One of the vital members of the Vikings' defensive staff moves on
The Minnesota Vikings returned defensive coordinator Brian Flores as defensive coordinator despite interest from multiple teams for head coaching positions. The Washington Commanders hired Vikings defensive passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Daronte Jones as their defensive coordinator.
This is the only significant loss from the Vikings staff in 2025. Unfortunately, because Jones wasn't named head coach for Washington, they aren't eligible for the compensatory picks. Jones has done more than enough to enjoy this promotion with a head coaching job well in his sights.
Jones had previous stints with the Miami Dolphins (2016-17), the Cincinnati Bengals (2018-19), and then began his time with the Vikings in 2020. In 2021, Jones was LSU's defensive coordinator before returning to Minnesota for the past three years under defensive coordinator Brian Flores.
The Vikings have multiple spots to fill on their coaching staff. They need a new defensive backs coach, who might also have the title of passing game coordinator. Hutchings would've been an internal promotion candidate, but he's off to the college level. Another promotion candidate, assuming Dixon is gone, could be assistant defensive line coach Imarjaye Albury, who has been with the Vikings since the Mike Zimmer era.
Washington coach Dan Quinn had sought an experienced coordinator and interviewed several who fit that description: Jonathan Gannon, Teryl Austin, Brian Flores, Joe Cullen, Dennard Wilson and Patrick Graham.
Jones called plays while with LSU. He also worked under Flores as well as notable defensive coaches such as Mike Zimmer, Vance Joseph and Marvin Lewis.
Jones was born in suburban Washington, D.C., and played his college ball at nearby Morgan State. He coached in college from 2001 to 2016 -- with a two-year stop as a high school coach and one year in the Canadian Football League.
Washington's defense needed an overhaul. The Commanders ranked 27th in scoring and last in yards this past season. Quinn took over the playcalling duties from Whitt entering the Week 11 game against Miami. Washington had surrendered 34 or more points in four of its previous seven games before that move.
The Commanders are expected to emphasize finding young defensive talent this offseason, whether in free agency or the draft, where they own the seventh pick.