Nov 9, 2025; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn walks on the sidelines prior a game against the Detroit Lions at Northwest Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Peter Casey-Imagn Images

Amid the Commanders' defensive struggles, head coach Dan Quinn has decided to get more involved on that side of the ball.

On Monday, Quinn announced he would assume play-calling duties for the organization. Quinn replaced defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. in the role and described the current defensive situation as requiring some role-shifting on the coaching staff.

"When something's not working, we shift from the question of why isn't it working to what do we need to do to get it right? Right now, that'll call for some change," Quinn said. "I'll take over the role as the defensive coordinator and all that entails. Joe's been my right-hand man for years and took the news like the pro he is. As a defensive staff, including Joe, we're all consumed by getting it right, and that's exactly what we intend to do."

The move comes as the Commanders gave up 44 points to the Detroit Lions on Sunday in a loss that dropped the franchise to 3-7. Washington's defense is giving up the third-most yards to opposing offenses in the league this year. Quinn, meanwhile, is no stranger to running a defense – he has served as the defensive coordinator for both the Cowboys and the Seahawks during his NFL coaching career, and was the mastermind behind Seattle's infamous 'Legion of Boom' from 2013-2014.

Whitt will remain on staff alongside Quinn, but will relinquish play-calling responsibilities and is expected to serve more as an assistant to the overall game-planning and play-calling process. Quinn, meanwhile, will try to rekindle the spark the two had in a similar role in Dallas before being hired by the Commanders last season.

"Joe and I have got a great vibe together. We've worked together through our time in Dallas, and we'll lean back into that space where he'll help me along the way and all that leads up into the game and calling it," Quinn said.

This article originally appeared on Touchdown Wire: Commanders head coach Dan Quinn says fixing the defense will 'Call for some change'

Reporting by Joe Smith, Touchdown Wire / Touchdown Wire

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