Just one day after parting ways with defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., the Washington Commanders have already begun the process of finding his replacement.
Washington has requested permission to interview Las Vegas Raiders defensive coordinator Patrick Graham for the vacancy, according to ESPN Senior NFL Insider Adam Schefter. Graham becomes the first known candidate connected to the opening as the Commanders begin what is expected to be an extensive search.
Graham has served as the Raiders’ defensive coordinator since 2022 after previously holding the same role, along with assistant head coach duties, with the New York Giants from 2020–21. Despite Las Vegas finishing the 2025 season with a 3-14 record, Graham’s unit showed signs of competence, allowing 317.8 yards per game, the 14th-fewest in the NFL. The Raiders also ranked 14th against the pass and 17th versus the run.
The lack of team success stemmed largely from offensive struggles, as Las Vegas averaged just 14.2 points per game. Still, Washington had its way with the Raiders when the two teams met in Week 3, posting a season-high 41 points in a 17-point win.
Turnovers remain an area of concern on both sides. The Raiders finished 2025 with 16 total takeaways, eight interceptions and eight fumble recoveries, placing them in the league’s bottom third. Even so, that total marked a notable improvement over Washington’s defense, which managed just 10 takeaways, the second-fewest in the NFL.
Graham’s candidacy highlights the appeal of the Commanders’ opening. Armed with a top-10 draft pick and significant cap space, Washington has the resources to overhaul one of the league’s poorest defenses, a factor that should draw considerable interest as the search for a new defensive coordinator continues.
