Changes were needed after the Washington Commanders stumbled their way to a 5-12 record when fans were expecting a deep playoff run. Head coach Dan Quinn duly obliged, kicking things off by parting ways with both coordinators.
Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.'s departure was inevitable. Quinn took over play-calling duties from his during the season, and the coach is now free to take his chances elsewhere. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury was also let go due to a difference in philosophies on how best to move the offense forward.
The most surprising element is who Quinn chose to replace them. Instead of appointing people with whom he had a pre-existing relationship — those with experience and alignment — the Commanders hired two coordinators with no NFL play-calling experience. It's a massive gamble, but it at least shows he is willing to try new things to get back on track.
David Blough and Daronte Jones come highly recommended in league circles. They are progressive thinkers with the innovative ideas needed to advance their respective units. It could go horribly wrong, but it would be a masterstroke of epic proportions if it comes off.
This should also have everyone in the building on edge. Everyone has to buy in. Those who don't toe the line will be shown the door. The stakes have been raised, and the time for half-measures is over.
With this in mind, here are seven Commanders who instantly went to the hot seat after Quinn's bold coordinator hires.
Commanders instantly on the hot seat after Dan Quinn's high-stakes hires
Jason Simmons - Defensive pass game coordinator
The Washington Commanders are entering a new defensive era under coordinator Daronte Jones. And if head coach Dan Quinn wants this risky hire to come off, he must let the new arrival mold his own staff team.
Considering how things have unfolded for Washington's defense over the last two years under Joe Whitt Jr., nobody should be complaining too much about that. And given Jones' rise through the coaching ranks came through his exceptional guidance of defensive backs, it wouldn't be surprising to see Jason Simmons let go at some stage.
Simmons will interview for the vacant Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator job, which indicates he is looking to branch out. Jones will have contingencies ready, but if the current defensive pass game coordinator takes his chances elsewhere, that may save him from a difficult conversation.
There are a lot of moving parts here. But Simmons is among the most likely to be made surplus to requirements.