With the Washington Commanders mired in a disappointing 1-4-1 start, head coach Dan Quinn is making a quiet but significant addition to his coaching staff—one that might raise eyebrows given the team's current struggles.
According to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo, the Commanders are bringing in Steve Wilks to assist defensive coordinator Daronte Jones. The move, reportedly in the works for weeks, comes as Washington heads into its bye week after a 23-17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. Wilks, who has been with the team since last week, will focus on game planning and won't travel on game days.
The timing is telling. The Commanders' defense has been gashed through the air, surrendering nearly 600 passing yards over the last two games alone. With the NFC East still up for grabs, Quinn is hoping Wilks's experience can help stabilize a secondary that has been a glaring weak point.
Wilks, 57, brings a wealth of knowledge from stints with the Bears, Chargers, Panthers, Cardinals, Browns, 49ers, and Jets over the past two decades. He previously served as a head coach for the Arizona Cardinals and as an interim coach for the Carolina Panthers, where he earned praise for his leadership. His addition is a low-risk, high-reward move for a team searching for answers.
The decision to hire Wilks was made before Monday's loss, indicating that Quinn and the front office saw a need for reinforcement even during a stretch where the team showed fight. The Commanders have been competitive in most games, but a Week 5 tie with the Giants and a lack of consistency have left them in the cellar of the NFC East.
Quinn's first season in Washington was a revelation, as he guided the team to a 12-5 record and an appearance in the NFC Championship Game. But the follow-up campaign was a letdown, with the squad finishing 5-12. Now, with the team struggling again, questions about his long-term future are beginning to surface.
However, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, a mid-season firing is unlikely. "It's clear he did not lose the locker room. Josh Harris doesn't like firing a coach mid-season," Rapoport said. "It seems like based on this effort on the field, Dan Quinn is going to stick around for the foreseeable future. The long-term future is still in question."
The Commanders will have time to regroup during the bye, and the addition of Wilks could provide a spark. But with the NFC East showing signs of competitiveness, every game from here on out carries weight. Washington's next test comes against a division rival, and the pressure is mounting.
For now, Quinn is focused on shoring up his defense and getting the season back on track. The hire of Wilks is a clear signal that he's not willing to let the year spiral. Whether it's enough to save his job remains to be seen, but the immediate focus is on finding a way to win.
As the Commanders navigate this critical stretch, the front office's patience will be tested. But with a veteran presence like Wilks in the building, there's at least a sense that the team is trying to fix its issues rather than wait for a miracle.
