In a decisive move to reshape a struggling unit, the Washington Commanders parted ways with defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. and named Daronte Jones as his replacement on January 29, 2026. Jones, who most recently served as the defensive backs coach for the Minnesota Vikings, is expected to implement a significant philosophical shift, moving the Commanders' base defense from a 4-3 front to a 3-4 alignment.
The change comes after a 2025 season where the Commanders' defense ranked in the bottom half of the league in several key categories, including points and yards allowed. The shift to a 3-4 defense under Jones suggests a desire to become more multiple and aggressive, utilizing different personnel packages and blitz schemes to pressure opposing quarterbacks. Jones brings experience from both the college and professional ranks, having also served as the defensive coordinator for the LSU Tigers in 2021.
This coordinator change is likely the first of several moves for the defensive staff. The Commanders are also in the market for a new defensive line coach and have shown interest in Marcus Dixon, though they face competition from the Dallas Cowboys. The schematic change will have major implications for the current roster and the team's approach to free agency and the draft. Players like defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young, who played in a 4-3, may need to adjust to standing up as outside linebackers, while the team will likely seek personnel better suited for the nose tackle and defensive end roles in a three-man front. This hire marks a new defensive era for the Commanders under head coach Dan Quinn.