Change is coming fast in Washington - and Dan Quinn is wasting no time reshaping the Commanders’ coaching staff in his image.
After parting ways with defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury (a mutual decision), and offensive line coach Bobby Johnson, Quinn has already started to put his stamp on the organization. The early moves? Promotions from within and a key hire from outside.
David Blough, formerly the assistant quarterbacks coach, is stepping into Kingsbury’s shoes as offensive coordinator. Darnell Stapleton, previously the assistant offensive line coach, now takes over Johnson’s role.
But the biggest addition so far? Daronte Jones, who comes over from Minnesota, where he served as defensive backs coach and pass game coordinator, is now running the Commanders’ defense.
Jones wasn’t a snap decision. Quinn and his staff conducted a thorough three-week search, interviewing nine candidates before landing on Jones. It’s a move that signals a clear direction - one rooted in secondary expertise and schematic versatility.
But as the new staff takes shape, there’s still plenty left to sort out, especially on the defensive side of the ball.
What’s Next for the Front Seven?
Earlier this week, Jason Simmons, Washington’s defensive pass game coordinator, left to join Mike McCarthy’s new staff in Pittsburgh. That departure, paired with a report that the Commanders are looking to bring in someone from outside to oversee the front seven - particularly to boost the pass rush - raises some eyebrows.
So where does that leave Ryan Kerrigan and Darryl Tapp?
Kerrigan, the franchise’s all-time sack leader and a fan favorite, has been serving as assistant linebackers coach and pass rush specialist since 2022. He’s not a full position coach, which means his future may hinge on how Jones wants to structure the staff.
Tapp, a 12-year NFL vet and Virginia Tech legend, just wrapped up his second season as defensive line coach. Both are respected voices in the room, but with Washington actively looking to upgrade its pass rush coaching, their roles could shift - or be redefined.
Here’s where things stand now on the defensive coaching staff:
- Darryl Tapp - Defensive Line Coach
- Sharrif Floyd - Assistant Defensive Line Coach
- **Ken Norton Jr. ** - Linebackers Coach
- Ryan Kerrigan - Assistant Linebackers Coach/Pass Rush Specialist
- Tommy Donatell - Defensive Backs Coach
- William Gay - Assistant Cornerbacks Coach
- John Pagano - Senior Defensive Assistant
- George Banko - Defensive Quality Control
Jones’ background is in the secondary, and you can bet he’ll take a hard look at the unit’s performance last season - which, let’s be honest, left a lot to be desired. Tommy Donatell, the current secondary coach, has been with the team for two seasons.
His father, Ed Donatell, is a longtime NFL coach who worked with Jones in Minnesota in 2022. That connection may help, or it may prompt a reevaluation - time will tell.
Who Could Join Jones’ Staff?
With the Commanders looking to add to their defensive front coaching group, here are three names that make a lot of sense - and all bring something unique to the table.
Marcus Dixon - Former Vikings Defensive Line Coach
This one’s a natural connection. Dixon worked alongside Jones in Minnesota, and the two share a mentor in Broncos defensive coordinator Vance Joseph.
Dixon’s coaching stock is rising fast. After a stint as assistant DL coach with the Rams, he took over the defensive line in Denver and helped develop edge rushers like Nik Bonitto and Jonathan Cooper - not to mention working with Zach Allen.
In Minnesota, he played a key role in turning undrafted free agent Jalen Redmond into a contributor.
Dixon’s contract with the Vikings is up, and the Cowboys have already interviewed him. If Washington wants a proven developer of talent with ties to Jones and the region (he played at Hampton University), Dixon would be a strong fit.
Karl Dunbar - Former Steelers Defensive Line Coach
Dunbar brings experience - and a lot of it. He’s been coaching since 1998 and has worked with the Bears, Vikings, Jets, Bills, and most recently, the Steelers. He also spent two years with Nick Saban at Alabama, which tells you something about his football IQ.
In Pittsburgh, Dunbar helped mold one of the league’s most consistent defensive fronts, coaching stars like Cameron Heyward and T.J. Watt. While he hasn’t worked directly with Jones, he could come highly recommended by Mike Tomlin - a coach who has a strong relationship with Dan Quinn.
Dunbar’s résumé speaks for itself. If Washington wants a veteran voice to help elevate the front seven, he’d be a slam-dunk hire.
Andre Carter - Raiders Pass Rush Specialist
Yes, that Andre Carter. The former Washington standout (2006-10) racked up 80.5 sacks over a 13-year NFL career. Since retiring, Carter has been building his coaching résumé, starting at Cal, then moving through stints with the Dolphins, Jets, and most recently, the Raiders.
Carter and Jones go back to their time together on the Dolphins’ staff in 2017. When Jones took the DC job at LSU in 2021, Carter was one of his first hires.
That kind of trust matters. Carter may not be in line for a lead role, but as an assistant DL coach or pass rush specialist, he’d bring both credibility and familiarity to the staff.
Final Thoughts
Dan Quinn is clearly putting a premium on familiarity, development, and schematic alignment as he reshapes the Commanders’ coaching staff. With Daronte Jones now in place as defensive coordinator, the next step is building out a front seven staff that can unlock the potential of a defense that underachieved last season.
Names like Dixon, Dunbar, and Carter aren’t just filler - they’re legitimate candidates with strong ties to either Jones or Quinn, and each brings a skill set that could help Washington take a step forward defensively.
One thing’s for sure: this isn’t a passive rebuild. Quinn is making moves with purpose, and the Commanders’ coaching staff is starting to reflect a clear vision - one rooted in experience, development, and a hunger to turn things around in D.C.