The Washington Commanders have not held a good reputation within their defense the past few years. New defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. is looking to turn things around.
Between the offseason acquisitions and some coaching changes along the way, the Commanders are looking to revamp their defense for the 2024 season.
Everything You Need To Know About Washington Commanders Defensive Coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
Whitt Jr. was born in 1978 in Auburn, Alabama. His passion for football emerged early, and he played college football as a wide receiver at the University of Auburn. After completing his college career, Whitt transitioned to coaching, starting as a graduate assistant at the University of Auburn.
Then, in 2003 Whitt was hired as a cornerbacks coach and recruiting coordinator for the University of Louisville.
From there, his career as an NFL coach began. Whitt climbed the coaching ladder through multiple franchises, taking a defensive backs coaching position with the Atlanta Falcons in 2007 as his first pro job.
From Atlanta, he transitioned to the Green Bay Packers, where he stayed from 2008-2017, mainly as a cornerbacks coach. One year later, in 2018, the Packers promoted him to passing game coordinator.
Whitt’s tenure with the Packers was marked by his role in developing a strong secondary and contributing to the team’s Super Bowl XLV victory. His coaching was instrumental in the growth of key defensive players and the implementation of effective defensive strategies, which opened the doors for Whitt to receive interest from other franchises.
Whitt took the same position with the Cleveland Browns in 2019, and then, one year later, he returned to Atlanta to rejoin the Falcons as their passing coordinator. After just a year there, Whitt once again packed up and headed to yet another NFL team. This time, he accepted the Dallas Cowboys’ passing coordinator position, and he stayed there until the end of the 2023 season.
He was offered his first defensive coordinator job by the Washington Commanders early this year.
How Long Has Whitt Been the Commanders’ Defensive Coordinator?
The Commanders appointed Whitt as their defensive coordinator in Feb. 2024. Heading into his first season as the new DC, Whitt has plenty of NFL coaching experience under his belt.
Whitt’s impact on the Commanders has already been reportedly significant, with early indications suggesting improvements in defensive performance and efficiency.
His experience and innovative strategies are expected to enhance the Commanders’ defensive unit and contribute to the team’s overall success.
Who Was the Defensive Coordinator Before Whitt?
Before Whitt’s arrival, Jack Del Rio held the Commanders’ defensive coordinator role. Del Rio’s tenure saw several ups and downs, with mixed defensive performance results.
The transition to Whitt represents a shift towards a fresh defensive philosophy aimed at revitalizing the unit. Whitt’s leadership as the defensive coordinator for the Commanders brings a new dimension to their defensive strategy.
With his proven track record and innovative approach, Whitt is set to play a crucial role in enhancing the Commanders’ defensive capabilities and driving their success in the 2024 season.
As the team prepares for the challenges ahead, Whitt’s expertise will be key in shaping their defensive identity.