Dan Quinn and the Commanders just got played a very bad hand by coaching candidate
The Commanders had a last-second coaching change with Jake Olsen returning to LSU over joining Daronte Jones in Washington.
The Washington Commanders have made an overhaul of coaching changes this offseason, as head coach Dan Quinn looks to turn a page after a nightmare 2025 season.
Hopefully, the Commanders’ defense can tap into its potential after hiring new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones. Jones is coming in to install his own system, which was a much-needed change from Quinn’s defense. He also had to have a makeover in the coaching staff under him, as he brought in his own guys to help him along the way.
It looked as if Jones had one more impressive hire to finish out his staff, but things took a quick turn for the worse.
Safety coach Jake Olsen is returning to LSU over the Commanders
The Commanders have added standout supporting coaches on defense, such as Eric Henderson, and it looked like Jones had one more familiar face on the way with a proven track record. It was announced last week that LSU safety coach Jake Olsen was joining the Commanders, but he had a change of heart, and he’s now returning to LSU instead.
Olsen was expected to join the Commanders, even though his exact role was never announced; he was looking to be a big addition with his track record. Olsen had a top-25 scoring defense at LSU over the last two seasons, and did the same at Missouri the year before he returned to Baton Rouge.
No matter what his exact role would’ve been, Olsen would’ve had a hand in developing the Commanders’ linebackers and safeties, since that’s what he did mostly in college. It’s unknown if the Commanders will add another coach to take over his expected role, but they have their coaching staff all but finalized.
The Commanders lock in almost all of their final coaching staff moves
The Commanders did replace a lot of supporting coaches on staff, but they also kept safety coach Tommy Donatell, which will be controversial. They also promoted William Gay as the defensive backs and cornerbacks coach, which was well received by the players.
Regardless, the Commanders’ secondary needs to develop more after seeing both Quan Martin and Mike Sainristil in 2025. Hopefully, Jones and his staff can tap into the defense’s potential and help bring out the best in LB Frankie Luvu and others while adding more talent this offseason.
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