Jones, 47, has spent five of the past six years on the Vikings’ defensive staff, after stints with the Dolphins (assistant defensive backs coach) and the Bengals (cornerbacks/secondary coach). He also served as LSU’s defensive coordinator for one season before returning to Minnesota in 2022, where he continued as the defensive backs coach before taking on the defensive pass game coordinator/defensive backs role for the last two campaigns.
This hire marks a shift in Washington’s defensive leadership as Jones steps into the DC role ahead of Quinn’s third year as the Commanders’ head coach. The team went 5-12 in 2025 and will look to stabilize its defense with Jones guiding the scheme.
Brian Flores, the Vikings’ current defensive coordinator, also interviewed for Washington’s opening but ultimately re-signed with Minnesota. Flores’ market activity included consideration from other clubs, and he explored head-coaching opportunities with Baltimore and Pittsburgh during the offseason.
Washington’s DC search also included other prominent names. The Commanders pursued Jonathan Gannon before he accepted Green Bay’s defensive coordinator position, and Raheem Morris was among those discussed before Washington pivoted to Jones. The Ravens eventually hired Jesse Minter, while Pittsburgh tabbed Mike McCarthy to run its team after a year away.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter, via X, reported that Washington was finalizing a deal with Jones, with Field Yates noting Jones was interviewed by at least five teams and identifying the Maryland native as a homecoming candidate.
This report was originally published on Heavy Sports.
