After being officially announced on Tuesday to local media, new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones talks about how he's implementing "his system" with the Washington Commanders.
With a new defensive coordinator in place, one thing is clear: Daronte Jones will get every chance to run "his system," according to head coach Dan Quinn.
"I think it's hard to think for someone else. And so I wanted to make sure like coming here, he wouldn't have to my system learn it. I said, like you're coming here to install it, and I'm going to be here to support you, give you insight when you want it."
After learning through the years under experienced and respected defensive minds across the NFL like Marvin Lewis, Lou Anarumo, Vance Joseph and Mike Zimmer, Brian Flores, Jones knows what type of defense he wants to bring to Washington.
"Versatility. Adaptability. Using our players' strengths to the best of their ability. Maximizing what they do, feature that and then minimizing the things they don't do well," Jones said when asked about his defensive philosophy.
That includes linebacker Frankie Luvu, who took a step back in 2025 after posting 99 total tackles and eight sacks in his first season with the organization.
"I love his athleticism," Jones said of Luvu. "He's best going downhill, getting matched up on running backs. That's always a key."
Luvu was one Jones was asked about, but the Commanders' new defensive coordinator pointed to other defenders like cornerback Mike Sainristil, who was pointed as "very versatile coming out of college", noting Quan Martin's versatility as both a safety and nickel corner, Jordan Magee's ability to be "on the ball, off the ball," along with Javon Kinlaw who can "play all different levels up front."
"To be able to utilize their versatility, you've got to figure out how do they learn. We all as human beings learn differently," he added.
One way Jones is working to get a start on that process is by developing an 'IEP' - individualized education program. "These are the things I see on tape that they do well, things they can improve in, how can we as a staff assist them in that improvement."
But Jones also stressed the need for Washington to be "multiple" in terms of their defensive scheme.
"I think 3-4, 4-3, they're just numbers. Still seven man spacing, so I always say it's not how they line up it's how they wind up. So you can create that number system in numerous ways."
While Jones looks to shift his attention to finalizing his playbook ahead of installation, the Bishop McNamara graduate is also looking to get settled now that he's arrived back in the DMV. Born in Forestville, Maryland before beginning his college career as a cornerback at Morgan State for four years, his role with the Commanders marks Jones' first opportunity back in the area since he served as assistant head coach and defensive coordinator at Bowie State for five seasons beginning in 2005.
"Grew up wearing the burgedey and supporting the Washington organization," Jones said. "Went to elementary and middle school literally right across the street from where the stadium is in Palmer Park, Maryland. I went to Kenmore Middle School and I went to Matthew Hinson Elementary. Growing up a die-hard fan, family is back. So when the opportunity came, I thought it was a win-win situation."