The embarrassing 45-10 loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Thursday has cost Washington Commanders’ defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio his job. The Commanders also let go of their defensive backs coach Brent Vieselmeyer.
Announcing the news on Friday, head coach Ron Rivera said that he felt a change was needed in order to “get some things started.”
“We’re going to be moving forward and do things a little differently,” Rivera said. “It was very tough, difficult decisions because those are two really good men, good football coaches, guys who’ve had a lot of success in this league.”
Rivera also revealed he will take over the playcalling duties on defense while Senior defensive assistant and safety coach Richard Rogers will provide assistance in creating the game plans.
The defense was considered Commanders’ biggest strength entering the 2023 campaign but that hasn’t been the case so far in the season. Washington is allowing 377.7 yards per game, the fourth-worst mark in the league, while no other team allowed more touchdowns (38). The shortcomings on defense are one of the biggest reasons why they are 4-8 after 12 weeks.
Jack Del Rio previously had roles as a defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers and the Denver Broncos. He also served as a head coach with the Jacksonville Jaguars and Oakland Raiders.
Brent Vieselmeyer was in his first year as a DB coach in the NFL. He joined the organization as an assistant defensive back and nickel coach in 2020 after almost a decade of working in college football.
