Commanders Hire LSU Safeties Coach Jake Olsen

Washington continues to bolster defensive coaching staff for 2026 season

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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The Washington Commanders are expected to hire LSU safeties coach Jake Olsen to join their defensive coaching staff. This comes after the team recently hired Daronte Jones as their new defensive coordinator and Eric Henderson from USC as defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator.

Why it matters

The Commanders are looking to improve their defense after finishing the 2025 season with a 5-12 record. Hiring experienced college coaches like Olsen, Jones, and Henderson is part of their effort to build a stronger coaching staff and turn the team around.

The details

According to reports, the Commanders will add Jake Olsen, who has served as the safeties coach at LSU for the past two years. During his time with the Tigers, the team had a top 25 scoring defense in the country. Olsen will join new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones, who has coaching experience under Brian Flores, Vance Joseph, and Mike Zimmer. The Commanders have also brought in Eric Henderson from USC to be their defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator.

  • The Commanders are expected to hire Jake Olsen in the coming days.

The players

Jake Olsen

The safeties coach at LSU for the past two years, helping lead the Tigers to a top 25 scoring defense in the country.

Daronte Jones

The Commanders' new defensive coordinator, who has coaching experience under Brian Flores, Vance Joseph, and Mike Zimmer.

Eric Henderson

The Commanders' new defensive line coach and defensive run game coordinator, who previously held a similar role at USC and coached players like Aaron Donald with the Rams.

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What they’re saying

“The Commanders are expected to hire LSU safeties coach Jake Olsen, sources tell [CBS Sports].”

— Matt Zenitz (X (formerly Twitter)

“Jones has been one of Brian Flores' most trusted defensive coaches the past three seasons, and he also has coached under Vance Joseph and Mike Zimmer.”

— Adam Schefter (X (formerly Twitter)

What’s next

The Commanders will officially announce the hiring of Jake Olsen in the coming days as they continue to build out their defensive coaching staff for the 2026 season.

The takeaway

The Commanders are making a concerted effort to improve their defense by bringing in experienced college coaches like Jake Olsen, Daronte Jones, and Eric Henderson. This signals their commitment to turning the team around after a disappointing 5-12 season in 2025.