The Washington Commanders hired Daronte Jones as their new defensive coordinator to revamp a struggling defense.

Following a 5-12 campaign in which the defense finished last in total yards allowed and 27th in points allowed, the Washington Commanders are appointing Daronte Jones, the defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, as their new defensive coordinator in place of Joe Whitt Jr. Jones, a 47-year-old with more than 25 years of coaching experience, worked with elite NFL coaches and was the defensive coordinator at LSU. Despite the fact that he has no prior NFL play-calling experience, his hiring represents a significant step in the team's attempt to rebuild a struggling defense. The action is taken as the Commanders, led by head coach Dan Quinn, get ready for the 2026 campaign.