Daronte Jones decided that he had no use for Ryan Kerrigan on his defensive staff. His status in Washington Commanders folklore will always be remembered fondly as a player and coach, but this scenario was always likely under a new regime.
Kerrigan survived when head coach Dan Quinn replaced Ron Rivera. The assistant linebackers coach and pass-rush specialist wasn't as fortunate when Jones took charge, and his illustrious stint with the franchise has now come to an end.
Some fans were left a little dismayed by Kerrigan's departure from the organization. He remains beloved, but the team's inability to generate pressure on opposing quarterbacks consistently was always going to come with collateral damage. Jones felt removing him from the equation, along with several others, was the best way to shake things up.
Commanders' letting Ryan Kerrigan leave was just all part of the process
JP Finlay of NBC Sports and 106.7 The Fan summed up Kerrigan's departure pretty well. This was a pure football decision and nothing more. Fans shouldn't get too worked up about it; this doesn't detract from the former edge rusher-turned-coach's overall legacy in Washington.
"It feels different because [Ryan] Kerrigan has such a significant football history here. I don't think this should be an up-in-arms situation. That's not to say it won't be. I don't think fans should be upset. This is about football. I don't think this changes Ryan's legacy or role with the organization."JP Finlay
Ryan Kerrigan's time with the Commanders has ended, sparking debate. Was it a contract expiration or something more? It doesn't change his legacy as a player, but coaching is a different game. #RyanKerrigan #Commanders #NFL #Footbal pic.twitter.com/ocmCKupy29
— 106.7 The Fan (@1067theFan) February 2, 2026
In short... It's not personal, just business.
Jones felt that a fresh set of ideas and coaching ideas was needed. He's reportedly looking for someone to oversee the defensive front seven with a supreme focus on the pass rush. Kerrigan no longer fitted into Washington's plans, which is just how it goes sometimes.
The Commanders are moving forward with a new defensive identity, which is expected to bring creativity and aggression. Quinn is betting on another rookie NFL play-caller to ease the pressure on his own job status, so giving him the freedom to pick and choose his staff was critical.
He needs like-minded coaches who can put his strategies into motion. Jones didn't feel like Kerrigan was capable of achieving these objectives.
This is commonplace around the NFL. Coaches move on all the time. Kerrigan accumulated four years of solid experience in Washington, which will undoubtedly serve him well if or when another opportunity arises.
And regardless of how things go for Kerrigan from here, his place in Washington's football history is solidified.