The Washington Commanders must now remove Jeff Ulbrich from their list of defensive coordinator candidates. On January 19, the Atlanta Falcons confirmed they are retaining Ulbrich as defensive coordinator. Team owner Arthur Blank discussed the matter with atlantafalcons.com, stating:
“Jeff Ulbrich, in my view, did a really fine job for us this year,” Blank said. “Certainly look at the record of sacks. And just the overall performance of the defense was definitely better than it’s been in the past.”
As a result, Washington finds itself looking for their new defensive coordinator. On January 6, head coach Dan Quinn fired defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. The day before, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and the team went their separate ways. As a result, head coach Dan Quinn will need to hire two new coordinators.
Atlanta Falcons Keep Jeff Ulbrich as DC, Commanders Continue Search
Despite Atlanta finishing 8-9, its defense played a role in the franchise winning five of its last seven games. Throughout the season, the team allowed fewer than 200 passing yards ten times. Atlanta heavily invested in bolstering their pass rush last offseason. They spent two first-round picks on edge rushers Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr. The duo combined for 16 sacks. Meanwhile, 36-year-old Von Miller paced the Commanders with nine.
With Ulbrich no longer available, Washington will shift focus to other candidates. Their recent interview with Minnesota defensive coordinator Brian Flores appears likely to end with Flores remaining with the Vikings, if he doesn’t get a head coaching job. The next candidate under consideration is former Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon. Gannon is reportedly eyeing a coordinator job to restore his reputation after finishing his tenure in Arizona with a 15-36 record.
Gannon utilizes a quarters defense that can feature five players near the line of scrimmage to counter spread offenses. His scheme is adaptable for both 4-3 and 3-4 formations, focusing on the defensive backfield.
GettyFormer Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon surveys field after a December 21, 2025 game.
Scott Brings Secondary Approach to the Field with Passing Game Focus
Another candidate for Washington is Karl Scott, Seattle Seahawks‘ passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach. Seattle allowed just 292 points in 2025, the fewest in the league. Their pass defense excelled, surrendering less than 200 yards 11 times, and only Baker Mayfield in Week 5 and Matthew Stafford in Week 16 surpassed 300 passing yards against them. However, Scott has never called defensive plays, as his focus has been on concepts and position groups rather than overall playcalling.
Only 14.6% of the Seahawks’ defensive drives have ended in a TD
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Graham’s Defenses Center Around Active Linebacker Play
Another coach in the mix is Patrick Graham, formerly of the Las Vegas Raiders, who could fit Quinn’s aggressive approach. Graham, a Bill Belichick disciple, has adapted those teachings into his own system. Known for generating pressure, he prefers to free up linebackers by employing at least two large defensive linemen to fortify the line of scrimmage.
This tactic also prevents guards from engaging linebackers, allowing them to move freely, stuffing the run, blitzing, and dropping back into coverage. Linebacker Devin White exemplified this approach, tallying 174 tackles in 2025, with 95 solo.
GettyFormer Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham fires up his team before a January 5, 2026 game
Washington must address a defense that allowed 26.5 points per game last season. Opponents did not hesitate to attack through the air. Bringing in a new coordinator has the potential to revitalize the defense and restore its ability to close out games, as demonstrated in 2024.
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