The Washington Commanders interviewed Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin for their vacancy, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. Austin is the eighth candidate to be interviewed for the job. Austin joins the following list of candidates to replace Joe Whitt, Jr., fired on January 6:
Dennard Wilson, ex-Titans DC
Al Harris, Bears DBs/pass game
Karl Scott, Seahawks DBs coach
Brian Flores, Vikings DC
Joe Cullen, Chiefs DL coach
Jonathan Gannon, ex-Cardinals HC
Patrick Graham, Raiders DC
Pittsburgh DC Teryl Austin Becomes the Latest Interviewee to Fill DC Opening
Austin began his NFL career as a defensive backs coach from 2003-2013 (Seattle Seahawks, Arizona Cardinals, and Baltimore Ravens), with a one-year sojourn to coordinate the defense at the University of Florida. In 2014, Austin served as the defensive backs coach for the Detroit Lions and Cincinnati Bengals before finding a home in Pittsburgh as a senior assistant/secondary coach, a nine-year stint being in control of defenses.
From there, he took complete control in 2020. Despite the Steelers parting ways with head coach Mike Tomlin, Austin is technically still the defensive coordinator.
GettyPittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin
Austin’s Scheme Delivered Mixed Results During His Time in Pittsburgh
With Austin, Commanders fans could see their team deal with a defense that looks like a contradiction in terms. First, the Steelers, under Austin’s tutelage, ranked mostly in the Top 10 in points allowed. At the same time, the defense surrendered a fair amount of yardage, no more so than in 2025.
His group allowed the seventh-most in the league. Austin’s defense is predicated upon speed and quickness over brute force and strength. Plus, linebackers tend to thrive in the scheme. In fact, three different linebackers (Myles Jack, Elandon Roberts, Patrick Queen) lead the team in tackles. That suggests Austin’s scheme can succeed regardless of which linebacker plays in the middle of the field.
GettyPittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen tackles Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tuiasosopo during a November 15, 2025 game.
Defensive Liabilities in 2025 Need Attention
In perusing the stats, the Commanders struggled in various areas, leading to a 5-12 defense. Missed tackles became an issue that seemed to last all season. While linebacker Frankie Luvu tallied 86 tackles, he missed 18 of them. Those missed opportunities led to sustained drives and touchdowns, putting the Washington offense at a disadvantage. With a player like Luvu, who has such a high level of activity, missing tackles changes the defensive approach.
GettyWashington Commanders linebackers Frankie Luvu misses a tackle during a November 30, 2025 game.
Coverage under Whitt also seemed to suffer. Two players, cornerback Mike Sainristil and safety Quan Martin, combined to allow 70% of opponent completions and nine touchdowns. For a defense that allowed 33 passing touchdowns, two players with almost half of them probably caused concern with head coach Dan Quinn.
GettyWashington Commanders defensive back Mike Sainristil cannot catch up to Las Vegas Raiders wide receiver Tre Tucker during a September 21, 2025 game.
Fans Appear Negative Regarding the Potential of Austin Hiring
The fanbase has expressed reservations about Austin joining Washington.
Again, I just threw up in my mouth. He was beyond terrible with Pitt D that had 180M in contracts
— Adam Hanasky (@CPugh2015) January 23, 2026
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“Again, I just threw up in my mouth. He was beyond terrible with Pitt D that had 180M in contracts.”
As mentioned, Austin isn’t without his detractors. In his four seasons with Pittsburgh, the defense allowed fewer than 340 points just once. Moreover, the amount of money the franchise spent on defense in 2025 did not equate to a better season from Austin’s unit. According to Spotrac, the Steelers spent $268,771,691 in cap space for the entire team last year. Of that $133.9 million went towards the defense. The Commanders will continue to sift through candidates to find the best fit for their defense.
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