The Washington Commanders are set to hire Daronte Jones as their new defensive coordinator, according to sources. Jones, who most recently served as the Minnesota Vikings' pass game coordinator, will replace Joe Whitt. The Commanders are aiming to rebuild their defense after a disappointing season where they finished 5-12, necessitating a change in leadership.

Jones' hiring comes as the Commanders look to revamp their defense, which ranked near the bottom of the league in both points and yards allowed last season. Dan Quinn, the Commanders' head coach, interviewed several experienced candidates. Jones' background includes coaching stints with the Vikings and LSU, bringing a fresh perspective and potential for improvement.

This move is significant for the Commanders as they seek to improve their defensive performance. With the seventh pick in the upcoming NFL Draft, the team is expected to focus on acquiring young defensive talent. The Commanders hope Jones can leverage his experience to improve the team's defensive ranking and overall competitiveness.

Jones' experience with the Vikings, where he coached defensive backs and coordinated the pass game, should bring valuable insight. He has worked with prominent defensive minds like Mike Zimmer and Brian Flores. The Commanders are hoping Jones can turn around the team's fortunes on the defensive side of the ball, starting next season.