As the Dallas Cowboys wrap up the end of their bye week, one of the franchise's former coaches was demoted on Monday afternoon. Ari Meirov of the 33rd Team reported that Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn will be taking over play-calling duties from defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., who spent 2021 to 2023 as the Cowboys' pass game coordinator and secondary coach.
Monday's shake-up is a spark change for a Commanders team that is searching for answers amid a disappointing 2025 season, which is something Cowboys fans can relate to, given the drama surrounding DC Matt Eberflus.
Former Cowboys Coach Joe Whitt Jr. Got Demoted on Monday
Following his three years in the Lone Star State, Whitt ended up leaving town to join Quinn's Commanders staff as their defensive coordinator — the first time he's held that title, regardless of whether he was coaching in college or the NFL. Although his unit had a solid performance in 2024, this year's Washington defense hasn't come close to matching that success.
This season, the Commanders' defense is 30th in total yards (394.6), 31st in passing yards (260.2), and 23rd in run defense (134.4). In addition, they are 29th in scoring defense (28.0). They've allowed 38-plus points in three of the last four games, and there didn't seem to be any way to stop that, leading to Whitt's demotion.
The fact that Quinn is deciding to take over the play-calling duties lets you know the temperature in that building right now. The Commanders are 3-7, dropped four straight games, and are without franchise star Jayden Daniels due to a dislocated elbow.
The Commanders are in a tailspin, and Quinn felt the need to take control of that unit. That's not a good sign for Whitt, who is still learning on the job. From the outside looking in, it appears that the role was too big for him, and he didn't have the answers to get them out of this rut.
Washington has a lot of questions to answer over the next eight weeks, and assessing their coaching staff is atop the list. This move may not bode well for Whitt, who could be on the chopping block if the defense keeps trending downward. With this being a disaster of the season, the Commanders will be making changes to their roster and coaching staff in the offseason, no doubt.
If the Commanders' defense finds a way to improve for the remainder of the season, without Dorance Armstrong, Marshon Lattimore, Deatrich Wise Jr., and Will Harris, it'll paint an even worse picture for the ex-Cowboy's outlook.
The Cowboys have their own defensive shortcomings they need to improve over the final eight weeks of the season, but at least the Commanders' struggles should help Dallas fans feel better about their team's situation.