News broke Tuesday that the New York Jets had requested to interview Commanders’ DC Joe Whitt Jr. for their head coach opening.
Less than 24 hours later, John Keim asked Whitt during his weekly press conference about the report and his potential interview for the Jets head coaching position.
Whitt began, “I’m going to be honest with you. I’m not going to try to dodge a question, but my whole focus is on Detroit.”
This was not surprising, actually. Coaches tend to respond with this type of reply to reassure everyone they are devoted to their current position, their current responsibilities, and the next opponent.
However, Whitt’s next sentence caught the attention of many. Whitt didn’t have to offer it, but he did, and he did so with typical Joe Whitt intensity and directness.
“If I put any effort or energy into anything else with this opportunity we have, I’ll be cheating these men. So, that’s the only thing I’m concerned with right now.”
Joe Whitt on if he’s interviewed for the #Jets opening or any other jobs. No surprise at his answer. #Commanders. @WTOP pic.twitter.com/wv6Zb99SmU
— George Wallace (@GWallaceWTOP) January 15, 2025
Whitt’s response resonates with Quinn’s emphasis all season of building, cultivating and preserving a brotherhood, not a neighborhood at the Ashburn facility.
Referring to “cheating these men,” meaning Commanders’ players and coaches, speaks of Whitt feeling the need to not even talk with the Jets right now or anyone else but to remain focused and driven in pursuit of helping the 2024 Commanders.
For his final sentence, Whitt did add, “So, that’s the only thing I’m concerned with right now.” A fair interpretation could be that if we get past Detroit on Saturday, perhaps Whitt would talk with the Jets on Sunday before jumping back in on Monday to begin preparation for the Rams / Eagles winner.
Then again, perhaps Whitt is actually feeling similarly to how offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury replied last week, implying he is happy, for now, to come back to the Commanders for a second season.
Whatever Whitt intended, he is right about one thing: the Detroit offensive line and their skill position players make their offense appear to be virtually unstoppable in 2024.
The Commanders’ defense needs your full effort and energy this week, Joe.
