The Washington Commanders are searching for answers on offense, but the direction of the defense improved this season. The Commanders finished the 2022-23 season with a third-ranked defense in yards allowed and sixth in points allowed. A huge part of their success was the secondary, and now the defensive back coach Chris Harris is garnering attention from other teams.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Tennessee Titans have requested permission to speak with Harris for a position on head coach Mike Vrabel’s defensive staff. Fowler adds the position could be defensive back and/or pass-game coordinator. Harris is a candidate to receive interest for defensive coordinator around the league.
The Titans allowed a league-high 274.8 passing yards per game this season.
Harris has been in coaching for nine seasons, starting as a quality control coach with the Chicago Bears in 2013. He spent four seasons as an assistant defensive backs coach with the Los Angeles Chargers before joining the Commanders in 2020 with head coach Ron Rivera.
The Commanders secondary has played well in three seasons under Harris. The development of young safeties, Kamren Curl and Darrick Forrest highlight the work Harris has done. Cornerback Benjamin St-Juste has also developed under Harris. The Commanders finished fourth in passing yards allowed this season.
Harris is deserving of a promotion, but it’s unlikely to come in Washington. Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio bounced back after a setback second season in 2021. The coaching staff could be in a lame-duck season in 2023. The Commanders may be up for a potential sale. A new owner may lead to a change in head coach and general manager, placing uncertainty on everyone on the coaching staff.
