension is what makes things difficult. Defensive assistants in positive environments, or with a bunch of opportunities, might hesitate to pack up their lives (and families) for what might be a one-and-done.

On the other hand, veteran defensive minds might look at this as an opportunity to audition for one of the most famous sports jobs in America. Theoretically, a coach with experience would be in line to be at worst an interim hire should things go bad for Mike McCarthy’s offense and an in-season firing happened. They’d at least get consideration for the gig were Dallas to move on from McCarthy at the end of the 2024 season.

And if there’s success? Then the DC would be in running for head coach job elsewhere in 2025. With that in mind, here’s a collection of names —both internal and external —that could be on Jerry Jones and company’s radar as the interview process convenes.

2 defensive assistants represent Cowboys at NFL’s Coach Accelerator program

Aden Durde and Joe Whitt, Jr. are taking part in the NFL’s weekend to boost the visibility of qualified candidates for bigger positions. | From @KDDrummondNFL

The Dallas Cowboys are sending two representatives to the NFL’s league meetings to participate in the Coach Accelerator program next week. The program is an attempt by the NFL to increase the diversity of the head coaching ranks. While the league has made strides over several decades in breaking down the barrier Black quarterbacks have run up against, representation in head coaching and top front office jobs still lag woefully behind.

Starting in 2022, the league began using the Spring league meetings as an opportunity to place promising assistants in front of team owners to increase exposure and familiarity. The attempt is to break the cycle of having the same names continuously passed around among league brass.

The NFL has fallen woefully behind in rewarding capable Black, women and POC candidates over the years. In a league that hires from within their ranks of former players, only three of 32 head coaches identify as Black in Pittsburgh’s Mike Tomlin, Tampa Bay’s Todd Bowles and Houston’s DeMeco Ryans. Miami coach Mike McDaniel has publicly stated he identifies as a human being. New York Jets head coach Robert Saleh is Lebanese, and that is the extent of the NFL’s minority coaches in a league where the majority of the players are just that.

The Dallas Cowboys are one of 13 NFL teams who have never had a Black head coach, 40%. They’ve only had one Black offensive coordinator in Maurice Carthon who coached under Bill Parcells. Brian Stewart is the only Black defensive coordinator in team history. The club has never had a Black general manager either, though that role will seemingly never leave the Jones’ families clutches.

Will McClay is part of the team management picture with a huge role as the director of personnel, but his job does not include the financial component that is under the purview of the general manager.

The Accelerator program also has a front-office component but that list has not been made public as of yet. 40 participants were invited to this year’s coaches program.

Ranking defensive coordinator candidates the Cowboys could target if Dan Quinn departs

There remains a chance that Dallas has to look for a new leader for their defense. We look at in-house and external candidates for the job. | From @KDDrummondNFL

At some point over the next several weeks, the Cowboys 2022 season will reach its conclusion. For the millions on millions of fans across the world, that hopefully doesn’t happen without a Lombardi hoisting after the final whistle, but the end will happen in some manner.  Whether or not that will be Dan Quinn’s last game as Cowboys’ defensive coordinator or not remains to be seen.

The former Atlanta Falcons head coach immediately landed back on the radar after Dallas led the league in forced turnovers in 2021. Well, they did the unthinkable (to most) and led the league a second year in a row. That level of sustained excellence is rare, and after his back-to-back No. 1-rated defenses in Seattle led to the Falcons gig, he’s already on some teams’ list for their 2023 head coaching vacancies.

There are five current openings in the NFL and it’s not out of the question for a team to dismiss their head coach after an early playoff exit. The Denver Broncos have already asked permission to interview Quinn, and others could ask as well. If he does take a job, there’s a plethora of talent awaiting the next guy. Who are the top candidates? Here’s a list we’ve compiled for consideration.

Report: Dan Quinn was first to interview for Cowboys’ vacant DC role

A third candidate has emerged for the Cowboys’ opening, and it turns out he was the first to be looked into.

Fans of the Dallas Cowboys have been less than enamored with the first two names publicly associated with the search for a replacement for disposed of defensive coordinator Mike Nolan. Late last week it was revealed that Atlanta Falcons secondary coach Joe Whitt, Jr. was set to interview for the role on Sunday, which he did. Also interviewing for the role was Jason Simmons, who held a similar role with the Carolina Panthers.

Both men spent several years working with head coach Mike McCarthy in Green Bay. However neither was actually the first to interview for the role. It turns out, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, a much more well known candidate had first dibs. Former Falcons’ head coach and Seattle Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn had the first interview, on Saturday.

Quinn was fired from the Falcons this season after an 0-5 start, which included multiple big blown leads, including the infamous Week 2 Watermelon kick game against the Cowboys, which Dallas somehow won 40-39.

Quinn ended his Falcons’ tenure with a 43-42 overall record. His club only finished in the Top 10 in yards and scoring once, his third season in 2017 when they finished 9th in yards and 8th in scoring. His first year they finished 16th and 14th respectively, and each other season they toiled in the 20s. His one year of calling plays, 2019, was his best ranking of his final five seasons, being 23rd in points and 20th in yards.

It was his time as coordinator with Seattle he hangs his hat on. In both years (2013, 2014) the club finished first in both yards and points allowed.

