The Washington Commanders hosted their own press conference the day after Mike Zimmer was named defensive coordinator by the Dallas Cowboys. Joe Whitt Jr., a former Cowboys secondary coach and pass-game coordinator, was named the D.C. defensive coordinator by head coach Dan Quinn. The two had to face their former teammates twice a season after leaving Dallas to accept promotions within the division. Some have questioned Whitt’s departure, questioning why he ever left at all given that he is known to have “dreamed” of working with “The Star.”
Whitt discussed his choice to accompany Quinn to Washington at the press conference, as well as what supporters may anticipate from his defence. The opportunity to carry on working with Quinn, the guy, instead than the coach, appears to have been the most important consideration.
Whitt remarked, “He’s just the best human being I’ve been around in football.” “Remove the football aspect from it. He used to write my kids handwritten notes when I relocated to Atlanta. Never have I had a coach act in that way.That’s the kind of guy that this is. I’m all in, then. Building staffs requires relationships, so Whitt jumped at the chance to finally work as an NFL defensive coordinator. Prior to entering the NFL in 2007, he started his coaching career. In 2020, he would return there under Quinn. The majority of his coaching career was dedicated to serving the Green Bay Packers. Before taking over as head coach Mike McCarthy’s cornerback coach in 2008, he was employed as a defensive quality control coach.
Why not remain in Dallas then? Whitt was given employment stability by Quinn that McCarthy, whom he subsequently followed to Dallas, most likely was not able to provide. Many predict that McCarthy will leave the Cowboys if a deep playoff run isn’t in the cards and that he is about to enter a lame-duck season. If all goes according to plan in Washington, Whitt should be able to hold down his position for a number of seasons.
