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Commanders Finalizing Deal to Hire Vikings Assistant Daronte Jones as Defensive Coordinator

The hire caps a broad search to replace Joe Whitt Jr. following a last-place defensive season.

Overview

  • Multiple outlets report Washington is nearing agreement with Minnesota pass-game coordinator and defensive backs coach Daronte Jones to lead its defense.
  • It is undetermined who will call plays on defense after Dan Quinn assumed that role midseason in 2025.
  • Washington went 5-12 in 2025 with a unit that ranked last in yards allowed and 27th in points, leading to Joe Whitt Jr.’s dismissal.
  • Jones, 47, worked under Brian Flores in Minnesota, interviewed with at least five teams this cycle, and previously called plays during his 2021 season as LSU’s defensive coordinator.
  • With David Blough promoted to offensive coordinator, the Commanders enter 2026 with first-time NFL coordinators on both sides of the ball.