Head coach Dan Quinn promised to make changes to help the Washington Commanders get out of their slump. And it didn't take long for something to emerge.
According to Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network, the Commanders have hired Steve Wilks as a part-time defensive consultant to work with the coaches. This had reportedly been the plan all season, but the move was made official last week.
Wilks' role won't be on game days. He'll help Quinn and defensive coordinator Daronte Jones with game planning, but the first-time NFL play-caller will be in charge. He'll be part of the process, but this is not a reactionary move.
Steve Wilks can bring experience to Commanders' defensive game-planning
The Commanders clearly felt Jones needed a little extra help during his initial transition into a coordinator role. He came highly recommended as Brian Flores' right-hand man on the Minnesota Vikings, but running your own show is something else entirely.
There have been some nice moments. Jones' defense has started games incredibly well before tailing off. They are far more stout against the run, and they are creating more pressure.
But there are flaws.
Their second-half collapses have been concerning. That's the biggest problem, but things flipped against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. Now, it's about finding the right balance.
That's where Wilks comes in.
Wilks has seen and done a lot in the game. He's experienced, even boasting head coaching experience. That was a disaster with the New York Jets, but his sterling work with the Carolina Panthers earned significant praise.
Commanders hiring Steve Wilks is not an indictment of Daronte Jones
Wilks was appointed interim head coach when the Panthers fired Matt Rhule. They were down and out, but he immediately shifted the culture. Carolina went on a late run and almost made the playoffs. Unfortunately, it wasn't enough for David Tepper to keep him long-term.
The last time anyone saw Wilks in the NFL, he was the San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator. That didn't last long, and he recently worked as a consultant at Appalachian State before the Commanders came calling.
It's certainly an interesting dynamic.
This probably doesn't mean that the Commanders don't believe in Jones. Quinn always prefers to rely on experience, and the knowledge Wilks brings to the table will only help.
Given the Commanders have only won three of their last 17 games, any help would be greatly appreciated.
Not having Wilks around on game days also keeps Jones from looking over his shoulder. He should be a successful coordinator, but the Commanders are under pressure. Having someone who knows the league, knows offensive schemes, and knows how to bring the best out of players should be an asset if the power structure doesn't crumble.
Wilks is well respected around the league. He's an accomplished defensive mind in both college and the pros. He's specialized in the secondary, but overall game-planning will be his primary focus in Washington.
It's a support system for Jones. Quinn is still letting him run the show, but now he has some extra help.
And if it doesn't work out, at least the Commanders tried to think outside the box.
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