Daronte Jones began his time as Washington Commanders defensive coordinator by letting several assistants take their chances elsewhere. More departures could be on the way, but attention should also center on finding the replacements needed to put his grand plans into action.
Jason Simmons left for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Assistant defensive line coach Sharrif Floyd and player development coach Pete Ohnegian were let go. Jones also opted to part ways with team legend Ryan Kerrigan, who held the position of assistant linebackers coach and pass-rush specialist.
This was inevitable, but it counts for nothing if the Commanders don't find the right coaches to spearhead Jones' plans for growth. And unfortunately, a rumored target has opted to join a bitter division rival instead.
Commanders lose rumored assistant target to the Cowboys
According to ESPN's Todd Archer, Marcus Dixon has joined the Dallas Cowboys as a defensive line coach. He worked with Jones over the last two seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, but his prior connection to new coordinator Christian Parker meant Washington's hated adversary got in there first.
"The Cowboys have agreed to a deal with Marcus Dixon to be their defensive line coach. He worked with new DC Christian Parker in Denver and spent the last 2 seasons in Minnesota, per source. He joins Derrick Ansley (pass game coordinator) and Ryan Smith (corners)."Todd Archer
The Commanders' interest in Dixon was only rumored. Whether a legitimate offer was made is anyone's guess, but it did make a ton of sense. This is particularly significant given that Jones is reportedly looking to add a coach to lead his defensive front seven in the near future.
It's not hard to see why the Cowboys might be a more attractive option. Jerry Jones loves to spend, and they have some decent pieces to work with, especially after trading for Pro Bowl defensive lineman Quinnen Williams. This represents a blow if the Commanders were interested, but Jones will have other options ready to go.
Washington needs to act swiftly. Coordinator positions are getting filled around the league, and they will all need assistants. Jones has waited a long time for this significant opportunity. There is no time to delay.
Dixon is an accomplished coach who would have been a tremendous acquisition for the Commanders, but it's not the end of the world. Even so, the longer Jones waits to get his guys in the building, the more will be snapped up by other needy organizations.
It's a high-stakes, fluid situation. Fans should expect movement sooner rather than later.