Commanders announce change to coaching staff

The Washington Commanders are adding another experienced NFL voice to their defensive staff as they look to improve a unit that has struggled at times this season. The #Commanders have hired Steve Wilks to work with the defensive coaches under Dan Quinn and Daronte Jones, per me and @RapSheet. The decision to hire Wilks was made last month. He started last week. Wilks will help with game planning. He won’t be with the team on game days. https://t.co/IQAjVQZPKb— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) October 21, 2026Washington has hired veteran coach Steve Wilks to work with head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Daronte Jones, giving the NFL team another experienced defensive mind during the week.MORE:Bold predictions for Week 7 of 2026 NFL seasonSteve Wilks joins Washington’s defensive staffCardinals head coach Steve Wilks during the third quarter of the NFL game at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on Sunday, December 23, 2018. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)Wilks has joined the Commanders in a part-time role focused primarily on helping the defensive coaching staff with game planning. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the decision to bring Wilks aboard was made last month, meaning the move was already in the works before some of Washington’s recent struggles became a major storyline. Wilks started his new role last week.The arrangement will be somewhat unusual. Wilks will work with the Commanders during the practice week but will not be with the team on game days. He reportedly comes in during the week and leaves after practice on Wednesdays, allowing him to contribute to preparation without taking on a traditional game-day coaching responsibility.Wilks brings extensive NFL experience to Washington. He has previously served as a defensive coordinator with the Carolina Panthers, Cleveland Browns, San Francisco 49ers, and New York Jets. He also has head-coaching experience with the Arizona Cardinals and spent time as Carolina’s interim head coach in 2022. MORE:3 NFL teams that should be worried after Week 6Commanders hope veteran experience helps defenseNov 9, 2025; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets defensive coordinator Steve Wilks looks on during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-Imagn Images Credit: IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect (Reuters)The timing of Wilks’ arrival is notable given Washington’s defensive issues. The Commanders entered their bye week at 1-4-1 after a 23-17 loss to the San Francisco 49ers, with the defense having surrendered nearly 600 passing yards over the previous two games. However, the addition of Wilks should not necessarily be viewed as a sign that Washington has lost confidence in Jones. The move was reportedly planned before the season and is designed to provide another experienced perspective during the preparation process. Jones acknowledged earlier this month that Washington’s defense needs greater consistency, particularly in the second half of games. He said he needed to put players in better situations and help reduce the mental stress created by defensive calls.Wilks’ background could provide another resource as Washington attempts to correct those issues. His experience coordinating defenses and working with different coaching staffs gives Quinn and Jones another set of eyes for weekly game plans.— Enjoy free coverage of the top news & trending stories with The Big Lead Newsletter —