Those were the middle two seasons of four-straight campaigns of leading the league in scoring defense; in other words he took over a top program, maintained it, and then saw them continue to be on top without him.

Dallas’ search seems to be casting a wide net. They also relieved defensive line coach Jim Tomsula of his duties, but as of now no potential replacements have surfaced nor have other position coaches been let go.

It is likely that a new defensive coordinator will have the ability to choose from the remaining coaches if he wants to retain them. That list includes secondary coaches Al Harris and Maurice Linguist and linebackers’ coach Scott McCurley. Harris and McCurley both have ties with McCarthy from Green Bay as well.

Dallas finished the 2020 season ranked 29th in points allowed and 23rd in yards. The 473 yards allowed was the worst in franchise history by over two points a game.

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ICYMI: Cowboys fire some staff in season aftermath, search for path to glory

The latest Dallas Cowboys news and notes: Nolan and Tomsula were fired, potential replacements are already being interviewed, and more.

The Dallas Cowboys season came to an abrupt end last Sunday, and now it is time to look forward to the offseason. Dak Prescott is recovering well from his injury. Amari Cooper had a “clean-up” procedure on his injured ankle, but should definitely be good-to-go for 2021.

Dallas waited no time after the season to make the coaching changes that the front office deemed necessary. This week, the Cowboys fired defensive coordinator Mike Nolan, as well as defensive line coach Jim Tomsula. Both coaches spent just a year in Dallas, and potential replacements are already set to be interviewed.

The Cowboys have so many decisions to make regarding free agents, it is impossible to tell which direction the front office will head with the personnel. There may be some positions that are actually worse off than they seem today for Dallas, including left tackle should Tyron Smith’s health continue to be a problem. Plus, what really means the most to Jerry Jones, building his brand, or winning football games?

Cowboys to have first DC interview Sunday, Joe Whitt, Jr.

After firing defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and line coach Jim Tomsula on Friday, the Dallas Cowboys are waiting no time in searching for their replacements. The organization has already lined up their first external interview. Joe Whitt, Jr., …

After firing defensive coordinator Mike Nolan and line coach Jim Tomsula on Friday, the Dallas Cowboys are waiting no time in searching for their replacements. The organization has already lined up their first external interview.

Joe Whitt, Jr., most recently defensive backs coach for the Atlanta Falcons, will interview for the position on Sunday.

As stated, Whitt worked with head coach Mike McCarthy in Green Bay. The 42-year old former cornerback was the Packers quality control coach in 2008, then ascended to their DB coach from 2009 through 2017. He was Mccarthy’s defensive passing game coordinator in 2018 before the entire staff was let go.

He held the same title in Cleveland for one year, and then that staff was let go. In 2020 with the Falcons he stayed on after Dan Quinn was fired and Raheem Morris moved up to interim head coach.

In his time as a coach, Whitt had seen several of his players make the Pro Bowl, including Charles Woodson, Tramon Williams, Sam Shields and Ha Ha Clinton-Dix.

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VIDEO: Falcons DBs go through tipped pass drill in practice

The Atlanta Falcons brought in defensive backs coach Joe Whitt in the offseason and the early returns on the former Browns and Packers secondary specialist are very good.

The Atlanta Falcons brought in defensive backs coach Joe Whitt during the offseason and the early returns on the former Browns and Packers secondary specialist have been very good.

Falcons head coach Dan Quinn said Whitt’s impact was noticeable right away. The team’s young corners, including third-year DB Isaiah Oliver, have noticed it as well. Oliver claimed Whitt was one of the smartest coaches he’s been around just a few days into camp.

ESPN’s Vaughn McClure shared a video on Twitter from Monday’s practice which shows Whitt running the defensive backs through a tipped pass drill. Check it out below.

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Dan Quinn praises Falcons secondary coach Joe Whitt

The Atlanta Falcons kept the majority of their coaching staff intact after last season’s 7-9 finish. One addition the team did make, however, was secondary coach Joe Whitt. 

The Atlanta Falcons kept the majority of their coaching staff intact after last season’s 7-9 finish. One change the team did make, however, was the addition of secondary coach Joe Whitt.

After spending the 2007 season as an assistant defensive backs coach for the Falcons, Whitt spent ten years coaching the Packers’ defensive backs before a one-year pit stop in Cleveland during 2019 as the Browns secondary coach and passing game coordinator.

Atlanta head coach Dan Quinn brought Whitt aboard during the offseason and the move is already paying off. As tweeted by beat reporter Kelsey Conway below, Quinn raved about Whitt’s early impact on the team’s young secondary.

Quinn said Whitt has been one of the Falcons’ most valuable offseason additions, which couldn’t come at a better time as the team enters the year with very little experience at cornerback beyond Darqueze Denanrd.

Atlanta drafted Clemson’s A.J. Terrell in the first round and the rookie could potentially start this season. Meanwhile, Kendall Sheffield and Isaiah Oliver return, but have just three years of NFL experience between them.

Oliver gave Whitt some serous praise as well, per ESPN’s Vaughn McClure.

Defensive coordinator Raheem Morris will have his work cut out for him this season, but it sounds like the team is off to a great start under Whitt’s direction. Stay tuned for more news coming out of the Falcons’ Wednesday training camp practice.

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