Inside The Vikings

Vikings' Daronte Jones Reportedly Leaving for Commanders DC Role

Jones had been with the Vikings since 2022. He previously served as Minnesota defensive backs coach in 2020.
Jonathan Harrison|
Vikings defensive backs coach Daronte Jones
Vikings defensive backs coach Daronte Jones | Images courtesy of the Minnesota Vikings

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Minnesota Vikings

Vikings defensive backs coach Daronte Jones is reportedly being hired by the Washington Commanders as their new defensive coordinator, according to Ian Rapoport.

Jones, 47, has been with the Vikings since 2022. He had been a potential candidate for a number of open defensive coordinator jobs this cycle. He was also seen by many insiders as an ideal fit to take over as Vikings defensive coordinator if Brian Flores had left for a head coaching vacancy.

Under Jones, the Vikings' defensive backs finished third in the league in passes defended (87) and tied for tenth in interceptions (15) in 2022. Harrison Smith had five interceptions in 2022, which tied a single-season career-high. In 2024, cornerback Byron Murphy Jr. was selected to his only career Pro Bowl, after recording a career-high six interceptions.

Safeties Cam Bynum and Josh Metellus developed into household names under the guidance of Jones. Bynum recorded 25 passes defended, seven interceptions, four fumble recoveries, and three forced fumbles from 2022-24. Metellus developed into one of the most versatile players on the Vikings' defense. He recorded 21 passes defended, six interceptions, five forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, and three sacks from 2022-25.

Minnesota's secondary was key to the team's 14-3 record in 2024. The Vikings defense led the league in interceptions (24), passes defended (95), and tied for the league lead in takeaways (33).

Before returning to Minnesota in 2022, Jones was the defensive coordinator at LSU in 2021. He was Minnesota's defensive backs coach in 2020. Before his first stint in Minnesota, Jones had worked for the Bengals (2018-19) and Dolphins (2016-17).

Jones interviewed with five teams about open defensive coordinator positions in recent weeks, with the others being the Dallas Cowboys, Green Bay Packers, New York Jets, and the New York Giants.

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Jonathan Harrison
JONATHAN HARRISON

Jonathan Harrison is a Minnesota-based sports writer and radio host who contributes to Bring Me The News and Sports Illustrated's On SI network. Primarily serving as video host and editor for Bring Me The News, Jonathan also covers the Vikings, Twins, Timberwolves and Gophers. He can also be heard on 1500 ESPN in the Twin Cities during the MLS season, where he serves as host and analyst for Minnesota United radio broadcasts.