Daronte Jones just confirmed what Commanders fans have known forever

There was an enormous sense of anticipation around the Washington Commanders as their two new coordinators spoke with the media for the first time. Daronte Jones, who'll take charge of the defense, wasted no time letting fans know the plan regarding one veteran player who regressed in 2025.

Frankie Luvu looked like a superstar during his first campaign in Washington. The ferocious linebacker earned second-team All-Pro honors alongside Bobby Wagner, providing the inspirational presence on and off the field that the Commanders sorely lacked previously at the defensive second level.

Things didn't go nearly as well in 2025. The Commanders' constant stream of frustrating injuries meant Luvu had to spend more time as an edge rusher. This isn't where his skills are best utilized, and the Washington State product admitted as much during his end-of-season media availability.

Daronte Jones has big plans for Frankie Luvu in his new Commanders defense

Luvu did what the coaches asked to help the team, even though it was to his detriment performance-wise. Jones plans to change all that.

Washington's new defensive coordinator is a big fan of Luvu. He also sees him as a downhill force who's best when matched up against running backs, allowing him to be instinctive and use his exceptional athleticism to consistently get around the football.

"I love Frankie Luvu. When you watch him on tape, he's a guy that, before I even got here, we would watch. I love his athleticism. He's best going downhill, getting him matched up on running backs. That's always a key in terms of matchability; putting guys in advantageous positions. He's best when he can go downhill and use his athleticism to win on the edges. Use his speed — sometimes in space — to encounter those matchups. We want to put him in that situation where he's matched up with running backs."

Daronte Jones

This was music to fans' ears. They were clamoring for Luvu to switch back to an off-ball linebacker role last season, especially considering Wagner was a liability in isolation. The Commanders didn't have the personnel to switch him back to his preferred position, and the player suffered as a result.

Jones is devising a new scheme centered on athletic traits and positioning his players for success. Whether it's 3-4, 4-3, or 4-2-5 is moot; they're interchangeable. But the new coordinator has already made up his mind about Luvu, and the player will no doubt be thrilled.

The Commanders took away what made Luvu such a high-impact performer last season. Jones wants to give it back, so all signs point to a bounce-back campaign from the 29-year-old in the final year of his deal.