Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn is on pace to finish with five or fewer wins for a second consecutive season, making a coaching change in 2027 increasingly likely, according to a Yahoo Sports analysis published on October 30, 2026. General manager Adam Peters may need to preserve his own job by moving on from Quinn, whose previous tenure with the Atlanta Falcons also ended poorly.
Brian Flores, Minnesota Vikings Defensive Coordinator
Flores, who has a class-action lawsuit against the NFL, could find a willing employer in the Commanders under current ownership. He has turned Minnesota's defense around in two years and is innovating defensive schemes that other teams are copying. Flores previously exceeded expectations as Miami Dolphins head coach but would need to prove he can build a strong offensive staff. The presence of franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels makes the job attractive.
Declan Doyle, Baltimore Ravens Offensive Coordinator
The 30-year-old Doyle, in his first play-calling role after working under Ben Johnson with the Chicago Bears, has designed an offense ranking sixth in yards per play (5.9), eighth in EPA per play (0.071), and 11th in yards per drive (33.3) despite Lamar Jackson missing games. His expertise in rushing offenses and screens could mesh well with Daniels' dual-threat ability.
Anthony Campanile, Jacksonville Jaguars Defensive Coordinator
Campanile inherited a bottom-10 defense in 2025 and has since guided the Jaguars to eighth in success rate (42.5%) and fifth in EPA per play (-0.063). His unit generated turnovers at a high rate in 2025 and now produces one of the NFL's highest quick-pressure rates with a four-man rush. The former linebackers coach could also aid the development of safety Sonny Styles.
Drew Petzing, Detroit Lions Offensive Coordinator
Petzing was on Washington's radar during its last coaching search. Under his leadership, Detroit's red-zone touchdown rate has risen from 62.5% to 70.4%, scoring rate from 44.4% to 50.8%, and the offense ranks third in yards per drive (37.5) and points per drive (2.92). His experience with stops in Cleveland, Minnesota, and Arizona gives him a broad network for staff building.
Sean McDermott, Former Buffalo Bills Head Coach
McDermott, who led Buffalo to seven straight double-digit-win seasons and seven consecutive playoff victories, would likely have multiple suitors. His track record with offensive coordinators Brian Daboll and Joe Brady is strong, and Jayden Daniels provides quarterback stability. McDermott could offer the Commanders long-term stability and perennial NFC East contention.
