Change is never easy. Certainly not for Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn, who values loyalty highly and deeply appreciates every coach or player who gives their all to the cause.
However, with the Commanders looking to make the necessary improvements to get back on track, there is no room for emotional attachment. With Daronte Jones looking to shake things up defensively, the new coordinator should be given the freedom to make the changes needed.
Those plans are already underway.
Nicki Jhabvala from The Athletic reported that the coaching situation under Jones remains fluid. Still, he wants to find a coach who can lead the defensive front seven, especially to improve Washington's pass-rushing capabilities.
The Commanders’ defensive staff remains fluid after the hiring of Daronte Jones as DC. But the team is looking to bring on someone to oversee the front seven, with a focus on improving the pass rush, per sources.
— Nicki Jhabvala (@NickiJhabvala) January 28, 2026
Commanders' expected defensive overhaul could leave Ryan Kerrigan as the odd man out
That is desperately needed. Even so, it could mean that one beloved coach is suddenly drifting toward a Washington farewell.
Ryan Kerrigan is the current assistant linebackers coach and pass-rush specialist. He was one of the most accomplished former Washington players of the modern era before embarking on his coaching journey, which initially started as an assistant defensive line coach under Ron Rivera in 2022.
Kerrigan was one of the very few staff members who were retained by Quinn when he got the head-coaching job. He's popular among the players and is obviously held in the highest regard by fans. Disposing of someone with such deep connections to the franchise would be a drastic and difficult move. At the same time, this is a results-driven business, and the pass-rush has been nowhere near good enough in recent years.
One can point to the personnel being subpar, given that the Commanders traded Chase Young and Montez Sweat, which has merit. The staff were tasked with getting more out of the options available, and they couldn't. Therefore, Jones is well within his rights as the head guy to seek an injection of fresh ideas and new methods.
Jones will know what Kerrigan means to the Commanders. He was the No. 16 overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft. He earned four Pro Bowl selections (when they meant something) along with 95.5 career sacks in Washington. Not even finishing his career with the Philadelphia Eagles could diminish the esteem in which he was and still is held.
It's a fascinating dynamic. Jones will probably sit down with Kerrigan to discuss his vision and the next steps. He may retain the coach in a similar role, but he could just as easily say that his services are no longer required.
And based on Jhabvala's report, it could legitimately go either way.