After ending the 2025 season on a disappointing note, the Washington Commanders made a major decision involving their defensive coordinator, Joe Whitt Jr. The Commanders ended the season with a disappointing 5-12 record, where their defense finished 27th with 26.5 points allowed, while ranking last in opposition yards with 384.0. Hence, head coach Dan Quinn has decided to fire Joe Whitt Jr., as reported by Adam Schefter.

Whitt Jr.’s firing was always coming as Dan Quinn, after the Commanders fell to a 3-7 on the season following a loss to the Detroit Lions, took over the defensive play calling, making the announcement hours before the team boarded a flight to Madrid.

“We had a conversation that night after the game, and so I understood it,” Whitt said later that week. “And I expected it. … It’s about winning and playing well, and we haven’t done that. That’s the bottom line.”

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Now, Joe Whitt Jr.’s tenure in Washington comes to an end after two years, which includes their successful 2024 season, where the Commanders finished with a 12-5 record and lost in the NFC Conference Championship against the Philadelphia Eagles.

Now, as Joe Whitt Jr. looks forward to his next coaching opportunity, let’s look back at the defensive coordinator’s contract, salary, NFL earnings & more.

What are Joe Whitt Jr.’s contract details with the Washington Commanders?

The Washington Commanders brought in Joe Whitt Jr.in February 2024 after serving as the secondary/defensive passing game coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys for three seasons (2021-23). However, details about his contract length and his salary haven’t been made public by the Commanders.

In his first season in Washington, Whitt Jr. built a solid defense, which was ranked around 13th in total defense by yards allowed. But since then, the Commanders have fallen from grace as they finished as one of the worst defenses in the 2025 season, leading to his firing.

How much is Joe Whitt Jr.’s salary as the Commanders’ DC?

As reported by Yahoo Sports, the top 10 offensive and defensive coordinators all earn at least $1 million or more. On the defensive side, at least six more coaches beyond the top 10 earn a salary of $1 million, the report further revealed.

Do the Commanders still have to pay Joe Whitt Jr. after firing?

There’s no information available about Joe Whitt Jr.’s contract with the Washington Commanders, so it can’t be confirmed or denied whether the franchise still has to pay him.

As the end of the 2025 regular season continues to bring out new firings every day, it will be interesting to see which coach or team official is next on the hot seat while the fans wait for the start of the playoffs.