Commanders’ new defensive coordinator starts cleaning house on his staff, with more changes potentially coming
Commanders’ defensive coordinator Daronte Jones will have to add another member to his staff after Jason Simmons leaves for the Steelers.
The Washington Commanders wasted no time making changes after the season, and they finally have their coordinator positions filled as well.
More changes could be on the way with defensive coordinator Daronte Jones taking over, and bringing in his own staff, like David Blough did on the offense. We’re still awaiting additions to the defensive staff, but there’s already been one key coach who is headed to the AFC to reunite with a former coach, and now he needs to be replaced.
Commanders lose Jason Simmons to the Steelers
The Commanders are undergoing a lot of changes on the defensive coaching staff, and they lost defensive passing game coordinator Jason Simmons to the Pittsburgh Steelers. He’s reuniting with new head coach Mike McCarthy after they worked together for many years on the Green Bay Packers, and now Jones needs to replace him.
There aren’t any real possibilities to add from the Vikings staff since Jones was already their defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach, so he may have to look elsewhere for his next hire in the secondary for the Commanders. He’s also worked with the Miami Dolphins, the Cincinnati Bengals, and the LSU Tigers before coming to Minnesota, so there could be a connection along the coaching tree there. This is a position that needed an upgrade, however, and Simmons was likely on the way out anyway.
The Commanders needed an upgrade in the secondary, regardless
The secondary was a huge weakness for the Commanders last season, and they allowed the fifth-most passing yards at 242 yards per game. We also saw younger players like Mike Sainristil take a major step back in his second season, and he needs to continue his development under sound coaching. Jones’ scheme is unique, and a lot of it goes through the secondary with zone and match concepts, blitzes from the secondary, and defensive backs playing multiple roles.
The Commanders need to add more talent in the secondary, especially at safety, but getting the most out of Sainristil and Trey Amos is just as important. Safety Will Harris will also likely be a strong fit in the system with his ability to play safety and nickel, and don’t be surprised if Caleb Downs is at the top of the NFL board with his ability to be a leader at multiple positions on defense, and a sure blue-chip prospect.