Commanders are stuck in waiting game while other dominoes fall for top defensive coordinator candidates

Originally posted on A to Z Sports | By Josh Taylor | Last updated Jan 21, 2026 6:29 PM ET

The Washington Commanders' search for their new defensive coordinator continues, although it has been very quiet over the last week.

It took no time for the team to promote David Blough as the new offensive coordinator, but head coach Dan Quinn is patiently looking at every possibility for the next defensive coordinator to improve the disaster on defense.

After interviewing top candidates such as Brian Flores and Jonathan Gannon, things have gone radio silent, and it seems the Commanders may have to wait for their next target.

The Commanders will have to wait for Raheem Morris

Everyone assumed that former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris would be a top candidate with his connection to Quinn, but the Commanders haven't even requested to interview him yet. Morris has been keeping his options open, and according to reports, he's playing the waiting game for a potential new head coaching opportunity before he considers a defensive coordinator job.

Raheem Morris is waiting out head coaching chances - he’s involved in Arizona search - but is expected to have multiple defensive coordinator looks should he not get a head job, per sources.

Morris has close ties to Kyle Shanahan (SF), Matt LaFleur (GB) and Dan Quinn (WSH). pic.twitter.com/l6oVmbl1MY
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 21, 2026

Washington won't be his only opportunity, with the Arizona Cardinals' job still open, and his previous ties to other teams with defensive coordinator openings. Morris could go to the San Francisco 49ers with Robert Saleh going to the Tennessee Titans, or the Green Bay Packers with Jeff Hafley going to the Miami Dolphins. There's no timetable for how long the Commanders would have to wait for Morris, as we wait for other opportunities to fall in place. He's not the only one, however, with another top candidate still in the playoffs.

The Commanders also have to wait for Karl Scott while he chases a Super Bowl

The Commanders already interviewed Karl Scott, who is the defensive passing game coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks and one of the top up-and-coming defensive coaches.

Washington interviewed Seattle DB coach/pass game coordinator Karl Scott per me and @BradyHenderson for their defensive coordinator opening. He's the only one they've interviewed without prior DC experience. They will meet with Jonathan Gannon Thursday.
— John Keim (@john_keim) January 14, 2026

The Seahawks have been historically great this season, and Scott has been a big part of the secondary that locks down defenses. The one downside, however, is that they keep winning, and the Commanders have to wait for a second interview or to hire him. Teams have to wait until January 26th to contact coaches in the playoffs again, and the rest of the league will continue to make moves in the meantime.

Waiting is hard for fans, and I'm sure the team as well, with a very important hire at stake, but it could also be well worth it. The Seahawks had to wait for Mike Macdonald, and it was well worth the wait. Scott would be a top candidate to target and more appealing than Morris.

This article first appeared on A to Z Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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