ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Monday that the Commanders are close to adding Jones, who serves as Minnesota’s defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach. Jones has been one of Brian Flores’ trusted defensive coaches the past three seasons and has previously coached under Vance Joseph and Mike Zimmer.
Jones would take over DC duties following the midseason departure of Joe Whitt Jr., who took over play-calling on Nov. 10 and was fired on Jan. 6 after the team finished with a 5-12 record.
The move comes amid a historically rough season on defense for Washington. The Commanders finished last in the NFL in team defense in 2025, yielding an average of 384.0 yards per game.
If completed, Jones would bring a background that includes work with Flores and a focus on pass defense and defensive backs, aligning with the Commanders’ goal of shoring up a unit that struggled throughout the 2025 season.
The hire would mark a significant step in the organization’s efforts to stabilize the defense ahead of the 2026 season as ownership and leadership reassess the staff and direction at the top.
