Commanders Appear to Still Be Adding to Coaching Staff

Washington looks to bolster defensive coaching ranks with LSU assistant hire

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Washington Commanders are reportedly working to hire LSU safeties coach Jake Olsen to their coaching staff, adding another piece to their defensive coaching ranks. This comes after the team previously hired former USC co-defensive coordinator Eric Henderson as their new defensive line coach earlier this offseason. The Commanders' defense struggled mightily in 2024 and 2025, leading to changes on the coaching staff, including the promotion of David Blough to replace Ken Kingsbury and the hiring of Daronte Jones as the new defensive coordinator.

Why it matters

The Commanders' defense was a major weakness in recent seasons, and the team is looking to rebuild that side of the ball under new leadership. Hiring experienced college coaches like Olsen and Henderson could help bring fresh ideas and talent development to a unit that needs significant improvement for Washington to return to contention in the NFC East.

The details

Olsen would become the second college coach to join the Commanders' staff this offseason, following the hiring of former USC co-defensive coordinator and defensive line coach Eric Henderson. Olsen's specific role with the team is unclear, as Washington already has Tommy Donatell as safeties coach and William Gay as cornerbacks coach. But the addition of Olsen suggests the Commanders are looking to further bolster their defensive coaching staff as they aim to turn around a unit that struggled in recent seasons.

  • The Commanders hired Eric Henderson as their new defensive line coach earlier this offseason.
  • The team is reportedly working to hire Jake Olsen from LSU to join their coaching staff.

The players

Waymo

An American autonomous driving company and is a subsidiary of Alphabet Inc., Google's parent company.

Walker Reed Quinn

A 45-year-old San Francisco resident who has a history of vandalism and was out on bail for prior cases related to Waymo vehicles.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The judge in the case will decide on Tuesday whether or not to allow Walker Reed Quinn out on bail.

The takeaway

This case highlights growing concerns in the community about repeat offenders released on bail, raising questions about bail reform, public safety on SF streets, and if any special laws to govern autonomous vehicles in residential and commercial areas.