With the Washington Commanders appointing Daronte Jones to the defensive coordinator role, more changes are expected. The new hire isn't going to keep the same staff below him, which is enough to put everyone on edge before their futures are confirmed one way or another.
One assistant coach wasn't willing to wait around. And his quiet departure from the organization hints at something bigger afoot.
Almost immediately after Jones' arrival in Washington was confirmed, defensive pass game coordinator Jason Simmons interviewed for the vacant Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator vacancy under new head coach Mike McCarthy. That eventually went to Patrick Graham, but he wasn't entirely out of luck.
Jason Simmons left the Commanders without Daronte Jones putting up a fight
According to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN, Simmons is expected to join Pittsburgh's defensive staff. The senior insider revealed that he holds a prominent role and that he already has an established relationship with McCarthy and Graham, which works in his favor.
"Washington assistant Jason Simmons, who interviewed for the Steelers DC job, is expected to join the staff in a prominent defensive role, per sources. This would be a reunion for Simmons, Patrick Graham and Mike McCarthy from Green Bay."Jeremy Fowler
It doesn't seem like the Commanders stopped Simmons from taking his chances elsewhere. His work on Washington's pass defense was heavily criticized last season, though injuries didn't help. This move also had a sense of jumping before he was pushed, and his familiarity with the Steelers' staff was enough to help him get another opportunity quickly.
If others also want to leave, Jones won't stand in their way.
He'll have his own ideas on how to assemble the best possible staff team — one that can implement his schematic demands and help the players pick up these nuances before the 2026 campaign gets underway. Simmons didn't fit into the puzzle, and his hasty departure from Washington suggests he knew it, too.
Very few fans will shed tears over Simmons leaving the club. The entire defense was an absolute abomination last season. It wouldn't be a surprise to see Jones completely gut his staff and bring in people he trusts. A couple might be retained for continuity purposes, but removing the stench of failure is far more important.
Simmons won't be the last to pack his bags and leave town. But after a campaign where the Commanders once again turned out one of the league's most abysmal defenses, it's a small price to pay for potential prosperity.
And anyone who does get a reprieve can count themselves extremely fortunate.