The Washington Commanders have their new defensive coordinator - and it’s a name that’s been gaining traction around the league. On Monday night, the team finalized a deal with Daronte Jones, who most recently served as the Minnesota Vikings’ defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator.
Jones, 47, was the ninth and final candidate to interview for the job, and after meeting with the Commanders over the weekend, he quickly emerged as the top choice to lead Dan Quinn’s defense heading into 2026. It’s a significant hire for a team looking to reshape its identity on that side of the ball.
Jones has spent the past four seasons with the Vikings, first stepping in as the defensive backs coach in 2022. By 2023, he’d earned a promotion to passing game coordinator - a nod to his growing influence in Minnesota’s defensive scheme.
Under Brian Flores, the Vikings defense took notable strides, and Jones played a key role in that evolution, especially in the secondary. His work with the defensive backs was widely respected, and his schematic input helped elevate a unit that had struggled in previous seasons.
This offseason, Jones was a coach in demand. Washington marked his fifth known interview, and he was viewed by many around the league as the frontrunner to take over in Minnesota if Flores had landed a head coaching job. That kind of buzz doesn’t come from nowhere - Jones is seen as a sharp defensive mind with a strong rapport with players and a knack for maximizing talent in the secondary.
In Washington, he’ll take over for Joe Whitt Jr., who was let go earlier this month after two seasons as the Commanders’ defensive coordinator. That move signaled a desire for a fresh approach, and Jones brings both familiarity with modern defensive concepts and a track record of development.
The hire also gives Dan Quinn someone who understands how to operate within aggressive, adaptable defensive systems. Jones has worked under both Flores and other respected defensive minds, and his experience in tailoring coverage schemes to fit personnel will be crucial as the Commanders look to rebuild a unit that’s been inconsistent in recent years.
As for the reaction? While you’re never going to please every corner of the fan base, early signs suggest many Commanders fans are on board with the move. On social media, there’s been a wave of optimism, with fans pointing to Jones’ work in Minnesota and his reputation for player development as reasons to believe this defense could be on the rise.
The NFL coaching carousel is always a whirlwind, but this hire feels calculated - not rushed. With Quinn at the helm and Jones now in charge of the defense, Washington is betting on experience, upside, and a fresh voice to help turn things around.