Brian Flores suffers significant loss that leaves gaping hole in the Minnesota Vikings’ defense

Jones had become a popular candidate as a defensive coordinator this offseason, and the Commanders got themselves a good one who also signals a shift in philosophy.

Washington Commanders hire Daronte Jones as defensive coordinator

The Commanders were the fifth and final team to interview Jones for their defensive coordinator job this month.

• Dallas Cowboys
• Green Bay Packers
• New York Giants
• New York Jets

He was a popular candidate mainly because of Brian Flores’ successful defensive coordinator units. Within that, Jones was a major part of that success as the passing game coordinator, leading the Vikings to the second-best pass defense.

He faces an uphill battle in Washington. They struggled under Joe Whitt last year, and he was fired right after the season ended. The unit as a whole is older and needs an infusion of youth, especially at edge rusher.

Theoretically, Jones will bring some of the Flores defense to the Commanders, which does a great job of mitigating weaknesses and amplifying strengths with relentless pressure and confusing looks.

This is the second assistant coach to leave, with offensive line coach Chris Kuper not being retained. Defensive line coach Marcus Dixon is also interviewing for jobs and could be out the door.

One of the tough parts about success is losing talent, and the Vikings are going through it right now.