Change is coming to Washington, and it’s coming fast. With Dan Quinn now steering the ship, the Commanders are entering a new era-one that prizes results over sentiment. And while Quinn is known for his loyalty and respect for those who’ve poured themselves into the game, he also understands that building a contender sometimes means making tough, even painful, decisions.
Nowhere is that more evident than on the defensive side of the ball, where newly hired coordinator Daronte Jones is already putting his stamp on the unit. According to reports, Jones is actively looking to bring in a coach specifically to oversee the front seven, with a clear emphasis on reviving Washington’s pass rush-a part of the defense that’s been sorely lacking in recent seasons.
That search for new leadership up front could mean a significant shakeup, and one name that’s suddenly in the spotlight is Ryan Kerrigan.
Kerrigan, a franchise icon and current assistant linebackers coach and pass-rush specialist, was one of the few holdovers from the previous regime. He’s a fan favorite, a locker room presence, and a former Pro Bowler who racked up 95.5 sacks during a stellar playing career in Washington. His transition to coaching began under Ron Rivera in 2022, and he’s been a constant on the sideline ever since.
But in the NFL, past accolades don’t guarantee future roles-especially when the results haven’t been there. And the Commanders’ pass rush has, frankly, fallen short.
Yes, the personnel took a hit when the team traded away Chase Young and Montez Sweat, but coaching still plays a role. The expectation is to maximize what’s available, and that just hasn’t happened.
So now, Jones is tasked with turning things around. And that likely means bringing in someone with a fresh approach to leading the front seven.
That doesn’t necessarily spell the end for Kerrigan in Washington, but it does raise real questions about his future with the team. Will he be part of the new defensive vision?
Or will he be a casualty of the Commanders’ push to reset their identity on that side of the ball?
It’s a delicate balance. On one hand, Kerrigan is woven into the fabric of the franchise.
He was a first-round pick in 2011, a four-time Pro Bowler, and a model of consistency during his playing days. On the other, the defense needs to evolve-and evolve quickly-if Washington wants to compete in a division that features some of the most dynamic offenses in the league.
Jones, for his part, will likely have a candid conversation with Kerrigan in the coming days. Maybe there’s a role for him in the revamped staff.
Maybe there isn’t. But either way, this is the kind of moment that defines a new regime: decisions that blend respect for the past with a clear-eyed vision for the future.
For now, the defensive staff remains in flux. But one thing is clear-Washington is serious about reshaping its defense, and no one, not even a franchise legend, is immune from that process.