Former NFL Head Coach Praises Commanders' New Defensive Coordinator

Marvin Lewis believes Daronte Jones is the right choice to lead Washington's defense.

Mar. 23, 2026 at 8:04am

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Former NFL head coach Marvin Lewis has high praise for new Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Daronte Jones. Lewis, who worked with Jones briefly in 2018 when Jones was on the Cincinnati Bengals' staff, says Jones impressed him with his knowledge of the game, preparation, and organizational skills during the interview process. Lewis believes the Commanders made a smart move in hiring Jones and feels he will thrive in his new role, especially with the team's recent free agent acquisitions that will help Jones implement his defensive schemes.

Why it matters

The Commanders are looking to improve on defense after a disappointing 2025 season, and the hiring of Jones as the new defensive coordinator is a key part of that effort. Lewis' endorsement of Jones' coaching abilities and potential suggests the Commanders may have found the right person to lead their defensive turnaround.

The details

Marvin Lewis, who was the head coach of the Cincinnati Bengals from 2003 to 2018, first encountered Daronte Jones when he was recommended to Lewis for an interview in 2018. Though Lewis had another candidate in mind, he said Jones "blew him away" in the interview and Lewis had to convince Jones to join the Bengals' staff that year. Two years later, when Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer was looking for a new defensive backs coach, Lewis recommended Jones, who Zimmer then hired on the spot. Lewis praised Jones' knowledge of the game, preparation, and organizational skills, saying he and Jones have kept in touch even though they only worked together for one NFL season.

  • In 2018, Marvin Lewis interviewed and hired Daronte Jones to join the Cincinnati Bengals' coaching staff.
  • Two years later in 2020, Lewis recommended Jones to Minnesota Vikings head coach Mike Zimmer, who then hired Jones as the Vikings' defensive backs coach.

The players

Marvin Lewis

A former NFL head coach who worked with Daronte Jones briefly in 2018 when Jones was on the Cincinnati Bengals' coaching staff.

Daronte Jones

The new defensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, who previously worked under Marvin Lewis and Mike Zimmer in the NFL.

Mike Zimmer

The former head coach of the Minnesota Vikings, who hired Daronte Jones as his defensive backs coach in 2020 based on Marvin Lewis' recommendation.

Adam Peters

The general manager of the Washington Commanders, who hired Daronte Jones as the team's new defensive coordinator.

Brian Flores

The defensive coordinator of the Minnesota Vikings, known for his creative and innovative defensive schemes that Marvin Lewis admires.

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What they’re saying

“Daronte got recommended to me, so we brought him in for an interview (2018). I had my sight set on hiring another coach, but he blew me away in the interview.”

— Marvin Lewis, Former NFL Head Coach

“His knowledge of the game was impressive. His organization in the interview, how prepared he came in for the interview, really took me back.”

— Marvin Lewis, Former NFL Head Coach

“They morph back and forth, which puts pressure on the offense.”

— Marvin Lewis, Former NFL Head Coach

What’s next

The Commanders will be closely watching Daronte Jones' performance as the team's new defensive coordinator, especially as he implements his defensive schemes and works with the team's new free agent acquisitions.

The takeaway

Marvin Lewis' strong endorsement of Daronte Jones suggests the Commanders may have found the right person to lead their defensive turnaround, as Jones' coaching abilities and innovative defensive schemes could be a key factor in the team's success in the upcoming season.