Commanders Fire Defensive Coordinator Jack Del Rio

The Commanders have fired defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio following a 45–10 loss to the Cowboys on Thanksgiving Day. Coach Ron Rivera announced that Del Rio and defensive backs coach Brent Vieselmeyer were dismissed Friday morning. Rivera is expected to oversee Washington’s defense for the remaining five games of the season.

The Commanders (4–8) have lost five of their past six games, allowing 29 points or more in four of those contests. Del Rio’s pass defense allowed 3,175 yards and 28 touchdown passes, the worst totals in the league. 

Del Rio, 60, was in his fourth season as Washington’s defensive coordinator, having joined the staff when Rivera was hired as head coach.

Previously, Del Rio had stints running the defense for the Panthers and Broncos and was a head coach for the Jaguars and Raiders.

Rivera has plenty of experience as a defensive coordinator but will be tested right away as the play-caller. Up next for the Commanders is a Dec. 3 matchup with the Dolphins, who lead the NFL in total offense (434 yards per game) and rank second with 30.5 points per game.