The Washington Commanders have found their new defensive coordinator, and it’s a name that brings both experience and local ties: Daronte Jones. After a three-week search that included nine interviews, the Commanders landed on the former Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator. And they didn’t waste time once they made their decision-Jones was quickly locked in after his interview.
At 47, Jones brings nearly a decade of NFL coaching experience to Washington, with previous stops in Miami and Cincinnati before his most recent stint in Minnesota. But beyond the résumé, there’s a compelling story here-a coach who's climbed the ladder the hard way, shaped by some of the league’s most respected defensive minds and molded by the challenges he’s faced along the way.
Coming Home to the DMV
This isn’t just another job for Jones-it’s a homecoming. Born in Capitol Heights, Maryland, and a product of Bishop McNamara High School in Forestville, Jones grew up just a short drive from where the Commanders play.
After a college playing career that began at Temple and ended at Morgan State due to injuries, Jones transitioned into coaching. Now, he returns to lead the defense of his hometown team-a full-circle moment that adds a layer of meaning to this hire.
Mentored by the Best
One of the most intriguing aspects of Jones’ background is the coaching tree he comes from. Over the years, he’s worked under some of the NFL’s sharpest defensive minds-names like Brian Flores, Vance Joseph, Marvin Lewis, and Mike Zimmer.
In Minnesota, Jones spent the past three seasons working alongside Flores, who’s widely regarded as one of the top defensive strategists in the league. Before that, he was with the Dolphins in 2016 under Vance Joseph, who would go on to orchestrate the league’s top defense in Denver in 2025. Jones also coached under Marvin Lewis in Cincinnati and spent time with Mike Zimmer during his first stint with the Vikings in 2020.
What do all of these coaches have in common? An aggressive, attack-first defensive philosophy. That mindset has clearly rubbed off on Jones, and it’s something he’ll look to bring to Washington.
Been There, Called That
This won’t be Jones’ first time running a defense. In 2021, he was tapped by Ed Orgeron to be LSU’s defensive coordinator.
It was a tough situation-Orgeron was dismissed midway through the season, and Jones didn’t return the following year. But the experience of calling plays at a major college program, under the pressure of SEC football, gave him valuable reps that he’ll now carry into his role with the Commanders.
Results in Minnesota Speak Volumes
While Flores was the face of Minnesota’s defensive resurgence, Jones’ fingerprints were all over the Vikings’ secondary. The 2024 numbers back that up:
- NFL leader in interceptions (24)
- NFL leader in passes defensed (95)
- Top 5 in takeaways (33, tied for 1st)
- Second in run defense (93.5 yards/game)
- Second in opponent scoring efficiency (31.6%)
- Interceptions per attempt: 3.8%
- Fourth-down stops: 37.1% conversion rate allowed
Those aren’t just solid stats-they’re game-changing numbers. And they reflect a defense that didn’t just sit back and react.
They attacked, disrupted, and forced turnovers. That’s exactly the kind of identity Washington’s defense has been missing.
Turnovers Aren’t Just Talk
In Washington, fans have heard all the slogans before. “Ball is life” was the mantra under former DC Joe Whitt Jr., but the results didn’t match the message. With Jones, there’s a difference-his defenses don’t just talk about turnovers, they create them.
He’s hands-on, detailed, and relentless when it comes to teaching the art of taking the ball away. Whether it’s technique, positioning, or mindset, Jones drills it into his players. And when you look at the Vikings’ 2024 takeaway numbers, it’s clear that message got through.
A Teacher and a Motivator
Jones has a knack for connecting with players, whether they’re rookies trying to make their mark or veterans adjusting to the back end of their careers. Just ask Harrison Smith.
The longtime Vikings safety, a 14-year vet and potential Hall of Famer, has credited Jones with helping him adapt his game as his physical tools evolved. Jones emphasized the mental side of the game-film study, anticipation, positioning-and Smith responded by continuing to play at a high level well into his 30s.
“Our bodies don't move like they used to,” Jones said. “So then, what becomes your advantage?
You’ve got to adjust your game. Harrison’s done a phenomenal job of that-he may be a step slower, but his mind is two steps faster.”
That’s a coach who understands not just schemes, but people. And in today’s NFL, where locker room dynamics matter as much as playbooks, that’s a huge asset.
A Journey Built on Grit
Jones didn’t take the fast track to the NFL. He didn’t play in the league.
He didn’t have a famous name or a built-in network. He started at the bottom-high schools, small colleges-and worked his way up.
At one point early in his career, he was sleeping in his car, questioning whether this life was worth it. Later, while coaching at UCLA, he slept on an air mattress in his office.
He kept grinding. Kept learning.
Kept pushing.
Now, he’s leading a defense in the NFL.
What It Means for Washington
For a Commanders defense that’s struggled to find consistency-and identity-this hire signals a shift. Jones brings a no-nonsense, turnover-driven approach that’s rooted in years of experience under elite defensive minds. He’s a teacher, a motivator, and someone who’s been through the grind.
And maybe most importantly, he’s coming home.
Washington’s defense has talent. What it’s needed is direction. With Daronte Jones, it might finally have both.