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Commanders

Commanders Hire Longtime NFL Coach in an Advisory Role

Steve Wilks, former head coach of the Cardinals, will help with game-planning.

Steve Wilks AP - 25030085537386

Longtime NFL coach Steve Wilks is joining the Commanders in an advisory role. (Scot Tucker/AP)

By Alex Schiffer

October 22, 2026 12:12 p.m.

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The Commanders have brought in an experienced NFL coach to help Dan Quinn and his staff during the week.

Veteran defensive coordinator Steve Wilks joined the organization last week in a game-planning role. The part-time role will see him assist in practice, but not on gamedays. The news was first reported by NFL Network.

The hire has been in the works since before the season began, according to The Athletic. But Wilks officially joins as Washington is struggling to keep its season on track at 1-4-1. The 57-year-old has bounced between the college and NFL ranks throughout his career and was the head coach of the Arizona Cardinals in 2018. He went 3-13 in his lone season there.

He was also the Panthers’ interim coach in 2022 and went 6-6 in that role. In 2023, he served as the defensive coordinator for a 49ers team that reached the Super Bowl. Last year, he was the Jets’ defensive coordinator, but he was fired in December.

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The Commanders are on a bye this week after losing to the 49ers, 23-17, on Monday night. Their next game is Nov. 1 against the Eagles.

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Default image for Washington Sun headshot Alex Schiffer is a reporter at The Washington Sun.

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