In a move to overhaul one of the NFL’s most struggling units, the Washington Commanders are finalizing a deal to hire Vikings defensive coordinator Daronte Jones, replacing the fired Joe Whitt Jr. and aiming to reverse a season of defensive collapse.
The Washington Commanders are finalizing a deal to hire Daronte Jones as their new defensive coordinator, a person with knowledge of the move told The Associated Press. The hiring comes after a tumultuous season for Washington’s defense, which ranked among the worst in the NFL and led to the dismissal of coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
Jones, 47, has spent the past three seasons as the defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach for the Minnesota Vikings, where he worked under defensive coordinator Brian Flores. During his tenure in Minnesota, the Vikings consistently fielded one of the league’s top defenses, ranking No. 3 in total defense in 2025 and finishing among the top 10 teams in takeaways three times. Washington Commanders
This move is a critical step for first-year head coach Dan Quinn, who temporarily took over defensive play-calling duties after stripping Whitt of them during the regular season. The Commanders’ defense was historically bad in 2025, allowing opponents to gain more yards than any other team in the NFL as the team finished with a dismal 5-12 record, a dramatic fall from 12-5 and an NFC Championship appearance the year prior.
Jones’s arrival marks a significant shift in philosophy for Washington. While Whitt’s tenure was defined by inconsistency and a failure to adapt, Jones brings a proven track record of success and a reputation for player development. He was the defensive coordinator at LSU in 2021, where he called plays, and has over a decade of NFL coaching experience with teams like the Miami Dolphins, Cincinnati Bengals, and Vikings.
The hiring also has a local connection. Jones was born and went to high school in Maryland, giving him a built-in understanding of the region’s football culture and fan expectations. This familiarity could be invaluable as he attempts to rebuild a unit that has lost the trust of the fanbase.
For the Commanders, this is more than just a coaching change; it’s a necessary reset. The defensive collapse was the primary reason for the team’s regression, and Quinn’s ability to hire a respected defensive mind like Jones will be a key test of his leadership. The Commanders’ front office is betting that Jones’s system and ability to get the most out of his players can turn the league’s worst defense into a competitive unit once again. coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.
Fans are already buzzing about the potential impact. Jones’s reputation for creating aggressive, turnover-forcing schemes could inject much-needed energy into a stagnant defense. The question now shifts from “who will be the next coordinator?” to “can Jones fix this defense?” The pressure will be on immediately, as the Commanders look to rebound from a disastrous season and get back on track in the ultra-competitive NFC East.
For onlytrustedinfo.com, this is the definitive analysis of a move that will define Dan Quinn’s tenure in Washington. We break down the strategy, the history, and what it means for the future of the Commanders’ defense.
