Commanders choose Daronte Jones to revive defense

Field Level Media|published: Fri 30th January, 11:47 2026

Jan 13, 2025; Glendale, AZ, USA; Minnesota Vikings defensive backs coach Daronte Jones against the Los Angeles Rams during an NFC wild card game at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

The Washington Commanders hired Daronte Jones to be their new defensive coordinator on Friday.

Jones, 47, replaces Joe Whitt, who was fired on Jan. 6 after two seasons with the Commanders.

Jones coached the Minnesota Vikings' defensive backs for five of the past six seasons, departing in 2021 to serve as the defensive coordinator at LSU. The Vikings added pass game coordinator to his duties in 2023.

The Vikings finished No. 3 in total defense (282.6 yards per game) and No. 7 in scoring defense (19.6 points per game) in 2025.

Under Whitt, the Commanders finished last in the NFL in total defense (384.3 yards per game) and 28th against the pass (242.5).

Washington, which finished 5-12 this past season, was 27th in the league in average points allowed (26.5 per game) and gave up 451 total points, 60 more than in 2024, when the team went 12-5 and reached the NFC title game.

Jones, a native of suburban Washington, D.C., also coached defensive backs with the Miami Dolphins (2016-17) and Cincinnati Bengals (2018-19) following nearly two decades in the high school and college coaching ranks plus a brief stint in the Canadian Football League.

--Field Level Media