Things were going to stay the same once the Washington Commanders hired Daronte Jones to be their next defensive coordinator. It didn't take long for the new appointment to shake things up.
Jones has waited a long time and fought his way from the bottom up to secure this opportunity. He wants his own ideas implemented, including staffing changes. This was confirmed by Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic, who revealed that the coordinator is seeking someone capable of rejuvenating the defensive front seven.
No incoming has been confirmed as yet. Even so, Jones has set the table by disposing of three assistant coaches, and one name is more notable than most.
Commanders remove three defensive assistants, including team legend Ryan Kerrigan
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, the Commanders have told Ryan Kerrigan that his services will no longer be required. He's acted as the assistant linebackers coach and pass-rush specialist throughout head coach Dan Quinn's tenure so far. But Jones has decided that the legendary Washington figure is free to seek alternative employment.
Kerrigan flourished as a player in Washington before embarking on his coaching journey under Ron Rivera. He was one of the few staff retained when Quinn took charge, but his work with the pass-rushers didn't yield the desired results.
When it's all said and done, this is a results business. One can point to the lack of quality on Washington's edge, but Jones is taking this chance to inject some energy and fresh ideas into the setup. Kerrigan is the odd man out, which brings a sad end to what's been an outstanding association with the Commanders.
That wasn't all. The Commanders also let assistant defensive line coach Sharrif Floyd and player development coach Pete Ohnegian leave. Defensive pass game coordinator Jason Simmons has already departed for a job with the Pittsburgh Steelers, so Washington's staff on defense is going to look a lot different by the time on-field preparations for the 2026 campaign begin.
After how things have unfolded for the Commanders' defense in recent years, no fan will be sad about that. Kerrigan was a necessary sacrifice, but the esteem in which he is held for everything he gave to Washington as a player and coach won't be forgotten.
Standing pat was not an option. Jones wants to repay the Commanders' faith, and he believes some new coaches he trusts will help him achieve this goal. Those plans no longer include Kerrigan, so it'll be interesting to see where the former edge rusher goes from here.
And make no mistake: this is a telling early statement of how Jones plans to conduct his business.