Commanders Make Monumental Shift in Coaching Staff
In a decisive move that reverberated through the league, the Washington Commanders have parted ways with defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio. Coach Ron Rivera made the announcement from ASHBURN, Va. on Friday. This came after the team’s performance drastically dipped, relegating the once-promising defense to the nether regions of the NFL rankings.
The Downward Spiral of the Commanders’ Defense
Currently standing at a 4-8 record, the Commanders have endured a tough stretch, losing three consecutive games. Most notably, they suffered a devastating 45-10 defeat at the hands of the formidable Dallas Cowboys. The expectation was that the defense would serve as the backbone of the team, providing balance to a revitalized offense. Instead, however, the defense transformed into a significant liability.
Moreover, as the Commanders’ losses stacked up, so too did the urgency for organizational change. In the aftermath of these setbacks, Rivera is anticipated to assume the mantle of defensive playcalling for the remaining season, with insiders lending credence to these reports.
The Statistical Setbacks Leading to Change
Under Del Rio’s leadership, the Commanders’ defense found itself ranked last in points allowed and a concerning 29th in yards allowed. This is in stark contrast to the previous year, where they achieved seventh and third in these Respective categories. The sudden drop-off was characterized by the defense’s inability to curtail explosive plays and generate impactful turnovers.
In a league striving for air superiority, Washington has allowed an alarming 49 pass plays over 20 yards. Deteriorating further, the team has not intercepted a pass in six games, nor have they forced a turnover in the last three encounters – a troubling trend for any football team.
Additional Coaching Changes in Response to the Losses
It is not only Del Rio who faced the music; defensive backs coach Brent Vieselmeyer was also relieved of his duties. Rivera expressed gratitude for their contributions to the team over the past four seasons, wishing them well in their future endeavors.
Commanders owner Josh Harris offered his support for the firing of Del Rio and Vieselmeyer, sharing the disenchantment and frustration akin to that of the fans, players, and staff. In his statement, Harris committed to facing challenges head-on and emphasized the focus on better, more consistent football. He vowed an unwavering mission to field a team capable of sustained success and competing with the best in the NFL.
Prior Inconsistencies and Current Commitments
Before this season’s disappointments, Del Rio’s tenure with the Commanders was marked by a fluctuating performance. In 2020, the Commanders’ defense soared high with impressive rankings in points and yards allowed. However, the subsequent season witnessed a significant regression, with the team falling to 25th in points and 22nd in yards allowed.
Despite considerable investments into the defensive apparatus—boasting a line with all four starters as first-round draft picks—the group fell short of the Commanders’ high standards.
Underperformance of Key Defensive Players
The team moved to offload defensive ends Montez Sweat and Chase Young. Meanwhile, Pro Bowlers Daron Payne and Jon Allen saw a dip in their statistical output from the previous season. Their declining pass rush win rates and sack numbers highlighted a broader problem in the team’s defensive mechanism.
Del Rio’s History and Commentary Controversies
Del Rio, an NFL coaching veteran since 1997, has previously held head coaching positions with the Jacksonville Jaguars and the Oakland Raiders, among others. Yet, his tenure with Washington faced challenges beyond on-field performance. In June 2022, Del Rio’s public comments regarding the events at the U.S. Capitol, which he dismissively labeled as a “dustup,” created an uproar. His comparison of those events with the unrest in the summer through social media drew sharp criticism.
Rivera had fined Del Rio $100,000 for the distraction
