Commanders Rumors on DC Search, Raiders' Patrick Graham After Joe Whitt Firing

The Washington Commanders requested an interview with Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham regarding the team's current vacancy for the same role, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Washington fired defensive coordinator Joe Whitt, along with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, on Tuesday.

Graham has served as defensive coordinator of the Raiders since 2022.

He also has defensive coordinator experience with the Miami Dolphins and New York Giants after he opened his NFL coaching career as a defensive assistant on the New England Patriots' staff under Bill Belichick.

While Graham has survived multiple coaching changes throughout his tenure in Las Vegas, his defenses have struggled as of late.

After owning the NFL's No. 9 scoring defense in 2023 by allowing 19.5 points per game, the Raiders have dropped to No. 26 and No. 25 over the past two seasons respectively.

Still, Graham is an experienced option and could work with Commanders head coach Dan Quinn in a collaborative role. Quinn took over defensive play-calling duties for Washington after Week 10 in 2025.

The Commanders may also consider an option such as former Atlanta Falcons head coach Raheem Morris.

According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, "some around the league" wonder if Quinn will consider bringing in Morris as Washington's defensive coordinator after they previously spent time together on the Falcons' coaching staff.

As the Commanders look to bounce back from a 5-12 finish in 2025 after advancing to the NFC Championship Game during their 2024 campaign, Graham appears to be on their radar.